Astrotrain (G1)/toys

Astrotraincan transport all his trainload of toys around!

Contents 1Toys 1.1The Transformers 1.2The Transformers Collection 1.3Collector's Edition 1.4Commemorative Series 1.5Classics 1.6Henkei! Henkei! 1.7Generations 1.8Transformers(campaign item) 1.9Platinum Edition 1.10Kre-O 1.11Titans Return 1.12Legends 1.13War for Cybertron: Siege 1.14Vintage G1 1.15War for Cybertron: Earthrise 1.16Dramatic Capture Series 2Merchandise 2.1Decoy 2.2Boss Original Figure 2.3Transformers Trading Card Game 2.4ReAction 2.5Eaglemoss 2.6Transformers Character Card 2.7Pop! 3Notes 4References

Toys

The Transformers

• Astrotrain(Triple Changer,1985/1986)

• Takara ID number:48
• Accessories:"Ionic Displacer Rifle"
• Known designers:Kōjin Ōno(TakaraTomy)

Released in the second year of theoriginal USTransformerstoyline(first in European and Japanese markets), Astrotrain can transform into either a black-and-purpleJNR Class D51steam locomotive or an off-white-and-purpleSpace Shuttle orbiter.The train mode can roll on wide-ish toy train tracks, but it can’t turn corners very well. Astrotrain was one of the earliestTransformerstoys to featureball jointsfor his shoulders, a decade before they became a design standard.

Blitzwingcalled. He wants his weapons back.

Takara's 1985 release of Astrotrain had a color scheme based upon the real-life versions of the vehicles he transformed into, with a white-and-black Space Shuttle mode (complete withNASAdecals!) and a near-wholly-black steam locomotive. In 1986, Takara re-released Astrotrain, this time in his US toy colors.

Likeseveralothertoysfrom Generation 1,Hasbro'scatalogs^[1][2][3]depictprototypesthat differ from the final product: Not only do the prototypes sport a gray and purple color scheme (which served as the basis for the color scheme used in the cartoon), they also have several notable sculpting and tooling differences compared to the production version; namely, arms that extend on a slide joint, different feet, and a different head sculpt that was also used as the basis for hischaracter model.In the US and UK catalogs, he was even shown withBlitzwing's weapons, whereas in the EuropeanMilton Bradleycatalog, he sported different decals compared to stickers used for the final toy. The resin hardcopy prototypes didn't actually transform; instead, separate prototypes existed for each mode.^[4]Thestock photosof Astrotrain on the toy'spackaging,on the other hand, depict the final toy's sculpt in its (mostly) final colors, even though the center of the helmet is painted yellow instead of red. The same near-final prototype was also featured in the 1985 J.C. Penney wish book.^[5]

• More information on Astrotrain at TFU.info

• Astrotrain(Triple Changer,1991)

• Accessories:"Ionic Displacer Rifle"

Astrotrain was re-released with his original U.S. color scheme in theEuropean/AustralianClassicsseriesin 1991. Near as can be told, there are no notable differences between this and the original release.

The Transformers Collection

• Astrotrain(2004)
  • ID number:11
  • Accessories:"Ionic Displacer Rifle"

In 2004, Takara reissued Astrotrain in his original Japanese white and black color scheme as part of theirTransformers Collectionline ofreissues.The "NASA"stickers were changed to" ASTR ".

• More information on Transformers Collection Astrotrain at TF-1

Collector's Edition

• Astrotrain Proto Color Version(Triple Changer, 2004)

• ID number:48
• Accessories:"Ionic Displacer Rifle"

Often referred to as "Anime Astrotrain" by collectors, this version sports a color scheme based on the original prototype mentioned above, though the gray plastic is brighter than on the actual prototype, and the hue for the purple parts leans more towards red than blue.

He wasexclusivelyavailable frome-HOBBYand released as aCollector's Editioncompanion toThe Transformers Collectionreissue (see above). The toys shipped out in January.

