Decepticon Triple Changers Pack (Blitzwing & Astrotrain)
Platinum Edition
Transformers Generation 1 (originally)
MSRP: $169.90
Should you buy them? Do you have Blitzwing or Astrotrain? If not, yes!
Although we’ve seen Blitzwing and Astrotrain released before, this is the first time we’ve seen them come out together, as a box set. Thanks, Hasbro, for sending these over!
It’s a pretty good idea, actually – if you want one Triplechanger, chances are you’ll want the lot of them, right? The only guy we’re missing here is Octane, so hey, maybe he’s not too far down the line!
Also, notice how it says “Decepticon” Triplechangers? Does that mean a box set of Autobot Triplechangers will be coming soon? I’ll be down for that if it’s out!
They’re in vastly different colours than their G1 origins, and apparently for Blitzwing, it’s a homage to G1 Flywheels (the Duocon). For Astrotrain, it’s apparently a homage to G1 Machtakle’s (from Landcross) colours. It’s an odd choice, but hey, maybe it’s a sign that the Duocons and Landcross are coming back?
For the sticker-averse, congratulations! There’s nary a sticker to be seen here. All the labels come pre-applied. Phew! No more misaligning stickers. So on to Astrotrain first!
Astrotrain
One thing that keeps surprising me as I play with these Triplechangers is how small they are. I kind of recall handling an Astrotrain when I was younger, and it certainly wasn’t so small. Then again, I have grown.
Astrotrain comes with an oversized gun that has a metallic tip. Presumably it’s to simulate the gun barrel, although it would have been nice to have it painted black.
He’s got a nice V-shaped chest plate that gives him quite the Autobot-y look.
Then again, since his colour scheme is derived from an Autobot’s (Machtackle), it would stand to reason that he looks Autobot-y.
His arms are a little small though, but they hold on to his gun just fine.
I like his broad shoulders (thanks to his wings). They give him that sense of power, the kind that Victory Saber & Galaxy Convoy (Cybertron Optimus Prime) have.
Astrotrain has a huge gun though – almost as tall as himself!
But as mentioned, it doesn’t really fire missiles.
His train mode is also pretty interesting, especially when viewed from the side.
Notice how his wheels have that line across that simulates the axle/hinge portion of the train?
Of course, I think trains don’t quite have visible wheels anymore, but it’s an interesting touch to the old trains of yore. You can see his production number from this angle though. 🙁
The front of his train mode isn’t too obvious though, so it’s not one of his more flattering angles.
And yep the back retains his rocket engines.
His train mode also looks pretty good from the top.
His space shuttle mode is what everyone remembers the most though. It’s his most useful mode, and it was also the getaway vehicle for the Decepticons in the 1986 movie.
Can’t really find a way to plug his gun onto his space shuttle mode.
But his nosecone looks pretty awesome.
The colours do bring out his various seams and parts though, making him less of a stealth option if you’re going with the whole “robots in disguise” thing.
His large tail fin is a great touch, and is what turns into his chest piece in robot mode.
The rocket engines fit perfectly here.
And he looks pretty nifty from the top, too.
Blitzwing
So on to Blitzwing! I think it’s even more difficult to find a reissue of Blitzwing than it is Astrotrain, because he was only out in Takara’s Tranformers Collection (book series).
You can have him with sword up…
… or sword down. His sword can be held in either hand, but due to the configuration of this fist holes and the weapons, he can only ever wield his gun in his right hand.
His arms are rather simplistic, but they’re done in a pretty unique way for such an old toy.
Like Astrotrain, Blitzwing has a V-shaped body and a large upper torso.
That’s a good thing, since it conveys the sense of strength that you’d expect a war machine to have.
His head isn’t visible from the side though.
No prizes for guessing what faction he belongs to.
He comes with quite a number of accessories too.
Namely, a sword, a gun, and three missiles that aren’t easily and immediately used (unless you’ve Googled it prior).
His tank mode is quite fun, what with its rotating turrets and all. Although I think Kup wouldn’t really be able to fit on him and pull his turret up – they’d probably topple together.
He’s quite the imposing tank up close, although comparatively he’s quite small next to the other Decepticons.
He has wheels rather than real treads though.
But there’s a surprising amount of detail on his sides, and his tank treads.
The back of his tank isn’t as good looking as his front side.
The top of his tank mode reminds me of Battle Tank.
The turret doesn’t fire missiles? Then where do his missiles go to? The plane mode, of course.
His plane mode is the most impressive most of the lot. It looks suitable chunky and imposing, with a substantial amount of mass.
But as you can tell, the tank turret is at the bottom, making it tough to pose it on flat ground.
However, it does mean that he’s in perpetual take off mode, which is not a bad pose to have.
You can also notice the number of stickers that he has, and thank your lucky stars that you don’t have to apply all of them.
The engine parts fit pretty well here, and converts nicely in tank mode as you’ve seen earlier.
And here you go, Blitzwing barrelling straight into you!
From the top, Blitzwing also looks pretty sweet.
Now for the missiles. On his side, in between his wings, there’s a place where you can insert his missiles.
Tada!
And there you have it – the Decepticon Triplechangers! Octane, please come soon!
Where to buy that?
Which country are you from?