The Energon Pub

So it seems that most of us who have been into Transformers for a long time really have the end goal of having a G1 accurate set of toys. These could be actual G1 toys, customs, Classics, Universe, repaints or standins from another toy line.

I too am trying to do this, and all the while having a hard time wrapping my head around what toys are on the horizon, what toys I might have missed, and what toys are likely to be Re-issued/recreated. A lot of this boils down to pure speculation, awareness of rumors and the like. I am hoping that we can centralize the discuss of this goal here, and can update characters with any potential new toys or stand-ins, and keep a running list. I would personally like to keep it focused on characters prominent in the G1 cartoons, and not go off into Japanese series, just to keep the list a little more manageable.

Obviously there is always the G1 toy, but unless the G1 toy was especially accurate or the character is fairly simple, I would like to avoid defaulting to that.

I'll start us off based on my opinions. I take my info year by year from the TF catalogues. Try to keep it to things either confirmed, or STRONGLY rumored. Scale is of somewhat importance as well, ie some alternators may be great, but size wise won't work (hound, jazz, etc) Also, especially good sticker addons from reprolabels are worth mentioning too.

-1984-

Autobots:
Optimus Prime - Classics Prime with G3 Trailer (Henkei is superior IMO)
Wheeljack - Energon downshift, G1, possibly custom conversion kit for Classics Sideswipe
Jazz - G1, Target exclusive movie 1 repaint
Hound - Classics
Trailbreaker - ?
Sideswipe - Classics
Mirage - Classics (w/ reprolabels)
Ironhide - Classics
Sunstreaker - Classics
Ratchet - Classics
Prowl - Classics
Bluestreak - Classics
Brawn - Universe legends
Bumblebee - Universe Legends
Huffer - Botcon
Cliffjumper - Classics (FP add-on if you like spending money)
WindCharger - Red Clocker repaint
Gears -

Decepticons
Megatron - Henkei
Soundwave - G1, Titanium (no cassettes really)
Starscream - Henkei best option, Universe 2nd, Classics 3rd
Skywarp - Henkei, UM classics 2-pack
Thundercracker - Henkei, Botcon
Cassettes - G1 reissues, possibly new custom prototype


-1985- (Additions)

Autobots
Perceptor - G1, future animated
Grimlock - Animated, Classics, Masterpiece, G1
Sludge - G1
Swoop - Animated
Snarl - Animated
Slag -
Omega Supreme - G1, Unicron Trilogy?
Warpath - Universe Legends
Beachcomber - Universe Legends
Seaspray - G1?
Powerglide - Universe, Jinzai
Cosmos - Universe Legends
Blaster -
Jetfire - Classics
Hoist - Rotf Repaint
Inferno - Universe
Grapple - ?
Skids - ?
Tracks - ?
Smokescreen - Classics
Red Alert - Henkei

Decepticons
Constructicons - Energon/Universe
Shockwave - Cybertron, Alternator
Astrotrain - Classics/henkei
Blitzwing - G1, Animated
Dirge - Henkei, Classics
Ramjet - Henkei, Botcon
Thrust - Henkei, Botcon
Insecticons - Reissue



more to come as I update this

-spaced saver in case this becomes a larger resource-

People do this kind of topic fairly frequently, the ole' Neo G1 or what figures can be stand-ins for Classics.

Not raining on your parade, but it's true. Never the less, these topics are always fun.

I've done this, it was my collecting goal. The way I look at the new toys, they form a catalog of options as big or bigger than G1.

Essentially, I take the set of toys, Classics, Armada, Energon, Cybertron, and finally a bit of Animated and use it as a progression of the G1 era. Look at my collection thread, you'll see it.

New Classics toys come in every now and again to fill in spot roles and that's cool, but in one form or another, I've recreated the G1 experience with new toys alone. So, for me it goes beyond the cartoon to the over all G1 universe.

I've tried to browse the topics that might have relevant information for stand'ins, or character specific threads. Here and there I have picked up info about say Energon Downshift for wheeljack, or some other assorted repaints of figures. I remembered Titanium Rodimus which i had forgotten about, and botcon springer that I never even saw.

