The Energon Pub

Hay anyone just wondering if anyone can help me out with something. On a G1 Optimus Prime, the missile launcher in his trailer doesn't fire the missiles.

Was it ever supposed to? Was it spring loaded? Just trying to restore mine to *prime* condition.

Thanks

well, the japanese Prime DID fire but the general Hasbro releases never truly fired....at least, I don`t recall my old 84 Prime ever firing a missile...

As a diaclone figure, the missiles fired normally when the figure was released as a Transformer here in the states, the launching mechanism was modified with a slightly less "springy" spring. This allowed the missiles to still pop out but rather limply if at all. This was done in response as a knee jerk reaction when a kid died after he fired a battlestar galactica missile down his throat and choked to death. All toys with missile firing action were either disabled or greatly reduced firing capacity.

I'm not sure about the TRU reissues? Was the spring removed entirely, I seem to remember the missiles being five times longer than they were originally?

Incidently, I nearly pocked my eye out when I bought the Japanese Starscream reissue and didn't expect the firing mechanism to be so strong. Pop! right in the eye, luckily with no long last effects.

When I took apart the "cockpit" I thought there would be a spring inside, but nothing. just a plastic switch mechanism. bummer.