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Diaclone

2014-06-05T19:33:04Z

Billprestonesquire:

[[File:Diaclone-GRB logo.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Di...a...cloooooooone!!!]]
'''''Diaclone''''' (ダイアクロン ''Daiakuron'') was one of two [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] toy lines (the other being ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'') from which the earliest [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] ''Transformers'' toys came.

The ''Diaclone'' toyline was first introduced in [[1980]], but it was not until March [[1982]] that toys with [[Alternate mode|alt modes]] based on realistic, present-day vehicles began to appear as part of the "Car Robots" sub-line. The first one was the ''Diaclone'' predecessor of [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], whom [[Hasbro]] now considers the first fully-fledged transforming car-to-robot toy ever designed.<ref name="hof2010">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/movie-news/TRANSFORMERS-HALL-OF-FAME-INAUGURAL-MEMBERS.cfm Hasbro press release for the 2010 Transformers Hall of Fame inductees]</ref> Its vehicle form was based on an older Takara toy, the "Cosmo Countach" from the ''[[Microman]]'' "Micro Command" sub-line released in 1978, which transformed into a half-robot, half-car hybrid.<ref name="command">[http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~mikuro/sub1-6.htm "Micro Command" toys, including the Cosmo Countach]</ref>

Before the [[Transformers brand]] was introduced, Takara directly exported some ''Diaclone'' toys to North America under the brand names ''[[Diakron]]'' and ''[[Kronoform]]'', but those lines met with very little success.

In [[1983]], [[Hasbro]] representatives discovered ''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' toys at the Tokyo Toy Show, and soon struck a deal to create the ''Transformers'' brand.

The [[1984]] and [[1985]] [[Autobot Cars]], 1984 [[Decepticon Planes]], 1985 [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, 1985 [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, [[Trainbot]]s, [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s, [[Powerdasher]]s, [[Jumpstarter]]s, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], 1984 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]] and [[1986]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ultra Magnus]] toys all originated from ''Diaclone''.

When ''Transformers'' proved an unqualified success, plans for a 1985 ''Diaclone'' line were scrapped, and ''Transformers'' was imported to Japan in its place. These aborted toys, which would have been part of a sub-line called ''Jizai Gattai'' ("[[Free-Combination|Free Combination]]") were then incorporated into the ''Transformers'' toyline in 1986 as the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]].

{{picsneeded|Catalog scans}}

==Toy range (incomplete)==
The following list covers all Diaclone releases that were later rereleased as Transformers. Diaclone molds with no Transformer releases are generally not listed as they fall outside the purview of this site.
===Baku-Ten Attack Robo===
Released in the ''Transformers'' line as the [[Jumpstarter]]s.

* Drill Tank Type — Available in two decos. Dark blue limbs with grey chest or dark blue limbs with red chest. (Transformers releases [[Twin Twist]]/[[Salt-Man Z]]/[[Robot-Man Z]] all utilized completely new decos)
* Jet Type - Available in two decos. Dark blue chest with red limbs or dark blue chest with grey limbs. (Transformers releases [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]/[[Salt-Man X]]/[[Robot-Man X]] all utilized completely new decos)

===Car Robots===
[[File:Sunstreaker-diaclone.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Maybe they died when the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' crashed?]]

