Archives

Soundwave (Action Master – with Wingthing )

| 1990-02-16

Part of the very first wave of Action Masters, Soundwave is a non-transforming action figure which combines elements of his cartoon model and original toy. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. He came packaged with his new partner, Wingthing.
Soundwave’s instructions depict a different weapon than the one the toy actually comes with. The weapon depicted in Soundwave’s instructions was available with Treadshot instead. As a consequence, several toy information websites and identification guides (including Generations) depict Soundwave with Treadshot’s weapon, using the instructions as a reference.

Categories:

Rollout (Action Master) with Glitch

| 1990-02-16

As part of the first wave of individually-carded Action Masters, Rollout is a non-transforming action figure, though he has elements of a bulldozer or excavator, namely the massive earth-moving shovel that forms his chest. He came with his transforming partner Glitch, and is compatible with any other Action Master partner, weapon or vehicle.
Though several Action Masters have this problem, Rollout is particularly notorious for having his paint simply flake off in huge chunks. As all of his orange and brown coloration is paint, this can lead to some very naked-looking Rollouts.

Categories:

Rad (Action Master) with Lionizer

| 1990-02-16

As an Action Master, Rad is a non-transforming action figure, though his design shows parts of a vehicular alternate mode, possibly a motorcycle. He was sold on an individual card with his transforming partner Lionizer, who transforms into a “Atom-Smashing Blaster”. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle.

Categories:

Jazz (Action Master – with Turbo Board)

| 1990-02-16

Action Master Jazz’s sculpt was based upon his cartoon model, but with some of the toy details added in. As with most Action Master figures, he cannot transform, but his Turbo Board partner can transform from a skateboard into a large blaster weapon. Jazz was part of the first wave of individual Action Master figures.
There are reportedly several minor variations of this figure, all regarding the color of his headlights. Some have them unpainted, while others are light blue or greenish-blue.

Categories:

Grimlock (Action Master)

| 1990-02-16

Part of the initial assortment of non-transforming Action Master figures, Grimlock’s design combines his cartoon model with extra toy-based detailing. He came with the Anti-tank cannon “partner” machine which could be ridden by Grimlock (or any other Action Master) or unfolded via spring-loaded gimmick to form a really big hand-held “long-range mortar launcher”. He is compatible with any other Action Master vehicle or weapon.

Categories:

Optimus Prime (Action Master) with Armored Convoy

| 1990-02-11

The largest Action Master set, this incarnation of Optimus Prime is a non-transforming action figure which comes with the “Armored Convoy”, a large, heavily armed tractor trailer. The cab of the truck transforms into a small jet that can seat one Action Master figure, while the trailer itself converts into a larger battle station with turrets that several Action Masters can man. The sculpt of the Prime figure itself is closely based on his character model, albeit with a coloration that seems to have been based at least partially on the small robot form of his Powermaster body.

The Action Master Optimus Prime figure was later redecoed with a more show-accurate color scheme and included in the Japanese-exclusive “New Year” reissue of the original Optimus Prime toy in 2002.

Also, unlike the one seen in the commercial, the final product loses paint operations of Optimus Prime’s upper legs.

Categories:

Battlefield Headquarters (Micromaster, with Full-Barrel & Overflow)

| 1990-02-11

The Battlefield Headquarters was sold boxed and came with Overflow and Full-Barrel. In its tractor-trailer mode, it is heavily armed, with four “missiles” and four “guns”. Both Micromasters can ride in its cab, and a rear loading ramp folds down to reveal cargo space for more vehicle mode Micromasters. The truck splits and converts to an “attack jet” and a “space shuttle”; both components then recombine into a single “battlefield headquarters” mode, which is essentially the jet stacked on top of the shuttle. The shuttle can also hold several Micromasters in its cargo bay.

Categories:

Anti-Aircraft Base (Micromaster, with Spaceshot & Blackout)

| 1990-02-11

The Anti-Aircraft Base in tank mode resembles the Gepard anti-aircraft tank. The tank form separates into its main unit and a scout vehicle that can drive off separately. In tank form the ramp for the base is stored inside the tank, a rare feature among Micromaster bases.

In base mode it folds out into a set of multi-level platforms, including a helicopter pad. There are three connection points for Micromaster ramps, as well as 5mm ports and pegs all over the base to accommodate the various weapons and accessories, making it incredibly versatile. The 5mm pegs on the base are all hollow, creating the unforeseen benefit that the base is Mini-Con compatible. It also has several C joint posts and even can attach 2 Energon stars! Maybe it also has a hidden Flux Capacitor somewhere?

The base’s ramp has a 5mm port and can also mount on the pegs around the base, providing a unique method of connecting the Anti-Aircraft Base to other Micromaster bases—by having a single ramp connect to three bases at once.
It came with Spaceshot and Blackout, who combine into a blue B-1 bomber.

Categories: