Archives

Thunderclash (Turbomaster)

| 1992-02-18

Thunder Clash transforms into a Cybertronian “cab-over” tractor-trailer. His trailer is armed with two spring-loaded, plunger-fired missile launchers. In robot mode, he uses a small handgun. His trailer unfolds to become a missile-launching assault tower equipped with “gravity-fed” missiles that descend and reload the launchers as soon as a round is fired.
This toy also has an undocumented feature: The back of Thunder Clash’s legs have notches in them that fit his handgun’s “wings” for storage in vehicle mode.

Unusually, Skyquake, Thunder Clash, and the Motorvators were all sold in Japan at the tail-end of 1992, after the original Japanese Transformers toyline had already ended. The toys were identical to their European releases–down to the packaging–except for some Japanese-language stickers on the boxes.

Like Skyquake, Thunder Clash also has Gold Plastic Syndrome, although his doesn’t set in quite as fast as Skyquake’s. Thunder Clash’s feet tend to shatter at the ankle ratchet and the handgun’s peg is prone to breaking off quite easily.

This mold was retooled into Machine Wars Optimus Prime. This later version of the mold had a planned redeco as Menasor in the Universe line, but was canceled.

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Skyquake (Predator)

| 1992-02-18

Skyquake transforms into a large bomber jet, its model pretty much made-up but based (loosely) on an SR-71 Blackbird recon plane. His primary gimmick is the “Megavisor”, a periscope system that the smaller Predator jets can attach to, showing their slides. Skyquake himself has two built-in slides; in jet mode an image of Rotorstorm can be viewed, while the robot mode picture showing the unmade Autobot Turbomaster Hyperdrive. Each wing also contains a “carpet bombing” gimmick, a rolling drum that drops the Predator-style missiles. This can also be targeted via the Megavisor; by twisting the small tail wings at the back, a mirror swings into a 45 degree angle. When you look through the eyepiece, you can then see directly down relative to the jet, enabling you to see where the bombs will land. He also has a standard Predator hand-held missile launcher, which mounts under his jet mode.

Skyquake’s scope is prone to Gold Plastic Syndrome, and is very delicate. It can break rather violently if one of the smaller Predator jets is attached to him. So don’t do it. Attach them to Stalker instead.

Unusually, Skyquake, Thunder Clash, and the Motorvators were all sold in Japan at the tail-end of 1992, after the original Japanese Transformers toyline had already ended. The toys were identical to their European releases – down to the packaging – except for some Japanese-language stickers on the boxes.

Skyquake was later redecoed (with neutered gimmicks and no handgun) to make Machine Wars Starscream and Universe King Atlas.

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Stalker (Predator)

| 1992-02-18

Stalker transforms in to a four-tracked satellite station and rocket launcher and is equipped with a missile launcher, usable in both modes. His rocket also serves as his Megavisor scope, but also features its own slide, showing a schematic vehicle mode image of Rotorstorm.

This mold was used to make both the Machine Wars: Transformers and Universe versions of Soundwave.

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Rotorstorm (Turbomaster)

| 1992-02-18

Rotorstorm transforms into a blue Cybertronian helicopter with bright translucent pink rotor blades and canopy. His turbine engines can launch his six included yellow missiles a very long distance. A button on the back of the rotor housing drops down both engines/launchers for an ‘attack mode’ feature. In robot mode, Rotorstorm has limited articulation, and he holds his turbine launchers in his hands. His rotor blades can also be detached and held in one hand as an odd-looking sword.

This mold was retooled and redecoed to make Machine Wars Sandstorm and Universe (2003) Whirl. This figure also doubles as the Aligned incarnation of Rotorstorm.

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