Transformers: Energon & Beyond

**Adam** · 08-14-2004

Well, it is a G1 figure, so there's not much articulation. I like the way he transforms though. He looks kinda plain in bot mode because most of the camo get turned around..

**JediTricks** · 08-15-2004

I thought TFU Whirl was originally from G2, not G1. Doesn't sound like there's much to get excited over with this one. Oh well, thanks for the info.

BTW, at WM, I spotted a few new Galaxy Defender robots that are bootlegs of various sources and they had a new one, a knock-off of Armada Megatron. Usually these boots are of old sets, this was surprising to see because this tank Megs is within 2 years. No electronics or minicon, and there were changes with the face and simplifications of various parts, but this is definitely Armada Megs.

**Tycho** · 08-16-2004

Did a pretty good toy hunt this morning - no sign of Hound or Silverstreak in San Diego that I can tell (and I can usually tell).

I wish I had Hound....

I have to cry some more. Wait a minute.

OK. I feel better now.

I think.

**Adam** · 08-16-2004

I think Whirl was one of those molds released in as a European exclusive during G1.

**JediTricks** · 08-17-2004

Sorry Tycho, keep lookin' though, you'll find it soon I'm sure. Hound and Dead End are probably the best "action figures" in the line really because their transformations are complex but not terribly frustrating and their bot modes are articulated but not floppy. Also, I forgot to mention that Hound's wrists rotate.

Adam, I just looked it up, TFU Whirl is the G2 turbomaster Rotorstorm, a euro/canada-exclusive from '92 that 5 years later got a very limited release in the Machine Wars line.

So check it, here's a gallery of an Alternators Grimlock test-shot: http://community.webshots.com/album/175879910zYlVis/0
I dunno if the floorpan can fit behind the torso or not, there's a hinge involved in transformation but it looks like the torso's shape keeps the pan from closing off that empty empty torso... oh my word is it empty from the back! He seems so puny from any angle except dead-on. His sword is a little short but I'd still call it a sword. Someone on the bwtf.com forums noticed that this figure's head has separate eyes sculpted in, I thought that was kinda interesting.

And remember when I said I'd like to see a Honda S2000 Alternator? He doesn't have a name yet, but here it is: http://community.webshots.com/album/175884234GvppZH
I think this looks awesome, the legs are designed like SideSwipe's but the upper body appears to be a new transformation scheme with a hint of Tracks. The rifle is formed from the engine and the driveshaft, that is very cool. The bot is very sleek and the vehicle kibble is mostly moved out of the way like the doors and hood unlike SideSwipe. The alt mode has a removable softtop and "top down" covering. I can't wait.

**Adam** · 08-17-2004

European TF exclusives are hard to judge if you don't have packaging. As I recall, G1 didn't stop in Europe when it did in the US which is why some molds were exclusive there. I think there was a point in time when G2 started in America that Europe was still getting stuff under G1. People just say it is G2 because of the time it came out. I can't be certain, I'm not expert in that time frame. The real test would be to find a packged picture of him.

**JediTricks** · 08-17-2004

This is the best pic I could find right now, and I can't tell...

**Tycho** · 08-18-2004

I can't say for certain, but the unnamed Alternator JT posted a link to pictures of doesn't look all that hot to me.

I'd rather get Dead End than this guy.

Plus it's another Red Sports car. Some varying color choices might be cool:

Sideswipe - Red
Dead End - black (looks very cool)

Smokescreen - blue
Silverstreak - blue

Hound - green
Swindle - tan (or maroon would work though be non-traditional)

Tracks - blue (traditional and appropriate)
??? - Yellow (Yes? I've heard this) Could be cool for Dragstrip (stunticon)

Grimlock - white
???? - will they use his mold for someone else? Wildrider or Breakdown?

Meister - white...

The car choices, too...

Dodge Viper
Subarua ???
Jeep Wrangler
Ford Mustang
Chevy Corvette
Honda?

What is Meister anyway?

So OK, we could have:

Porshe? - 911, Carerra
Ferrari? - Testarosa, F-40, Boxer
Lamborghini? - Countach, Diablo
BMW? - ???
Mercedes? SL-50 convertable
Hummer? - H2 - should have been Grimlock right here, but Ironhide?
Plymouth Voyager? - Ratchet, Ironhide
Volkswagon - Beetle or Golf - Bumblebee, Cliffjumper
Ford F-350 - Kup?

Can we assign cars to Blurr, HotRod, Springer, RC, Wheeljack, Sunstreaker, Mirage, Prowl

Who else?

**plasticfetish** · 08-18-2004

Originally Posted by Adam

I'm not expert in that time frame. The real test would be to find a packged picture of him.

From Alvarez's "Unofficial Guide to Japanese and International Transformers" we have...

**kool-aid killer** · 08-18-2004

Originally Posted by JediTricks

So check it, here's a gallery of an Alternators Grimlock test-shot: http://community.webshots.com/album/175879910zYlVis/0
I dunno if the floorpan can fit behind the torso or not, there's a hinge involved in transformation but it looks like the torso's shape keeps the pan from closing off that empty empty torso... oh my word is it empty from the back! He seems so puny from any angle except dead-on. His sword is a little short but I'd still call it a sword. Someone on the bwtf.com forums noticed that this figure's head has separate eyes sculpted in, I thought that was kinda interesting.

Wow, he looks horrible from behind. But i still want him.