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Springer (G1)/toys

From Transformers Wiki

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I've got better things to do tonight than look like me in the show!

Springertends to suffer from the difficulty of engineering a fully-functional triple-changing toy.

Contents

Toys

The Transformers

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Yes, those are two "different" alternate modes. Squint if ya gotta.
Released in the third year of theoriginalTransformerstoyline,Springer was one of threeAutobotTriple Changers, transforming from a robot to aCybertronianarmored car or a Cybertronian helicopter. His laser can be mounted on top of his car mode, and his copter rotor blades fold up to form a light saber.
Early releases of Springer had adie-castmetal chestplate painted yellow, which was later changed to yellow plastic in subsequent releases.

  • Springer(Triple Changer,1991)
  • Accessories:light saber/rotor blade, laser
Springer was re-released in 1991 as part of theEuropean/AustralianClassicsreissue line. This version uses the plastic chest, and hisrubsignindent has been filled in.


Timelines

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You now remember he was also a ground vehicle.
  • Springer / Huffer(Souvenir 2-pack,2007)
TimelinesSpringer is aClassics-themedBotCon 2007attendee exclusive. A paint-heavy green and greyredecoofCybertronCybertron Defense Hot Shot,Springer transforms into a modifiedM1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle.When Springer's Cyber Key is inserted into the back of the turret, the two gun barrels open up into dual (non-firing) missile launchers. Compartments on his shoulders and his thighs can also open up to reveal additional missile launchers. He also comes with a dagger that stows between his legs and sort-of acts as an exhaust pipe in vehicle mode; when he's in robot mode, the dagger can be hand-held via5mm post,pegged into the front of his fist, or stored in a sheath on his leg. The same sheath can be used to store his Cyber Key in vehicle mode.
Springer is assembled differently from the other uses of this mold. The panels covering the missile racks on each shoulder are swapped, finally following the assembly shown in theinstructions.
He was only available in aBotCon 2007exclusive "Souvenir 2-pack" in a bag withHuffer,only available for purchase at the show proper.
The mold was later used asUniverseRoadbusterin theTarget-exclusiveAutobot Ambush Comic 2-Pack. It also served as the basis of the non-toyBeast Wars: Uprisingincarnation ofHard Head.


Universe(2008)

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Whatever happened to the whole Triple Changer angle? And no,attack modesdon't count.
  • Standoff Beneath the Streets(Comic two-pack,2008)
A Target-exclusive redeco ofCybertronEvac,UniverseSpringer transforms into aEurocopter Dauphin rescue helicopter.His "energon blades" /rotor blades spin using a geared push-button, and become a spinning-blade weapon mounted on his robot mode's left arm. He has anadjustable winch,which retracts with the push of a button: this gimmick ends up on his right robot mode arm. Inserting a Cyber Key into his back end (backpack in robot mode) swings around a pair of spring-loaded "plasma rocket launchers" /missilelaunchers. His (conveniently color-coded) red Cyber Key is unpainted, save for its silver Autobot symbol. He was available only withRatbat.
Hispackagingstock photographyhas both of his modes flipped.
Packaging Springer with Ratbat is anhomageto their rivalry inThe Dark Ages.Likewise, Springer's deco is directly inspired by his color layout inThe Dark Ages,down to the blue "cockpit" painted on his chest, and that he does not have three modes (yet). This connection is further enhanced by having Ratbat possess a humanoid robot mode and jet-like altmode. Seehere.
In its first release in Canada, the set did not include a comic (in spite of theINCLUDES COMIC!marking on the package), and in the US, the set included thewrongcomic. Instead of a reprint of "Target: 2006"parts5and6,which was meant for the "Autobot Ambush" Deluxe-Voyager two-pack ofRoadbusterandDirge,the right comic was to beThe Dark Agesissue "Escalation",which was similarly and erroneously included with the" Autobot Ambush "two-pack.
This mold was also used to makeUniverseBladesandTimelines/Shattered GlassGalvatron.