*No. 1 Countach LP500S — The Diaclone red deco was changed to yellow for release as [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]].
*No. 2 Onebox Cherry Vanette — The Diaclone black deco was changed to red for release as [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]].
*No. 3 Countach Patrol Car Type — Not released as a Transformer.
*No. 4 Onebox Ambulance Type — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Ratchet (G1)/toys|Ratchet]].
*No. 5 4WD Hi-luxe — The Diaclone black deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]. The Diaclone version was also available in blue and yellow decos.
*No. 6 Honda City R — The Diaclone silver deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]. The Diaclone version was also available in red. This mold was later redecoed as [[Screech (Generations)|Screech]].
*No. 7 Fairlady Z — The Diaclone blue deco was changed to silver for release as [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]. The Diaclone version was also available in silver with a black hood.
*No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type — The Diaclone red deco was changed to green for release as [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]. The Diaclone version was also available in blue.
[[File:DiacloneSkids.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*No. 9 Honda City Turbo — The Diaclone blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. The Diaclone version was also available in black and red decos.
*No.10 Fire Engine — The Diaclone version is nearly identical to the Transformers [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] mold. However, the Mitsubishi Fuso logo molded onto the front of the cab, and extra chrome on the beam that connects the head, set this figure apart. This mold was later redecoed as [[Artfire (Headmasters)|Artfire]].
*No.11 Fairlady Z Racing Type — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]].
*No.12 J59 Jeep — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. This mold was later redecoed as [[Detritus (G1)|Detritus]].
*No.13 Police Car Fairlady Z — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]].
*No.14 Porsche 935 Turbo — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]. This mold was later redecoed as [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]].
*No.15 New Countach LP500S — The Diaclone red deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. The Diaclone version was also available in black and yellow decos, which were later used for [[Deep Cover]] and [[Tigertrack]] .
*No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 — The Diaclone blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]. A red version was also available as a Diaclone.
*No.17 Battle Convoy — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged, except for some decals on the trailer, for release as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]].
*No.18 Lancia Stratos Turbo — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys|Wheeljack]]. A remolded version served as the inspiration for [[Marlboor Wheeljack]].
*No.19 New Countach Police Car — The Diaclone police deco was changed to a fire chief deco for release as [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]. The original deco was later used for [[Clamp Down]].
[[File:TrasformerSuperBuggy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|What, no TF love for Powered Buggy?]]
*No.20 Truck Crane — The Diaclone version is nearly identical to the Transformers [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] mold. However, the Mitsubishi Fuso logo molded onto the front of the cab, and extra chrome on the beam that connects the head, set this figure apart. This mold was later redecoed as [[Hauler]].
*No.21 Corvette Stingray — The Diaclone red deco was changed to blue for release as [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]. The Diaclone red deco was released as Tracks in Europe and later as [[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]].

*Powered Convoy — The Diaclone deco was reversed for release as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]]. The Diaclone version was also available in a chrome deco. The Powered Buggy accessory was excised from all Transformers releases.

===Construction Vehicle Robo===

There were two Diaclone releases available. There were many coloring differences between the two but only the most obvious are listed below. All six received new green and purple decos for release in the ''Transformers'' line. The same molds were also released during ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' with the green changed to yellow and, later, orange.
*No. 1 Bulldozer - Orange in both versions. ([[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]])
*No. 2 Power Shovel - Orange in both versions. ([[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]])
*No. 3 Shovel-dozer - Orange in both versions. ([[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]])
*No. 4 Truck Crane - Red in version one, blue in version two. ([[Hook (G1)|Hook]])
*No. 5 Dump Truck - Red in both versions. ([[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]])
*No. 6 Concrete Mixer - Red in version one, blue in version two. ([[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]])

The [[Combiner]] pieces were predominately blue in version one and red in version two.

===Dashers===
The Dashers were released in ''Transformers'' as the [[Powerdasher]]s. They were only available via mail-order and [[Robot Point]]s, and never even got individual names!

*Sky Dasher ([[Cromar]])
*Drill Dasher ([[Zetar (G1)|Zetar]])
*F-1 Dasher ([[Aragon]])

===Dinosaur Robo===
[[File:DiacloneSwoop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Ohh, so [[Show-accuracy|''that's'']] where his color scheme came from.]]
The Dinosaur Robo molds became the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] in ''Transformers''. Duh. All of the TF releases had softer plastic in certain places. There were also several differences in decos between the Diaclone and Transformers versions, mostly the replacement of blue paint with red.

*Tyrannosaurus ([[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]])
*Triceratops ([[Slag (G1)|Slag]])
*Brontosaurus ([[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]])
*Stegosaurus ([[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]])
*Pteranodon ([[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]])

===Double Changers===
The Double Changers were released as the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]], and like the Powerdashers, were only available via mail-order and Robot Points.

*Ferrari BB ([[Overdrive]])
*Savanna RX-7 ([[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]])
*Celica XX ([[Downshift (G1)|Downshift]])

===F-15 Robo===
The F-15 Robo mold was the source for the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. The black and purple deco used for [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]] was created for the ''Transformers'' line, and was never available as a Diaclone. The decos and remolded wings for the [[Conehead]]s were also original to Transformers.

* Super-high-speed fighter type ([[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]])
* Acrobat type ([[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]])

===Insecter Robo===
In Diaclone, these were mechs used by the Waruder, the "bad guys" of that universe. In ''Transformers'' they were released as the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] with new purple, black and yellow decos. Much later, the Diaclone decos were released as the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive [[Insecticon clone|Insecticon Clones]].

