Takara has released a "Collector's Edition" line
of Transformers with its' first release in April, 2001. They are released in sets
but packaged individually. Lambor & Red Alert is the second set to be
released in May, 2001. Thanks to BigBadToyStore.com for making them available for
ordering on-line.
I don't know how limited each figure is but on the inside
of each box has a number; 10500. This number could possibly identify the number of
figures produced which isn't very limited. The upper right-hand corner of the box
flap identifies this release as a "Collector's Edition". It is also
printed in the lower left-hand corner which states "COLLECTOR'S EDITION -
CYBERTRON".
Red Alert is a Red & White "Fire Chief"
Lamborghini Countach LP500S. It's original mold came from the Diaclone Car Robot
line back in the early 80's, prior to Hasbro's release in 1985. Other parts are
colored in White and Silver. The chrome rims with rubber tires are nice since we all
know that I really like rubber tires.
Takara decided to produce box art which is in English
(majority) vice Japanese. Here is an example of what is printed:
"IT IS A WORLD TRANSFORMED, WHERE THINGS ARE NOT WHAT
THEY SEEM. IT IS THE WORLD OF THE TRANSFORMERS...A WORLD OF HEROIC CYBERTRONS AND
EVIL DESTRONS!"
Red Alert's package contents
Red Alert's box is small measuring approximately
8.75"x2.5"x4.5") (not including the 2.75" flap). Red Alert's box
is numbered "05" and has a windowed opening minus the clear plastic. The
container is your standard plastic mold which holds Lambor into place. Here is a
list of contents:
1. Red Alert (vehicle mode)
2. Missile Launcher
3. Missiles (x3)
4. Beam Rifle
5. Sticker Sheet
6. Instruction Sheet
7. Character Card
There are a few pre-applied stickers on Red Alert which I'll identify next. We'll
start with the front of the car which has two stickers replicating headlights. There
is a Red sticker on the hood with "F.D. FIRE CHIEF" (Fire Department) with a
shield in between. Two stickers with "F.D." are placed on the air intakes
(both sides) on the top-rear of the car. And finally, there are stickers on each
door with "F.D. FIRE CHIEF" with a White backing and Red strip at the bottom.
I had to apply the following stickers;
- Autobot sticker on hood
- tail-lights
- shin & top of feet
- forearms
- pelvic region & waist
WEAPONS: There are two types of weapons for Red Alert; Beam Rifle
& Missile Launcher. The Missile Launcher is Black with a White push-down button
which releases the Red missiles (x3). This launcher attaches to either side of Red
Alert's shoulder. The Beam Rifle is Red and attaches to either fist.
Red Alert's weapons |
VEHICLE
MODE:
Red Alert (Lamborghini LP500S Countach)
Red Alert's rub-sign
ROBOT MODE:
Red Alert with Beam Rifle & Missile Launcher
ROBOT MODE: To transform
Red Alert into robot mode, begin with extending the front-end of the car which separates
just behind the doors. The front tires/axles need to be pulled out to create the
shoulders and arms. I found it easier to rotate the doors downward and gripping them
near the axles while pulling them outward. Now rotate the hood downward which
separates from the windshield and roof and now becomes his torso. Lift up the roof
so that you have room to rotate his head forward. Take the roof, which has two
joints, and rotate it up so that it fits snug just behind his head. Pull apart the
rear axles which leaves about a 1/4 inch gap between them creating the lower-half of his
legs. There are two Silver parts which need to be pulled downward and locked into
place creating his feet. The last step is to rotate his arms upward so that you can
attach his weapon to his fist. Quite easy transformation in my opinion.
Close-up of Red Alert's head
Red Alert & Lambor have one of the most detailed
heads that I've seen thus far. I don't have many Transformers so I don't know if
there are figures that have more detail. Each is wearing a Black helmet with painted
Silver faces. Their heads sort of remind me of Fortress Maximus.
Well, articulation is quite limited with only shoulder
and elbow movement, but that's what is expected since they were originally released in the
early 80's. Either way, I prefer to have Red Alert & Lambor displayed in
vehicle mode. They're appearance is very nice and I'm glad I've added them to my
collection!
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