48 Astrotrain [Collection #11]

ASTROTRAIN (48)
TF Collection #11

Astrotrain (48) was released in Japan in December, 2003 and sold for Ľ3,000. It is the twelfth re-issue figure (#11) released in this new stylized packaging. The box is made of corrugated cardboard with a front flap that is secured by two strips of velcro. Since 2004 is the 20th Anniversary of Transformers, Takara added a new logo to the box cover which is located on the upper left-hand side. This logo states "Transformers 20th Anniversary - Since 1984". I purchased this figure in February 2004 from www.jrstoyworld.com.

The box is mostly White with Hunter Green trim and measures 8.75"H x 6.75"W x 2.375"D. The "Transformers" lettering is embossed on the front along with the anime Astrotrain created by Dreamwave Productions. The writing on the ends of the box (front & sides) allow it to be displayed on a shelf in different ways, horizontally & vertically. The top & bottom is mostly printed in English and each side panel can be displayed vertically or horizontally. The horizontal panel is mostly in English whereas the vertical is mostly in Japanese characters.

Opening the flap reveals several things--a nice layout with parts secured in a molded plastic container and data cards attached to the backside of the front flap. The cellophane cover is framed nicely with a Decepticon symbol on the front/top and "Astrotrain" printed on the front/bottom.

The backdrop is Purple with Astrotrain's name above the Collection 11 and at the very bottom of the backdrop is "Transformers". His weapon is not labeled but is identified as an Ion Rifle.

The card catalog is almost entirely in Japanese with most of the page titles in English. The index page is glued to the front cover of the box and outlines the contents of the card catalog. This catalog can be removed from the box due to the perforated edge and can be stored in a 6-ring binder provided with the Convoy Collection #0 release.

The following items were included with this release:

1. Astrotrain (Shuttle Mode)
2. Ion Rifle
3. Character Card
4. Sticker Sheet
5. Booklet
6. Instruction Sheet

The following information is contained in the booklet:

- Transformers Anime Series info
- Fold-out Dreamwave Poster
- Fold-out Catalog of Destrons
(D-56, D-57, D-70 thru D-78 & Good Bye Set
[Megatron & Starscream])
- Powerglide Data File
- Jaguar Data File
- Astrotrain Data File

WEAPON: Astrotrain's weapon is an Ion Rifle shown below. His launcher connects to either fist in Robot Mode and is measures 3 7/8" in length..

Ion Rifle

As with all of my other figures in this Collection series, all of the photos will not include any additional stickers other than what was pre-applied at the factory. Astrotrain is a Triple-Changer which can transform into a Shuttle, Train and Robot which is described below.

S H U T T L E Mode

Astrotrain is packaged in Shuttle Mode with two twist ties and clear rubber bands used to keep him secured in the plastic tray. His vertical stabilizer was not pushed all the way back but rather half-way between the front and rear points of its' rail. It appears that it just wasn't properly set prior to it's placement in the plastic tray.

Astrotrain is made up of both plastic and die-cast metal which adds some weight to this figure. His color scheme is Black & White which happens to be the true colors of the real Space Shuttle...go figure! There are two sets of wheels located underneath (front and rear) of the shuttle and with the weight of this figure from the die-cast parts allows for a smooth roll on a table top.

In Shuttle Mode, there are only two pre-applied Destron (Decepticon) stickers which is clearly visible on top of each wing shown below. His Destron rub-sign is located on the top/right-hand side and is shown above. Astrotrain measures 6"L x 3 3/4"W x 2 1/2"H and was originally released in 1985 within the Transformers Triple-Changer sub-line.

The boxy appearance of the forward fuselage is kind of odd, but the overall appearance of the shuttle is decent.

R O BO T Mode

SHUTTLE TO ROBOT MODE: To transform Astrotrain from Shuttle to Robot Mode, extend the front section of the shuttle which will automatically separate in two, creating his legs. Next, lift the White "shin guards" on each leg and rotate each half of the nosepiece 180° upward. Fold down the two parts to cover the now hidden nosepiece. To create his arms, use your fingernail to lift the lip of each arm part which can be found on the side of the fuselage above each wing, then rotate them into place. Separate the rear part of the shuttle (thrust ports) upward 90° then downward so that it rests on Astrotrain's back. This step reveals his head. Slide the vertical stabilizer down about halfway, then split it in two to create his chest piece. The last step is to put his Ion Rifle in either hand.

Astrotrain now stands at approximately 5" tall. Additional pre-applied stickers are visible on his torso part (Red & Blue stickers).

His robot head is nicely detailed but it's just White with some Red paint applied to his visor/eyes as shown below.

Astrotrain's has a decent robot mode with limited articulation. He has ball-in-socket shoulder joints which provide freedom to display his Ion Rifle in any position, but that's about all there is as far as articulation. I like his White color scheme with Black trim throughout. He probably wouldn't look as dull as he does in these photos if I had applied his stickers, but that isn't going to happen :S

S L (Steam Locomotive) T R A I N Mode

ROBOT TO TRAIN MODE: To transform Astrotrain into Train Mode, push back each arm into their original position within the fuselage. Fold both parts together that make up the vertical stabilizer, slide it downward on its' rail (towards the front of the shuttle), then tuck it into it's slot. Now push the legs together upward which should lock into place. Take the thrust port part and return it to it's original position over Astrotrain's head which should lock into place. Turn the shuttle over so that you're looking at all of the Black parts. Now fold down the main wings 90°, then the tips of the wings 90°. The last two panels towards the front of the vehicle need to be folded downward 180°, then the tips of these panels should be folded back 180° which completes the transformation into Train Mode.

Astrotrain is still 5" in length and approximately 1 3/4" tall. Another set of wheels is now visible towards the rear of the train which still provides a smooth roll on a table top.

The Steam Locomotive is nice in my opinion. I love the Black die-cast parts/color scheme but I think more White trim is needed. I also wish there was some place to store Astrotrain's Ion Rifle when in either Shuttle or Train Mode. Overall, Astrotrain is a nice piece to add to my collection which now replaces my highly damaged vintage Astrotrain :S