Incidentally, this is one of the figures, after searching Core Class, that was suggested. '86 Voyager. I'm guessing this should work, but is just larger than the Ratchet?

28545180 - Online Shop

 

That site looks sketchy. I would not order from them. If you're going to order online, go with BBTS or any of the stores that sponsor this site.

 

I actually just saw the figure on that site BBTS, as well the the Ratchet that was suggested.

Transformers Studio Series 86-17 Voyager Ironhide

Curious as to why in the world they would make one figure 6.5" (Voyager), yet make the Core Ratchet figure smaller. These two characters were typically the same just repainted.

 

Characters get made in numerous size classes now, especially the classic G1 characters. There will be a Voyager Ratchet and a Core Ironhide soon enough.

The Cyber Battalion Series that was mentioned sounds like it might fit your needs, but I don't know if any online retailers carry them. Here's an eBay auction for Sideswipe and Prowl:
Transformers Generations | Sideswipe & Prowl Cyber Battalion Series | Lot of 2 | eBay

They're decent sized, I think maybe only slightly bigger than G1 toys, and made for younger kids. Walgreens used to carry them.

 

I'll bid on it. I'll take my chances. Thank you.

On that BBTS site, I saw something I've never seen. A Rumble with piledrivers! Picked that one up (won't fit into the KO versions I bought for my son), but I don't care. Looks cool.
Picked that up with with the Ratchet that was suggested.

 

Here’s a Third Party Legends scale figure next to the G1 figure next to the SS86 Voyager. Note that a core class Ratchet will be roughly the same height as the Legends scale figure.

 

I appreciate this picture, and the suggestions about what to purchase. The picture definitely provides me some perspective for comparative purposes, and makes me feel better about the Ratchet purchase I made about an hour ago (on BBTS).

I am surprised at the size of the Voyager figure. Enormous compared to the G1. Core is what I'll have him stick to.

Definitely going to make it odd when that Rumble arrives (whenever that is). Hard to resist those piledrivers. Beyond me how the G1 Rumble wouldn't have had those piledrivers.

 

You are welcome! Core would absolutely be the best G1-ish figure option for your son at his current age. The larger figures would most likely just frustrate him at this stage.

The piledrivers were something added to Rumble's list of abilities by Hasbro in 1984 for the cartoon. They did not exist in the original Transformers toy, as you pointed out. The original G1 Rumble toy design was licensed by Hasbro from Takara's preexisting Micro Change branded toy line. Since the original Micro Change toy didn't have the piledrivers, the Transformers version didn't either. In fact, most of the Transformers toy designs from the first couple or few years of the Transformers toy line in the 80s were actually licensed from a number of Japanese toy companies (mostly Takara). Hasbro didn't design them...they just made a deal with the original manufacturers to get permission to sell them as Transformers!

 

I appreciate the information. Not surprising about Hasbro using a third party to sell their toys.

I also appreciate the suggestion from @RKillian about the 3P option. I found a JinBao Megatron which looks darn good. Probably too difficult for him to transform, but I'm sure he wouldn't even attempt to transform it as he likes the humanoid form of Megatron. Sadly, that seems to be sold out. I also liked the Magic Square Megatron but that's sold out as well  . @TF Hot Rod mentioned New Age, after I saw those prices I exited out haha.

 

They are cheaper overseas but still pricey.

 

MS-B36 Doomsday (Ver. 2022) - Magic Square Toys
【Pre-order】Magic Square MS-B36 Doomsday Megatron Original Exquisite Paint Ver.
Transformation MSTOYS MS-B36 Ragnar Galvatron Megotroun Doomsday
Magic Square MS-B36 Ragnar Doomsday

I haven't purchased directly from Magic Square but the other three have been reliable in the past. RTB's shipping has gotten steep though.

 

For what it’s worth, that little legends scale Ironhide in my picture above is New Age’s first version of Ironhide…haven’t gotten their second version in yet. They are surprisingly sturdy and complex for their size…just not meant for young hands…haha…Dad might like them, though!

 

I always think its sounds funny explaining stuff to a newbie, never realize how advanced it goes

 

You aren't kidding about the New Age stuff. I'm trying to look away on some these figures, but my wallet is vibrating like my phone because it is aching to be used.

Like Aladdin told Jasmine, it is a whole new world for me. Who knew that purchasing toys is more complicated than learning Atomic Theory.  

 

Lollol

 

This hobby is a massive rabbit hole that stretches back decades. It can be overwhelming for sure. I got back into it several years ago after an 11 year long break and was amazed at how much had changed. I can only imagine what it’s like jumping in naked right now.

 

I'm literally just trying to grab and go with my eyes closed yet I keep falling over both more information and temptation. Why can't I just go back to when I was a kid?!?! A time when ignorance was bliss.

 

Just keep asking us for assistance! With so much stuff out there, it’s really easy to end up getting burnt by impulsive decisions. And, the price increases and massive consumer demand during the past few years only compounds the issue.

 

You sir are both a Godsend and Agent Provocateur.

As mentioned, I did already buy a few KOs from the Bay, along with the suggested Core Ratchet figure you brought up. Something tells me I'll be on here again as my son goes through the various seasons. I did do some proactive work but the reissue Devastator from Walmart in the aftermarket is laughable. I was going to go by way of a KO again, but I might just wait for a pre-owned one to appear. In any case, rest assured Ill be back asking questions, as well as looking through the forums as there is a wealth of information on here.

One last one from me, regarding this most recent inquisition anyways, do these 3rd party Megatron figures come with Decepticon logos? Or is it purchased separately.

 

Not in the box. If you buy anything from ShowZ, though, they'll send you a sheet with enough for a dozen figures.