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This article is relevant to the Matchbox Car sized toys in the RPM and Speed Stars line, not the other toys in the lines.
 Before we get to the RPMs and Speed Stars, Fred reminded me that there were a few die cast Transformers vehicles that came before. So…here they are. First came a 2003 Transformers Armada die cast vehicle set in Japan made by Majorette. Of course, they didn't really look anything like the actual Transformers they are supposed to represent, but still very cool. Then came a 2007 Takara Tomy shareholder exclusive set of two die cast vehicles, one, that had Optimus Prime on the side. Then came the first die cast Transformers vehicle that actual looked like a Transformers. The 2007 Transformers Titanium Target Exclusive Optimus Prime 3-Pack included Optimus Prime in truck mode. It is the direct precursor to the RPM line…sort of. As you can see, it is more detailed than and RPM or Speed Star and has no robot on the bottom. It's also a bit larger.
 Update 2/26/2012: Last year, two other cars were released. Through a promotion with Energizer Batteries, 10 and 20 packs of AA batteries were packed with either an autobot or Decepticon race car. They are all plastic, and completly unremarkable.
 Now, on to the real things! |
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There may be more variants in the RPMs and Speed Stars line in any Transformers series since G1. I'm going to outline the different types of variants that are common and as much as I know about them, then I'll go through each toy with all the details.
First though, a question: has Hasbro ever made a die cast blue Bluestreak? 99% of fans will say no, having to admit that if one did exist way back when, that it would have shown up by now. (Click here if you have no idea what I'm talking about.) However, the answer to the question is "yes". Hasbro has indeed produced a blue Bluestreak. This, if nothing else, makes RPM and SS an important footnote to Transformers history. |
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Still with me? Now, in order to show detail, the pictures are quite large. The toys are numbered in the picture (coresponding to the "#" column) so you can refer from the list to the picture. I've also set the links below to open in a new window so you can switch back and forth easily. Where it shows "Variation:", this only shows two things. First, it shows the numbers if any or notes there is no number (NNO) found on the bottom of the cars. Second, it notes variations for that toy within it's specific series. Mostly these are wheel uard versus no wheel guard, but it also notes paint apps changes (but only within it's specific series, so while there are variants between RPM Metal Heroes Highway Patrol Barricade and Speed Stars Metal Heroes Highway Patrol Barricade, they aren't noted there). I'm not going to go into specifics on the packaging, wheel guards or lack of wheel guards, numbering , or metal shells veruss plastic shells, as they are clearly shown in the table, though there are a few specific instances I will expand upon. What I will expand upon paint apps changes, repainting and certain odd issues with some toys.
Now, on to the toys! |
The first thing to note about Barricade is the symbol on the fender in front of the doors (#1 and #2). The first version sported the blue, white, and silver, Decepticon/Police logo. The problem is, I've never seen one of these that wasn't badly printed. So, during wave one, they changed it to a simpler silver shield with the Decepticon logo inside it in black. For the Metal Heroes Series, Barricade was repainted silver and black and dubbed "Highway Patrol" Barricade. The RPM and SS toys were quite different. (#7 and #8) The RPM had silver hubcaps, while the SS had black hubcaps and the wheel had a red ring around it. The RPM has the "9-1-1" logo and shield on the side of the car, while it is omitted from the SS version. From the bottom, the toys had different color plastic and the RPM includes more paint apps. The Battles Series 2 Patrol Barricade RPM and SS also differ. (#9 and #10) The SS omits the "To punish and enslave..." text on the rear fender. While the bottom of the cars are different colors, and the RPM robot is more detailed.
