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Post by grahamthomson on Nov 26, 2008 8:47:54 GMT
December is... MICROMASTER MONTH!!
As Hasbro started to paddle in the shallow end of their Transformers think tank, they looked to other, competing, toylines for inspiration. Taking a hint from the then-popular MicroMachines toys manufactured by Galoob, Hasbro developed their own line of micro-vehicles (transforming ones, naturally) and so came up with Micromasters.
The Micromasters Transformers (initially "Micro Transformers") were released either in sets or with larger vehicles that could transform into inter-connecting bases. The Micromasters themselves, though with simple transformations, were detailed representations of real vehicles and highly collectible.
The second year saw the release of Micromaster Combiners, a Transformers version of Matchbox's Con-Nect-Ables range. Two robots would form a front/back vehicle combination which were interchangeable and so could form countless nonsensical amalgam vehicles.
In Japan, Takara continued the Micromaster theme with motorised bases (with robot as well as vehicle modes), combine-to-form-robot six-teams and spring loaded Microtrailers.
Join us throughout December as we embark on our perilous journey through the world of the Micromasters!
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Post by The Doctor on Nov 26, 2008 10:15:41 GMT
They're not just micros - they transform!
-Ralph
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Post by Jaymz on Nov 27, 2008 1:08:05 GMT
I think the Micromasters are great, just missing some of the bases to complete my set. If I ever have the space I'd like to set up a lovely display with them all out having Micromaster fun.
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Post by Dark Stranger on Nov 27, 2008 10:08:10 GMT
Nick has done that James, I don't have a link to his Photobucket, but his Micromaster City made me weep little tears of jealousy.
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Post by The Doctor on Nov 27, 2008 10:16:12 GMT
I recall being at Nick's when he made a Micromaster City. It was a joyous sight indeed. And he's picked up more since.
I demand it be rebuilt to FULL GLORY!
-Ralph
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kayevcee
Fusilateral Quintro Combiner
The Weather Wizard
Posts: 5,527
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Post by kayevcee on Nov 27, 2008 20:11:34 GMT
I don't think I have any surfaces big enough any more. Maybe if I cleared all the furniture out of the living room... Anyway, here's the old one: Not pictured (but acquired since): Star Convoy Grandus Sky Garry Combiner Cannon Transport Combiner Missile Launcher Dugbase Fire Dagwon Death Garry While the last three are Brave toys, they count because they have MM base connectors. Dugbase even comes with a couple of ramps. I have yet to acquire the Brave red versions of Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber, but one day I shall! -Nick
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Post by The Doctor on Nov 27, 2008 20:26:23 GMT
Ah, Grandus. What a brilliant toy, and number 3 on my 'where the hell is my re-issue?' list, just behind Shockers and the Dinobots.
-Ralph
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kayevcee
Fusilateral Quintro Combiner
The Weather Wizard
Posts: 5,527
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Post by kayevcee on Nov 27, 2008 20:33:55 GMT
He just needs remoulded with an extendable handle that slides out from his shoulders and he could be released now as a Legends carry case! Hey! That Brave Sonic Bomber is on Yahoo Japan right now! Bidding starts at 70 quid. Plus fees plus postage plus international postage. I'll wait for the next one, thanks. -Nick
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Post by karla on Nov 27, 2008 21:18:31 GMT
wow that pic is so cool! is that a little devestator I see in the back?
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Post by legios on Nov 27, 2008 21:25:44 GMT
If thy Micropolis would now be larger than that I should think you would be hard-pressed to fit it into your entire home....
I've been thinking about Micromasters recently, and it has occured to me that one of the things I find most endearing about them is the suggestion in some of the adverts that the Micromaster toys are actually scaled so that their size in relation to a kid is in a similar relation to that which Micromasters are supposed to have relative to full-size transformers. (So, call it about 1:10 I guess). I don't know why, but I find that somehow slightly amusing.
Karl
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Post by Philip Ayres on Nov 27, 2008 21:53:37 GMT
wow that pic is so cool! is that a little devestator I see in the back? It's the Universe Micromaster Devastator Still availible at some TRUs. Well worth getting !
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Post by Jaymz on Nov 28, 2008 0:45:33 GMT
Great pic Nick, also tempting me to grab some of the Japanese fellas to use as bases... Worth getting if you have the Sixbuilder chase? I dunno if the colour scheme is different enough for me to bother, but I'd probably buy it if I saw it.
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Post by grahamthomson on Nov 28, 2008 8:35:09 GMT
Nick, that picture is awesome! I just hope, just as you'd finished putting it all together, that someone didn't shout you to clear the table as it was tea time.
I would love to get hold of some Japanese bases, all I have is reissue Star Convoy. One day, though.