I know a lot of the info will draw from collection threads and such. Hopefully this will be something people think about when they want a stand-in, and maybe it can be a catch all for the discussions on this matter. At the very least maybe I can keep it updated for my own purposes and a get a couple of recommendations.

Keeping on discussion here... how do you guys who have owned the Cassette bots feel about them? The cassette teams were always pretty cool, and although I don't like G1 blaster for his size... i may need to pick them all up. Do they look decent mixed in with the Classics, or even possibly next to Titanium Soundwave?

Huffer = The Botcon version
I use the Red Clocker repaint as Windcharger.

Hope that helps

I'm in the middle of (mildly) repainting and (slightly more majorly) resculpting a Universe Legends Rodimus into a "Classics Windcharger" right now. Plus, in addition to your list:

Cybertron Armorhide as Pipes
If I had one, a repaint of Universe Legends Brawn as Outback
UL Wheelie as... well, a target for my Decepticons.
UL Warpath as Warpath
UL Cosmos as Cosmos
ROTF Hoist (the green Longarm repaint) as Hoist
Classics Ultra Magnus plus City Commander upgrade as Ultra Magnus
Repainted Marvel Transformers Crossover Captain America (with a new head) as Roadbuster
Repainted and modded Classics Mirage as Devcon
Repainted and new head Prowl as G1 Overdrive
UniClassics Inferno as Inferno
UniClassics Silverbolt as Silverbolt
UniClassics Jetfire as Jetfire / Skyfire
Masterpiece Grimlock as Grimlock (NOT Classics Grimmy). Alternately, Animated Voyager Grimlock
And for scale purposes, Cybertron Optimus Prime WITHOUT trailer as Optimus Prime, WITH trailer as Powermaster Optimus
UL Animated Bumblebee as... HUBCAP!
G1 Reissue Perceptor as Perceptor (he's almost as articulated as a large number of current gen figs)

Decepticons:
All the Classics / Classics Universe Deceps as themselves (INCLUDING the U/CL and ROTF Combaticons and Constructicons)
Repainted KO upsized Legends Cybertron Starscream as the legendary "Marksman" ( ) Misfire
G1 Insecticon reissues as Insecticons
Cheap original mold (but KO quality) transforming insects as "Lesser Insecticons", often found as spare parts on the battlefield after a battle
Henkei Megs as Megatron
Masterpiece Megatron as him powered up with the Heart of Cybertron, or whatever his latest scheme may be
Music Label Soundwave as Soundwave

My version centres around the originals with customs and KO's:

Autobots

G1 Prowl
G1 Sideswipe
G1 Jazz
Reissue anime face Bumblebee
Robotmasters Mirage
Encore Ironhide + custom clip on head
Encore Ratchet + custom clip on head
G1 Bluestreak
G1/Classics Optimus Prime (prefer Classics robot mode but G1 truck and trailer have never been outdone)
G1 Cliffjumper
G1 Trailbreaker
G1 Wheeljack
Classics Jetfire
Energon Omega Supreme
G1 Hoist
G1 Skids
G1 Smokescreen
G1 Tracks
G1 Grapple
G1 Inferno
G1 Red Alert
G1 Hot Rod - custom Clocker repaint
G1 Blaster - Kabaya model kit (exact replica of G1 Blaster apart from colour and size. Robot is as tall as G1 Springer)
G1 Springer
G1/Classics Ultra Magnus
G1 Rodimus Prime
G1 Kup
Oversized KO Aerialbots/Classics Silverbolt

Decepticons

G1/Classics Megatron
G1 Soundwave
G1/Classics/Robotmasters Seekers (G1 seekers still have best jet modes)
G1 Predacons
G1/Classics Cyclonus
Oversized white KO Cyclonus - Armada
G1/Titanium Sweeps
G1 Cassettes
Oversized KO Bruticus (what all gestalts should be)
Devestator - oversized KO Sixbuilder, custom repainted. Size of Energon Omega Supreme
G1 Insecticons
G1 KO Reflector trio

I'm dying to get Botcon Astrotrain and the E-Hobby Insecticon clones at some stage.

