The Energon Pub

[tulip]

So as all of you realize, Christmas is on it's way. My eight year old son got into Transformers a couple years ago and since then has been asking me for some Autobot train. I wasn't really sure what this is so I did some research and it's apparantly the "Tyco Transformers Electric Train and Battle Set, No. 7430 released in 1985." It's all he's been asking for and I was really hoping I could surprise him with it this year. If anyone has any insight on where I could get one of these, with all of it's pieces still in it's original box, please let me know. All the ones I've seen on ebay aren't complete, and I don't want to half-ass this gift. Also keep in mind, I'm a mother, I don't mind paying a pretty penny to see my kid happy. Thanks a lot anyone who reads this and has some advice.

[Kanyon]

There's been some newer ons released over the years, the most recent one was in the Robots in disguise line with 3 bots, forgot the names but check the galleries and see if those would suffice for the youngin

And after you find one that you think he'd like, could check E-bay or a online site like bigbadtoystore.com or even try Amazon.com

[fartripper67]

Ebay would be your best bet IMO.

You could also maybe try Rapid Run, Railspike, and Midnight express from the RiD line.

[Zeds]

Here is the Rail Racer Combiner that others have mentioned:

Midnight Run:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Transformers-RID-MI ... dZViewItem

Rail Spike:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Transformers-RID-MI ... dZViewItem

Rapid Run:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Transformers-RID-MI ... dZViewItem

GOOD LUCK!

[i_amtrunks]

Here is the Rail Racer Combiner that others have mentioned:

Midnight Run:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Transformers-RID-MI ... dZViewItem

Rail Spike:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Transformers-RID-MI ... dZViewItem

Rapid Run:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Transformers-RID-MI ... dZViewItem

GOOD LUCK!

The best train-former you will ever find.
If all three cost too much, go with Rapid Run or Rail Spike as solo figures they are pretty darn good too.

[Thenedain]

I have one of the Tyco train sets from the 80s that I've been trying to get rid of forever now it seems. Thing's in great shape and complete, but sadly it's missing the three cardboard standee buildings. I set it up not too long ago, and was pretty surprised to see that the engine still runs very strong after all these years with no real maintenence. Even the tracks have held up amazingly well.

Ebay would be your best bet for a MISB version, but they're not too common. There's a couple up at the moment, pretty much the most I've seen in awhile.

http://cgi.ebay.com/TYCO-TRANSFORMERS-B ... dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Transformers-Tyco-T ... dZViewItem

One thing I should point out: it comes with a bunch of little pvc robots meant to be "Transformers", but they're all super generic robots. No characters in the bunch at all. The train itself has a great transformation, but the stickers are a bit of a bear to get to stay on. Watch out for the red line stickers on the 'jet' train car especially, they've got a tendency to get rubbed by the plastic during transformation.

[voice of hoist]

Tulip, if your son is eight it seems to me unlikely he would know about or want a 1985 toy. Did he just say he wants an autobot train or was he specific about this one? If he's only used to modern toys he might find this old thing a bit odd. The Rail Racer set from the RID (Robots in Disguise) transformers series of six or seven years ago would the better bet for a child of the new century.

[Redimus]

There is also the Unverse ( or Cybertron if you are i nthe UK) release of the Japanese train micromasters that combine to form a larger robot. There's six of those, but they come seperatly packed, which is a bugger cuase you can garentee there'l be 2 of one, and none of another.

On another not, I as still looking for the G1 trainbots (minus Shouki) if anybody spots wem floating about the interweb.

I wouldnt recomend you by these for your kid, expensive as hell they are.

[Autobot032]

Tulip, if your son is eight it seems to me unlikely he would know about or want a 1985 toy. Did he just say he wants an autobot train or was he specific about this one? If he's only used to modern toys he might find this old thing a bit odd. The Rail Racer set from the RID (Robots in Disguise) transformers series of six or seven years ago would the better bet for a child of the new century.

Eh, unlikely, maybe. Impossible, no.

As she said, she did a lot of research and I'm sure she showed it to him. It's a toy, he's a kid. The rest of the puzzle falls into place. He just said train, he might not even know which one he wants. Point is, she's uninformed, we can help her without editorial comments.

[DREWCIFER]

I don't know about editorial content, but I had that TYCO train set when I was eight, and I loved it. Trains rock when your a kid.

You may want to verify that's what your kid wants and not just a transforming train. The difference is, the TYCO set is large about 4'x4'. It's easier if the cardstock layout is tacked or stapled to a flat piece of plywood. Then the track can be attached.

A transforming toy train would be something you can hold in you hand and get the satisfaction of holding it, and taking it to a friends house or whatnot.

Either way, good luck and keep the future transformer fans coming.

[Zeds]

The best train-former you will ever find. If all three cost too much, go with Rapid Run or Rail Spike as solo figures they are pretty darn good too.

I totally agree! I so love this figure words cannot fully express it. I have always been fond of trains and this simply was and will be one of the best gestalt combiners ever made.

[tulip]

Thank you all for your help. I actually missed the first bid, then passed up the second because it said something about having a bunch of holes in the box. My husband is a big Star Wars collector and keeps everything mint. My son wants to be just like daddy in that aspect so I really wanted it to be perfect. I feel like that might be impossible so if November hits and I still can't find anything I'll settle for the complete toy with a junky box.

But incase there was any confusion, he just wants this Autobot train. Specifically this one. I appreciate the other suggestions greatly and I might even pick some up but as ConDrewfus said, trains rock when you're a little kid and my baby's heart is set.

So once again, thank you all so much and if anyone finds any more anywhere and wants to let me know, I'd appreciate it a lot.

[WolfDawg]

I personally think the Rail Racer gestalt is the best gestalt ever created. The three robots that comprise him are decent in robot forms respectively, and make very awesome trains...but Rail Racer is just pure bad ass. He's probably my favorite transformer in my entire collection (until I finally get that anime accurate MP Star Scream).

Good luck finding that G1 train, though. If I were you, I'd seriously consider Team Bullet Train.

[PrimeSuspect]

Yeah, if you don't get your hands on this, do try to get Rail Racer. I remember, Christmas 2001, I opened 3 presents that had the same wrapping paper, and it was the three components of RR. I was nuts.

[Zeds]

Classic Astrotrain is also an option:

http://cgi.ebay.com/TRANSFORMERS-DELUXE ... dZViewItem

It is a poor comparison though to the beauty of the Team Bullet Train from TF RID 2000 set as posted before.

[AntBot]

Classic Astrotrain is also an option:

http://cgi.ebay.com/TRANSFORMERS-DELUXE ... dZViewItem

It is a poor comparison though to the beauty of the Team Bullet Train from TF RID 2000 set as posted before.

You can get that one on Amazon for $10, free shipping. Trust me, I just ordered it...

[Auto Bot]

Yeah, i'd go for Classic Astrotrain. Great value!