Kre-O

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"I've got better things to do tonight than rebuild".
  • Autobot Springer(Kreon Micro-Changer,2012)
  • Collection:1
  • Bag number:22851 42
  • Accessories:logo block, 2 swords
  • Known designers:Ed Masiello(Hasbro)
Part of the first normal wave ofKre-OMicro-ChangerKreons,Springer is ablindpacked-bagged mini-figure, though a stamped ID number can be found on the back of the bag, top-right corner. He comes with extra parts to turn him into a helicopter.
He uses theHoundhelmet.
What with being a brick-figure, one could borrow the necessary parts from another Kreon to make him into a car if one was so inclined.


  • Autobot Springer(Kreon Micro-Changer,2016)
  • Collection:1
  • Accessories:logo plate, 2 swords
In 2016, Collection 1 was re-released in a whole new production run for Dollar General stores in the US as part of a large collection of re-releasedKre-Osets. But where most of theKre-Ore-releases are nigh-identical to the originals, the Micro-Changer blind-bags use the almost-entirely-retooled 2015 Kreon, with slightly-differently-hued plastics than the originals. (It is possible for some of the add-on pieces to be in the older hues.) Springer's torso and facetampographshave also been reworked to be slightly more detailed, and the formerly-bare legs now have extra detail tampographing on them. His light gray paint has been replaced with shiny silver.
Sadly, this release has no individual-identification code on the bag, requiring you to use the feel-through-the-bag method or just buy blind and hope.


Generations

GDO

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Now we just need a Voyager Class ground mode Springer to keep things even.
  • Autobot Springer(Deluxe Class, 2012)
  • Accessories:left & right missile launchers, two missiles, sword
An Asian market exclusive,GenerationsSpringer is a redeco andretoolofHunt for the DecepticonsTomahawk,with a new head and sword. He transforms into a slightly futuristic strike helicopter with a rotating camera array under its cockpit, sporting an amalgamation of features from both theEurocopter Tigerand the ADH-02 Hellhound attack helicopter fromPatlabor.He comes with spring-loaded missile launchers that mount under his wings. In robot mode, he is armed with "snapping pincers" on his right forearm, while his missile launchers end up over his shoulders. They can also be detached and held in his hands via 5mm post, or clipped onto the mini-guns on his wings or onto his forearms using theC jointsystem. The new sword can be held at the handle, or be held via the twoMini-Con-compatible posts on its hilt. The sword has no dedicated spot to store in either mode, and has to use the one of the mounting points on the wings where the launchers usually store, meaning one of these launchers has to mount via C joint instead.
Springer was originally only to be released as part of a big block of toys, referred to as "GDO" (Global Development Organization), which were originally developedexclusivelyfor release in China and other Hasbro Asia markets. However,Toys "R" Uspicked up those figures, including Springer, as part of amassivegroup ofTransformersexclusives for US market release, just in time for the 2012 holiday shopping season.
The original version of this sculpt wasretooledintoDark of the MoonVortex,and redecoed (but with Vortex's head) intoTimelinesSpinister.


Thrilling 30

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Therewe go!
  • Autobot Springer(Voyager Class,2013)
  • Series / Number:02 / 001
  • Accessories:dual missile launcher, two missiles, rotor blades/sword
  • Known designers:Joe Kyde(Hasbro)
Part of the third wave of2012-2013GenerationsVoyager Class toys,Thrilling 30"Autobot Springer" is based onNick Roche's design of the character fromLast Stand of the Wreckers,and is aTriple Changer,transforming into both an armored car and a helicopter. Yup.
His helicopter rotors detach and fold up into a sword that is held by his hands via5 mm post,and can store underneath his car mode or on his back in robot mode. He also comes with a dualmissilelauncher that fires its two projectiles in succession via a two-step pressure launch. The launcher features a jointed 5 mm handle to allow it to pivot, as well as specialized tabs for mounting the weapon underneath the helicopter cockpit. He has two 5 mm ports on his back, the sword hilt has an additional post, and the launcher has additional ports at the top and bottom.
Unfortunately, Springer has been known to suffer from various tolerance issues. Certain joints might be too tight, and good luck getting the windows to line up in car mode!
This toy was heavilyretooledintoThrilling 30Sandstorm,based onan earlier designby Nick Roche[1]—for a full list ofredecosand retools of this mold, see the table below. This mold also served as the basis of the non-toyBeast Wars: Uprisingincarnations ofDynobotandGrimlock.
Generationsmold:Springer