*Kabutoron ([[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]/[[Salvo]])
*Battas ([[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]/[[Shothole]])
*Kuwagatler ([[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]/[[Zaptrap]])

===Train Robo===
The Train Robo molds were only released as Transformers in Japan during the ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (franchise)|Headmasters]]'' franchise as [[Raiden]] and his individual components, the [[Trainbot]]s. There were two color variations released for the Diaclone line, making 12 individual trains total. Numbers 7-12 are much rarer and were never released as a giftset.

*No. 1 [[wikipedia:Tōkaidō Shinkansen|Tōkaidō]] [[wikipedia:0 Series Shinkansen|0 Series Shinkansen]] ([[Shouki]])
*No. 2 [[wikipedia:JNR Class EF65|EF65-1000]] [[wikipedia:Blue Train (Japan)|Blue Train]] ([[Getsuei]])
*No. 3 [[wikipedia:Tōhoku Shinkansen|Tōhoku]] [[wikipedia:Jōetsu Shinkansen|Jōetsu]] [[wikipedia:200 Series Shinkansen|200 Series Shinkansen]] ([[Yukikaze (Headmasters)|Yukikaze]])
*No. 4 [[wikipedia:Tōkaidō Main Line|Tōkaidō Main Line]] 153 Express Train ([[Suiken]])
*No. 5 L-[[wikipedia:Limited express|Limited Express]] [[wikipedia:485 series|485]] ([[Seizan]])
*No. 6 [[wikipedia:JNR Class DE10|DE10]] Diesel Locomotive ([[Kaen]])
*No. 7 Tōkaidō 0 Series Shinkansen Metallic (Silver Liner)
*No. 8 Limited Express [[wikipedia:JNR Class ED76|EF76]] (Battle Liner)
*No. 9 [[wikipedia:Doctor Yellow|Doctor Yellow 922]] (Yellow Liner)
*No. 10 [[wikipedia:Yokosuka Line|Yokosuka Line]] [[wikipedia:113 series|113]] (Miracle Liner)
*No. 11 [[wikipedia:Sleeping car|Sleeper Express]] [[wikipedia:583 series|583]] (Thunder Liner)
*No. 12 DE10 Diesel Locomotive Transparent (Crystal Liner)

===Triplechangers===
[[File:G1-toy Overcharge.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
Only the Jet Fighter Type [[Triple Changer]] was ever released in the ''Transformers'' line, but the Helicopter Type made a cameo in a [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comic. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] may have been in development when the change to the Transformers brand occurred.

*No. 1 Jet Fighter Type ([[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], purple and beige deco/[[Overcharge (G1)|Overcharge]], original Diaclone dark green and white deco)
*[[Jet-helicopter Decepticon|No. 2 Helicopter Type]]

{{-}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Wyatt Toys]] advertised Diaclone and [[Microman]] toys for sale in the [[Detroit Powell Press]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac}}

==Notes==
*Designs from Diaclone were plagiarized for the Korean animated movie ''Diatron 5'' (다이아트론5), which is currently haunting Walmart dollar bins as ''[http://www.amazon.com/SPACE-TRANSFORMERS/dp/B000FHDNZW Space Transformers]''.
*Like ''Transformers'' after it, ''Diaclone'' was also released in other countries, in some cases licensed to other companies:
**Takara themselves had a short run on the US market under the name ''[[Diakron]]'', featuring three toys that were later released as ''Transformers'' in different colors.
**Italian company [[GiG]] initially released toys under the name ''Diaclone'', but soon changed it to ''[[Trasformer]]'' {{sic}} in a blatant attempt of cashing in on Hasbro's success with ''Transformers'' without obtaining a second license, featuring a blend of ''Diaclone'' toys and elements original to Hasbro's ''Transformers'' line.
**French company [[Joustra]] released the toys under the name ''Diaclone'' in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, featuring a blend of [[Micro Change]] and Diaclone toys with unique packaging designs and origin stories, but eventually sporting factory-applied [[Autobot]] or [[Decepticon]] [[insignia|stickers]] due to production reasons.
**Takara themselves released toys in Finland under the name ''Diaclone'', sharing elements of the packaging design with GiG's ''Trasformer'' line. This release is notable for a unique black version of the Corvette Stingray (pre-[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]).

