The Energon Pub

[Emerje]

Since we're on molds, I have a question: why can't Hasbro or Takara (whoever is responsible) just make new molds of the G1 Dinobots? Is it because the return wouldn't cover the cost and make them profit, unless the reissues cost an arm and a leg? I know the original molds have been lost, but don't they have the measurements to build new ones?

They could of course, there's a bunch of KO out there that prove it can be done, but for some reason Hasbro isn't convinced it's worth the cost. And that's a little weird after they've done G1 repaints of the movie Dinobots, G1 repaints of various Grimlock figures, and made a new set of Dinobots for PotP, all of which have sold either very or reasonably well. How has Hasbro not seen the demand and value in two things: Rebuilt G1 molds for Encore and new Masterpiece Dinobots? Then we get a pair of tapes that very few people asked for. Who knows, maybe this is a test run in repairing molds using their current 3D sculpting process?

Emerje

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Since we're on molds, I have a question: why can't Hasbro or Takara (whoever is responsible) just make new molds of the G1 Dinobots? Is it because the return wouldn't cover the cost and make them profit, unless the reissues cost an arm and a leg? I know the original molds have been lost, but don't they have the measurements to build new ones?

My best guess is that reissues, by definition, already eliminate several parts of the design process, and thus allocated budgets are more restricted compared to toys made from scratch. That's why the Masters are so important to be found complete, so at least save the hassle of designing a new part that we fans will be quick to pick out and complain about.

Another important point is this: who would be willing to sell them? Given past trends with some reissues not selling (looking at you, Stepper)...