Completing my seekers set has become one of the only gripes I have with collecting Transformers. Them starting off as Botcon exclusives really screwed everything up, and I highly regret not buying the set. It setup a high price for them... then the Japanese and import vendors decided of all the Henkei Bots they were going to sell these for 4-5x the price, for who knows what reason. That kept the Botcon ones valuable (which is nice because there were so expensive for you guys) but totally destroyed the real value of the figures.

Such an annoying set of circumstances has made them so much more expensive than they should be, and basically created an issue in my mind to paying that much to get them. It really angers me.

I understand its somewhat of a supply and demand, but considering how little some of the molds were used, versus how many times the SS mold was used... so sad it's preventing collectors from simply have good versions of mainstream G1 characters.

Now getting a set of 6 Henkei seekers will be equivalent to the magnitude of my Complete Fort Max purchase a few years ago. 6 deluxe's is the same buying price as Fort Max?!?!? FUUUUUUUUUUUU as the internet would say

(sorry for the misplaced rant, but )

You should get ML soundwave and add repro lable parts...Hes what I use in my classsics/henk displays.

Blurrz wrote:Do yourself a favor mate, and do not get Titanium Soundwave - ever. If I had a Worst 25 Transformers of all time list, Titanium Soundwave would be on the top. Just don't do it man... scale is not worth the agony you will get from that composition of ****.

What he said. And as horrible as Titanium Soundwave is, Music Label Soundwave is that awesome.

Really? I own Titanium Soundwave from the original release and I have no problems with him? My only problem were looseness in the leg extension snapping points, but other than that it wasn't bad. Odd, maybe I am forgetting something about him

I think you're forgetting about his diaper...

yea okay, maybe you are right.

For one, the proportions are horrid in my opinion - it's not for nothing he was called "Diaperwave". Compare these two pictures:





...and you'll see what I mean.

On top of that, the "tape player" mode for Titanium SW is... lacking.

Once again, with Music label first:





They sacrificed the look of the 'tape player' mode for the look of their robot mode... and STILL ended up with a robot mode that simply does not hold a candle to ML Soundwave in any way.

As bad as that diaper is, and as funny as his shoulders may be, I think I would personally just prefer Titanium. But thats just me. I just can't find a way to like his arms and legs, too thin and stiff looking.

I was surprised to see that ML soundwave is available to buy still at BBTS, and even on clearance preorder for like 65$! Hopefully the people that want to use him for this purpose get him before they need to go to Ebay.

My set up is:

Autobots:
Optimus Prime - Classics Prime with G3 Trailer but I'm waiting for the iGear mini-MP Optimus
Super Optimus - TFTM First Stripe Prime with Alternators Prime head
Star Convoy - Cybertron Prime
Wheeljack - Energon Downshift (with minor mod for the legs)
Jazz - G1, Target exclusive movie 1 repaint
Hound - Henkei (better color)
Trailbreaker - custom from movie longarm (WIP)
Sideswipe - Classics
Mirage - Classics (gun/front fin mod for G1 style)
Ironhide - Classics
Sunstreaker - Classics
Ratchet - Classics
Prowl - Classics
Bluestreak - Classics
Jetfire - Classics
Hoist - Rotf Repaint
Inferno - Universe
Tracks - Cybertron Hotshot
Smokescreen - Henkei
Red Alert - Henkei
Blurr - TFA (switched out Cybertron Blurr for him, prefer the look)
Kup - Custom from Starwars Imperial Shuttle
Grimlock - Masterpiece
Swoop - Animated with custom G1 Wings
Omega Supreme - Custom WIP
Superion - Modified RotF Superion set, replaced limbs with energon & swapped a few parts for G1 color authenticity
Twintwist - Custom
Topspin - Custom



