Dreadwing (Voyager Class, 2022) ID number: NG1-40 Accessories: 2 null-rays Released as part of the very last N.E.O. Voyager Class lineup, this version of Dreadwing is a redeco of Earthrise Starscream homaging the Transformers: Prime character of the same name. He transforms into an F-15 jet and features a pair of null-rays. His design and transformation scheme is heavily based on the 2006 Classics figure while adding points of articulation the earlier figure did not have such as pivoting ankles, a more expressive ball-jointed head, and hinges that allow the wings to fold backwards in robot mode. However, due to this, his torso is very hollow at the sides and his intended waist articulation was dropped due to the physical space required for transformation.
Skyquake (Voyager Class, 2022) ID number: NG1-37 Accessories: 2 null-rays Released as part of the seventh wave of N.E.O./Neo-G1, Skyquake, who is the only Voyager Class in his wave, is a redeco of Earthrise Starscream homaging the Transformers: Prime character of the same name. He transforms into an F-15 jet and features a pair of null-rays. His design and transformation scheme is heavily based on the 2006 Classics figure while adding points of articulation the earlier figure did not have such as pivoting ankles, a more expressive ball-jointed head, and hinges that allow the wings to fold backwards in robot mode. However, due to this, his torso is very hollow at the sides and his intended waist articulation was dropped due to the physical space required for transformation.
Meteorfire (Deluxe Class, 2022) ID number: NG1-35 Accessories: 2 Rifles A part of the seventh wave of N.E.O. (or Neo-G1), Meteorfire is an extensive redeco and minor retool of Titans Return Highbrow, who himself was an extensive retool of Scourge, homaging the Cyberverse character of the same name. In an undocumented feature, the panel on Meteorfire's chest that corresponds to the flip-open Tech-Spec panel can be opened on this toy. However, it does not appear to have any function for doing so except possibly serving as a landing skid in helicopter mode. He includes 2 blasters which can peg under his wings in vehicle mode, and can be combined to form a larger gun which his Headmaster can sit in. Instructions show that this combined gun is intended to plug into the side of Meteorfire's cockpit, giving a rather lopsided appearance and putting his Headmaster at some risk of being hit in the head by one of Meteorfire's rotors. A single landing wheel is molded into each blaster, along with a rectangular pillar on the opposite side: this pillar plugs neatly into the hexagonal 5mm port on the underside of each wing. As the guns are painted, care should be taken when doing so. This undocumented feature, combined with the fold-down wheel under his cockpit, gives Meteorfire a full set of landing gear. Finally, he also fixes a design flaw both Highbrow and Scourge had with their clamp pieces: the connection has been tightened and can no longer cause the head to flop around. Meteorfire's Headmaster's leg design flaw has also been fixed, as his legs no longer have the overly loose joints that can cause them to flop around rather than folding correctly when in head mode that Xort had.
Steeljaw (Deluxe Class, 2022) ID number: NG1-12 Accessories: Pistol, Roof/Shield N.E.O. Steeljaw is a retool of Earthrise Ironhide with a new head homaging the Robots in Disguise (2015) character of the same name, himself an extensive retool of his Siege counterpart. Transforming into an unlicensed approximation of a Nissan van, he comes with a roof piece that converts into a shield in robot mode. The shield can also become a giant four-barreled cannon. For a little extra firepower, Steeljaw also comes with a smaller pistol. Conveniently, this gun can be stored on the underside of the shield, tucking away neatly in van mode. Although the figure features molded windows in van mode, said windows lack any paint, tampographs, or decals for color, which causes inconsistencies when combined with the translucent plastic from the roof to complete them. Similar to his base Siege mold, the figure's robot mode feet stick out conspicuously from the van mode's backside.
This is certainly an interesting thread. The world-building for the NEO toyline is really well-done, it's even accurately annoying to collect! Want to see how this one develops. (As for criticisms, the Lugnut one is pretty weird, but change the head and include the SG Megatron wings and it'd make a good Clobber!) Also, would Gobots qualify for this toyline or do they specifically have to be FOLLOWING G1's end?
These are all a lot of fun. I'm not the kind of dude to demand you take requests, but expanding out the concept to the various videogame iterations of the franchise (Movieverse videogame Shockwave from DOTM Skyhammer?) or the IDW v1 comics would be cool.
Thank you! The N.E.O. (with 3 dots ) line was pretty much complete by yesterday. Lugnut was especially tricky to decide because I wanted to limit my scope to just WFC characters and the TR molds used for Retro Headmasters. Go-Bots would be part of their own thing, I think. Thank you! That sounds like quite an idea. Thank you to you too! Now I command you to stay
