Skids (96) was released in
Japan in September, 2002 and sold for ¥3,000. It is the
third re-issue figure
(#3) 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 Grey trim and measures
8.75"Hx6.75"Wx2.375"D. The
"Transformers" lettering is embossed on the front
along with the anime Skids 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 "Skids" printed on the
front/bottom.
The backdrop is Green
with Skids name above the toy and Collection 3 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.
The following items were
included with this release:
1.
Skids (Vehicle Mode)
2. Rocket Pod
3. Rockets (x3)
4. Twin Electron Blaster
5. Liquid Nitrogen Rifle
6. Character Card
7. Sticker Sheet
8. Booklet
The following information is contained in the
booklet:
- Skids Data
File
- 27 Sludge Data File
- Transformers
Season-1 Ep.Guide (19-27)
- Fold-out
Dreamwave Poster
- Fold-out
Catalog of Season-1 Autobots
(25-30, 38, 39, 44-47)
Skids Weapons
WEAPONS:
Skids weapons are identified
as Rocket Pod, Liquid Nitrogen Rifle, Twin Electron
Blaster and Rockets. The Rocket Pod (Red, Blue, and Chrome
parts) attaches to the top of Skids arm (left or right). The Twin
Electron Blaster can connect to the top of either arm and the Liquid
Nitrogen Rifle can
connect to the left or right outer arm.
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VEHICLE MODE:
Skids is a City
Turbo vehicle with a Dark Blue color scheme and comprised of both
plastic and die-cast metal. The tires are made of rubber and
attached to the chrome-painted wheel hubs. The
bumpers are painted Black with a Red pinstripe
painted all around the car. Skids rolls freely and smoothly on any
surface. There are a few stickers pre-applied at the factory
which is identified in all of my photos on this page. A
Red & White "Z" striped sticker is placed on the
doors/rear panel, Black & White grille sticker on
front, and tail light stickers which have already began to separate due
to the curvature of the tail lights. Also, two Blue stickers have
been applied on the roof to cover the Black knee joint part in Robot
Mode. Chrome paint is also added for
headlights and all windows are painted Black. Skids rub-sign in located on
roof (passenger side) and
measures 3.5"Lx2"Wx1.5"H in vehicle mode.
VEHICLE MODE
ROBOT MODE: To transform
Skids into robot mode,
hold the front end of the vehicle where it separates just before the
rear wheels, then lift upward 90°. The Red pelvic part should lock
onto the front bumper. Fold down the rear wheels approximately 90°
to create his feet. Fold the rear wheels upward underneath his
feet then separate the legs slightly by pulling them outward. Now
pull both doors outward (separating peg from peg hole on arms)
approximately 90° then fold down the roof on his back. You may
have to push him arms downward slightly to do so. Rotate his arms
downward 90° to place them by his sides. His head is hidden under
the hood which needs to be opened upward then rotate his head upward
approximately 270° so that it rests on the hood, then replace the hood
to its original location. The last
thing to do is attach his weapons to either arm. Either arm can
rotate upward at the shoulders so that the Liquid Nitrogen Blaster
doesn't appear to rest on the outer arms as shown in my photo below.
The
rockets can be inserted into the Rocket Pod and to release the
projectile, press on the Blue lever. Skids stands at 4.75"Hx3.75"Wx2"D.
ROBOT MODE
Skids
has a Blue helmet with Silver paint applied to the top and on his face
with Yellow paint used for his eyes. The details and paint
applications are good.
The only
problem that I noticed is the way he leans forward in Robot Mode.
It appears that the rear wheels that fold underneath his feet are not
completely seated. This raises his heels hence the forward lean.
I also think his forearms are extremely long. His fists extend
beyond his knees...what's up with that!?! Skids a neat little car
and is a decent robot overall.
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