Real quirky

I've preordered Masterpiece Cheetor, I realised that I have a soft spot for big cats and the Universe figure is just plain shocking. I'm not getting Optimus Primal just yet as I like having the original Ultra figure in the same class as Lio and Big Convoy as well as Megatron. I'd happily get a Tigatron repaint though and would be over the moon if they do a Dinobot (surely?!). My Beast Wars collection is now going to be an even more eclectic mix of toy lines.

Photos and preorders have popped up for God Bomber, wow! Looks amazing, I stuck in a preorder as soon as I could. The combined God Ginrai looks stunning, just need an Overlord to go with!

I've completed a couple of further customs, comic style Malekith and Mephisto. Both use Vortious heads. I'm pretty happy with them, I can now display my SDCC Casket of Eternal Winters with Malekith.

I picked up a cheap MCU Falcon from Amazon, I've given the goggled head to comic Falcon for my comic figures with movie heads line up. I've got plans for the regular head.....

Mega Bloks are putting out a few new interesting classic Turtles and Power Ranger sets. Great to get a cartoon Donatello to go with the other three, just a shame it's not a set with a blimp! The Rangers sets are interesting, a few of the individual MMPR Zords, I'll be keeping an eye on what they do. If they do a white ranger set then I'll be very happy.

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I've been thinking about my spending habits (not for the first time), about half of the stuff I buy is planned: I want a Masterpiece Megatron, they announce one, I put in a preorder and then will buy it when it's released. The other stuff is as the result of for the want of a better word, ideas. I think these 'ideas' can grouped into three categories.

Firstly products, something is announced or rumoured or sometimes I see something in a shop that I want. That in turn makes me want something which has been around for a while, for instance, I passed on Masterpiece for many years, but Sideswipe, Bumblebee and Soundwave won me over. I then bought Optimus Prime and Starscream. The same thing happened with Classics and WST. When Spider-Man Noir was announced I sought out Spider-Man 2099 and Miles Morales Spider-Man to complete the set.

Secondly, thinking about my collection, I sometimes spot 'gaps'. I planned out a load of Marvel customs, then something made me think 'what about DC?', so I planned a load of Batman villains and accordingly bought the base figures. Thinking about my WST collection I have displayed on Metroplex, I thought wouldn't it be cool to have the four scramble city leaders to go with (Silverbolt and co.) as they were designed to all work together.

Thirdly is media inspiration, after watching Beast Wars I decided I needed some more Beast Wars figures, after reading MTMTE I decided I needed a Lost Light shelf (not everything results in buying stuff, sometimes it's just rearranging what I already have). But cartoons, films and comics ultimately are the inspiration behind almost everything I buy.

So this tends to happen with my 3.75" figures more than Transformers, mainly I think of a new custom figure, or identify a better base figure to use and so my 'want' list never quite goes away. The million dollar question is what next? I always think that's it, then something happens to make me want (need?) something else. I think identifying new things to buy is what keeps my enthusiasm going.

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The Entertainer got Wave 3 deluxes in and are selling them for £13.33! Fantastic, I picked up Getaway, Doublecross and Triggerhappy. It really struck me with this wave that deluxes have started getting a bit smaller again. Getaway is just a repaint of Chromedome, so no real surprises, but he doesn't seem quite as plain in person as in pictures. Doublecross and Triggerhappy both have great transformations, intuitive, not too simple and fun. Doublecross does a great job of hiding his beast arms and legs in robot mode. I had G1 Triggerhappy as a kid so initially was a bit disappointed that his transformation is different (the nose of the plane no longer just becomes his chest), but you can still use his vehicle guns in robot mode which makes me happy (perfect if you lose the targetmaster!). So all round, very happy. I'm really enjoying Titans Return so far.

There are several Beast Wars figures I want but am holding off because I hope they might get updates. A couple of the figures are Japanese Beast Wars II, so no chance of an update. I had a look on eBay to see what they were gong for. One figure I'd forgotten about was the Tako Tank, as every time I'd ever looked for it previously it was going for well over £100. I was very surprised to find one going for a third of that. Absolutely no accessories, packaging or Ikard, but for me absolutely perfect. He turned up super quick and it's a bit bigger than I was expecting, but it's awesome! A real quirky toy for sure.

A bit crazy

I've done something a bit crazy. I've bought three extra supersize Thunderbird 2 sets! I got them for twenty quid a piece so pretty cheap, that now gives me a total of 6 pods... I have achieved a childhood dream!

I have managed to find time to complete a couple of customs - Octo-Spider and Man-Spider! I now have the complete line up from the multiverse episodes of the 90s Spider-Man cartoon! Pretty happy with how they turned out.

Masterpiece Megatron has been confirmed! It looks great but I'm holding back on pre-ordering for some reason, mostly money I think despite having sold a few things recently and so have some funds to play with. Equally I'm holding back on ordering a few other things I wanted for a while. I'm feeling much happier with holding off and waiting for a bargain to pop up.

