Review – Transformers Battlechargers (1986)
After last week’s reviews of the Takara 2015 Transformers Adventure* series Battlechargers (Runabout review, Runamuck review), I thought it would be fun to take a look at the 1986 original Transformers Battlechargers toys. Mine aren’t in the best of condition, but the two toys are clean enough — and still work! — so let’s snap some pics and take a peek.
Almost Identical
Unlike those two newer interpretations of the Battlechargers (Runabout review, Runamuck review), these two toys come from a time when toymakers sold enough units to justify a bit more variation in designs. If you look closely at the 1986 Runamuck and Runabout toys, you’ll soon spot that every detail is different. Unique heads and weapons. Different shapes of the hood and rear of the cars. Different roofs. The only identical parts I can uncover are beneath the toy; the transformation gimmick and motor are the same on both toys.
Auto-Transformation
The Battlechargers gimmick is a pull-back motor that, when the toy is released, leads to an auto-transformation process where the rear of the car springs up to reveal the robot mode. You still have to snap the weapon onto the arm after transformation is complete, but the gimmick is fun and a bit more reliable than that of the 1985 Jumpstarters.
Worth Chasing Down!
Unlike those newer Takara Battlechargers (Runabout review, Runamuck review), this 1986 versions are completely worth the cost to track down and add to your collection. Finding loose and complete Battlechargers will run you about $10 to $15/each, and it’s my opinion that the designs are worth the expense. After all, this is an original Transformers subgroup that can be yours for about $30 . . . how can you go wrong?
Learn More
If today’s review and last week’s reviews of the Takara 2015 Transformers Adventure* series Battlechargers (Runabout review, Runamuck review) doesn’t fulfill your need for info, there’s always that TFWiki’s Battlecharger section to entertain you. Just don’t blame me when you get lost down that rabbit hole and suddenly find yourself on eBay . . .
