The Energon Pub

News Credits: 402 · Updated Oct 21, 2022

With the TFCon Powered Commander Exclusive out, I have taken pictures of the back cover, which sows sketches of two new characters. The first is the known Protector Armor upgrade for Classics Rodimus, the other figure appears to be based on Springer, but is it an upgrade kit or a complete figure?

Time will tell.

Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:13 pm

Those shoulders kinda remind me of Classics Grimlock... o.O

News Credits: 5 · Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:48 pm

Intriguing. The Rodimus kit, of course, looks sweet... I'm hoping it's removable armor, so I don't have to worry about permanently altering my Rodimus figure...

As for Springer, I can't quite place it. There are bits and pieces of several toys I see in there... the shoulders are somewhat reminiscent of Classics Grimlock, though I see a bit of Universe Onslaught in the legs. It has a bit of a 'roadbuster' feel to it, as well, in the chestplate... I can't quite make out any recent figure it might be made from. Could it be a completely new, fully-contained toy? Considering all they've learned and gained from their work on their previous projects, I wouldn't be surprised if they begin designing their own unique takes on classic (and forgotten) characters.

Of course, I think I'd prefer some of the REALLY obscure & forgotten characters, over another Springer. How about Trailbreaker or Gears? Why not a new version of a classic Headmaster like Chromedome? Or do something completely out of left field, like a completely original scout-sized figure that's a fully functional 'Energon' combiner limb?

News Credits: 273 · Fri Apr 24, 2009 11:04 pm

I too think that Springer has been well covered considering the Botcon release and also the Target Comic release.

However, I wil give them credit as they are apparently doing a lot to expand the "1986" set, which is very popular to certain collectors.

Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:50 am

The colors make it look like Springer but the tires on the legs just scream Roadbuster. Either way it shoud be a decent figure.

News Credits: 668 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:56 am

Crap in a hat...

I might have to find a Classics Rodimus now. Dangit.

I could care less about Springer, but Rodimus looks good with the add on kit.

*sighs*

News Credits: 2 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 4:46 am

Thanks for the pics! Eagerly anticipating the Rodimus Protector Kit upgrade.

I have no idea what figure the Springer kit upgrades... but I know I want him too!

Sat Apr 25, 2009 4:48 am

Now if its properly a triplechanger, -that- will be something.

News Credits: 1 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 4:54 am

Does anyone know if the armor kit for Rodimus transforms into some kind of trailer or something like the City Commander?This would upgrade Hot Rod to Rodimus Prime,which I think would be great...!
As far as the second figure is concerned,if it is Springer it is good....but the Botcon one is better.....

News Credits: 668 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:06 am

Didicos wrote:Does anyone know if the armor kit for Rodimus transforms into some kind of trailer or something like the City Commander?This would upgrade Hot Rod to Rodimus Prime,which I think would be great...!
As far as the second figure is concerned,if it is Springer it is good....but the Botcon one is better.....

Yup, the Rodimus kit is supposed to turn into a trailer. I'm not sure how they'll make it work, but they usually pull a rabbit out of their hat with these kits, so we should be wowed.

EDIT: http://www.fansproject.com/?page_id=101

News Credits: 10 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:11 am

There is a very blurry picture of Rodimus in alt mode on the FansProject website. It is here:
http://www.fansproject.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/protector_amode.jpg

News Credits: 217 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:22 am

emeraldbeacon wrote:
Of course, I think I'd prefer some of the REALLY obscure & forgotten characters, over another Springer. How about Trailbreaker or Gears? Why not a new version of a classic Headmaster like Chromedome? Or do something completely out of left field, like a completely original scout-sized figure that's a fully functional 'Energon' combiner limb?

I totally agree (apart from the Trailbreaker thing, I mean he only just got re-released so he's hardly forgotten or obscure). Always hated Springer. He was supposed to be the Han Solo to Hot Rod's Luke and Arcee's Leia. Instead he was the A.C. Slater to Hot Rod's Zack Morris and Blurr's Screech. Too jock-y.

News Credits: 10 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:27 am

Diem wrote:
emeraldbeacon wrote:
Of course, I think I'd prefer some of the REALLY obscure & forgotten characters, over another Springer. How about Trailbreaker or Gears? Why not a new version of a classic Headmaster like Chromedome? Or do something completely out of left field, like a completely original scout-sized figure that's a fully functional 'Energon' combiner limb?
I totally agree (apart from the Trailbreaker thing, I mean he only just got re-released so he's hardly forgotten or obscure). Always hated Springer. He was supposed to be the Han Solo to Hot Rod's Luke and Arcee's Leia. Instead he was the A.C. Slater to Hot Rod's Zack Morris and Blurr's Screech. Too jock-y.