==See also==
* [[Pre-Transformer]]s
* [[Diakron]]
* [[Kronoform]]
* [[Micro Change]]
* [[Trasformer]]

==External links==
* [http://www.diaclone.net Diaclone.Net]
* [http://1501bc.com/pretf/ Diaclone] at the Pre-Transformers Page

==Footnotes==
<references/>

{{stub}}
[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]]

Diaclone

2014-06-05T19:32:13Z

Billprestonesquire: Blanked the page

Diaclone

2014-06-05T19:30:24Z

Billprestonesquire: Edited Diaclone no. 10 Fire Engine (Inferno) & Diaclone no. 20 Truck Crane (Grapple). Added details about the differences between the Diaclone and Transformers figures.

[[File:Diaclone-GRB logo.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Di...a...cloooooooone!!!]]
'''''Diaclone''''' (ダイアクロン ''Daiakuron'') was one of two [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] toy lines (the other being ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'') from which the earliest [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] ''Transformers'' toys came.

The ''Diaclone'' toyline was first introduced in [[1980]], but it was not until March [[1982]] that toys with [[Alternate mode|alt modes]] based on realistic, present-day vehicles began to appear as part of the "Car Robots" sub-line. The first one was the ''Diaclone'' predecessor of [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], whom [[Hasbro]] now considers the first fully-fledged transforming car-to-robot toy ever designed.<ref name="hof2010">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/movie-news/TRANSFORMERS-HALL-OF-FAME-INAUGURAL-MEMBERS.cfm Hasbro press release for the 2010 Transformers Hall of Fame inductees]</ref> Its vehicle form was based on an older Takara toy, the "Cosmo Countach" from the ''[[Microman]]'' "Micro Command" sub-line released in 1978, which transformed into a half-robot, half-car hybrid.<ref name="command">[http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~mikuro/sub1-6.htm "Micro Command" toys, including the Cosmo Countach]</ref>

Before the [[Transformers brand]] was introduced, Takara directly exported some ''Diaclone'' toys to North America under the brand names ''[[Diakron]]'' and ''[[Kronoform]]'', but those lines met with very little success.

In [[1983]], [[Hasbro]] representatives discovered ''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' toys at the Tokyo Toy Show, and soon struck a deal to create the ''Transformers'' brand.

The [[1984]] and [[1985]] [[Autobot Cars]], 1984 [[Decepticon Planes]], 1985 [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, 1985 [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, [[Trainbot]]s, [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s, [[Powerdasher]]s, [[Jumpstarter]]s, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], 1984 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]] and [[1986]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ultra Magnus]] toys all originated from ''Diaclone''.

When ''Transformers'' proved an unqualified success, plans for a 1985 ''Diaclone'' line were scrapped, and ''Transformers'' was imported to Japan in its place. These aborted toys, which would have been part of a sub-line called ''Jizai Gattai'' ("[[Free-Combination|Free Combination]]") were then incorporated into the ''Transformers'' toyline in 1986 as the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]].

{{picsneeded|Catalog scans}}

==Toy range (incomplete)==
The following list covers all Diaclone releases that were later rereleased as Transformers. Diaclone molds with no Transformer releases are generally not listed as they fall outside the purview of this site.
===Baku-Ten Attack Robo===
Released in the ''Transformers'' line as the [[Jumpstarter]]s.

* Drill Tank Type — Available in two decos. Dark blue limbs with grey chest or dark blue limbs with red chest. (Transformers releases [[Twin Twist]]/[[Salt-Man Z]]/[[Robot-Man Z]] all utilized completely new decos)
* Jet Type - Available in two decos. Dark blue chest with red limbs or dark blue chest with grey limbs. (Transformers releases [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]/[[Salt-Man X]]/[[Robot-Man X]] all utilized completely new decos)

===Car Robots===
[[File:Sunstreaker-diaclone.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Maybe they died when the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' crashed?]]