There is an additional oddity on the Battles Series 2 Barricade. The RPM version has a plastic shell, while the SS version has a metal shell. All other 2010 RPM/SS either have plastic or metal shells. I've examined quite a few SS versions and have only seen metal, while all pictures I've seen of the RPM version appear plastic. It's hard to say for sure as the RPM version is very rare, and the only one I've been able to see in person is the one I have. Since there don't seem to be any other variants among a specific toy, I am comfortable saying the RPM being plastic and the SS being metal are consistent. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Early Bonecrushers had no symbol of the top of the vehicle. (#1 and #2) It was added during wave one. RPM Battles Series 2 Bonecrusher is the same as the previous two versions, just with different numbers. They repainted it completely for SS Battles Series 2. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Deepticon Logo was added on the tank under the turret during the first wave. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
During the first wave, this Bumblebee had an Autobot symbol added to his hood. The mold is distinctly different from the 2009 version, which is why I've kept it separate. Well...that and the shear number of 2009 Bumblebees... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
So...many...Bumblebees. Like it's 1974 cousin, the Commander Series Bumblebee had a symbol added to the hood during the first wave. (#1 and #2) Then things get crazy. For the Speed Series, it was completely remolded. The hood, front bumper, grill, and hubcaps were remolded, along with the entire robot on the underside. This mold is used for Bumblebee for all subsequent uses so far. The Cyber Hunt Series Bumblebee (#6 and #7) are nearly the same. The differences are fewer Cybertronian symbols on the sides of the SS and less paint apps on the robot. There are similar changes to the Metal Heroes Series Bumblebee. (#8 and #9) The grill, headlights, front bumper and rear taillights are unpainted on the SS and it carries a lighter Autobot symbol on the roof. The plastic bottom of the SS is gray instead of brown and the robot has no paint apps. The NEST Global Alliance Bumblebee is one of my favorite RPM versus SS variants. (#10 and #11). The RPM has white hub cabs, black racing stripes all over the side and top of the car, painted grill, headlights, front bumper, and rear lights. In addition it has a really intricate and well-applied logo on the sides. The SS has none of that. The stripes are simplified and only on the hood and trunk of the car and the logo on the side is just black and much simpler. Same on the bottom, no paint apps on the robot. The RPM looks so great, and the SS is just blah. The same changes from RPM to SS on the NEST Global Alliance Bumblebee (#14 and #15) are to be found on the Stunticon Bumblebee a well. The Battles Series 2 Bumblebee (#16 and #17) just boggles my mind. The RPM is black with yellow stripes over the top with an Autobot logo on the roof and a yellow off center Autobot logo on each side that continues onto the roof. On the SS, they left out the roof striping and roof parts of the logo. It looks like someone just forgot to paint it. Thankfully, that's all for Bumblebee...for now. Update 8/4/2011: Five Speed Stars (in Dark of the Moon packaging) were released as giveaways with the purchase of a newspaper in the UK. Nothing special here, just nubering differences.
Update 2/26/2012: One series of carded Speed Stars were released under the Dark of the Moon brand, but unless you were outside of the USA, you've only seen them online. Hasbro didn't bother to make them available in the USA. Given the more than poor distribution, I think it's safe to say the line is canceled. The Video Game version of Stealth Force Series Bumblebee was package with the Dark of the Moon Autobots Nintendo DS Video Game. It is far more detailed in paint job than than the regular carded version. The same mold was also used for the Night Attack Series. The Beast Machines Series Bumblebee uses the most common previous Bumblebee mold. The Trans Scan Series Bumblebee used a new mold.
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One series of carded Speed Stars were released under the Dark of the Moon brand, but unless you were outside of the USA, you've only seen them online. Hasbro didn't bother to make them available in the USA. Given the more than poor distribution, I think it's safe to say the line is canceled.
Both of these use the same mold. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The RPM Metal Heroes Ironhide has painted details on the grill bumper and an Autobot Logo was added in red in the truck bed. (#4 and #5) The SS Metal Heroes is a total repaint, done in Red with a black hood and Autobot logos on the door, but no other details on the car body. The robots, as usual, RPM painted up, SS no extra paint details. The NEST Global Alliance Ironhide (#6 and #7) is dark Silver with red stripes and a detailed NEST Logo on each door. The SS is a really nice blue color with gray striping and a simplified logo on the hood. Robots...same story, details on the RPM, not on the SS. The Revealer series (#8 and #9) are supposed to be showing him in the middle of transforming, so there is no robot on the underside. The RPM has gray and silver robot parts, and painted grill, while the SS version has all silver robot parts and an Autobot logo on the roof. Lastly, we have the Battle Series 2 Ironhide (#10 and #11) and here we have something interesting! When this series came out, 2-Packs #1-#5 came out first, and then #6 showed up (in seemingly REALLY small quantities) later. What's interesting is that the two versions are nearly identical. The only difference is that the RPM has the painted name on the bottom and the SS has the molded name, so they didn't just put RPMs in SS packaging, which is the first thing I thought of when I saw it. It does have the more paint details on the robots, painted side mirrors, headlights, and Autobot logos on the side doors and read of the vehicle. This is the first SS to have all the RPM detailing (along with Mixmaster, who he was packaged with). Update 8/4/2011: Five Speed Stars (in Dark of the Moon packaging) were released as giveaways with the purchase of a newspaper in the UK. Nothing special here, just nubering differences.
