Post by grahamthomson on May 13, 2009 19:28:08 GMT
Camshaft (1985)
The Transformers
Camshaft is no ordinary Autobot! He is an Omnibot and all which that implies. The Omnibots are a set of three Autobots, available only as mail order in certain territories (the UK not among them). Another thing that makes the Omnibots special is that they feature intermediate vehicle modes with flip out weaponry. So, whereas an ordinary Autobot has to transform into robot mode before he can fire upon his enemy, an Omnibot can do it with all tyres still on the road. Now, that's something worth sending away for.
As with the majority of Autobots released in 1984/85, Camshaft's mould is carried over from the "Diaclone" line. In vehicle mode, Camshaft assumes the form of a Mazda "RX-7" sports car. An RX-7 is a car without a camshaft, by the way. Primarily cast in pearlescent silver, Camshaft also features die-cast metal, rubber tyres, translucent front and rear windscreens, and chrome hubcaps. There is even an attempt to include seats and a steering wheel inside the cockpit. Only the top halves of those items are visible.
Camshaft features an intermediate "assault mode" transformation. The rear windscreen flips open to reveal a "high-energy plasma beam projector" which can house and launch a chrome silver rocket. The instruction sheet notes that, "for your safety, high-energy plasma beam projector is designed to hold rockets in place; therefore, rocket fire should not exceed eight inches". While the safety warning is welcome, the neutering of the action feature is not. One nice touch, is that the shoulder rotation is stepped, meaning that the arms remain in a stable, horizontal position.
Completing the transformation sees Camshaft in full, upright robot mode. The transformation is nothing out of the ordinary, but follows such an order that could be utilised in "real life" without stretching the imagination too much. The weighty die-cast metal feet are on wheels and, handily, there are some flip out posts to help with the balance. Camshaft stands about 10 cm tall. In this mode, the high-energy plasma beam projector sits behind the robot head, and a chrome silver "neutron blaster" clips over either of the fists. Camshaft's robot colour scheme remains consistent with the vehicle mode, with only a few labels providing magenta and blue highlights. The robot mode is predominantly static; it can roll on its front wheels and move its arms at the shoulders.
Camshaft is a well built, compact little Autobot, and the intermediary mode is a welcome addition. Under-rated because of its obscurity but worth seeking out, mail-order or otherwise.
Verdict: three stars out of five.
Flickr Gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/the-hub/sets/72157618009641159/
Hublog: www.hublog.co.uk/files/camshaft.html
The Transformers
Camshaft is no ordinary Autobot! He is an Omnibot and all which that implies. The Omnibots are a set of three Autobots, available only as mail order in certain territories (the UK not among them). Another thing that makes the Omnibots special is that they feature intermediate vehicle modes with flip out weaponry. So, whereas an ordinary Autobot has to transform into robot mode before he can fire upon his enemy, an Omnibot can do it with all tyres still on the road. Now, that's something worth sending away for.
As with the majority of Autobots released in 1984/85, Camshaft's mould is carried over from the "Diaclone" line. In vehicle mode, Camshaft assumes the form of a Mazda "RX-7" sports car. An RX-7 is a car without a camshaft, by the way. Primarily cast in pearlescent silver, Camshaft also features die-cast metal, rubber tyres, translucent front and rear windscreens, and chrome hubcaps. There is even an attempt to include seats and a steering wheel inside the cockpit. Only the top halves of those items are visible.
Camshaft features an intermediate "assault mode" transformation. The rear windscreen flips open to reveal a "high-energy plasma beam projector" which can house and launch a chrome silver rocket. The instruction sheet notes that, "for your safety, high-energy plasma beam projector is designed to hold rockets in place; therefore, rocket fire should not exceed eight inches". While the safety warning is welcome, the neutering of the action feature is not. One nice touch, is that the shoulder rotation is stepped, meaning that the arms remain in a stable, horizontal position.
Completing the transformation sees Camshaft in full, upright robot mode. The transformation is nothing out of the ordinary, but follows such an order that could be utilised in "real life" without stretching the imagination too much. The weighty die-cast metal feet are on wheels and, handily, there are some flip out posts to help with the balance. Camshaft stands about 10 cm tall. In this mode, the high-energy plasma beam projector sits behind the robot head, and a chrome silver "neutron blaster" clips over either of the fists. Camshaft's robot colour scheme remains consistent with the vehicle mode, with only a few labels providing magenta and blue highlights. The robot mode is predominantly static; it can roll on its front wheels and move its arms at the shoulders.
Camshaft is a well built, compact little Autobot, and the intermediary mode is a welcome addition. Under-rated because of its obscurity but worth seeking out, mail-order or otherwise.
Verdict: three stars out of five.
Flickr Gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/the-hub/sets/72157618009641159/
Hublog: www.hublog.co.uk/files/camshaft.html