• More information on Astrotrain Proto Color Version at TFU.info
• More information on Anime Astrotrain (and the original Astrotrain prototype) at TF-1

Commemorative Series

• Astrotrain/Decepticon Astrotrain(Commemorative Series IX,2005/2012)
  • Accessories: "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

Following the Japanese reissue, Hasbro intended to make Astrotrain (retaining his previously Japanese market-only colors) available in the United States as well as part of theirCommemorative Seriesline of reissues in 2004. However,Toys "R" Us(who had carried theCommemorative Seriesfigures as exclusives) decided to discontinue the line due to low sales, and even thoughRicochet,the otherCommemorative Series IXfigure besides Astrotrain, still managed to get released, Astrotrain was not.

Since considerable quantities of Astrotrain had already been produced, Hasbro decided to make the figure available through their newly-launchedHasbro Toy Shopwebsite, serving as a test to see whether exclusives were a viable option for the store. In addition, Astrotrain was also released in Australia (where theCommemorative Serieshad previously also been exclusive to Toys "R" Us) as aKmartexclusive, for a deep discount price. Despite being an exclusive, he could also be found clogging up shelves in smaller, privately owned toy shops.

In 2012, severalCommemorative Seriesfigures, among them Astrotrain, were re-released in Hasbro's Asian markets, in slightly altered packaging that (in Astrotrain's case, at least) lacked the "Commemorative Series IX" label, saw his name changed to "Decepticon Astrotrain", had the box next to his name that contains the text "Decepticon Triple Changer" reduced in size and "Triple Changer" changed from uppercase to mixed case, updated the Hasbro logo to the then-current version, added a "choking hazard" safety warning label and moved the "Ages 5+" recommendation above the product code number.

Classics

• Astrotrain(Deluxe Class,2006)
  • Accessories:Rifle

• Known designers:Eric Siebenaler(Hasbro),Takashi Kunihiro(TakaraTomy),Don Figueroa(concept artist)

ClassicsAstrotrain, like much of theClassicsline, is an extensive update of the original Astrotrain design based heavily upon his cartoon appearances and using modern toy engineering techniques. He still transforms into a spaceship resembling a NASA Space Shuttle, but with tworather obviouslocomotive front halves on the sides of the rear hull. Instead of a steam locomotive, his secondaryvehicle modeis aTsubame800bullet train. Hisrobot modeis based heavily upon his Generation 1 cartoon animation model design, and is armed with a large purple laser rifle similar to the original toy's rifle (The side of the rifle has aMini-Conshaped port on it, if one chooses to do it). However, purple highlights aside, his deco's color scheme is predominantly based on the original Takara toy. The shuttle nosecone folding onto the legs is based onJet GranbirdfromBrave Fighter of the Sun Fighbird,which was also co-designed byTakashi Kunihiro.

A design fluke that was acknowledged on Hasbro's official Transformers website allows Astrotrain to connect toCybertronUltra ClassJetfireor his redecos,CybertronSky Shadow ormovie toylineJetstorm,via his landing gear. (Coincidentally, Jetfire's alternate mode is based on a Ukrainian Antonov An-225 Mriya, which was used to transport the Buran orbiter, the Sovietcounterpartof the NASA Space Shuttle, on its back.)

As with mostClassicstoys, he has a heat-sensitiverubsign.

This mold was also used to makeGenerationsShouki.

• More information onClassicsAstrotrain at TFU.info

Henkei! Henkei!

• Astrotrain(April 24,2008)
  • ID number:D-03
  • Accessories:Rifle

In 2008,ClassicsAstrotrain was released in Japan as part of theHenkei! Henkei! Transformersline byTakaraTomy.The figure was extensively redecoed into a dark grey and purple colour scheme based on the character’s appearance in the Generation 1 cartoon. Instead of the HasbroClassicsrelease's rubsign, he has two Decepticon sigils tampographed onto his wings. AllHenkeitoys feature a somewhat randomlyvacuum-metallizedpart somewhere upon them, and Astrotrain is no exception: the trim of his chestplate and engine array are vacuumized purple, with the engines themselves left as unpainted silver chrome.