I've bought the BAF Dormammu from the 6" Legends line, he looks great, I did briefly consider a 3.75" custom kit but as an oversized figure he looks great (he can change his size so either would have worked really). I'd quite like a 3.75" Benedict Cumberbatch head sculpt to go with my Avengers with MCU heads. [What's that?! My wish came true. A time travelling Strange from the future?! Someone's been pissing around with a time stone again...]

Despite claiming that I'd planned all the customs I could think a couple of months back, I've started watching Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes again and have been inspired. Surely no more though! I'm slowly finding time to work on customs again, and I think it's the team members I want to focus on - Inhumans, Guardians and Brotherhood of Mutants. For the time being though I'm working on a comic Malekith.

I have finally decided to open Masterpiece Starscream! Yep, 10 years after the original was released I have experienced the mold. Based on photos I wasn't sure whether I'd like the figure, in person I do like it. I'm not sure about the headsculpt, something doesn't seem quite right and I'm not a fan of the platform feet, but overall it's a solid figure. I have reaffirmed my decision to pass on Skywarp and Thundercracker. I think in this era of cartoon based figures, he doesn't quite fit. If they redo him and I like the mold then I'm all up completing the trio, for now I'm content.

I've bought the Combiner Wars Perfect Effect Computron head, gun and chest upgrade. The head is great, it's good to get of those bendy ears, also the mouth rather than a faceplate is more distinctive and toy accurate. The gun was very much Silverbolt's gun so it's great to replace that. I've stuck with the existing chest as I'd rather not have parts left over when I transform him. Not that I ever transform my toys after first getting them. Expensive for what it is, but worth making him more than a Superion repaint.

Sure, why not?!

Masterpiece Inferno and Grapple are on their way (not to me though!). There are rumours of Masterpiece Reflector, this got me thinking. Would I get Reflector? What characters am I collecting? I see Classics as being my representations of the characters from the comics, and Masterpiece of the G1 cartoon. That's my starting point. The first season of the cartoon is incredibly iconic, season 2 was more of the same (with, to be fair, far less notable characters). Season 3, I think never got shown in the UK (we got videos though). I want to get the characters from season 1 (including the 1985 characters such as Shockwave). I'd throw the Dinobots, Insecticons, Jetfire and Devastator in as well, and so, Reflector, sure, why not?

I also really like the licensed carbots - most of them are in season 1, but Tracks I particularly admire (I once saw a Corvette Stingray in a museum, beautiful car), and Skids because I've come to like the character. Of the other season 2 carbots they're all (both?) repaints. I'm also going to throw Runabout (who I had a kid) and Runamuck in as well because the Lotus Esprit and Pontiac Firebird Trans Am are also great looking cars to me. (Thanks James Bond and Knight Rider!)

I collect Grimlocks, Ravages, Razorclaws and Steeljaws. Grimlock and Ravage are both season 1, but I'd also get MP Blaster and the other cassettes along with the Predacons and Ratbat. So there you have it, season 1, plus the best looking (unique) carbots and my favourite characters. That's what Masterpiece is and should be about for me. Thinking about what other characters would make me stop and reconsider, well clearly Ultra Magnus, Hot Rod, Inferno, Grapple, Ramjet, Thrust and Dirge haven't. Astrotrain and Blitzwing would be fairly tough to resist, but as with almost every other character, the Classics versions are fine.

This gives me 60 characters to aim for. To be realistic, I think I can cross the (other) Dinobots, Insecticons and Predacons straight off that list as never going to happen, so that's 48 characters. I have Optimus Prime, Grimlock, Sideswipe, Prowl, Bluestreak, Wheeljack, Bumblebee, Tracks, Ironhide, Ratchet, Soundwave (plus cassettes) and Starscream. I'm going to include Generations Jetfire and Combiner Wars Devastator as Masterpiece, because they mostly fit scale wise and they're not likely to get actual Masterpiece figures. I'm going to exclude Skywarp and Thundercracker because I'm not so taken with the mold that I need it three times. I'm still waiting for a more toy accurate Shockwave, so he's still on the list. That leaves 21 characters I would buy if Takara decides to make them. (Jazz, Sunstreaker, Hound, Trailbreaker, Mirage, the Minibots, Megatron, Shockwave, Reflector, Blaster with cassettes, Skids, Runabout and Runamuck.) Jazz, Sunstreaker, Megatron, Shockwave and Blaster are top of my most wanted list!

Picked up Weirdwolf today, having found Mindwipe last week, so happy to have the original seven headmasters. They complete a bit of a milestone for me. My remaining Classics milestones are Super Ginrai, Trypticon, Overlord, Dinobots, Abominus and Scorponok. I suppose Broadside and getting a full set of Insecticons will also be a big deal, but because I've had unofficial versions of those characters it doesn't seem quite so significant - almost like I've already ticked them off once.

After that, throw me a Mega Bloks TMNT blimp with Donatello, 6" scale Tygra, Cheetara and Snarf and I am sorted! Maybe I'll start collecting stamps instead.