*No. 1 Countach LP500S — The Diaclone red deco was changed to yellow for release as [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]].
*No. 2 Onebox Cherry Vanette — The Diaclone black deco was changed to red for release as [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]].
*No. 3 Countach Patrol Car Type — Not released as a Transformer.
*No. 4 Onebox Ambulance Type — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Ratchet (G1)/toys|Ratchet]].
*No. 5 4WD Hi-luxe — The Diaclone black deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]. The Diaclone version was also available in blue and yellow decos.
*No. 6 Honda City R — The Diaclone silver deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]. The Diaclone version was also available in red. This mold was later redecoed as [[Screech (Generations)|Screech]].
*No. 7 Fairlady Z — The Diaclone blue deco was changed to silver for release as [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]. The Diaclone version was also available in silver with a black hood.
*No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type — The Diaclone red deco was changed to green for release as [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]. The Diaclone version was also available in blue.
[[File:DiacloneSkids.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*No. 9 Honda City Turbo — The Diaclone blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. The Diaclone version was also available in black and red decos.
*No.10 Fire Engine — The Diaclone version is nearly identical to the Transformers [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] mold. However, the Mitsubishi Fuso logo molded onto the front of the cab, and extra chrome on the beam that connects the head, set this figure apart. This mold was later redecoed as [[Artfire (Headmasters)|Artfire]].
*No.11 Fairlady Z Racing Type — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]].
*No.12 J59 Jeep — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. This mold was later redecoed as [[Detritus (G1)|Detritus]].
*No.13 Police Car Fairlady Z — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]].
*No.14 Porsche 935 Turbo — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]. This mold was later redecoed as [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]].
*No.15 New Countach LP500S — The Diaclone red deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. The Diaclone version was also available in black and yellow decos, which were later used for [[Deep Cover]] and [[Tigertrack]] .
*No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 — The Diaclone blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]. A red version was also available as a Diaclone.
*No.17 Battle Convoy — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged, except for some decals on the trailer, for release as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]].
*No.18 Lancia Stratos Turbo — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys|Wheeljack]]. A remolded version served as the inspiration for [[Marlboor Wheeljack]].
*No.19 New Countach Police Car — The Diaclone police deco was changed to a fire chief deco for release as [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]. The original deco was later used for [[Clamp Down]].
[[File:TrasformerSuperBuggy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|What, no TF love for Powered Buggy?]]
*No.20 Truck Crane — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as The Diaclone version is nearly identical to the Transformers [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] mold. However, the Mitsubishi Fuso logo molded onto the front of the cab, and extra chrome on the beam that connects the head, set this figure apart. This mold was later redecoed as [[Hauler]].
*No.21 Corvette Stingray — The Diaclone red deco was changed to blue for release as [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]. The Diaclone red deco was released as Tracks in Europe and later as [[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]].

*Powered Convoy — The Diaclone deco was reversed for release as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]]. The Diaclone version was also available in a chrome deco. The Powered Buggy accessory was excised from all Transformers releases.

===Construction Vehicle Robo===

There were two Diaclone releases available. There were many coloring differences between the two but only the most obvious are listed below. All six received new green and purple decos for release in the ''Transformers'' line. The same molds were also released during ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' with the green changed to yellow and, later, orange.
*No. 1 Bulldozer - Orange in both versions. ([[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]])
*No. 2 Power Shovel - Orange in both versions. ([[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]])
*No. 3 Shovel-dozer - Orange in both versions. ([[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]])
*No. 4 Truck Crane - Red in version one, blue in version two. ([[Hook (G1)|Hook]])
*No. 5 Dump Truck - Red in both versions. ([[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]])
*No. 6 Concrete Mixer - Red in version one, blue in version two. ([[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]])

The [[Combiner]] pieces were predominately blue in version one and red in version two.

===Dashers===
The Dashers were released in ''Transformers'' as the [[Powerdasher]]s. They were only available via mail-order and [[Robot Point]]s, and never even got individual names!

*Sky Dasher ([[Cromar]])
*Drill Dasher ([[Zetar (G1)|Zetar]])
*F-1 Dasher ([[Aragon]])

===Dinosaur Robo===
[[File:DiacloneSwoop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Ohh, so [[Show-accuracy|''that's'']] where his color scheme came from.]]
The Dinosaur Robo molds became the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] in ''Transformers''. Duh. All of the TF releases had softer plastic in certain places. There were also several differences in decos between the Diaclone and Transformers versions, mostly the replacement of blue paint with red.

*Tyrannosaurus ([[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]])
*Triceratops ([[Slag (G1)|Slag]])
*Brontosaurus ([[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]])
*Stegosaurus ([[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]])
*Pteranodon ([[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]])

===Double Changers===
The Double Changers were released as the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]], and like the Powerdashers, were only available via mail-order and Robot Points.

*Ferrari BB ([[Overdrive]])
*Savanna RX-7 ([[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]])
*Celica XX ([[Downshift (G1)|Downshift]])

===F-15 Robo===
The F-15 Robo mold was the source for the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. The black and purple deco used for [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]] was created for the ''Transformers'' line, and was never available as a Diaclone. The decos and remolded wings for the [[Conehead]]s were also original to Transformers.