Generations

• Specialist: Decepticons(Multi-pack,March 25,2014)
  • Accessories:Rifle

This release of Astrotrain looks superficially similar to theHenkeiversion, but saturated with metallic paint and with some deco changes, most conspicuous in train mode. It was sold as part of a Hasbro Asia-exclusivegiftsetalong with metallic-painted redecoes ofGalvatronandOctane.

Transformers(campaign item)

• Astrotrain(Limited Micron, 2014)
  • Release date:August 82014

Astrotrain is aredecoofGenerationsPayloadcast in clear-purple plastic, transforming from a robot into both a modifiedX-37B space shuttle^[6]and a double-barreled blaster that can be wielded by any larger figure with5 mm ports.

As acampaign item,this toy was available at JapaneseToys "R" Usstores starting in August 2014 (and lasting "until supplies run out" ) with the purchase of 3,000 yen ofLost Ageproduct.

Astrotrain wasrepurposedas theShattered Glassincarnation ofCybaxx.The mold was also used to makeCombiner WarsCybaxxandSpacewarp.

Platinum Edition

• Decepticon Triple Changers(Platinum Edition,2015)
  • Accessories:"Ionic Displacer Rifle"

Part of aPlatinum Editiontwo-pack withBlitzwingreleased under theGenerationsline, this reissue of Astrotrain features an unprecedented orange, white, and blue color scheme. The exact inspiration for this deco is unknown, with the currently prevalent theory being that it's supposedly an homage toVictoryMachtackle's colors.

This set was officially anAmazonexclusive in the United States and Canada. However, it was also stocked by US-based online retailersBigBadToyStoreand TFSource, who supposedly obtained it as an import from Asia. It was available in several of Hasbro's Asian markets (namely Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan; it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular stores there or not). In the United Kingdom, it was available via A1Toys.

This toy wasrepurposedasStar DasherinBeast Wars: Uprising.

• More information onPlatinum EditionAstrotrain at TFU.info

Kre-O

• Kreon Class of '85(Kreon figure set, 2015)
  • Set numberB5152
  • Voted:Designated Driver
  • Accessories:Long rifle

Kre-OAstrotrain is a small brick-builtKreonfigure, using the 2015-style construction with raised hands and the sturdier "peg-in-peg" torso/waist connection (which makes his parts largely incompatible with prior years' Kreons). His coloration is based on theoriginal Astrotrain toy prototype pictured in catalogs,being mostly gray with a yellow visor, though his chesttampograph's linework has the cartoon model's folded-away tailfin-chestplate.

He was only available as part of theSan Diego Comic-Con-exclusive"Kreon Class of '85"30-Kreon set. This set was also sold online throughHasbro Toy Shopafter the show.

• More information on Class of '85 Astrotrain at TFU.info

Titans Return

• Darkmoon & Astrotrain(Voyager Class,2016)
  • Accessories:2 guns,DarkmoonTitan Master

• Known designers:John Warden(Hasbro)

AretoolofTitans ReturnSentinel Prime,Astrotrain can transform from robot to shuttle to armored train and back. He comes withDarkmoon,aTitan Masterfigure that can transform from a robot into his head (but anyTitan Master-class figure is compatible). Like allTitans ReturnVoyager-class figures, he has spring-loaded parts designed to "bulk up" his head; in his case, a pair of pylons that pop up on either side of his head, replicating the shoulder "landing gear" on his original Generation 1 character model. Like Sentinel, the train engine endscanbe used as feet, but they sit at an awkward angle that makes it hard for Astrotrain to stand upright. His two guns can combine to form one larger weapon which Darkmoon (or any Titan Master) can operate in robot mode, The largest of the two can be piloted by any Titan Master figure in both modes. His guns also attach to form his Vehicle mode weapons. In Australia and some Asian countries, Astrotrain and his wavemate Alpha Trion were prominent shelfwarmers.