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I collect toys, mostly updated versions of the characters and vehicles I wanted as a kid.  Updated is an interesting idea, with Transformers, I bought Universe Springer - a green repaint of Cybertron Evac. Despite being a green helicopter it didn't feel like a Springer so I replaced it with the Fansproject Springer. That still didn't feel like Springer despite being a triple changing green helicopter. Generations Springer does feel like a Springer, more so than the G1 toy I would say.

I've had that feeling where a toy doesn't quite do it a few times, it used to be common with transformers where there were repaints that didn't quite work for me (particularly where the head wasn't remolded). I got it with the Lego TMNT toys - I wanted classic Turtles (which Mega Bloks finally delivered). I didn't get the new Thundercats for that reason and I think I'm getting it with the Thunderbirds (Are Go) pod vehicles. The actual Thunderbirds are fantastic despite their updates from the classic vehicles, but the mole and firefly I'm not sure about. I tried to convince myself that the customisation gimmick was fun, but really I think I just want the classic versions. I toyed with painting them, but will perhaps look into getting some older toys instead - Konami or Bandai.

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NYCC for me was all about the preview night for Titans Return, great to see some of wave 3 and beyond. I'm not sure about Broadside yet, the render shows he has a white head so I hope the actual figure has that. Getaway I wish was a bit more than a recolour of Chromedome, but I think I'll get him. Doublecross and Trigerhappy look great. I'm very optimistic about Overlord after seeing Black Shadow, so overall a good showing from Transformers, just a shame about everything else I'm interested in, 3.75" figures for example.

I re-watched (for the first time in over 10 years) the return of Optimus Prime and the Rebirth G1 cartoon episodes, mostly because so many of the characters are getting new toys, but a little because of the MTMTE comic, so strange seeing them have so little character! I followed it up with the original More than meets the eye (the very first 3 episodes of G1). Optimus, Bumblebee and Spike were the only characters that were in both, but it was quite interesting to see how they changed. I rather enjoyed it, it's funny how close Megatron was to actually getting back to Cybertron after episode 3.

I also watched Avengers (the movie) for the first time in a couple of years. Watching it again having seen Civil War, there is quite a lot of preluding, particularly with how Iron Man and Cap get on, but also a number of fights between the other Avengers before they come together.

I have also now finally bought Supersize Thunderbird 3, I've never waited so long to buy a toy available in shops. I waited because I knew it would still available and there were other things I wanted that wouldn't hang around, that might be some personal growth right there! The toy is an example of big is beautiful. Somewhat bizarrely (to me), it also turns into an upside drill (which I assume it does in the new TAG TV show) adding some extra play value. It also has a smoke feature which is actually steam, if I ever happen to have some distilled water to hand I might try it out. Anyway, according to Nigel Sadler's great little chart, it scales very nicely with my existing toys. (Granted the scale chart is the original vehicles, but I'm assuming the scale has to be reasonably similar for the new versions.) One day I'll make a paper mache Tracy Island for them! I still have the Blue Peter instructions somewhere......

The Titans have returned

Well Titans Return is off to a storming start, we seem to be on the cusp of Wave 2 already. I thought they would stick round for a while, but upon finding W2 Titanmasters, thought I'd better pick up Galvatron before he disappears. Thankfully I've managed to grab Hardhead, Skullcruncher and Rewind as well. Really looking forward to the W2 deluxes, getting the original 7 headmasters will be quite a milestone.  Sadly missed out on W1 Titanmasters so I hope they pop up somewhere at some point. I've just opened Hardhead and Skullcruncher so far, very impressed, nicely detailed - a great update to the originals.

Combiner Wars hasn't been forgotten yet though - I've just ordered Computron so along with the TR deluxes, my most wanted list has taken quite the battering.

I also haven't forgotten about Marvel, I've been eyeing up the TRU 3.75" Civil War 2-packs, no sign of them in the UK, but I was keen on Iron Man in his NOW! armour (black and gold looks sweet!), after reading a review though I found out that a more accurate version was released (sadly with 5 POA), in the Avengers Assemble line. What's good though is I found it for £6 on eBay rather than paying through the nose for the TRU set. It needs a bit of paint to make it really shine, but as I want it for my armoury, the articulation isn't too much of a worry. Hope the sets do turn up in the UK though as I also want the Black Panther, however, I'm willing to wait as even if they don't turn up, I can see it being re-released when the BP film comes out.

I picked up Quasar at FP and bought Living Laser online (seems like we're not getting that wave in regular UK retail), both will go into storage for the time being.

Wilykit and Wilykat are great, even if we don't get a full set of T'cats, they look great together (thankfully they didn't just release one of them!). Fantastic sculpts straight from the cartoon.