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During wave one they added an Autobot logo on the trunk. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There are two RPM and two SS versions of Jetfire in Metal Heroes and Battle Series 2, and all have different paint apps and of course, the RPM robots have better details. The only really noteworthy item is that the RPM Battle Series 2 Jetfire has winged Decepticon logs on his rear vertical stabilizers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Landmine is the only 2009 wave two toy to come with and without wheel guards. (#1 and #2) All versions have wheel guards on the rear, but the first ones came out with them on the front wheels. It's just a guess, but I think they didn't think it was necessary with the way the front of the vehicle is designed. Either that, or they just screwed up...but Hasbro would never do that. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One series of carded Speed Stars were released under the Dark of the Moon brand, but unless you were outside of the USA, you've only seen them online. Hasbro didn't bother to make them available in the USA. Given the more than poor distribution, I think it's safe to say the line is canceled. The tops shell of this vehicle is the same mold used for Topspin, with a different bottom.
Leadfoot was available as a Target exclusive, making it the only Speed Star to see retail release under the Dark of the Moon name. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Update 2/26/2012: One series of carded Speed Stars were released under the Dark of the Moon brand, but unless you were outside of the USA, you've only seen them online. Hasbro didn't bother to make them available in the USA. Given the more than poor distribution, I think it's safe to say the line is canceled. The Video Game Stealth Force Series Lockdown was package with the Dark of the Moon Autobots Nintendo DS Video Game. It is far more detailed in paint job than than previously released version.
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Simply put, RPM Battle Series 2 Long Haul is completely different from the SS version. (#3 and #4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The RPM Battle Series Two Megatron is a completely different color from the SS version. (#7 and #8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One series of carded Speed Stars were released under the Dark of the Moon brand, but unless you were outside of the USA, you've only seen them online. Hasbro didn't bother to make them available in the USA. Given the more than poor distribution, I think it's safe to say the line is canceled. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The RPM Battle Series Two Mixmaster, like the Ironhide from the same series, is identical to the SS version accept for the name on the bottom, which is drawn on the RPM version and molded on the SS version. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The first version (#1) of Mudflap was darker both on the vehicle shell and the robot than later versions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Battle Series Optimus Prime contained the usual variants, but I did find one oddity. (#4) This one has recessed front hubcaps, while every other one I've seen has protruding front hubcaps. This is most likely just a manufacturing error and not a true variant. There were two Optimus Primes in Battle Series 2. Each sport slightly different paint jobs between RPM and SS. (#8 and #9, #10 and #11) Robots are much simpler on the SS. Metal Heroes Prime has a slightly different paint job from RPM to SS. (#13 and #14) Robot is much simpler on the SS. On the Global Alliance Prime the really great paint apps on the RPM version have been replaced with crappy ones on the SS. (#15 and #16) But wait...we have one more Optimus Prime variant...well, two, but well get to that later. A special edition RPM Cyber Hunt Series Optimus Prime was given out as a Toy Fair exclusive. What is interesting here is that they never released an RPM Cyber Hunt Optimus Prime. It would have been in the next 2010 RPM wave that never materialized, so only the SS version was released. (#12) The Toy Fair RPM Cyber Hunt Optimus Prime is based on the unreleased RPM Cyber Hunt Optimus Prime and added "Toy Fair 2010" about the Autobot logo on each door and painted a profile shot of Optimus Prime's face onto the rear sides of the cab. Also they added the words, "Autobots, Roll Out!" to the roof. At least, we assume these things are changes, as again, we don't know what the original looked like. In any event, this toy looks AWESOME, and if you want to own just one RPM, get this one. However, even on a rare Toy Fair exclusive we have a variant...and a bit of a mystery. I heard about the Toy Fair Optimus Prime RPM during Toy Fair 2010, and in the summer, they stared turning up on eBay for 30-50 dollars. A bit expensive, but I don't see many Toy Fair exclusive anythings for sale, so I bought one, and thought that was that. Then last fall, maybe winter, I'm not sure, they started showing up in Speed Stars packaging, but still saying it was a Toy Fair 2010 exclusive. Strangely, the SS version sells for about 15-20 dollars. The only difference between the two is the number on the toy and that the RPM version has the name painted on the bottom while the SS version has it molded on. This is consistent between nearly all RPM and SS toys. What's really odd is comparing the two Toy Fair versions with the SS Cyber Hunt version. The SS version has fewer symbols on the sides of the hood than the RPM Toy Fair version, which is consistent with RPM and SS Cyber Hunt Bumblebee. What's not consistent is why the Toy Fair SS Cyber Hunt Prime ASLO has more symbols on it. To be consistent, it should have fewer like the SS version. It's all very odd, and I still don't know where the SS version of Toy Fair Prime came from, or why I hadn't seen anything about it until many months after Toy Fair. Wish I knew more about this. I may contact the sellers on ebay and see if they have any info. One more oddity that I didn't even notice until I was putting away all these toys after finishing writing this up. The SS Cyber Hunt Optimus Prime (#12) has an Autobot Logo on the rear sides of the cab with wings on it. This is similar to Jetfire, who has RPM Battles Series two Jetfire who has a Decepticon logo on his rear stabilizers with wings on it. What I noticed is that both Optimus Prime and Jetfire have a number printed below the logo. What's odd is that they both carry the same number, 17972. Odd if nothing else.