Unfortunately, due to being used for transformation, the port for the collector display stand on his two-piece rear waist tends to be misaligned, and the hole is not shallow enough to fully secure its connection.

The Hasbro Asia exclusive giveaway sticker sheet can be used to enhance the figure's details.^[7]

This mold also served as the model for theOmega Sentinelin thePrimus Vanguard.

Legends

• Astrotrain(January 28,2017)
  • ID number:LG40
  • Accessories:2 guns, Headmaster

LegendsAstrotrain is a redeco of theTitans Returnmoldin a cartoon-based deco, with the front shuttle and the train sections possessing paint operations to evoke the cockpit windows.

The other side of his instructions featuresthe 40thLegendsbonus edition manga.

Titans Returnmold:Infinitus
Hasbro: Titans ReturnAutobot Infinitus Darkmoon Autobot Infinitus (Titan Force) TakaraTomy: LegendsLG40Astrotrain LG41Leo Prime e-HOBBY: LegendsLG-EXConvobat

War for Cybertron: Siege

• Astrotrain(Leader Class,2019)
  • Hasbro ID number:WFC-S51
  • TakaraTomy ID number:SG-47
  • TakaraTomy release date:March 28,2020
  • Hidden message code:IONICDISPLACER
  • Accessories:2 "JF-50 Ionic Displacer Blasters," "JF-30 Astro Blaster," "W-15 Destabilizer Cannon," "W-40 Turbo-Core Derailer" (combine to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon" ), tender/launchpad

SiegeAstrotrain is a heavily-cartoon-inspired figure that transforms from robot to either a space shuttle or steam locomotive (not a modern locomotive like every toy of his since the original). Despite being released in theSiegeline, his alternate modes are clearly styled after Earth vehicles. This, together with hisA.I.R. Lock Systemcompatibility, makes it seem a lot like he was designed withEarthrisein mind, and indeed his toy later received a straight rerelease in that line. He features the trademarkSiege"battle damage" paint applications on his 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.

As with other Leader Class figures in the line, Astrotrain himself is roughly Voyager-sized, with his accessories accounting for the rest of the pricepoint. In addition to fiveC.O.M.B.A.T. Systemweapons (including one based on his original toy's blaster), which can be combined to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon", he includes a tender large enough to store all five weapons inside. The tender can be converted into a small launch pad base (designed as a treaded crawler vehicle with two cabs) for his shuttle mode. The launch pad features a pair of A.I.R. Lock System connectors, but unfortunately doesn't seem able to unfold flat as designed. It can also turn into a weapons rack, which can be mounted on Astrotrain's back in robot mode, with a pair of foot pads for extra stability since the backpack makes Astrotrainincrediblyback-heavy.

The toy's coloration, with mostly-grey wings rather than the purple on his final model; is seemingly based on either apre-final character modelthat was used in the G1 cartoon episode "Triple Takeover"ora fan coloringof his pre-final model sheet that also features a cartoon screen captured-head that became popular online.

Astrotrain was redecoed (with a new head) toVelocitron Speedia 500 CollectionVictory Universe Galaxy Shuttle.

Vintage G1

• Astrotrain(Triple Changer, 2019)

• Accessory:"Ionic Displacer Rifle"

Astrotrain was reissued in theVintage G1series, announced for Spring 2020 but unexpectedly hitting store shelves in December 2019. This was the first Astrotrain reissue to feature the color scheme of the original Hasbro-release toy—though the purple plastic is noticeably darker on this version. Plus, hisrubsignuses the new style, with a highly reflective silver border and a solid-red symbol.

Like allVintage G1releases, Astrotrain was aWalmartexclusivein the United States and Canada.

