Post by grahamthomson on Dec 7, 2008 21:39:34 GMT
Race Car Patrol
(Micromasters, 1989)
Not since the Stunticons of 1986 has the Transformers line given collectors a team of recognisable sports cars. Did I say sports cars? I meant race cars, since that’s what this team of Autobot Micromasters is called. Except only one is a race car. (True, all cars can be raced, but let’s not get into semantics.)
Freewheeler has, perhaps, the most recognisable vehicle mode; that of a Lamborghini Countach. Long time Transformers collectors will realise that this was the alternate mode of the likes of Sideswipe and Breakdown. Roadhandler transforms into a Trans Am (as did Windcharger), Swindler a DeLorean (a first for Transformers and no obvious flux capacitor attached), and Tailspin, the actual race car of the team, a Porsche 962 Racer (just like Backstreet).
Three out of the four Race Car Patrollers share the same transformation mechanism. And compared to the Off Road Patrol, this is something of a let down. Not only are all the vehicles in the Race Car Patrol similar, since they transform the same way, it means the robot modes are too. More glamorous the Race Patrol might be compared to the slowpokes of the Off Road Patrol but they are not nearly as interesting.
In robot mode, Swindler is the only member of the team to feature that old Autobot look of having a car bonnet for a chest. The other three have robot modes completely spoiled with a giant screwhead in the centre of the chest. Freewheeler’s robot mode is particularly poor. The lower legs don’t actually fall under the thighs and because they are so bulky, the arms are prone to catching on them. All told it makes for a clumsy looking robot. The other three, however, have decent robot modes, befitting their sleek styling.
Extra details on the robot modes are highlighted with additional paint applications. As usual with entry-level Micromasters there are no stickers or any type of weapons or accessories.
The Race Car Patrol certainly goes back to basics in terms of vehicle mode choices, but somehow it’s become a bit too basic. Streamlined as they are, and appealing for those looking to collect realistic-for-their-size sports cars, the Race Car Patrol fall foul to mediocrity at the last lap.
Review and photography by Graham Thomson
Full photogallery: Flickr Link
(Micromasters, 1989)
Not since the Stunticons of 1986 has the Transformers line given collectors a team of recognisable sports cars. Did I say sports cars? I meant race cars, since that’s what this team of Autobot Micromasters is called. Except only one is a race car. (True, all cars can be raced, but let’s not get into semantics.)
Freewheeler has, perhaps, the most recognisable vehicle mode; that of a Lamborghini Countach. Long time Transformers collectors will realise that this was the alternate mode of the likes of Sideswipe and Breakdown. Roadhandler transforms into a Trans Am (as did Windcharger), Swindler a DeLorean (a first for Transformers and no obvious flux capacitor attached), and Tailspin, the actual race car of the team, a Porsche 962 Racer (just like Backstreet).
Three out of the four Race Car Patrollers share the same transformation mechanism. And compared to the Off Road Patrol, this is something of a let down. Not only are all the vehicles in the Race Car Patrol similar, since they transform the same way, it means the robot modes are too. More glamorous the Race Patrol might be compared to the slowpokes of the Off Road Patrol but they are not nearly as interesting.
In robot mode, Swindler is the only member of the team to feature that old Autobot look of having a car bonnet for a chest. The other three have robot modes completely spoiled with a giant screwhead in the centre of the chest. Freewheeler’s robot mode is particularly poor. The lower legs don’t actually fall under the thighs and because they are so bulky, the arms are prone to catching on them. All told it makes for a clumsy looking robot. The other three, however, have decent robot modes, befitting their sleek styling.
Extra details on the robot modes are highlighted with additional paint applications. As usual with entry-level Micromasters there are no stickers or any type of weapons or accessories.
The Race Car Patrol certainly goes back to basics in terms of vehicle mode choices, but somehow it’s become a bit too basic. Streamlined as they are, and appealing for those looking to collect realistic-for-their-size sports cars, the Race Car Patrol fall foul to mediocrity at the last lap.
Review and photography by Graham Thomson
Full photogallery: Flickr Link
