Probably a dumb question considering the aftermarket prices I'm seeing, but are these things ever reissued?
I don't think there's ever been a re-issue as such, though DA-01 was sort of re-issued as DA-11 (with minor improvement)... I think this might be the only case. Generally you gotta grab them while they're available (preferably pre-order) or you end up losing a lot of money lol
Recent (4 weeks) collector here as well. My understanding has been "1-and-done" for releases and distribution windows, but "remix/variant" models are issued that change colors, pieces, etc instead. A good example is "Big Powered" DA-14. He was only made once. But there are 3(?) additional variations that change colors, cockpits, armaments, crane arms/turrets/drills out as well. The one immediate "chase" for me was DA-65 Battle Convoy V-MAX that came with the Pod Grander (trailer/base). While they did just issue "Pod Gantry" set, it's not the same (but makes a great add-on!) As such: IT BEGINS! (Quick and dirty)
Mover or Carrier? Regardless, while the cost is a premium, the quality is absurd (in a good way.) So for what you get - engineering, parts count, paint, plastic grade, durability, and interactivity with other sets, Yes. For either. I have 2 Carriers, 2 expansion packs, and enjoy them enough that I plan to add 1 more Black Carrier. The Movers? I have acquired/pre-ordered 1 of each mission variant (Gamma, Tread, Orbithopter, Argo, Gamma Air). That suits my loadout visions along with the Carriers. If you mean something different, explain which by telling us the "DA-##" ID of the set/kit you mean.
Im sure it's been shared several times.... but this is the first time I've noticed this list on Takara's site: ダイアクロン オフィシャルサイト｜タカラトミー
Oh, I see where you're going now. That would be cool! And while I kinda doubt it, given that TT won't think of all of the same things we do, it absolutely wouldn't surprise me if you were right. There was a post or three a bit ago about how the bracket to attach the air-type raid containers to the TC chassis had to have been planned for from the beginning. "We'll include a way to attach them like this in case we need it later" kind of thinking. SO AWESOME!!!! Also, stop trying to make me buy another Dartloader. I'm dartloaded out. One is enough. One is enough... ONE IS NEVER ENOUGH! I'm hoping that fully assembled it's near the size of a human old enough to sit on his father's leg and point at things. I mean if BP and Convoy can point, RB will be able to point. I want to do the classic 80's shopping mall father/son photo shoot with the bad backdrop, poor lighting, and soft lens. Get myself a bad cream-colored late-70's sweater and some horn-rimmed glasses.
Yes. Unfortunately, it is not a complete list, though closer than most. I think they added it as they started condensing some of the older pages. There are some of the old full-release pages that are gone now, or at least hidden... (There was an archive someone was building and improving on the Google translations thereof. It was fan made with some on this thread involved, but I constantly lose the link.) Note: Some of the exclusives never had pages, being specific to a store, expo, or other market. Below is a rough list I have. Names may be slightly varied as many were captured early and based on Google or similar translations... I keep meaning to do an update, box by box to check the names, but as most of my boxes are flattened and sealed away in construction debre bags, it may be a while... (Also, looks like with the last few mainline releases, TT may be no longer be going to provide "official" English names on packages.) Someone may spy a missing or off item I keep forgetting to correct. Note that the numerical "designations" for subline-sets are my personal ones I use with my tracker and may vary from others some others came up with... Spoiler: Current List of Modern Diaclone Sets Modern Diaclone List DA-00 : Powered Suit System Types A&C (Hasbro Asia exclusive Desert Combat Squad type) DA-01 : Dia-Battles V2 DA-01EX : Dia Battles V2 Prototype (moonbase colors) DA-02 : Powered Suit System Type A DA-02/03 : Powered Suit System Types A&B (eHobby reversed colors) DA-03 : Powered Suit System Type B DA-04 : Dia-Nauts Set 1 DA-04-2 : Dia-Nauts Set 2 DA-04-3 : Dia-Nauts Set 3 DA-05 : Powered Suit System A & B Cosmic Marine DA-06 : Dia-Battles V2 Cosmo Maneuver Type DA-06EX : Expo 