Astrotrain is a Decepticon triple changer and changes into a space shuttle and steam locomotive. As a space shuttle he travels at 20,000 mph in orbit and as a train, his top speed is 400 mph. He also acts as a decepticon troop and cargo transport. Creating confusion is his specialty and he thrives on foes’ panic and fear.
Name: Astrotrain
Line: The Transformers (G1)
Manufacturer: Hasbro/Takara
Released: 1985
Price: Then – $11.99 USD Now – $50 – $250 USD
Scale: About 12cm in height in robot mode
Accessories: Ionic displacer rifle
Motto: “In confusion there is opportunity.”
My brother and I were both lucky enough to own Astrotrain as a kid, being the European classics version of the toy. Which we both received as Christmas presents (which we some how found them early, and obviously became quite excited knowing what we would receive) Even though by this stage my brother and I knew to be careful when playing with our G1 Transformers so as not to break them. I still remember at some point one Astrotrain had his leg broken and the other his arm, unfortunately. So many years later I was wanting to reclaim my childhood and was able to purchase one in good condition for myself. I’ve always liked the look of the toy and enjoyed that it could turn into a space shuttle and steam locomotive as well. Being one of the two first “Triple Changers” was pretty cool at the time.
Doing my research I read that originally it was intended to have Astrotrain’s arms extend out to be longer and that he might have been originally intended to be released for Diaclone. I really think the extending arms would have been a great added feature. I’m curious to see if any missing link Astrotrain will fix this problem if it’s ever announced.
SCULPTING
Astrotrain is very nicely sculpted, in robot mode and in space shuttle and train mode. I honesty can’t decide which mode I like the most they are all great! The only let down is his short arms and tiny oddly shaped thighs. (Which are shaped that way as part of his transformation, but still, they’ve always looked weird) Otherwise, everything else is in proportion and which a nice amount of sculpted detail. The stickers also provide a lot of nice detail too.
For some reason there’s just something about the choice of off white and purple plastic that I just love. The plastic feels of high quality and the tones of each colour have always felt premium to me, I really do think it’s important what colour is picked and what tone of that colour too.
Also, it’s worth noting that Astrotrain’s chest shield can be folded away to better match the cartoon design. But it looks very cool when you have the chest shield out. Even if it does limit his arm movement.
PAINT
Not too much of Astrotrain has been painted. It’s mainly the metal parts of his legs which make up the front part of his train mode. As expected it’s painted well and looks good. Just be aware of any paint chips or wear to this part of the toy.
ARTICULATION
Like most G1 transformers, Astrotrain is a brick. You can move his arms a little bit and they are on ball joints so you get a good range of motion, but that’s it. No leg or head articulation.
His transformation from space shuttle to robot to train is fun and fairly intuitive and feels satisfying. Even if you are just moving and folding different parts of his body.
ACCESSORIES
Astrotrain comes with his Ionic displacer rifle and that’s it. His gun is notoriously oversized for the toy and for his tiny arms. Still it looks great and fits in and stays in his hand with no problem.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
I would have to say Astrotrain is a pretty solid toy. However, I do remember that as a kid one of his legs broke. So like most vintage transformers you still need to be careful with him. Only real issues if buying one would be plastic discolouration or paint chips/play wear.
PRICE
I was able to get my copy of Astrotrain from Transformerland and was happy with the price for the condition of the toy. As always just pay a price you are happy with.
OVERALL
I really like the Astrotrain toy. Astrotrain is definitely a good background toy to have to help build out your G1 collection and a pretty great toy in its own right, even with its limitations. As an adult collector there’s not too much to worry about with this one. He’s a great toy to own. Perhaps the main question is do you have the chest shield out or folded up?
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