Diaclone Countach LP500S Yellow Sideswipe

Hot on the heels of Bluey, I present Diaclone Yellow Sideswipe or as some call it, Tigertracks (for ehobby reissue)

Well actually, i got the Yellow swipe before Bluestreak, just that was i really excited that i talked about Bluestreak first...

Here's Sideswipe in his yellow outfit...a pretty nice version of the Countach mold, lots of Diecast (which is similar to the regular TF & reissues mold as well, i love diecast, so the extra mention)

This is a nice used piece with used sticker sheet and the Diaclone catalog and instruction sheet. Missiles are off-sprue...a really pretty version i must say.

Nope, i do not have multiples of this moderately rare item...the one which is in the bot mode is the Ehobby Tigertracks (or reissue yellow sideswipe).

 As per all diaclone boxes, there will be a pictorial cross-section of the car....

 Side of the box

Hobby vs Diaclone....

Wit her good'o yellow diaclone driver....

Since there are 2 versions of the yellow swipe, thought i'd show some differences...these differences may have been highlighted in other webbies or forum, but no harm showing again right?

First up, the headlights....diaclone on the right shows the Mis-spelled "Rallye" the reissue shows "Rally" 

Insides of the feet (or behind the feet) Single ridge on the Diaclone (right) and 3 ridges for the reissue (Left)

Under the bonnet: No stamping on the diaclone (right) Hasbro/Takara stamping for the reissue

 Black triangle on the door: Stickered on the diaclone (top) painted on the reissue (bottom)

Rear of the bot: Takara stamping for Diaclone (right) and nothing on the reissue (left)

Chest pegs: Well-rounded on the diaclone (right) Curvature instead of rounded on the reissue (left)

These are the few tell-tale signs to check out for in case someones dumps a reissue into a diaclone box for sale...

Personally i do not see the Diaclone Yellow Sideswipe available for sales that often BUT at the same time, do not see it as one of the highly sort after Diaclones. Perhaps it does not appeal that much to collectors compared to Bluestreak and Marlboor Wheeljack. In addition, there is a reissue by ehobby and the reissue is not exactly too far off. It is actually quite a nice toy to play with and enjoy.

I go the ehobby reissue first and this was sort of an incidental finding....got it off a good friend who feels that i love this more than him...well, i do and this is now sitting proudly in my cabinet...

Favourite Buys in 2015...yes...its late but better than never...

Late, but better late than never right?

These are my 5, or rather 6 favourite acquisitions in year 2015....been wanting to post this but seriously, schedules are tight such that posting here has less priority.

1. Joustra Starscream - Got a piece with a much nicer box and styrofoam. Though its missing some parts.

2. Takara C-108 Targetmaster Artfire MIB unused- broke the bank to get it...sick of waiting and hoping.

3. Takara D-309 Black Shadow MIB unused - Not as costly as Artfire but still had to break the bank...

4. Diaclone Bluestreak - Loose. Got this off Yahoo Japan...1 Bluestreak is never enough...i need more! MIB please!

5. Diaclone Yellow Sideswipe. MIB unused. It's a COuntach what else can i say. Will probably do a comparison with the e-hobby Tigertracks some time soon..

6. Probably my favourite here: Lucky Draw Secret Starscream. Complete MIB unused. This was released in 2001 as you can see that the box is the exact same box for the Takara 22 Reissue starscream. Fully clear body with red metal body. So glad that i was able to get this. According to www.luckydrawtransformers.com, there are only 5 pieces of the secret starscream in the world!

E-hobby G1 Tigertracks

Quite recently got poisoned by Lamborghini Countach LP500S.

started to look for all the molds using the sideswipe mold and the search lead me to this place...A mail away exclusive released in 2003 through issue 60 of Figure O magazine, it carries the ID No of 90. Also an e-hobby exclusive. This one is getting rarer as each day passes. It's now or never, i told myself...

As per all G1s, artwork on the box is a masterpiece itself. It would be perfect if it was colored.

One of the few artwork which is inclusive of the vehicle mode...in this case an artwork of Countach LP500S!

How can a transformer do without tech specs?

Out of packaging. A pity that one of the missiles is off the tree.

Paperworks sealed in bag.

Nice nice piece....

The biocard. Exact replica of sideswipe's artwork minus the color difference.

The tour begins...you can never go wrong with a G1 mold. Rubber wheels and die cast...in fact, the sideswipe mold and the prowl/streak mold are 2 of the best molds in my view.

Headlights are stuck to the car.

The underside of the car. (it was standing upright...)

Bot mode. One of the most good-looking transformers.

Everyone needs to have a feel of holding a vintage G1 figure. Transform it and roll the car on the ground. You'll discover that for G1 cars, a little effort goes a long way. 

Here it is...the tiger stands beside Sideswipe.

Exactly the same mold, only variance in color. It is a very nice figure to play with and to look at.

If you are into vintages and/or G1s, grab this if you ever come upon a good piece.

ps: i have to start looking for the rest of the countach molds...not the diaclones....hmmm....what else.....

Some Acquistiions and IDW Trailcutter

Some recent acquisitions from a local seller.

IDW Trailcutter, ehobby Tigertracks, Million Publishing 2013 magazine, Ultraman Ace (my favorite ultraman since childhood!), Unique Toys Ironhead (not Headstrong) and Savagebull (not Tantrum).

Quite a few stuffs to talk about, i'll start with the simplest (in my terms), Trailcutter.

A deluxe size figure that comes along with an IDW comic. The cover of the comic serves as the Artwork for the card. in other words the card is plain. Didn't take a photo of the card though.

Instruction sheet is huge, unlike the usual deluxe figure tiny sheets where you have to strain your eyes. This one here, you can use the instruction sheet comfortably.

Some random pages of the comic.

Alternate car (SUV) mode. Somehow, i still miss those rubber wheels from G1 cars. Without rubber, cars nowadays can't roll half as well as their G1 counterparts. Ha! Newer and younger doesn't mean you're better! G1s are like more than 30 years now!

Light piping works well, when the head is not looking straight. When straight, the light is actually blocked by the launcher behind....what a pity.

Bot mode. Overall build is quite okay. I find the shoulders a tat too broad, but not a big complaint. G1 resemblance? Yes. See how the light is blocked from the light piping when the head is straight?

The rear canopy of the SUV is used as a battle shield for the bot mode. 

Overall, the figure is cool. Nice transformation. I like it. Nice toy to play with, nice toy for display.

As a handsome G1 face. Hasbro/TakaraTomy probably didn't think that light piping would be much of a concern...but they are wrong. If there's light piping light should be allowed to go through.

Hey, nothing's PERFECT!