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Post by Philip Ayres on Nov 28, 2008 9:13:55 GMT
The US MM Decestator isn't as good colourwise as SixBuilder chase. Too much black, green is just slightly wrong.
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Nigel
Thunderjet
Posts: 4,974
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Post by Nigel on Nov 28, 2008 11:00:10 GMT
Can anybody fathom why AdBot is giving us "learn Hebrew" adverts in this thread?
I've got photos of a Micromaster town (not as big as Nick's so I shan't call it a city) that I built, ooh, seven or eight years ago. I shall have to dig them out.
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Post by The Doctor on Nov 28, 2008 11:34:22 GMT
Perhaps Hebrew is the language of the Micromasters.
-Ralph
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primenova
Fusilateral Quintro Combiner
Posts: 6,008
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Post by primenova on Nov 28, 2008 12:17:12 GMT
Countdown as got to be the core in any due to the number of ramps you can link to him & the 2 levels.
But Tote as got to be the best toy. That flip forward wheel [unless got them mixed up - grey van red van]
can't remember the 4th ones name - off rd patrol tote, powertrain, mudsliner & ?
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Nigel
Thunderjet
Posts: 4,974
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Post by Nigel on Nov 28, 2008 14:21:25 GMT
Highjump.
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Post by The Doctor on Nov 28, 2008 22:04:28 GMT
Many exciting Micromaster ads!
-Ralph
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Post by Philip Ayres on Nov 28, 2008 22:56:51 GMT
I always though MM in the UK was missing two things:
1) Some sort of interaction with larger robots
2) Some older characters reused
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kayevcee
Fusilateral Quintro Combiner
The Weather Wizard
Posts: 5,527
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Post by kayevcee on Nov 29, 2008 22:37:04 GMT
So... Star Convoy, then?
I like the idea of individual MMs designed to look like original characters, in turn making the bases and Powered Masters look HYOOGE by comparison. Grandus may look a bit underwhelming standing next to Blaster (who can comfortably look over his head) but next to MM Hot Rod you'd think you could live in it.
-Nick
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Post by Philip Ayres on Nov 30, 2008 8:47:09 GMT
I did say in the UK. It was only after I saw the Japanese stuff and got on line that I got the concept.
One of my fave MM toys didn't come out till much later: RM Star Sabre !
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Post by The Doctor on Nov 30, 2008 11:36:17 GMT
That is a most splendid toy, and managed to quell my manic urge to own an original Star Saber.
-Ralph
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kayevcee
Fusilateral Quintro Combiner
The Weather Wizard
Posts: 5,527
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Post by kayevcee on Nov 30, 2008 13:33:08 GMT
Phil- I know. I just meant that a UK release of Star Convoy would have probably gone down well as he rather sums up what you envisioned, I reckon.
-Nick
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Post by The Doctor on Nov 30, 2008 13:41:09 GMT
Hmmm, makes me wonder if the MM's might have done better in the US if some recognisable characters popular with kiddies had been used? MM's had media to support them in Japan (cartoons and manga) and they popped up a few times in the weekly comic over here (the main supporting media for TF's in the UK) so could be given characteristics to sell them to The Kids.
In the US, though, the cartoon was dead and the comic only came out once a month (recall how a month seemed a looooooooooooooong time when you were a kiddy). I wonder if some younger fans saw the MM's in shops and thought: 'who are these guys?' and passed on them and asked the parental units for somthing else instead.
Or perhaps not. Just some random thoughts flitting through my head.
Or maybe people were just confused by the Micromasters speaking Hebrew.
-Ralph
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Gav
Drone
John Travoltage!
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Post by Gav on Nov 30, 2008 19:51:31 GMT
Not knowing a whole lot about Micromasters - i was intrigued by the Giant Decepticon warrior, and the Blue Scorponok dude...thinking they were huge parts of Transformers history...
...and they...aren't. Ah well.
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Post by Shockprowl on Nov 30, 2008 22:57:20 GMT
wow that pic is so cool! is that a little devestator I see in the back? It's the Universe Micromaster Devastator Still availible at some TRUs. Well worth getting ! Aw yeah! Couldn't recomend this item enough!! I love this size of TF. I don't own many of the original Micromasters, but I have many bazzillions of Mini-cons. One can have such gigamatic battles with them- but at small scale! (Mrs Shockprowl has frequently stated she wished I'd collect just this size toy, and none large. Poor demented woman, as if!)
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Post by grahamthomson on Dec 9, 2008 14:04:56 GMT
Probably the hardest Micromaster review I've had to write, but tonight will see...
ERECTOR!
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Post by blueshift on Dec 9, 2008 14:46:32 GMT
Yesssssssss. Erector is amazing, I shouldn't have sold mine
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Post by The Doctor on Dec 9, 2008 16:02:08 GMT
Erector is a great toy.
-Ralph
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