[Toy Review] Transformers Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack is an interesting twist on a classic

Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

Decepticon Triple Changers Pack (Blitzwing & Astrotrain)
Platinum Edition
Transformers Generation 1 (originally)
MSRP: $169.90

Front of the box. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Front of the box. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

Should you buy them? Do you have Blitzwing or Astrotrain? If not, yes!

Back of the box. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Back of the box. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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!

Bottom of the box. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Bottom of the box. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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!

Without the box. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Without the box. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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!

Opening it up. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Opening it up. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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?

Opening it up. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Opening it up. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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!

Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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 in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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.

Astrotrain in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

He’s got a nice V-shaped chest plate that gives him quite the Autobot-y look.

Astrotrain in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

Then again, since his colour scheme is derived from an Autobot’s (Machtackle), it would stand to reason that he looks Autobot-y.

Astrotrain in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

His arms are a little small though, but they hold on to his gun just fine.

Astrotrain in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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's gun. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain’s gun. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

Astrotrain has a huge gun though – almost as tall as himself!

Astrotrain's gun. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain’s gun. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

But as mentioned, it doesn’t really fire missiles.

Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

His train mode is also pretty interesting, especially when viewed from the side.

Astrotrain in train mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in train mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

Notice how his wheels have that line across that simulates the axle/hinge portion of the train?

Astrotrain in train mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in train mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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. 🙁

Astrotrain in train mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in train mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

The front of his train mode isn’t too obvious though, so it’s not one of his more flattering angles.

Astrotrain in train mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in train mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

And yep the back retains his rocket engines.

Astrotrain in train mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in train mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

His train mode also looks pretty good from the top.

Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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.

Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

Can’t really find a way to plug his gun onto his space shuttle mode.

Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

But his nosecone looks pretty awesome.

Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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.

Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

His large tail fin is a great touch, and is what turns into his chest piece in robot mode.

Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

The rocket engines fit perfectly here.

Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Astrotrain in space shutle mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

And he looks pretty nifty from the top, too.

Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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).

Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

You can have him with sword up…

Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

… 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.

Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

His arms are rather simplistic, but they’re done in a pretty unique way for such an old toy.

Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

Like Astrotrain, Blitzwing has a V-shaped body and a large upper torso.

Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

That’s a good thing, since it conveys the sense of strength that you’d expect a war machine to have.

Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

His head isn’t visible from the side though.

Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in robot mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

No prizes for guessing what faction he belongs to.

Blitzwing's weapons. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing’s weapons. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

He comes with quite a number of accessories too.

Blitzwing's weapons. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing’s weapons. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

Namely, a sword, a gun, and three missiles that aren’t easily and immediately used (unless you’ve Googled it prior).

Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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.

Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

He’s quite the imposing tank up close, although comparatively he’s quite small next to the other Decepticons.

Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

He has wheels rather than real treads though.

Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

But there’s a surprising amount of detail on his sides, and his tank treads.

Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

The back of his tank isn’t as good looking as his front side.

Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

The top of his tank mode reminds me of Battle Tank.

Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in tank mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

The turret doesn’t fire missiles? Then where do his missiles go to? The plane mode, of course.

 

Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Official images. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

His plane mode is the most impressive most of the lot. It looks suitable chunky and imposing, with a substantial amount of mass.

Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

But as you can tell, the tank turret is at the bottom, making it tough to pose it on flat ground.

Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

However, it does mean that he’s in perpetual take off mode, which is not a bad pose to have.

Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

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.

Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

The engine parts fit pretty well here, and converts nicely in tank mode as you’ve seen earlier.

Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

And here you go, Blitzwing barrelling straight into you!

Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing in plane mode. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

From the top, Blitzwing also looks pretty sweet.

Blitzwing's missile. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing’s missile. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

Now for the missiles. On his side, in between his wings, there’s a place where you can insert his missiles.

Blitzwing's missile, fully loaded! (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing’s missile, fully loaded! (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

Tada!

Blitzwing and Astrotrain. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)
Blitzwing and Astrotrain. (Platinum Edition Decepticon Triple Changers Pack)

And there you have it – the Decepticon Triplechangers! Octane, please come soon!

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*