In my experience, I've only had luck finding anything other than movie molds in stores near me. Any other molds, I buy through ebay, which kinda sucks because I don't have visual reference (for size purposes) with online pics of these molds I buy. I end up with many that are too small or large, etc. Where you people finding non-movie molds, like cybertron series or alternators? I live in Cali and have checked about 4 TRUs.
I either buy them on eBay or take trades for commissions - and check items for sale forum. I haven't bought a TF in a store since 2005, except TRU Soundwave.
The sale/trade forum or ebay is your only bet. Cybertron and Alts have been discontinued for awhile now so finding them in a brick and mortor store is near impossible. I live in Cali too and haven't seen Alts in stores in over a year. Some of the older molds like those in Armada, Energon, and Cybertron has and will be randomly inserted in newer lines (like Cyberon Jetfire and Wingsaber in the Movie Allspark Power line) so you may find some there.
Most of Cybertron, almost all Classics and almost all Alternators are long gone from stores. Your best bet is to ask around in your local sightings thread and see if anyone knows of a smaller toy store/comic shop near you. Or you could ask for size comparisons and then buy online. Other than that, I'd have to say you're out of luck. Hope that helps.
I was seeing Alts in Fry's Electronics for a while, but at that time, TFs were very hot (movie season) since then they've taken them all out. I think our forums are my best bet, but when kitbashing, i really need specs, or I end up with a closet full of TFs too small or too big. Wish people knew how to measure better.
Like I said, ask for size comparisons. If my camera batteries are charged and I have the figures (or a recolor), I'm always more than happy to go take a size comparison shot.
I'm honestly not sure what any of them have in stock, but I've seen some of what you've mentioned at various locations over the last year. I'm pretty sure you're SOL on the Alternators though (unless someone is still selling the last of their stock). Check Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Kohls, Eckerds, Rite Aid, Walgreens, etc. I've seen other Transformers lines at places like that, but I'm not sure if they currently have them in stock. Your best bet is searching the selling forum here and possibly eBay (as you've done). Most here can give you a size comparison if need be, or at least help you figure out how large or small a figure is.
I don't know if they have them in Cali, but Dollar General and Family Dollar have some of Cybertron repackaged as Universe. Also, check Big Lots. They will have a few every now and then, but their selection is mostly knock offs.