2017 Exclusive Hero Colors Head (Cosmo Maneuver type) DA-07 : Cosmo Battles V2 DA-08 : Powered Suit System Type C DA-08EX : Powered Suit System Type C (Solid Scan Expo 2017) DA-09 : Powered Suit System Type D DA-10 : Powered Suit System C & D Cosmic Marine DA-11 : Dia-Battles V2 Alpha Plus DA-12 : Powered System Gyroseptor DA-13 : Powered System Dart Loader DA-14 : Big Powered GV (Powerd-01 - 05) DA-15 : Big Powered Trooper Set DA-16 : Powered System Space Marine Corps Armor Set DA-17 : Big Powered GV I.M.S. DA-18 : Dia-Nauts Troopers Set DA-19 : Big Powered GV Renketsu Sentou Trailer (Powerd-04 Powerd-05) DA-20 : Powered Suit System Type E DA-21 : Powered System Maneuver Alpha DA-22 : Powered System Maneuver Beta DA-23 : Waruder Suit "Flinger" DA-24 : Waruder Suit "Stang" DA-25 : Maneuver Alpha & Beta Set DA-26 : Waruder Suit Flinger & Stang Set <Dark Cathode Type> DA-27 : Powered System Maneuver Gamma DA-28 : Powered System Maneuver Delta DA-29 : Battle Buffalo Mk. IV (Dianauts Type-II) DA-30 : Maneuver Gamma & Delta Set (Space Marine Corps / Aerial Tactics Unit Ver) DA-31 : Waruder Raider "Raptor Head" DA-32 : Maneuver Skyjacket DA-33 : Big Powered GV <Destroyer> DA-34 : Waruder RDaider "Raptor Head" <Dark Cathode Type> DA-35 : Sky Jacket <Storm Savers Ver> DA-36 : Maneuver Alpha Spartan DA-37 : Strike Buffalo <Moon Assaulter> DA-38 : Waruder Raider "Bug Head" DA-39 : Powered System Maneuver Epsilon DA-40 : Trivers TriDasher <Special ver> DA-41 : Female Member Set DA-42 : Trivers TriJetter <Special ver> DA-43 : WarudaRaider "Bug Head" <Dark Cathode> DA-44 : Trivers ShadowDasher DA-45 : Dia-Battles V2 Red Lightning DA-46 : Trivers ShadowJetter DA-47 : Trivers TriDigger DA-48 : Cosmo-Battles-02 <Red Lightning> DA-49 : Powered System Maneuver Epsilon Cosmo Mariner Ver DA-50 : Warudaros <Gigantor> DA-51 : Trivers TriDigger Cosmo Mariner Ver DA-52 : Versriser-Unit 01 DA-53 : Trivers Bullet Core Set DA-54 : Trivers TriRambler DA-55 : VersRiser-Unit 02 DA-56 : VersRiser Vol 01 <Caliber Type> DA-57 : VersRiser-Unit 01 <V-Mover 01 Set> / Silver Mirage + Blue Phantom DA-58 : Warudaros <Soldier Type> DA-59 : Trivers TriRambler <Red Chaser> DA-60 : VersRiser-Unit 03 DA-61 : VersRiser-Unit 02 <Cosmo Mariner Ver> DA-62 : Mobile Base Dianauts Set DA-63 : VersRiser-Unit 02 <V-Mover 02 Set> DA-64 : Powered System Maneuver Gamma & Delta Mobile Base Set DA-65 : Battle Convoy V-Max DA-66 : VersRiser-Unit 03 <C-Grasper> DA-67 : Warudaros <Soldier Type II> DA-68 : VersRiser-Unit 03 <V-Mover 03 Set> DA-69 : Trivers TriDasher <Sun Burst> DA-70 : Powered System Maneuver Epsilon & Taurus Mobile Base Set DA-71 : Trivers TriJetter <D Caliber> DA-72 : Trivers TriDigger <D Caliber> DA-73 : Diaclone Mobile Base Nauts DA-74 : Trivers TriRambler <D Caliber> DA-75 : Waldaros Drago Head (TakaraTomy Mall Limited) DA-76 : Waldaros Ghoul Head (TakaraTomy Mall Limited) DA-77 : PS/202x <A type & B type> Set DA-78 : Walda Legion <Ripper> DA-79 : Battle Convoy V-SHADOW DA-80 : Big Powered GV <VersCaliber> DA-81 : BPGV <VersCaliber> Expansion Set DA-82 : Waruder Suit: Evolise <Grappler-Form> DA-83 : Dia-Nauts/Ver. 2.0 Set DA-84 : PS/202X <Cosmo Mariner> Set DA-85 : Powered Greater DA-86 : Legion Core <Ripper / Anode Type> DA-87 : Walda Legion <Ripper / Dark Cathode Type> DA-88 : Powered Greater Armor Strengthening Weapon Set DA-89 : Diaclone member / Ver.2.0 set 2 DA-90 : Motocruiser/Raidbullet Set DA-91 : Super Heavy Machinery <Pod Gantry> DA-92 : Powered Convoy DA-93 : Robot Base Mounted Machine Set DA-94 : Waruda Legion <Vajra> DA-95 : Robot Base <Ground Dion> DA-96 : Robot Base Mounted Machine <Dia Fighter/S> DA-97 : Ground Dion & Diaguardion <Expansion Units Set> DA-98 : Grand Dion Reinforcement Unit A: 2nd Main Turret & Sub Turret Set DA-EX2018 : Diaclone Expo 2018 Exclusive Wardroid Set Diaclone Extra : Extra Pod Grander Expansion Unit Tactical Mover Series TM-01 : Gamma Versaulter <Ground Unit> TM-02 : Gamma Versaulter <Airborne Unit> TM-03 : Tread Versaulter TM-04 : Tread Versaulter <Chariot Unit> TM-05 : Tactical Carrier TM-06 : Gamma Versaulter <Airborne Unit> Cosmo Marines Ver TM-07 : Diaclone Tactical Carrier Expansion Set TM-08 : Tread Versaulter <Chariot Unit> Cosmo Marines Ver TM-09 : Tactical Carrier Option Unit Set TM-10 : Tactical Carrier <Black> TM-11 : Tactical Mover Expansion Unit Set TM-12 : Hawk Versaulter <Orbithopter Unit> TM-13 : Argo Versaulter <Voyager Unit> Diaclone/Gridman Universe D/GU-01 : Diaclone Battles Gridman D/GU-02 : Diaclone VS. Gridman Ver. (Full-Color Ver.) D/GU-03 : Grid Suit Kodansha Diaclone Combat Chronicle Powered System Project-1 : Powered Suit F Type Diaclone Combat Chronicle Powered System Project-2 : New Scepter Diaclone Combat Chronicle Powered System Project-3 : New Loader