I started the year on a Star Wars kick (which I don't regret at all, K'kruhk in particular looks great next to my desk), after that I went a bit Batman and started tracking down figures for making custom of his villains, I then started planning a few Marvel customs that I'd been giving a bit of though to. There's something about my brain which is always thinking about the next thing. Anyway, I've decided that if I'm not displaying figures, then there's no point in having them which caused me to start thinking about Mortal Kombat. The figures aren't great, but after a few touch ups with paint hopefully they will be passable, but one reason I don't display them is because key characters are missing - I've got Shao Kahn's throne (which also has chains for 2 characters), Sonja and Kano are the obvious candidates for the chains ala MKII), but they don't exist. So I've worked out how I'm going to customise them! All in all its been a bit of a crazy month so need to try and calm it down for the rest of the year.

I think I've run out of characters I could possibly customise (I even gave some thought to Professor Monkey for a head!), but I am very well stocked up now. Actually, I read a few articles about collecting versus hoarding, collecting is when you display your collection and know where each thing is, which is me so I gave myself a pat on the back for being a collector not a hoarder (which psychologically sounds more worrying), then I realised that all of the figures I'm buying for customs are being hoarded - I don't know where they are, I've forgotten about some of them and they aren't nicely displayed or organised. So yep, I'm a collector and a hoarder! Well, until I get round to actually making the customs.

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Prototype pictures of Broadside have surfaced! Great to get confirmation, actually it means my list of wants (but not released) is down to 10 (need Dinobots, Terrorcons and Scorponok), which is a nice round number to be down to. He looks quite chunky, I can't quite see it as Broadside yet though, think he needs a white head to really hit it.

I have just received Hasbro Computron, I opted for Hasbro as I prefer the toy look rather than the anime. Scattershot is noticeably better than the stand alone version with better colours (not just red), with the same nice vehicle remolding from Silverbolt. I really liked the original use of the mold, so perfectly happy to have it again. The new robot mode head is nicely done so job done. Shame we couldn't have got a new gun for him as Silverbolt's is so distinctive.

Lightspeed and Nosecone do seem like repaints of other characters, but as they're gonna be legs I'm not too worried. Afterburner is a nice reuse of deluxe Groove, just not sure what's going on the green plastic for the windshield. Strafe was one of the reasons I opted for the Hasbro version - I wanted a toy accurate version to go with my Lost Light crew. He's perfect apart from his guns not being removable (I would rather they missed out Scrounge).

So overall, a nice set, just about distinctive enough from Superion to be Computron, lacking a few little things that would have finished Combiner Wars on a really high note. There have been a few rumours that we might get an Abominus (based on comments at Cybertron Con), I really hope this is true, but also that he also has the better hands and feet as although they are both scramble city style, they are both later toys so it would it reflect them being the next generation of combiner.

Had a great day shopping today, bought Chromedome (no Highbrow on the shelf, will pick up Weirdwolf and Mindwipe later) and found Titanmasters Horri-bull, Squeezeplay and Siren! Was all set to buy them online so delighted to be able to save the money.

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It occurs to me that I'm enthusiastically counting down my list of wants, but really they're my must haves, I still have plenty of wouldn't minds - it would be nice to have all the Targetmasters, Monsterbots, Powermasters, Headmaster Jnrs and Pretenders as Classics. Maybe Piranacon as well? Yeah, that takes me up to about 50 odd toys so Hasbro can keep on milking this cash cow for a little while yet!

More confirmation of Overlord which is great news - leader class apparently. Plus Black Shadow which hopefully means a decent sized Thunderwing. That would just leave Shockwave and Dinobot as the two remaining undersized toys (Galvatron was previously on the list). Exciting!

I found Highbrow today! Great to have all four Autobot headmasters (don't think I mentioned Brainstorm), they're a great set and having them is one of my milestones. Highbrow is particularly significant as the last character I wanted for my Classics collection that I've never owned a toy of (Broadside will be the last character I get a toy of that I don't currently already own, but I did briefly have the Fansproject figure). I also found a Gamora which I had decided to pass on and make a custom instead, but I saw her on the shelf so got her as a stand in until I get round to the custom.

The rumour mill for Titans Return is going crazy. Every few days there seems to be more. Well, I for one for one am very excited, Throttlebots, Targetmasters, Overlord, plus even more as Titanmasters. I don't think my spending will be reducing just yet! I'm quite happy to have say Repugnus and Grotusque as Titanmasters as I have the G1 versions, but having Doublecross as a deluxe is cool as he's the best Monsterbot! Perhaps they could have an agreement where they take turns getting the body... I wonder if there might be a few Titanmaster only characters where Takara does a repaint of an existing deluxe to give them a body.

The wave 3 of deluxes is going to be great - my favourite Monsterbot, Targetmaster and Powermaster!

Abominus is also one of those rumoured, I think he is one of the few I'd have to get the Takara version as anime accurate would be so much better (call of the Primatives!). There are potentially quite a few leader figures coming that are exciting - Super Ginrai, Overlord, Sixshot, Deszaras, Thunderwing (from the rumoured Black Shadow) and Star Saber (surely, if they're doing Deszaras). If they did Abominus then someone like Piranacon could reuse the molds. Beyond that there are several Targetmasters, Powermasters and Pretenders which would be cool to have as deluxes, but in each case they're doing or have done my favourite characters so I'm happy to sit back and just see what happens.