Version 1:

Version 2:


Generations(Japan)

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I've got better things to do tonight than be show-accurate!
  • Springer(Voyager, 2013)
  • ID number:TG21
  • Release date:December 28,2013
  • Accessories:left & right missile launchers, two missiles, sword
TheTakaraTomyGenerationsrelease of the above Springer toy features some differences in plastic colors, including a duller shade of yellow and a uniform silver color (probablynodding to his originalGeneration 1toy) replacing the Western release's light and dark grays as well as green feet. Unfortunately, the front of the packaging for this toy erroneously claims that Springer transforms from "robot to jet to tank", presumably due to copying and pasting Blitzwing's blurb instead of featuring Springer's own.
Generationsmold:Springer

Version 1:

Version 2:


Hero Mashers

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Ready to re-create his big scene from "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3".
  • Springer(Action Figure,2014)
  • Pieces:9
  • Accessories:rifle
Part of the first wave ofTransformersHero Mashersbasic Action Figures, Springer is a non-transforming... well,action figurewith ratchet-joints, about six inches tall. His design blends elements of his original animation model with theGenerationsThrilling 30toy. He has multiple peg-holes all over that can be used to mount anyHero Mashersaccessory. As a first-wave figure, he has extra ankle articulation that is not present in later waves (a cut that was made to allHero Masherslines, not just theTransformers-branded ones).
He is designed with a removable head, forearms, thighs, and lower legs, all of which use the same clip-peg/hole joint. This means his pieces can be swapped around in any order, as well as swapped with any otherHero Mashersfigure... which includes figures fromMarvel Comics,Star Wars,andJurassic World,meaning you can make some pretty freaky combinations.


Platinum Edition

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Now with 50% more IDW and movie inspiration, and 25% more gold paint.
  • Autobot Heroes(5-pack, 2016)
  • Accessories:dual missile launcher, two missiles, rotor blades/sword
Part of Hasbro'sPlatinum Editionofferings for 2016 intended to commemorate the 30th anniversary ofThe Transformers: The Movie,"Autobot Springer" is a redeco of hisThrilling 30Voyager Class toy, featuring additional colors and some metallic paint operations on his parts.
Springer's new deco is similar, but notvisibly identicalto hisGeneration 1color scheme. Unfortunately, the addition of a second shade of green results in mismatched colors across his parts, most conspicuously having biceps colored both gray and green. Earlystock photosdepicting a hand-paintedprototypefeatured gray colored hands, although the actual released figure's hands are cast in green plastic, which is also reflected by the later stock photos that depict a production sample. For unknown reasons, the window piece that ends up on his left forearm in robot mode is lacking the green paint for the frame underneath the window, compared to its counterpart on the right forearm.
Springer was released as part of 5-pack withUltra Magnus(includingMinimus Ambus),Arcee,Sergeant Kup,andBlurr.The set also included a recreation of the theatrical poster for the 1986 movie. In the United States, this set was officially aTargetexclusive, but was only available via the company's website, never sold in stores. It was also released in Singapore, although it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular stores there or not. In Canada, it was available via the CanadianWalmartwebsite but never found in stores, whereas in the United Kingdom, it was available via the UKToys "R" Uswebsite and in some stores. In Spain, it was available via the Spanish subsidiaries of bothAmazonand Carrefour, as well as the department store chain El Corte Inglés, supposedly also only available online. In Germany, it was available via retailer Real and specialty store Rappelkiste Ahlen, also only available online.
Generationsmold:Springer

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Version 2:


Legends

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We can't believe we're actually saying this, but we like the Hasbro versionbetter.
  • Sprung (Autobot Springer)(Voyager, 2016)
  • ID number:LG-19
  • Release date:February 27,2016
  • Accessories:dual missile launcher, two missiles, rotor blades/sword
An extensive redeco of theGenerationsSpringer toy,LegendsSprung features a more animation-accurate color scheme compared to the previous JapaneseGenerationsrelease. Two shades of green replace the single shade of theGenerationsrelease, with the lighter green replacing the yellow on Springer's chest. His thighs and fists are a light olive green-gray color. He comes withvolume 19ofTransformers Legends: Bonus Edition.
Some promotional images used a more subdued shade of green instead of the bright one.
Generationsmold:Springer

Version 1:

Version 2:


War for Cybertron: Siege

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Featuring the smallest cockpit of all time.
  • Autobot Springer(Voyager,2019)
  • Hasbro ID number:WFC-S38
  • TakaraTomy ID number:SG-32
  • TakaraTomy release date:September 30,2019
  • Hidden message code:TRIPLECHANGER
  • Accessories:2 "W-10 Airslice Chopper Blades," "JF-10 Warp Blaster," "C-10 EM Void Blast Capacitor," rotor blade base (combine to form the "D.E.W. Mega Missile Launcher" )
  • Known designers:AJ Piejko-Brown(packaging)
Siege"Autobot Springer" is a cartoon-accurate mold that transforms from robot, to car or helicopter. He includes four weapons compatible with theC.O.M.B.A.T. System,two "W-10 Airslice Chopper Blades," which are two swords that turns into rotor blades, and the "JF-10 Warp Blaster" and "C-10 EM Void Blast Capacitor," two blasters. All four weapons can mount on the rotor blade base and form the "D.E.W. Mega Missile Launcher," which functions as a turret for his car mode. All four weapons can also be stored on his back in robot mode, using the 5mm ports for his guns and two tabs on the sides of his backpack to store the swords. Springer also features "battle damage" paint applications on his front shoulders, chest, and legs, as well as multiple hardpoints all over himself and his weapons to accommodate "Fire Blasts" from theBattle Mastersassortment, which can be used to simulate blaster fire or explosions.
Springer is highly articulated, with poseability rivaling his olderThrilling 30release. Unfortunately, his ankles, which are mounted on pinned sideways swivels, struggle to support his weight, which will cause him to easily fall over forwards or backwards. In a bit of a reversal from hisThrilling 30toy, he also pegs togetherextremelytightly in both vehicle modes, so be careful about stressing the tabs on his legs and the painted translucent block in his torso.


Legacy

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An extra to display just in time forFather's Day.
  • Autobot Springer(Voyager Class,2022)
Part of theLegacyWreck 'N Rule Collection,this version of "Autobot Springer" is a redeco of the aboveSiegetoy in a color scheme based on his original Generation 1 toy (also the color scheme used for his first comic appearance in "Target: 2006"), with a newWreckersinsignia. The ankle joints seem to have tightened and he is no longer so prone to falling over except in extreme poses.
All of the packs in theWreck 'N Rule Collectioncontain a piece of a buildable cardboardWrecker hammer;Springer comes with the "C" hammer face. The boxes are also designed to be stacked together to form a display mural.
In the United States, Springer was exclusively released in theAmazonWreck 'N Rule Collection,with Springer being revealed third onMay 11,2022. Despite being slated for aNovemberrelease, Springer (along withBulkheadandTwin Twist) began shipping out in midJuly2022, ahead of the two two-packs that had been revealed before him.


Studio Series

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"Ah yes, there is one time Springer used his hammer to fight against the Junkions too..."
  • Autobot Springer(Leader Class,2024)
Part of the 16th wave ofStudio SeriesLeader Class toys, "Autobot Springer" is a retool of theaboveSiegetoy,retaining the lower legs, crotch, forearm panels, window piece, various internal parts, and the two combining blasters. The new tooling and colors creates a far more animation accurate appearance, including his slightly sloped-upward chest and angled shoulders. He also features opening hands, pinned-in front wheels, and the pop-out blaster in his right forearm, from the start of the movie. His head can be slid upward and back to give him a visible neck and a higher range of movement.
In addition to the twoSiegeblasters, he has more accurate versions of his blaster (also wielded by Ultra Magnus in the film), sword, and helicopter rotor (though the engineering has the blades pointing in opposite directions), the "catapult missile" that he launched at Devastator, and a hammer based onthatfrom theLegacy Wreck 'N Rule Collection,although there is only an empty space in the shape of the Wreckers insignia rather than the insignia itself. All three blasters and the catapult missile can accommodateblast effects.Each of the five new accessories has a tab that can slot into one of three spots on his back/vehicle roof for weapon storage.
Springer has a minormisassemblyon his rotor/sword in which the blades are swapped. The molded detail on the bottom face of each blade is intended to face upward, as seen in the render and instructions.
As with otherStudio Seriestoys, he includes a backdrop display, with his depicting the Battle of Autobot City.