The T.Movers themselves are great. I had a stuck "spur" on my black/yellow Airborne Unit, and it was a little scary getting that unstuck. The other problem I had was with the tan Chariot rocket launcher, where the post was too fat to fit the port needed to assemble it, but I fixed that by shaving the tiniest bit off of the post with a very sharp knife. I *really* like the T.Carrier, but I can't give it better than 4/5 stars because the steelsheet is cut poorly. For the price, the stickers should fit the indentations they're supposed to go in. I know TT can get this right because everything fit flawlessly in the Gantry I got. So something went wrong there. If you buy any TC or TC expansions, maybe do yourself a favor and buy the aftermarket ExHobby stickers that everyone raves about (I don't own any ExHobby but I've heard very good things.) HTH I love how there's always someone here who can pull off something this specific. Damn. *bows* Still haven't unboxed my full-color (Gridman!) My Gridsuit came (baby dan dan.) One more to go (baby dan dan) to complete the set. (Gridman! Baby dan dan...)
The size really is the biggest hurdle if you get into the TF mainline headspace of size = price... Toy companies, specifically those for western and mass markets, have equated price to size (or class) for a long time, which accounts for a lot of the sticker shock being seen now that many are moving from waves to individual releases. The prices are so much more nuanced. You have to look at the number of parts, number of assembly points, paint applications, plastic quality, details sculpted, distribution, total units produced, on and on. The level of detail involved is crazy with the interaction designed into each with the small Dia-Nauts and Warudaroids (pilots) and prior sets is amazing. When you look at much of our photography here and on social media, it is easy to think the toys larger. I'm glad you are coming in with the understanding of size. At 1:60, it is probably easiest for many to equate them to the scale of diecast toys, like Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and Johnny Lightning wich average around 1:64 (but rarely exact) for cars. ...with USoA nickel currency for size. I think you were specifically referring to the Versaulters, from the Tactical Movers sub-set series. (Tactical Movers is often also referred to as "Hard Diaclone" as it leans a bit more into the "Real Robo" feel than the "sci-fi take" of the mainline, (but they mix just fine to most and have shared parts). I would say that, for a first toy, spending a bit extra on the more deluxe versions of the Versaulters would give you enough more play value to make the increase in price definitely worth it. The Gamma Versaulter was released in different colors with wings as the Gamma Versaulter <Airborne Unit> The Tread Versaulter in different colors with tank treads as the Tread Versaulter <Chariot Unit> You can just do more with the extra bits. Know that portions of the toys are often like models requiring parts be snipped from sprues and assembled. (Both of the more "deluxe" versions of these two sets were also sold in Cosmo Marines green versions.) (Note: They are going back and giving us the alternated extras for the two that did not have them originally with the Tactical Mover Expansion Unit Set.) One was not enough for me! I know some undervalue this small model kit, especially since most of the features were designed for interaction with the first generation Powered Suits, but it is just the perfect world building entry point. As I got it first, it was the tiniest two-seater toy with a figure I had ever seen. The claws change it from tank to utility vehicle so it works in war or base play. And, then once you start mixing them up... I got the Gyroscepter at the same time and assembled it second. To be honest, once I got my first Powered Suits, the Gyroscepter became its flight pack and the pilot mainly rode in the Dart Loader, as my gunner. I keep going back to these no matter how much Diaclone I have...