War for Cybertron: Earthrise

• Astrotrain(Leader Class,2020)
  • ID number:WFC-E12
  • Accessories:2 "JF-50 Ionic Displacer Blasters," "JF-30 Astro Blaster," "W-15 Destabilizer Cannon," "W-40 Turbo-Core Derailer" (combine to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon" ), tender/launchpad, decoder

Astrotrain'sA.I.R. Lock System-compatible base connectors saw him get apackage refreshin theEarthriseline with no changes save for his box being updated. Even the flawed hinge in the coal tender was retained without any changes, preventing it from properly assuming launchpad mode.

Like all Earthrise toys, the inside of the back of Astrotrain's package includes an exclusive clip-and-save piece of a larger star map. Also in the box is a thin red piece of transparent plastic with which to read the star map. Astrotrain's piece of the map contains the labeled location of the planet "CAMINUS".

Dramatic Capture Series

• Triple Takeover(2025)

• Release date:March2025
• Accessories:

Released a part of theDramatic Capture Seriesline by TakaraTomy, this Astrotrain is a redeco of hisWar for Cybertron: Siegefigure in "Triple Takeover"-accurate colors, using the nonfinal wing deco utilized for that episode. Several of his weapons as well as his tender/launchpad are omitted for this release.

Astrotrain is packaged withStarscreamandBlitzwing.

Collect them all! This character article is astuband is missing information on theirtoys & merchandise.You can helpTransformers Wikibyexpanding it.

This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available at mass retail.

Merchandise

Decoy

• Astrotrain(Decoy, 1986)
  • Decoy number:38

DecoyAstrotrain is a small, purple rubber figure made available with certain toys in theoriginal toyline.

• More information on Decoy Astrotrain at TFU.info

Boss Original Figure

• Astrotrain(Boss Original Figure, 2008)

Released in a line of PVC figures available exclusively with containers ofBoss Coffee,this version of Astrotrain is rendered in grey and violet.

Transformers Trading Card Game

• Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport(2019)
  • Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II
  • Rarity:CT
  • Card Number:T01/T52
  • Stars:12

Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport 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, Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport 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 theSiegeAstrotrain toy, while both Alt Modes receive original artwork, with lines byDan Khannaand colors byMarcus Reyno.

Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport is notable as being the first character in the game with the ''Train'' trait. Due to the game's cancellation, he remains the only train in the game.

ReAction

• Astrotrain(2020)
  • Accessories:Blaster

Released in the first wave ofSuper7's line of multi-property 3.75-inch "retro" action figures,ReActionAstrotrain is a non-converting 3 3/4-inch action figure based on his appearance in the original cartoon, with 5 points of articulation (swivel neck, shoulders, hips) and holes in his feet for use with some variety of stand. Unlike the first-series figures, both of his hands are open to hold his weapon accessory.

As with all releases in theReActiontoyline, Astrotrain comes packaged on a small cardback that emulates the nostalgic packaging style ofKenner'sStar Warsaction figures from the late 1970s to early '80s.

Eaglemoss

• Transformers Gen-1 Chess Set(2021)

In the plannedTransformers Chess SetbyEaglemoss,a relatively large and very well detailed statue of Astrotrain was slated to be one of the Rook pieces on the Decepticon 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.

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

Transformers Character Card

• Broadside & Astrotrain Set(February 6,2023)
  • ID number:39 & 40

Released as part of the sixth wave of thee-HOBBYexclusiveTransformers Character Cardseries, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art ofBroadsideand Astrotrain along withcharacter profilesandtech specs.

• Translation of Astrotrain's Transformers Character Card

Pop!

• Astrotrain(2024)
  • ID number:133

Released as part of thePop! Retro Toyssegment in celebration of the 40 years of the franchise,Funko'sPop!Astrotrain is a super deformed vinyl figure based on his original Generation 1 toy in white and purple colors.

Notes

• Given the timing, the Generation 1 Astrotrain was probably an asset carried over from thescrapped 1985 rangeof thepre-TransformerDiaclonetoyline. Evidence also suggests fellowTransformerscharacterOctaneshares this origin.

References