Post by grahamthomson on Mar 16, 2010 9:53:29 GMT
Air Raid | The Transformers (1986)
The so-called “Special Teams” were the big thing in Transformers in the first half of 1986. Between the near endless hype in the Marvel UK Transformers comic (free inserts, wall charts, collectible cards) and promotions (fold out comic/posters) in toy shops the length of the UK, there was no escape. The new teams, available as sets of five themed vehicle/robots, could combine into one super robot. What made them “Special” was the ability to inter-change their limbs. No wonder the Constructicons felt so out-dated.
Air Raid, designated “A1″ of the Aerialbots, transforms into a small black F-15 fighter jet. The black colouration is accented with a silver, red and yellow pattern on the leading edges of the wings and tail fins. While not based on any specific real-world decoration, Air Raid’s scheme is similar those used by air forces at air shows for aerobatic displays. The term “Aerialbot” makes more sense with this is mind.
Though smaller than the previous F-15s of the Transformers universe (i.e. Starscream, et al), Air Raid makes for a much better jet mode. It’s more solid, there are no gaps and no loose pieces that are prone to fall off. Air Raid even features retractable front undercarriage.
Transformation to robot mode is of a complexity befitting a Transformer of Air Raid’s size. One neat touch is the nosecone and tail section of the plane forming a kind of “mini-jet” back pack for the robot mode.
In robot mode, Air Raid’s black is switched for white. Details include a die-cast metal red chest, silver paint on the distinctly cuboid head, and more labels featuring the same pattern as those on the jet. Air Raid’s arms feature full articulation at the shoulders thanks to ball/socket joints.
Air Raid’s only accessory, a black non-firing “torque rifle”, snaps over either arm like an armband. While this frees up the hand, the drawback is that it wears against the arm’s sticker.
Curiously, Air Raid’s head pivots forwards to form what looks some kind of connector. There’s no mention of it in the instructions but it’s possibly to do with the much-vaunted ability to merge with the rest of the Aerialbots to form Superion.
Despite the point of the “Special Teams” being to collect the entire set to get the most out of the combining feature, Air Raid is a perfect example of an individual member not succumbing to the limitations of the overall gimmick. It’s about time the Autobots had an air force of their own, and Air Raid is a worthy recruit.
Verdict: three stars out of five.
The so-called “Special Teams” were the big thing in Transformers in the first half of 1986. Between the near endless hype in the Marvel UK Transformers comic (free inserts, wall charts, collectible cards) and promotions (fold out comic/posters) in toy shops the length of the UK, there was no escape. The new teams, available as sets of five themed vehicle/robots, could combine into one super robot. What made them “Special” was the ability to inter-change their limbs. No wonder the Constructicons felt so out-dated.
Air Raid, designated “A1″ of the Aerialbots, transforms into a small black F-15 fighter jet. The black colouration is accented with a silver, red and yellow pattern on the leading edges of the wings and tail fins. While not based on any specific real-world decoration, Air Raid’s scheme is similar those used by air forces at air shows for aerobatic displays. The term “Aerialbot” makes more sense with this is mind.
Though smaller than the previous F-15s of the Transformers universe (i.e. Starscream, et al), Air Raid makes for a much better jet mode. It’s more solid, there are no gaps and no loose pieces that are prone to fall off. Air Raid even features retractable front undercarriage.
Transformation to robot mode is of a complexity befitting a Transformer of Air Raid’s size. One neat touch is the nosecone and tail section of the plane forming a kind of “mini-jet” back pack for the robot mode.
In robot mode, Air Raid’s black is switched for white. Details include a die-cast metal red chest, silver paint on the distinctly cuboid head, and more labels featuring the same pattern as those on the jet. Air Raid’s arms feature full articulation at the shoulders thanks to ball/socket joints.
Air Raid’s only accessory, a black non-firing “torque rifle”, snaps over either arm like an armband. While this frees up the hand, the drawback is that it wears against the arm’s sticker.
Curiously, Air Raid’s head pivots forwards to form what looks some kind of connector. There’s no mention of it in the instructions but it’s possibly to do with the much-vaunted ability to merge with the rest of the Aerialbots to form Superion.
Despite the point of the “Special Teams” being to collect the entire set to get the most out of the combining feature, Air Raid is a perfect example of an individual member not succumbing to the limitations of the overall gimmick. It’s about time the Autobots had an air force of their own, and Air Raid is a worthy recruit.
Verdict: three stars out of five.