I read an article by Maz recently and he was talking about collector burnout, one contributor said that when they buy a load of transformers, rather than opening them all at once, they open one and save the rest. I realise that I do something very similar - I rarely open things as soon as I get them, but if I do it tends just to be one figure at a time. It's all part of the appreciation process, I also have a little tradition of having a hot drink whilst opening which is something I started doing so it takes a bit longer to open the thing up. I think appreciating each item is very important, but I do remember very fondly getting an absolutely huge set of parcels from BBTS and opening them all up in one session. I got most of the Transformers Universe 2.0 lineup in those boxes!

Anyway, as I put Highbrow onto my Lost Light shelf, I realised that although I think the MTMTE comics are great, one good reason to have a Lost Light shelf is that it gives a reason to put certain characters together in a more interesting way than the G1 year they were released. It's get pretty packed on there though, as it stands I just need to squeeze Getaway in there, but could be a few more soon.

When I bought the Supersize Thunderbird 2, I can't remember if I ever really entertained the idea to buy six so as to have all of the pods. I think I thought about buying an extra so I could put the mole in one. Maybe another one on top of that for the firefly. So when I found out a 'pod builder' set was coming I was delighted to be able to pick up the mole vehicle.

I was however, even more delighted to find out Takara was putting out a similar set with an extra pod. I'd have to get one, no wait, I'd have to get two, no wait I'd have to get three! Suddenly the idea of six pods was feasible. In the event I've bought two Takara sets as the shipping per set from HLJ was lower for two than three. I figure I'd build two elevator cars and have the one mole and firefly.

I was a bit worried that the Takara sets were gloss not matte, this is one of the reasons I like the new toys as they look more like models than toys. In person (and in low lights), this is not that obvious so it's fine. I had thought I might get a third because it would be neat to have three elevator cars, but because of the change in the pound/yen exchange rate though, it's pretty expensive and in fact, cheaper to buy another TB2 set to get another pod. I've changed my mind on the elevator cars because although two fit in one pod, the design means they can't actually get out. I have therefore opted to make the fourth vehicle the VTOL flying thing (which can't actually get out of the pod either, but hey ho). Also, one vehicle per pod makes sense so as to have one less empty pod.

The set is great fun and feels a lot less wasteful than buying a TB2 to get an extra pod (although more expensive). I am toying with the idea of painting the treads on the mole and firefly to add a bit more interest (and so they look a bit more like the originals), and I wish TB4 was the same shade of yellow/orange as it looks a bit pale in comparison, but overall I'm very happy to have these updated vehicles in my collection. One thing extra to mention - the set comes with stickers to make the pod either 1, 2 or 3. Perfect for those who want to pod build!

TRYPTICON!!!

I had a chat with someone about minimalism recently, as a way to live. I occasionally watch TV shows where someone's building or redecorating a house in a minimalist way. Some part of it really appeals to me, basically having no clutter, or if you do, having it hidden away. It seems like quite a nice way to live. But it's essentially the polar opposite of the collecting mentality I obviously have. If you had a huge house then I think it would be great to display things in a way that takes advantage of that space. Transformers Masterpiece for instance, wouldn't it be great for each figure to have its own shelf? My problem is that I have almost no space and I want look at my toys. I could rotate my display, but frankly, I'm too lazy.

I read a few websites where they guide you through the process of reducing 'clutter'. Some of them warn against the perils of collecting and I came across the following. Paraphrasing, 'collectors have the need to make their collections as compete as possible'. On some of the podcasts I listen to people sagely warn against the dangers of collecting to 'complete' a collection. A figure should stand on its own merits rather than being there to complete a set. Initially I thought that it described me perfectly. But then I thought further, in not one of the lines I collect do I have absolutely every figure.

Now, I admit, part of this is me justifying to myself. But it's true, Transformers Masterpiece for instance, I only have season 1 figures (minus the seekers but plus Grimlock and Tracks). I do have the mentality to complete sets, but I define what those sets are. Power Rangers I have Dragonzord, Tigerzord and (now) Megazord. To me that's a set of the initial red, blue, yellow, black, pink, green and white zords. I'm sure to most fans that replacing Tigerzord with Titanus would make more sense to complete a set. But there's also the Thunder and Ninja Megazords which I'm just ignoring.

I have many Transformers boxed up in the loft. I think it is the only franchise where I could put figures away in storage like that. If I'd put my new Megazord up there then it would have been utterly pointless to buy in the first place. I have a dream to one day have everything on display, if I admit to myself that it's never going to happen, is there any point keeping those figures? I think if nothing else it's good to ask those questions of myself every now and again. It's also good to make sure that you genuinely want everything you have and not just box them up and hide them away indefinitely. So, I'm some distance away from the minimalist ideal, but I can dream!

