Some missing pieces finally filled.

 

And a more complete collection of Japanese giftsets:

 

And some of the more rare giftsets. One day I hope to obtain the VSX giftset. Was offered it once but passed at the time. Not a wise decision.

 

Did you pick those up from Artfire2000.com?

 

Yes, those 2 item(s) came from Artfire. I have bought several pieces from him over the years. A little on the pricey side, but a great guy and he knows his stuff. I never have to worry about knockoffs or being ripped off. I highly recommend him.

 

^The main reason I asked is that I recognized that Menasor giftset. When I saw it listed in his latest newsletter/site update, I was kind of hoping it was the US version.

I was lucky enough to meet Chuck once at one of our local New England TF meetups in Boston.

 

Literally my reaction upon seeing your photo:
 

 

That's incredible!

 

Ultramagnus(es)

 

I have few collecting regrets, but skipping on Shining Magnus is one of them. That and the regular colour Galvatron are the only reissues of that era I skipped on.

 

Today is a very, very special day. Cannot wait to get this thing in hand. I only have three autobot cars left until I have them in all in box! Well, the 84 and 85 crew anyway. That'll mark the end of the largest collecting goal I've had. It's exciting, but the prospect of it being "over" is also a depressing one.

 

My childhood G1 Commemorative Series Starscream. Still have the box too!

 

I’m curious and hope this is a good place to ask.

I’m thinking about going after a G1 Jazz, but for Diaclone-era figures, I tend to prefer reissues, as it’s often easier to find ones in good condition for cheaper, but I know there are issues with the TF Collection and Commemorative series versions, but what about the Encore? How’s the fit and finish on it? And barring that, what about the Chinese KOs/“unofficial reissues” floating around eBay? If there are good ones, are there any telltale signs of which ones to look for?

 

You came to the right thread, for sure. After doing similar research a couple years ago I opted for a used Encore Jazz. What appealed to me was all of the tampoed graphics (esp around the wheels where that label gets crumpled often). Bonus is the blue visor and face sculpt with a corrected straight mouth.

In hindsight my only regret is not getting one that wasn’t stickered up already (mine had some crooked ones I removed that pulled some chrome off I had to correct).

Overall, I think he’s an outstanding representative of my childhood original.

 

The encore figures in general are cool if you want a little more cartoon accuracy with the symbols and blue eyes. I think they did that on most of the autobot cars right? Maybe just a few?