Review – Transformers Timelines Invasion Turbo Tracks

Transformers Reveal the Shield Turbo Tracks* is one of the nicer Transformers toy designs from the last few years. Fortunately, the Transformers Collectors’ Club decided to use the mold to bring us a red Turbo Tracks which gave us our Diaclone-colored modern tracks (see the original Diaclone toy here). And since it was such an awesome mold it was easy for Hasbro to make this toy perfect . . . and they almost did.

Vehicle Mode

As gorgeous as ever! Invasion Turbo Tracks may have the exact same shape as the Transformers Reveal the Shield Turbo Tracks*, but the coloring and classic-style flame details on the hood make it look amazing. And last night I rolled both cars across the floor; it’s always nice when a Transformers toy is built so tight that it actually works as a toy car.

Robot Mode

For another look at this mold in action see my Over-Run review at TFSource. But, basically, Turbo Tracks is one of the better new designs because it works well in both vehicle and robot modes. Lots of articulation, wonderful lines, and a pretty balanced design that stands well all comes together to remind me just how much fun this design is. I’d happily buy another version of this mold if Hasbro gives it a new head and a few other new details, but even if it was just a color change (like Invasion Turbo Tracks here) I’d still consider buying it.

I’m sure I’m not alone, though. I’ve talked to a few other Transformers collectors who find a mold they like and then work to track down every variant. (I’m guilty of that with Universe Cyclonus and have to now admit that this Transformers Reveal the Shield Turbo Tracks* has me hooked.)

Paint

So this is where the toy falls just short of perfection. There are a few rough spots on the arms, the eyes don’t work well at all (but that’s more because the blue plastic of the eyes is too dark), and a few other spots are a little rougher than I’d like to see from a convention exclusive. Realistically, though, the paint is no worse than what we see in standard releases at Wal-Mart and Target; I just expect a little more from an expensive exclusive.

Closing Thoughts

So should you buy this? Maybe. If you love the Transformers Reveal the Shield Turbo Tracks* and can’t get enough of the mold then track one of these down now before the price gets much higher . . . but ONLY grab one of these if you find a price you like. It’s cool and all that I have a red Turbo Tracks, but if I hadn’t gotten it as part of the convention set at the original price I suspect I would have skipped buying the toy at some of the after-market prices I’m seeing.

This toy looks great on the shelf with my other Autobots and I’m glad I grabbed one. I’m already looking at each release in the convention box set and thinking about which ones to keep and which ones to sell; Invasion Turbo Tracks is definitely on the “keep” list.

Philip Reed will work on reviewing various Botcon exclusives as he has time. He’s already snapped pics of another one of the toy’s in the box . . . but which one?