Update 8/4/2011: Five Speed Stars (in Dark of the Moon packaging) were released as giveaways with the purchase of a newspaper in the UK. Nothing special here, just nubering differences.
Update 2/26/2012: One series of carded Speed Stars were released under the Dark of the Moon brand, but unless you were outside of the USA, you've only seen them online. Hasbro didn't bother to make them available in the USA. Given the more than poor distribution, I think it's safe to say the line is canceled. Beast Machines and Metal Heroes is the previous Optimus Prime mold. The Night Attack Series and Stealth Force Series is a new mold. The Trans Scan Series Bumblebee used a new mold.
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Combat Series Ratchet had some paint apps changes wave one. (#4 and #5) The first versions had the words "Fire Department" in small lettering and a detailed logo on the door. Like with Barricade, that logo was always badly printer and along with enlarging the letting, the logo became a white Autobot logo inside a red circle. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Battles Series 2 Sideswipe has the usual, RPM is awesome and SS is crappy, paint apps. (#2 and #3). Robot is less detailed on the SS. RPM Metal Heroes Series has better paint apps on car and robot and different colored bottom. But we do have an interesting variant within the SS line, the first I've found. I've found two different SS Metal Heroes Sideswipe. One has short lines on the sides and an Autobot logo on the roof facing forward, while the other has longer lines on the sides and the logo facing backwards on the roof. (#4 and #5) You'll note that on top, #5 has the same striping and the logo is pointed the same direction as on #9. So, which came first, #4 or $5? My theory is that #5 came first after the RPM. It keeps some of th RPM traits (longer stripes and rear facing logo), then for some reason they decided to flip around the logo and shorten the stripes. It's the only thing that makes sense.
Also of note is that Sideswipe has been repainted and renamed into the first and only official Hasbro blue Bluestreak. (#6) This is one of only two toys repainted and made into different characters. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paint apps are far superior on RPM Robot Riders Sideswipe than the SS version. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
When Sideways was repainted into Wreckloose the RPM version got paint details on the grill, hood vents, headlights and taillights and a nice green color. (#4 and #5) The Wreckloose RPM robot has awesome paint details, the SS version, not so much and it also has a more sickly green color. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Skids robot came initially in a darker green, but became lighter for all other releases. (#1) The version that came with the Devastator Playset was identical to the first version (no wheel guards or numbers) but with the lighter robot. (#4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RPM Metal Heroes Series has better paint apps on car and robot. See the pics...this is getting old. Update 8/4/2011: Five Speed Stars (in Dark of the Moon packaging) were released as giveaways with the purchase of a newspaper in the UK. Nothing special here, just nubering differences.
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The original version of Starscream was completely remolded for 2010, in fact, it should probably be considered a separate mold all together like Bumblebee 1974. It has a longer and narrower fuselage and folding wings among other mold changes. The RPM AllSpark Series Starscream is a completely different paint scheme to the SS Road Assault Starscream. (#3 and #4) It is my assumption that the name change is due to the complete change in color scheme. If you look at the AllSpark Series Starscream, you see a Decepticon symbol in a purple field surrounded by lighting. When they completely changed the artwork, I don't the name fit anymore. This is just an assumption, but it seems to make sense. Update 8/4/2011: Five Speed Stars (in Dark of the Moon packaging) were released as giveaways with the purchase of a newspaper in the UK. Nothing special here, just numbering differences...or is there. As it happens, unlike the other four of these, the Starscream does have a significant difference. Cyber Hunt Starscream has never previously been released!
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One series of carded Speed Stars were released under the Dark of the Moon brand, but unless you were outside of the USA, you've only seen them online. Hasbro didn't bother to make them available in the USA. Given the more than poor distribution, I think it's safe to say the line is canceled.
The tops shell of this vehicle is the same mold used for Leadfoot, with a different bottom. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Update 2/26/2012: One series of carded Speed Stars were released under the Dark of the Moon brand, but unless you were outside of the USA, you've only seen them online. Hasbro didn't bother to make them available in the USA. Given the more than poor distribution, I think it's safe to say the line is canceled. |