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I finally got round to opening my Supersize Thunderbird 2, I really like it! I like the update, it looks less whale like than the original. To top it off I've just found out that Takara have done a pod set where you can build the various non-TB4 pod vehicles (Vivid have released something similar, but without the actual pod). Might need me a couple of them for some TB2 hanger style display. Sweet! Really looking forward to TB3 this year now.

I thought I was done with Power Rangers, apparently not - I just bought the Legacy version! My mind went down a dangerous path now that I've got the Mega Bloks Turtle Wagon, Icon Heroes Thundertank and Lego Ecto-1. I've got all the classic vehicles from my favourite franchises. Oh, apart from the original Megazord...... I have gone completely full circle, I bought the Megazord, Dragonzord and Tigerzord, sold them all and then bought them all again! I haven't bought Titanus again yet though.....

I realise in retrospect that keeping the zords separately rather than as the Megazord was the reason why I never really appreciated it all that much originally, having said that, having the Legacy version is great, so I don't regret selling the old version, (which given I have the Legacy Dragonzord and Tigerzord this version completes a set).

I'm very happy with the Turtle Wagon, it's a nice little build. The bricks are a slightly strange colour as they have a bit of a sheen to them rather than being a flat colour, but having April, Shredder and Michelangelo is great. I have Michelangelo hanging from the Ghostbusters sign on my firehouse.

Very happy with my Bossfight skeletons, I'm eyeing up some of the blanks they offer for customs but haven't really come up with any ideas yet.

I've been remarkably lucky with the SDCC exclusives - Wilykit and Wilykat were sold on the Mattycollector website directly rather than the convention and was overjoyed to get a set. I ordered the 3.75" Marvel set on eBay and they have just turned up (just as SDCC is actually going on). Lockjaw looks ace with the other Inhumans, I will display him with my pet Avengers though. I picked up an Armoured Spiderman midweek so my Spiderverse collection is coming on nicely (need to do some customs now).

So nothing too mind blowing from SDCC for me - 3.75" Invincible Iron Man, a Fangry Titanmaster and legends Gnaw for Transformers. Sixshot was confirmed via some cross promotion on the packaging. Oh and the really crappy news that Mattycollector are closing down so we won't (seemingly) get to complete our Thundercats line. It really is the cursed franchise! Assuming the subscription figures happen then Tygra and Cheetara will be huge gaps for me. Nothing on the Turtles Mega Bloks, apparently they were there but I can't find out a thing.

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I have G1 Fortress Maximus, I have Generations Metroplex and I have Perfect Effect Warden. I don't need Titans Return Fort Max. I will keep on repeating this to myself until I believe it. For the moment, I am passing on it. I have popped in a preorder for Takara God Ginrai though, apart from the feet which look iffy, he looks great. Can't wait to see God Bomber.

CybertronCon on the other hand... Kickback, Sixshot and TRYPTICON!!! I have G1 Trypticon, I also need Titan Return Trypticon, no questions asked. Swoop Titanmaster looks interesting, but great to get confirmation on Kickback. I will need multiples of Gnaw and Kickback!

I picked up some of the new 3.75" Marvel Legends figures from a comic book shop - Rage, Morbius and Hydro-Man. Even though I prefer Hydro-Man in his classic black t-shirt and blue/green trousers he does look quite cool with the spiral of water instead of legs. Still on the look out for Gamora, Living Laser and Quasar.

So back onto the subject of Thunderbirds, I would like a complete set of Thunderbirds, including TB5. Obviously none of the retail TB5s that have been available over the years would be in scale to (supersize) TB3, so I started thinking about a custom (particularly as that particular vehicle is the one that has changed most in the new Thunderbirds are Go! iteration). This caused me to do some research into the size of the respective vehicles. I've always gone by the size of the old Matchbox toys that TB1 and TB3 are about the same size (completely ignoring the fact that one is space capable, and so would need to be huge for the fuel requirements), but TB3 is so much bigger!

As an aside as a kid I always thought TB1 was by far the most boring, you saw it virtually every week, as you did TB2, but TB2 had the interest of its pods and associated vehicles. I always thought the water and space episodes were far more interesting. But in the name of completeness, hoped we get a supersize TB1 in the future, or failing that, I could pick up an older version.

Back to my scale discovery, the regular (non-supersize) TB1 is approximately in scale to the supersize vehicles! Now, I collect transformers so know better than to get fixated on scale, it's more about particular characters/vehicles being the right size relative to the rest rather than a fixed scale (ignoring the mini figures with the supersize versions which are very large relative to the vehicles). Getting the regular size version of my least favourite Thunderbird works for me! It also follows that TB4 should be a good bit smaller than TB1, so I also need the regular version of it as well but that's not a problem as both are still freely available.