Minibots My goal is to have a full set of G1 minibots about Scout scale

Brawn - Universe legends & Energon Strongarm repaint (WIP)
WindCharger - Red Clocker repaint
Warpath - Universe Legends
Beachcomber - Universe Legends
Seaspray - Shortround (custom feet/arms)
Cosmos - Universe Legends

This mold is close enough to Scout scale for me
Bumblebee - Classics (custom Paint)
Cliffjumper - Classics (Custom head & paint)
Bumblejumper - Classics CJ
Cliffbee - Classics BB from walmart 3-pack (custom head mod)
Bumber - Classics BB with custom head from E-Rodimus


Decepticons
Megatron - Classics (custom Paint)
Soundwave - Music label
Constructicons - Energon Target Exclusive/Grindcore/Movie Mixmaster repaint
Shockwave - Custom from E-sixshot (arm replacement/repaint)
Astrotrain - henkei
Octane - Classics
Insecticons - G1
Cyclonus - Classics
Scourge - Titanium (x2)
Galvatron - Energon
Vortex - KB Cyclonus repaint

seekers
Starscream - Henkei best option
Skywarp - Henkei
Thundercracker - Henkei
Thrust - classics
Acid Storm - Classics
Seeker Cybertron Mode - Titanium seeker (Thundercracker, Starscream, Skywarp, Sunstorm, Thrust)

Cassettes
Ravage - From Classics Hound, Device Label, Classics Overbite
Laserbeak - Classics Dreadwing



That's all I can think of at the moment, I know I have more than that.

I'll try to check when I get home.

a quick skim through the old catalogues has left me looking for ideas about these:

Huffer - Botcon repaint
Gears -
Windcharger -
Jazz - Movie 1 G1 redco?
Dinobots - Maybe a reissue soon? if not combo of Animated/classics
Blaster - Universe toy repaint maybe, G1 so large
Seaspray -
Skids -
Tracks -
Trailbreaker
Grapple -
Blitzwing - animated possibly
Kup - Botcon, wish there was another

For me these are the only G1 figures left that I would like to see newer versions of. The rest either have new versions, or the G1 will suffice.

The only other characters i want would be headmasters and gestalts, of which i prefer G1 toys over these new attempts at remaking them.

Here's my list, without pointing out the obvious:
Jazz- Chevy Aveo Swerve with SG Ricochet head
Trailbreaker- Cybertron Red Alert
Perceptor- Energon Signalflare
Gears- Armada Super-Con Optimus Prime with a new head (I want him to be in scale with the Marvel Universe black Spider-Man )
Warpath- E Bruticus tank with a single hinged turret in the chest and a new head
Powerglide- E Superion plane with relocated arms and hopefully a new head
Cosmos- E Skyblast with new headpiece, arm pieces and a new head
Seaspray- Toiletron with some SERIOUS reworking if I can
Blaster- Tit Soundwave with Kabaya Blaster parts (if anyone can give me a hookup, PM me)
Tracks- C Hotshot

I've designed a new back piece for the C Red Alert mold that makes it an actual pickup truck for use with Kup and Hoist but I don't know how to actually make it

I'm also in the middle of Straxus, Scrounge (and his special arm, there's nothing like it!) and Jhiaxus. Oh, and how to do the flames on my Classics version of the Fallen!

Man I wish someone would have mentioned the ReproLabels set for Music Label soundwave.

It takes the figure from pretty good, to downright amazing



seeing that makes me NEED it for my soundwave standin

IceWilly wrote:Man I wish someone would have mentioned the ReproLabels set for Music Label soundwave.

Yeah, I should've mentioned that, seeing as how they made it at my multiple requests. I honestly forgot some people didn't know about it already!

rpetras wrote:Superion - Modified RotF Superion set, replaced limbs with energon & swapped a few parts for G1 color authenticity

I use energon Windrazor as Superions right arm - which other limbs/parts have you swapped?

Counterpunch wrote:
I've done this, it was my collecting goal. The way I look at the new toys, they form a catalog of options as big or bigger than G1.

Wait... you mean, you're the future me?

GAH! Zombie thread!