Merchandise

Transformers Trading Card Game

W2Springer.jpg
  • Autobot Springer, Aerial Defense(2019)
    • Wave 2: Rise of the Combiners
    • Rarity:SRT
    • Card Number:T07/T46
    • Stars:12
Autobot Springer, Aerial Defense is one of forty-six character cards released as part of Wave 2 of theTransformers Trading Card Game,Rise of the Combiners. In order to depict theTriple Changernature of the character, Autobot Springer, Aerial Defense is a folding card, with both Alt Modes depicted when the card is folded in half, and Bot Mode depicted when the card is unfolded.
The line-art for all 3 modes was drawn byMarcelo Matere,and is based on theThrilling 30Springer toy.


W4SergeantSpringer.jpg
  • Sergeant Springer, Special Ops-Aerial Defense(2019)
    • Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II
    • Rarity:CT
    • Card Number:T46/T52
    • Stars:12
Sergeant Springer, Special Ops-Aerial Defense is one of 52 character cards released as part of Wave 4 of theTransformers Trading Card Game,War for Cybertron: Siege II. In order to depict theTriple Changernature of the character, Sergeant Springer, Special Ops-Aerial Defense is a folding card, with both Alt Modes depicted when the card is folded in half, and Bot Mode depicted when the card is unfolded.
The card's Bot Mode artwork is reused from theSiegeSpringer toy, while both Alt Modes receive original artwork, with lines byMarcelo Matereand colors byMaría Ana Paolo.


Eaglemoss

  • Transformers Gen-1 Chess Set(2021)
In the plannedTransformers Chess SetbyEaglemoss,a relatively large and very well detailed statue of Springer was slated to be one of the standard Knight pieces on the Autobot side.
A Kickstarter campaign to raise the necessary funds for this project was launched, but failed to meet its goal by September 24, 2021 and the whole thing was canceled.
Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.

Proceed on your way to oblivion.
This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.


Transformers Character Card

Transformers Character Card Octane and Springer.jpg
Released as part of the eleventh wave of thee-HOBBYexclusiveTransformers Character Cardseries, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of "Sprung" and "Octone"along withcharacter profilesandtech specs.

Notes

References

  1. ↑"Big chats about Thrilling 30 Springer and Sandstorm on this ep! To clear up: I was working with Hasbro at the time, and designed Sandstorm while I was there. That was the base design, and then those crazy sods at Hasbro managed to pull my comic Springer out of it. In that order!" —Nick Roche, Twitter, 2022/11/29
  2. ↑Mark Maher'sInstagram postaboutLegacySpringer
  3. ↑Sam Smith'sInstagrampostsaboutLegacySpringer
  4. ↑April 25,2024'sHasbro Pulse Transformers Fanstream | April 2024on YouTube, withBen MacCrae,Mark MaherandEvan Brooks.
  5. ↑May 14,2024'sHasbro Pulse | Transformers Fanstream | May 2024on YouTube, withBen MacCrae,Evan BrooksandKelly Rose.
  6. ↑Transformers PanelatHasbro Pulse Con 2024withBen MacCrae,Evan Brooks,Mark Maher,Marcelo Matere,andNate Purswell.
  7. ↑Hasbro.com announcement of the Voyager/Deluxe Comic packs
  8. ↑BotCon 2016 report by RAC
  9. ↑https://www.facebook.com/PetesRoboCon/photos/pcb.559345394409351/559344184409472/?type=3&theater
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