Full set of Thunderbirds here I come! Funnily enough the money I would have spent on Thunderbirds by the end of the year could have bought me a TR Fortress Maximus, which considering until I saw Tracy Island in store Thunderbirds wasn't even on my radar is quite a surprise. I think I have now exhausted everything I liked as a kid though. There are a few minor things like MOTU and Stingray, but they never made the impact of other toy lines.

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Well! I reckon the regular TB1 and TB4 go rather nicely with the supersize TB2. It somehow makes TB2 look more majestic. Surprisingly though, the supersize TB4 also goes rather nicely with the regular TB2! It's a choice of vehicles that scale together or vehicles that are more or less the same size. Both are nice display options, but both of which seem to work better than the set of regular vehicles which is a middle option. If you've got a TB2 I recommend swapping the TB4 with someone who has the other version! Just needs TB3 and some extra TB2 pods now.......

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Subconsciously at first, but deliberately now, I have regular versions of most of my collections and then mini versions as well. The mini versions mean it's cheap and space efficient to get more characters, whilst also allowing vehicles and play sets. The regular versions are then my favourite or the main characters. I have Mega Bloks Turtles, Turtle Wagon, Shredder and Krang whilst only having the Turtles as NECA figures. Power Rangers I have Mega Bloks rangers then Legacy Megazord, Tigerzord and Dragonzord and Figuarts Green and White rangers. With my new set up I have a desk and I've tended to put the mini figures nearby and I've realised that I tend to play with them a bit more. Previously my Thundercats Mini Mates didn't really have a home, but now they fit right in on my desk.

These mini figures are mostly Lego, Mega Bloks or Mini Mates, but extending the idea to Transformers, I have WST! These are official, unofficial, customs, resin kits and Kabaya. I display them with my G1 Metroplex, Countdown, etc. Again, I've never really known where to put them. These should be on my desk also! So the aim this weekend is to shuffle everything round to make room. Actually, from this perspective, I think WST are to G1 what Classics are to Masterpiece. No room for Classics on my desk though!

SDCC Exclusives

I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm really excited about Turtles Mega Bloks. I can't wait to get the Turtle Wagon, I've just put my order in on Amazon! There's a review on twolostboys.com and I can't help but keep looking at the pictures. This set will have Michelangelo, so will just need a Donatello. And Splinter. Apparently the individual pack turtles are a lighter shade of green, so there is speculation Donatello will come in another set (apparently not the Technodrome as that has Leonardo again). I think more Turtles Mega Bloks news is the main thing I'm looking forward to from SDCC!

The Combaticons have finally hit the UK! It's bittersweet really as I spent much more than I needed to on Swindle, Brawl and Vortex. I at least have a complete Bruticus now, still hoping we get the Takara Blast Off, but am covered if we don't. As a little milestone, I now have versions of all the characters from seasons 1 and 2 of the cartoon in some form (all Classics apart from the dinobots!).

I've put an order in for some Bossfight studios skeletons, I've seen some very positive reviews for all of the figures so really excited. It would be great to get some of the other characters, but don't feel like I can justify it when there's so much other stuff coming out at the same time. If ML 3.75" W2 and Titans Return hit at the same time it's gonna be a struggle.

Still waiting to see what Takara do with Fortress Maximus, I think he'll look cool with a sword. It's funny, but the main reason I want to get the figure is for Cerebros - he looks really good. I'm having a few doubts about getting the figure, if Scorponok was announced as a Leader class figure I think I would be very tempted to skip it. Also interested to see what they do with God Ginrai, from what I've seen so far he'd look pretty sweet with some extra decos. If Scorponok is a Titan I wonder how they'll do Zarak - deluxe headmaster with its own headmaster like Cerebros?

The SDCC Marvel exclusive has been revealed (well, leaked) on eBay, a cosmic set with the Collector, Cosmo, Howard the duck, Moonboy and Lockjaw. I definitely want Lockjaw, but not sure whether it's quite worth the likely high cost. I might still give the custom I've got planned a go. I will try and get the Collector and Moonboy, but again I don't think I'm prepared to pay the big bucks.

In other SDCC news, Mattel are doing a Wilykit and Wilykat set. Damn damn damn! Really don't know where I'm going to get the money from!? But potentially by the end of the year I will have 4 Thundercats which is pretty cool. The Brainstorm from Hasbro also looks good but will wait to see if rumours of a regular retail release pan out. SDCC exclusives really mess up my spending plans!

I’ve also bought some Captain Marvels from eBay, I will use them as Kree soldiers to go up against my Skrulls, will probably paint their chins to be blue though. Need a Ronan to lead them!

Civil Wars

I've got the Ghostbusters Lego Firehouse!!! I've made a solid start on building it. I'm just so impressed with the detail, it's so simple but elegantly done. The lockers downstairs, the vent on one of the windows, even the archway above the door is beautiful. Funnily enough though one of the things I'm looking forward to is posing my Lego/Mega Bloks minifigs on it - the New York based characters will look especially good (Spider-Man/Turtles for instance).