An Arcee figure would be welcome after Rodimus Prime and Springer. That way we will have all the main players from season 3. Also, Trailbreaker got an homage in the movie line as Stockade.

News Credits: 217 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:36 am

Trikeboy wrote:
Diem wrote:
emeraldbeacon wrote:
Of course, I think I'd prefer some of the REALLY obscure & forgotten characters, over another Springer. How about Trailbreaker or Gears? Why not a new version of a classic Headmaster like Chromedome? Or do something completely out of left field, like a completely original scout-sized figure that's a fully functional 'Energon' combiner limb?
I totally agree (apart from the Trailbreaker thing, I mean he only just got re-released so he's hardly forgotten or obscure). Always hated Springer. He was supposed to be the Han Solo to Hot Rod's Luke and Arcee's Leia. Instead he was the A.C. Slater to Hot Rod's Zack Morris and Blurr's Screech. Too jock-y.

An Arcee figure would be welcome after Rodimus Prime and Springer. That way we will have all the main players from season 3. Also, Trailbreaker got an homage in the movie line as Stockade.

Assuming you're talking about Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime, Kup, Blurr, Ultra Magnus, Springer, Perceptor and Arcee...
Hmm...so at the moment G1 has everyone except Arcee. With BotCon and this upcoming set, Universe has everyone except Blurr, Arcee and Perceptor. Of the Autobots, Animated has (or will have) everyone except Springer, Kup, and possibly Perceptor. How frustrating!

News Credits: 10 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:45 am

Oh one other thing, can a mod please correct the spelling mistake in the title. It is not roumer, it is rumor.

News Credits: 217 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:50 am

Trikeboy wrote:Oh one other thing, can a mod please correct the spelling mistake in the title. It is not roumer, it is rumor.

Rumour

News Credits: 10 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 6:30 am

Diem wrote:
Trikeboy wrote:Oh one other thing, can a mod please correct the spelling mistake in the title. It is not roumer, it is rumor.

Rumour

Yeah, I know. I adjusted the word for the American's on this board.

News Credits: 1 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 8:30 am

I feel a tingling in my wallet.

News Credits: 273 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 9:58 am

I'm not even sure I will buy the Rodimus upgrade. I seem to have misplaced my Titanium Rodimus Prime but he more that fills the bill as a good Rodimus Prime. An extremely underrated figure.

News Credits: 1 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 12:50 pm

I really don't know what to make of Springer either. It can't be an upgrade. Who would it be an upgrade of? Surely it would just be a robot suit without the ability to transform, a Grimlock in Springer's clothing if you will.

But at the same time I find the idea of Fan's Project making a stand alone Transformer a little worrying. Don't get me wrong, I think their Magnus and Prime trailers are awesome, and the Rodimus upgrade looks really cool, but they are JUST upgrades. But hey, we'll just have to wait and see. Who knows, if Springer turns out to be a success, maybe Fan's Project will answer a lot of peoples prayers and produce the rest of the Combaticons and Aerialbots for the Classics/Universe line.

Sat Apr 25, 2009 2:10 pm

Sodan-1 wrote:I really don't know what to make of Springer either. It can't be an upgrade. Who would it be an upgrade of? Surely it would just be a robot suit without the ability to transform, a Grimlock in Springer's clothing if you will.

Rhanson on TFW2005 -

they have designs of springer and protector (rodimus prime upgrade) shown at TFCon, he's a brand new figure.

along with all the other designs they have shown, silhouettes of wreckgar (new figure as well) and some other ones I didn't recognize are there too

Lets hope we see some photos from TFcon soon.

News Credits: 1 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 2:50 pm

Well, considering how much I love he City Commander kit...they can consider anything they (FansProject) Put out on the market to be as good as bought as far as I am concerned. Can't wait for new stuff from them. These should be sweet...

News Credits: 11 · Sat Apr 25, 2009 3:22 pm

Wow, I'm really excited!

I've wanted the Rodimus upgrade since I first saw the teaser pics, it's nice to see a better picture. Whatever the Springer is, he looks really cool.

I only hope these kits won't be too pricey. I'm hoping with the relatively smaller size than City Commander, the Protector kit will be a bit less.