The Energon Pub

http://robotpoints.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/megabolt-megatron-concept.html

Click the link to read the whole thing since there's so much good stuff in there.

This is not, repeat, NOT the same Megatron Megabolt we eventually got in the Robots in Disguise toyline, but a completely different figure.

However, that Beast Machines packaging version was shown before at BotCon 2011.

And I'm told that the prototype itself was shown at BotCon 2005.

That thing is hideous.

Grand Mal mode is amazingly cool and accurate.

Unfortunately, the same can not be said for robot mode. I'm almost glad they went with the later design.

Mindmaster wrote:Grand Mal mode is amazingly cool and accurate.

Unfortunately, the same can not be said for robot mode. I'm almost glad they went with the later design.

I figure the "robot mode" is mistransformed, which is a shame since it looks like it could have been interesting to see.

Interresting!

Always imagined the ship mode had potential for toy.

But how he did get his hands on that?

The Robotpoints blog gives a look at a rare Beast Machines Megatron Megabolt prototype. This figure was originally intended for the Beast Machines Battle for the Spark line. This figure differs from the one we finally got for the Robots In Disguise toy line. While being a completely different mold, the most noticeable difference is the lack of legs that the final toy sported. Instead, this prototype includes the original jet thrusters underneath.

Here is the Megatron Megabolt that came out of the Robots In Disguise line.



Here is unproduced original Megatron Megabolt prototype.

The basic idea is the same as the production model (in that they're both transforming head/space crafts), but is essentially a completely different toy. It's actually easier to note the similarities between the two designs. Basic shape and certain areas of transformation are akin, but like the cartoon; does not have the legs. Instead the original jet thrusters adorn the underside of the prototype. Interestingly though, the lower jaw of the production version more closely resembles the cartoon.

A comparison shot of the two toys.



Robot mode images

Not to gloss over the below debut robot mode images but the most incredible feature of this concept is the working mechanism visible through the clear sections. When the eyebrow/chest section opens up, a series of cogs engage and actually move within the prototype giving a true mechanical effect.

For the full story behind this piece of Transformers history, check out the Robotpoints blog.

Inb4 nerdrages: The robot mode IS mistransformed, people.

Which is a shame since since it looks like it could have been interesting to see.


This thing was reportedly seen very briefly in a slideshow at BotCon 2005.

The packaged Beast Machines version was also definitely seen in a slideshow at BotCon 2011.

Ah, the whatmightabeens! If only they could've all seen print in The Vault. Every once in a while, it's something SO great that I must dare risk possible offense by suggesting that a KO company should acquire it to share with the world.

But this time it's Beast Machines. So to Hell with "possible".

The only reason I wouldn't bother pissing on this thing's grave is that whatever forcibly injected all that organic glop into the previously all-technological Cybertron defiled it so thoroughly as to make the point moot.

I'd normally just keep that to myself, but a close friend's having a cyst drained, and it's giving me traumatic BM flashbacks. I had to vent this once. I'll accept any warnings forthcoming.

Still, increased focus on show-accuracy is always worthwhile, regardless of the show. I think the final product fell victim to a cheap trend of disembodied toy heads having spider legs. Mr. Freeze was like that not long before, right?

Anyone else think the jagged teeth on that shape of face gives this prototype's profile a resemblance to Mumm-Ra? A weird nod to Kid-Stuff read-along continuity? Yeah, given enough cosmic power, Mumm-Ra could've done the deed. The sonic canyons had something to scream about that day...blech.

*ahem* This does come from a pretty cool site. Some of this stuff, I'm not sure the Spacebridge could even get their mitts on. So Diaclone was essentially considering doing an Autojetter, hmmmm.

Mistransformation aside, I can see why they didnt' release it.

garbage. just like that toyline and the even worse show.

Word has it this could have originally been an Ultra class figure.

Well shucks, I actually prefer the cleaner look of the proto's alt mode, and thrusters work for it much better than spider legs, or so is my opinion. But would it have fit on Fort Max as an Ultra? I'm thinking no, and while I don't have Maxy either, that's just too cool of a coincidence to pass up. Certainly the bo mode needs finished, but I'm still wondering where some of that kibble goes. And while the missile as an antennae is cool, it being able to simulate a breath weapon is more awesomer.

Ah well. Too bad this was canned though, I'd have bought it.