* Super-high-speed fighter type ([[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]])
* Acrobat type ([[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]])

===Insecter Robo===
In Diaclone, these were mechs used by the Waruder, the "bad guys" of that universe. In ''Transformers'' they were released as the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] with new purple, black and yellow decos. Much later, the Diaclone decos were released as the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive [[Insecticon clone|Insecticon Clones]].

*Kabutoron ([[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]/[[Salvo]])
*Battas ([[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]/[[Shothole]])
*Kuwagatler ([[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]/[[Zaptrap]])

===Train Robo===
The Train Robo molds were only released as Transformers in Japan during the ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (franchise)|Headmasters]]'' franchise as [[Raiden]] and his individual components, the [[Trainbot]]s. There were two color variations released for the Diaclone line, making 12 individual trains total. Numbers 7-12 are much rarer and were never released as a giftset.

*No. 1 [[wikipedia:Tōkaidō Shinkansen|Tōkaidō]] [[wikipedia:0 Series Shinkansen|0 Series Shinkansen]] ([[Shouki]])
*No. 2 [[wikipedia:JNR Class EF65|EF65-1000]] [[wikipedia:Blue Train (Japan)|Blue Train]] ([[Getsuei]])
*No. 3 [[wikipedia:Tōhoku Shinkansen|Tōhoku]] [[wikipedia:Jōetsu Shinkansen|Jōetsu]] [[wikipedia:200 Series Shinkansen|200 Series Shinkansen]] ([[Yukikaze (Headmasters)|Yukikaze]])
*No. 4 [[wikipedia:Tōkaidō Main Line|Tōkaidō Main Line]] 153 Express Train ([[Suiken]])
*No. 5 L-[[wikipedia:Limited express|Limited Express]] [[wikipedia:485 series|485]] ([[Seizan]])
*No. 6 [[wikipedia:JNR Class DE10|DE10]] Diesel Locomotive ([[Kaen]])
*No. 7 Tōkaidō 0 Series Shinkansen Metallic (Silver Liner)
*No. 8 Limited Express [[wikipedia:JNR Class ED76|EF76]] (Battle Liner)
*No. 9 [[wikipedia:Doctor Yellow|Doctor Yellow 922]] (Yellow Liner)
*No. 10 [[wikipedia:Yokosuka Line|Yokosuka Line]] [[wikipedia:113 series|113]] (Miracle Liner)
*No. 11 [[wikipedia:Sleeping car|Sleeper Express]] [[wikipedia:583 series|583]] (Thunder Liner)
*No. 12 DE10 Diesel Locomotive Transparent (Crystal Liner)

===Triplechangers===
[[File:G1-toy Overcharge.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
Only the Jet Fighter Type [[Triple Changer]] was ever released in the ''Transformers'' line, but the Helicopter Type made a cameo in a [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comic. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] may have been in development when the change to the Transformers brand occurred.

*No. 1 Jet Fighter Type ([[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], purple and beige deco/[[Overcharge (G1)|Overcharge]], original Diaclone dark green and white deco)
*[[Jet-helicopter Decepticon|No. 2 Helicopter Type]]

{{-}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Wyatt Toys]] advertised Diaclone and [[Microman]] toys for sale in the [[Detroit Powell Press]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac}}

==Notes==
*Designs from Diaclone were plagiarized for the Korean animated movie ''Diatron 5'' (다이아트론5), which is currently haunting Walmart dollar bins as ''[http://www.amazon.com/SPACE-TRANSFORMERS/dp/B000FHDNZW Space Transformers]''.
*Like ''Transformers'' after it, ''Diaclone'' was also released in other countries, in some cases licensed to other companies:
**Takara themselves had a short run on the US market under the name ''[[Diakron]]'', featuring three toys that were later released as ''Transformers'' in different colors.
**Italian company [[GiG]] initially released toys under the name ''Diaclone'', but soon changed it to ''[[Trasformer]]'' {{sic}} in a blatant attempt of cashing in on Hasbro's success with ''Transformers'' without obtaining a second license, featuring a blend of ''Diaclone'' toys and elements original to Hasbro's ''Transformers'' line.
**French company [[Joustra]] released the toys under the name ''Diaclone'' in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, featuring a blend of [[Micro Change]] and Diaclone toys with unique packaging designs and origin stories, but eventually sporting factory-applied [[Autobot]] or [[Decepticon]] [[insignia|stickers]] due to production reasons.
**Takara themselves released toys in Finland under the name ''Diaclone'', sharing elements of the packaging design with GiG's ''Trasformer'' line. This release is notable for a unique black version of the Corvette Stingray (pre-[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]).

