Hello, I recently purchased a Thundercracker on eBay with no markings. I did some research and it may or may not be an Diaclone. Apparently Diaclone's still have a datestamp but this one has NONE at all. I read that there are 3 markings (or the lack there of) for Seeker Jets, 1) None 2) Takara 3)Takara/Hasbro . So this leaves me to wonder, is my Thundercracker still worth as much as one with a Takara stamp? Or would everyone think its a Diaclone. Even Re-issues have stamps.
I was a bit curious about this, and found this amongst the linked pages above: If your Thundercracker is the same color as a confirmed TF version, it's a Transformer release. If it has an obvious green hue to it and is more sparkly, then you have a Diaclone. Some people might find a non-stamped Transformers Thundercracker more appealing, but I doubt many will pay more.
i just read the 2 links provided above. it looks like i have a very early version Thundercracker. Definitely a v1 jet. It has the solid main wings, solid rear wings, all short and flat stubs, clear canopy, no washer under the head, "blue" decepticon sign, and flat missile launch tabs. the only thing that sets it apart from a Diaclone is that mine has a rubber cone. it still looks blue to me. i can't really tell the difference, i'd have to have another one to compare. i guess i should be happy that i have a very early edition Thundercracker. Thanks for all the assistance guys! i'm becoming an avid collector and i'm learning a lot from this board.
try taking a picture and posting it...might be helpful in others giving you advice if they can actually see what it looks like....
here are some pictures. the blue is actually deeper than the pictures reflect. i just couldn't get the lighting right with or without the flash. i'm actually starting to like this one more now that i'm finding how rare or limited issue this one was. it's pretty unique. it does have a rubber nose cone. so i can't be a diaclone, plus it has the "shorter" main wings, and they're solid as are the rear wings.
That's a great looking pre-rub Thundercracker. Excellent stickers! I too have always enjoyed the pre-rub seekers and their stronger ties to Diaclone, which started and/or aided in the creation of Transformers.
I recently got a mint skywarp that is similar. It has a stamp but sold wings and tail wings and no washer. Very early pre-rub. Congratz! Feel good. I did too.
Looking good. I think I read something by Maz that talked about the canopies being different on the very early pre-rub seekers as well. I cant remember the name of his site, TFSource used to have a link to it before they re-did their site last year.
The 'Thundercrackers around the world' link above is written by Maz. This is his site: Article f15acro
FYI a diaclone Thundercracker almost has a green tinge to it. Also the stickers on the wings are printed on a clear backing as opposed to white. You have a V1 Thundercracker with V2 wings. V1 wings look as though they were sanded down. As far as one being more valuable than the other, as long as it is pre-rub it commands more than one with a rub sign. But there is very little price fluctuation between the V1 and V2, as long as they are both pre-rub