Just to add to this: On stores like Mandarake you can usually find the original Gamma and Tread Versaulters for only a little less than the versions with extra bits. Sometimes the originals do show up for their original price, and that price seems to be approximately alright for a collector's toy of that size, but usually they are around 8,000 yen while the versions with additional bits start at 8,500 yen. Clearly in that case the latter is the better buy...
Definitely yes IF you are OK with - the size - the pricing of 4x your usual TF size-wise since 40th anniversary
Emphasis mine. I'm wary of this approach to the product line. The first and immediate element of Diaclone reboot that I noticed was the increase/upscale in component materials, tolerances, construction, and rigidity. Diaclone uses MUCH higher grade plastic formulas that take less abuse than the Transformers brand. Largely because they're aimed at a target market that isn't kids - so they don't have to endure child-levels of physical impacts, manipulation, or stressors. As such, the input materials costs are higher, the quantity/volume sold is lower, so the coat per unit is higher (up to 4x). But again - if you look solely at physical size of the main bulk of the item, you get a disingenuous representation. Diaclone (again) has more overall parts, more material volume, more complexity, and more paint applications than comparable-sized TF items. Hasbro consumers are accustomed to "class size = price point" and have been conditioned that way by Hasbro for a few decades. Hasbro members who represent the brands and interact with consumers have disclosed the "corners" they have to cut in order to meet those expectations: removing the face of 1 side of cube components, less paint, less accessories, less complexity, and less costly plastic that can also endure pressures and stress from the target consumers (kids). Factoring in Inflation and. Importing premiums, the USD "regular price" of Diaclone is actually on par with US counterparts. Imports have always been a bit more expensive and lower production volumes also inflate those costs per unit. So when critics focus on the "size vs price" comparison, it lacks important nuance.
Thanks everybody! this is very helpful. I’m new to Diaclone, so i wanted to get some input. It sounds like the versaulters are definitely worth it. I have to get out of the size vs price mindset. Good to know that the versaulters are part of the tactical mover sub-line, I will refer to them like that from now on.
So….. This….. return. It was long overdue. Back in November I told myself I was going to wait till after the new year to get any new Diaclone figures. Then. I sorta just got wrapped up in other stuff. I discovered I still like mainline Transformers, and splurged on a years amount of figures. But, it finally got to me. I was too tired of putting it off, and so I took care of some house cleaning at Robotkingdom. Super excited they had the black carrier in stock!
Same. I love this found forum and wish there were additional ones as well. The advice I've received over the past several weeks has been invaluable and productive. I went from viewing eBay and domestic importers as the only acquisition channels to becoming a frequent consumer on Mandarake and Amazon.jp. The jokes about addiction were very real. What is it about that subset that speaks to you? I'm curious about alternate views regarding why some elements of the product line are interesting to fans of them. For example, the "classic" robo/mecha designs of units like Big Powered, Dia Battles, Battle/Powered Convoy, and Grand Dion/Great Robot Base have been decades-long draws for me, going all the way back to their JP Real Robot origins with Mazinger and successors. As a 1988-98 fan of Battletech/Mechwarrior, I'm also intrigued by the Powered/Maneuver suits, and Versaulters. BUT, for some reason, I just can't get my interest to pique with the Versrisers. I've looked at them from many angles, but something about the Trivers sets without the Real Robo Bullet Core looks just feels incomplete to me and I can't dissect why?
