10 Inferno [Collection #8]

INFERNO (10)
TF Collection #8

Inferno (10) was released in Japan in June, 2003 and sold for Ľ3,000. It is the ninth re-issue figure (#8) 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. The box is mostly White with Yellow-Orange trim and measures 8.75"Hx6.75"Wx2.75"D. The "Transformers" lettering is embossed on the front along with the anime Inferno 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 an Autobot symbol on the front/top and "Inferno" printed on the front/bottom.

The backdrop is Grey with Inferno's name above the toy and Collection 8 below it. At the very bottom of the backdrop is "Transformers". Each accessory/weapon has a label either above or below the part.

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. Inferno (Vehicle Mode)
2. Rifle Gun
3. Missiles (x3)
4. Punch fists (x2)
5. Wings (x2)
6. Character Card
7. Sticker Sheet
8. Booklet
9. Cybertron Sticker
10. Instruction Sheet

The following information is contained in the booklet:

- Transformers Story 8 - Hydro-generator?
- Fold-out Dreamwave Poster
- Fold-out Catalog of Season-1 Cybertrons
(C-57 thru C-70)
- Bumble Data File
- Alert Data File
- Inferno Data File

The back of the box identifies everything that is included with this release as well as photos of previous releases. There is an error that was covered up by a sticker showing Smokescreen (#5). I lifted the sticker slightly and noticed that it was covering a photo of Convoy. The information was correct, but the photo obviously wasn't.

WEAPONS: Inferno's weapons are identified as Rifle Gun, Missiles & Punch fists. Each arm is a launcher for the Punch fists or the Missiles. The Rifle Gun can attach to either fist and the Wings connect to the peg holes at his shoulders in Robot Mode.

Inferno's Weapons

One particular item that is included with this release is the Cybertron TF sticker which measures 6"Lx6"W. There are actually two stickers which is the Autobot symbol and "The Transformers".

VEHICLE MODE: Inferno is a Fire Truck with a Red color scheme and comprised of plastic parts and die-cast metal (rear-wheel base). The six tires are made of rubber and some parts are chrome-painted such as the front and rear bumpers, grille, hydraulic anchors, and ladder base. The ladder and hose attachments are White and the water cannon (connected to left-side of ladder base) is chrome. There are no pre-applied stickers but tampo stamping is noted on the front (Autobot symbol) and on the doors (Fire Department initials). The cab can rotate forward to reveal the "pilot" compartment (Diaclone figure) and Autobot rub-sign. Inferno has a retractable ladder made up of three parts that extend to 11.5" and rests on the truck's cab. The windows and the two lights on top of the cab are transparent. Inferno's overall measurements in vehicle mode are 5.25"Lx2"Wx2.25"H.

VEHICLE MODE

ROBOT MODE: To transform Inferno into robot mode, begin with separating the arms from their peg hole attachments on the base of the ladder. Raise the base and ladder part upward while rotating the rear wheel parts downward about 45°. Rotate the arms upward 90° at the shoulder joint which is closest to the cab. Now hold the cab and let the rear wheels and truck base fall downward, then lock them into place. This step creates his legs. Continue to rotate the rear wheels downward to create his feet. Rotate the arms outward where they connect within the cab. This step allows you to take the ladder base and fold it upward, bending the Black arm in the middle, then locking the head onto the top of the cab. Rotate the arms downward 180° at the shoulder joint and flip up the chrome parts. Now rotate the ladder 270° so that it rests on his back facing downward. The last step is to connect all of his accessories. The wings attach to the peg holes at his shoulders and the Punch fists or Missiles can attach to his wrists which act as launchers. The Black levers on the outer side of his arms activate the firing mechanism to release the fists or missiles. Inferno's Rifle Gun can attach to either fists using the peg holes for docking. Inferno stands at 6.25"Hx3.5"Wx2.5"D.

ROBOT MODE

Inferno has a Black helmet with Silver paint applied to his face and the top of his helmet. Yellow paint has also been applied to the front/top of his helmet and his eyes are Blue. The details in his helmet are outstanding! Articulation is very limited with this figure--his arms bend at the elbow and shoulders rotate up and out. The only issue I have is that the joint connection at head (ladder base connecting to rear of cab) is somewhat loose creating a gap at the neck area. Even with his limited articulation, I still think he's an excellent figure to add to your collection!