This is not a fruit flavoured popsicle.

Here’s the other, more interesting half of the two pack. I say interesting because I have absolutely no clue where this deco comes from.

Well, Blitzwing was a fun throwback to a simpler time. Does Astrotrain have the same charm?

Packaging

Vehicle mode (Train mode)

Let’s start off with the lesser of the two vehicle modes. Astrotrain is actually pretty convincing as an old school train but the new deco just doesn’t lend him any favours in this mode. All the wheels being painted is nice though.

For playability, all Astrotrain can do is roll on his four tiny wheels.

Transformation

As with Blitzwing, the transformation to get between all three modes is a breeze. It’s actually simpler than Blitzwing’s but I enjoy Astrotrain’s more. It feels like peeling a banana getting between train and rocket mode.

Vehicle mode (Rocket mode)

Astrotrain is looking much better in rocket mode. Mainly because he’s got more detail in this mode and the really weird mix of colours works better in this mode. Also, the rocket boosters on the back make more sense on a rocket than on an old timey train.

Astrotrain also can roll around in rocket mode. This because he also has four tiny wheels under this mode.

Robot mode

Man, Astrotrain is just a weird looking robot. He has that awkward, retro charm but that is because he is very awkward looking in robot mode. Still, I think the new orange, purple and white paintjob suits Astrotrain best in robot mode.

Also, I had the misfortune of getting an Astrotrain that can’t stand without having his legs extended.

I’ll give it to Astrotrain, he at least has more posability than Blitzwing. His arms rotate as well as go in and out at the shoulders. That’s quite a bit for a G1 Transformer.

Gimmicks

Astrotrain is a Triple Changer and that’s his main schtick. He doesn’t come with as many weapons as Blitzwing but it’s compensated with the enormity of his one included gun.

Oddly though, Astrotrain comes with a rub-sign that reveals his allegiance and changes colour when heat is applied to it. I say it’s odd because only Astrotrain has it, Blitzwing doesn’t. Weird.

Toy or collectible?

Collectible.

Astrotrain’s a unique redeco that’s part of a Platinum Edition set which is aimed at adult collectors. While the set is available at reasonable prices nowadays, I wouldn’t feel comfortable giving Astrotrain to a kid. He doesn’t feel all too robust.

Closing

Yes, Astrotrain has an out of left field colour scheme but it’s unique so it stands out from all the other G1 reissues coming out. That said, Astrotrain is the weaker half of this set. He’s just a worse Transformer than Blitzwing even if I think he’s got colours just as nice as the other Triple Changer.

But I guess since you need this is a two-pack, you’ll need to get Astrotrain to get Blitzwing. So problem solved?