I've recently started working from home on occasion, this has had the advantage of me spending time in my office with my collection, this has had the further effect of me staring at my display and rearranging figures as well as keeping it a bit tidier, I was a bit prone to leaving new stuff in a pile on the desk. It's a great little room, I rearranged the desk a little to make room for the Lego Firehouse, I've now put my Star Wars and Turtles minifigs on the in progress build. The Turtles look pretty sweet! I also finally got the Thundertank out of its box, pretty heavy. Looks great, I really like the sculpting on the front.

Getting the Firehouse completes all of the Ghostbusters stuff I want. Makes me think though that I'd really like some other bases like the Turtles' sewer base, the Thundercats' Lair and Tracy Island. There are a few options with the Turtles from the Mega Bloks non-collector stuff, nothing's really grabbing me. Actually, I wonder whether they still have the Power Rangers license, would be really cool to see some MMPR Zord sets. [Update: I'm pretty sure they don't!]

More leaks from Titans Return; I enjoy hearing about the leaks and then having them confirmed at conventions with photos. It's a bit like when they say they have a figure planned, you know there's a little bit of a chance it might not happen. With photos it just kinda takes away the magic - future conventions are going to be a bit rubbish. That said, Doublecross and Triggerhappy look fantastic, not sure about Getaway yet, I think the Hot Rod figure also leaked might be a better fit than Chromedome. Also very happy to hear Chase is being planned - I'm surprising myself how excited I am about potential Throttlebots!

As a collector I'm obliged to make lists of figures I want, naturally the list is never entirely finished as new things constantly get added. I thought for Transformers, I would put together a couple more lists. First is characters I don't have a toy of, including G1. The list is as follows: Chromedome, Hardhead, Highbrow, Blast Off, Broadside, Scattershot, Afterburner, Lightspeed, Strafe and Nosecone. Yep, half of them are Technobots. Nine of them have toys coming out so very good chance of completion. The Technobots and Highbrow have the added distinction that I've never owned a toy of them (including third party).

I'm actually really excited about Computron, I realise that I have or have owned most Decepticons from '84-'88, mostly from collecting animal based Transformers, but I also bought the Targetmasters and Powermasters. I think Scourge and Cyclonus were the main exceptions. When I got back into collecting they just seemed to have the more interesting figures. This has had the result that the toys of the '86-'88 Autobots seem more exciting now because I'm not familiar with any version of them. The Throttlebots get an honourable mention, not sure whether Goldbug is a separate character from Bumblebee. Maybe.

The second list is toys I have the G1 figure of, but would also like a modern version of. So: Scorponok, Trypticon, God Ginrai/Powermaster Optimus Prime, Overlord, Skullcruncher, Weirdwolf, Mindwipe, Kickback, Slag, Sludge, Swoop and Snarl. I think the Terrorcons get honourable mentions, but mostly because Combiner Wars has been so great. At the start of Classics they would never have been anywhere near the top of the list. Six of those twelve should be coming out. Rumours of some of the others though!

So that's my transformers lists, 32 including the honourable mentions (not counting Goldbug yet). I really don't think there are any others I'm that bothered about, but if someone becomes important in IDW, or they release 2/3 of an established team or group (like the Insecticons for instance), then there will be replacements, I'm looking at you Triggerhappy, Doublecross and Getaway.

I just received an arm for Bruticus - Vortex, when I first saw him I immediately decided I'd get the Takara version as I was keen on all the colours going on. I then decided I liked the Takara version even less. In hand I don't mind the colours so much, it's actually accurate to the original G1 stickers. One thing that's not accurate though is the missiles, especially in bright yellow so I might just paint over them. I will wait until I complete Bruticus to decide though.

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I went to see Captain America: Civil War! It's amazing how far the comic book genre has evolved since the typical goodie gets powers, baddie gets powers, goodie and baddie have big fight days. What a great film! So many fantastic moments. It was never going to end well though so not the happy ending like so many other films. The Russo brothers described it as their Empire Strikes Back, I totally get that. It's also quite a relevant comparison for another reason.

I think I'm team Iron Man, although his motivation is ultimately emotional, it's starts off as the most reasoned. That and I've spent quite a bit of time putting together an armoury! The motivation of all of the characters is expertly set out. Phase 3 is looking to be absolutely stand out.

I've got a deluxe Groove for my Defensor! So lucky to be able to get one, I think Hasbro have made a right old mess of making it available before the alleged street date, but so glad I did. Great figure, also glad I'm going to get a remold of it as Afterburner. He will look right at home in my Lost Light newbies display with Hot Spot and Streetwise. Sorry Rook! Hope we get shuttle Blast Off for next year's May Mayhem as W6 has now turned up at retail suggesting that the UK is missing out on both Decepticon waves. Also, I wonder whether we might get some of the Titans Returns titanmasters as full figures for a May Mayhem type event rather than just the heads by remolding existing figures, like Nightbeat for instance could be a remold of Chromedome with a Loudmouth redeco. It's quite cunning by Hasbro, we would be grateful rather than grumpy about Nightbeat being another repaint.