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Series: Generation 1
Allegiance: Decepticon
Categories: Triple Changer
Function: Military Transport
Year: 1985
In confusion there is opportunity.
Creating confusion is his specialty. As a Triple Changer, can switch from space shuttle to train to robot mode almost instantaneously. Thrives on foes' panic and fear. As shuttle, travels at 20,000 mph in orbit, up to 50,000 mph out of orbit. Can launch weapons and satellites. Carries cargo. As a train, top speed is 400 mph, range 1700 miles. As robot has great strength, carries powerful ionic displacer rifle.
Robot Mode: Astrotrain looks pretty cool in robot mode, the only real drawback being the tiny arms. They are pretty posable, though, which almost makes that up. The rest of the figure is a brick, but has few problems. The wings on the back and the crest on the chest give him a regal, powerful look. The rifle is a bit too large (or the arms too small, take your pick) but that just gives him more of a dangerous look. Bottom line, a good robot mode.
Alternate Mode: Astrotrain can change into two different vehicles. The first is a space shuttle, which looks very much like the real thing except for the colours. No problems there. Also, since the toy is partly metal, it has a solid, heavy feel. The second mode is a locomotive. Personally I don't like this mode much, but that's mostly because I don't see the sense. It looks like what it's supposed to be, though, so I can't really complain. All in all, good vehicle modes.
Remarks: Astrotrain is probably the best and most famous of the triple changers. Playing parts in Seasons 2 and 3 of the cartoon as well as in the movie he is one of the more famous Decepticons. As one of the old-style Transformers he also comes with partly metal parts and a very solid feel, enabling him to survive 20 years without too much damage. All in all, a great toy with cool vehicle modes and a pretty decent character in the course of the cartoon.
Rating: B+
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