==See also==
* [[Pre-Transformer]]s
* [[Diakron]]
* [[Kronoform]]
* [[Micro Change]]
* [[Trasformer]]

==External links==
* [http://www.diaclone.net Diaclone.Net]
* [http://1501bc.com/pretf/ Diaclone] at the Pre-Transformers Page

==Footnotes==
<references/>

{{stub}}
[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]]

Diaclone

2013-02-13T06:03:31Z

Billprestonesquire: Trainbots

[[Image:Diaclone-GRB logo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Di...a...cloooooooone!!!]]
'''''Diaclone''''' (ダイアクロン ''Daiakuron'') was one of two [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] toy lines (the other being ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'') from which the earliest [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] ''Transformers'' toys came.

The ''Diaclone'' toyline was first introduced in [[1980]], but it was not until March [[1982]] that toys with [[Alternate mode|alt modes]] based on realistic, present-day vehicles began to appear as part of the "Car Robots" sub-line. The first one was the ''Diaclone'' predecessor of [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], whom [[Hasbro]] now considers the first fully-fledged transforming car-to-robot toy ever designed.<ref name="hof2010">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/movie-news/TRANSFORMERS-HALL-OF-FAME-INAUGURAL-MEMBERS.cfm Hasbro press release for the 2010 Transformers Hall of Fame inductees]</ref> Its vehicle form was based on an older Takara toy, the "Cosmo Countach" from the ''[[Microman]]'' "Micro Command" sub-line released in 1978, which transformed into a half-robot, half-car hybrid.<ref name="command">[http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~mikuro/sub1-6.htm "Micro Command" toys, including the Cosmo Countach]</ref>

Before the [[Transformers brand]] was introduced, Takara directly exported some ''Diaclone'' toys to North America under the brand names ''[[Diakron]]'' and ''[[Kronoform]]'', but those lines met with very little success.

In [[1983]], [[Hasbro]] representatives discovered ''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' toys at the Tokyo Toy Show, and soon struck a deal to create the ''Transformers'' brand.

The [[1984]] and [[1985]] [[Autobot Cars]], 1984 [[Decepticon Planes]], 1985 [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, 1985 [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, [[Trainbot]]s, [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s, [[Powerdasher]]s, [[Jumpstarter]]s, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], 1984 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation_1|Optimus Prime]] and [[1986]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation_1|Ultra Magnus]] toys all originated from ''Diaclone''.

When ''Transformers'' proved an unqualified success, plans for a 1985 ''Diaclone'' line were scrapped, and ''Transformers'' was imported to Japan in its place. These aborted toys, which would have been part of a sub-line called ''Jizai Gattai'' ("Free Combination") were then incorporated into the ''Transformers'' toyline in 1986 as the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]].

{{picsneeded|Catalog scans}}

==Toy range (incomplete)==
The following list covers all Diaclone releases that were later rereleased as Transformers, Diaclone molds with no Transformer releases are generally not listed as they fall outside the purview of this site.
===Baku-Ten Attack Robo===
Released in the ''Transformers'' line as the [[Jumpstarter]]s.

* Drill Tank Type — Available in two decos. Dark blue limbs with grey chest or dark blue limbs with red chest. (Transformers releases [[Twin Twist]]/[[Salt-Man Z]]/[[Robot-Man Z]] all utilized completely new decos)
* Jet Type - Available in two decos. Dark blue chest with red limbs or dark blue chest with grey limbs. (Transformers releases [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]/[[Salt-Man X]]/[[Robot-Man X]] all utilized completely new decos)

===Car Robots===
[[Image:Sunstreaker-diaclone.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Maybe they died when the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' crashed?]]

*No. 1 Countach LP500S — The Diaclone red deco was changed to yellow for release as [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. 
*No. 2 Onebox Cherry Vanette — The Diaclone black deco was changed to red for release as [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]]. 
*No. 3 Countach Patrol Car Type — Not released as a Transformer. 
*No. 4 Onebox Ambulance Type — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. 
*No. 5 4WD Hi-luxe — The Diaclone black deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]. The Diaclone version was also available in blue and yellow decos. 
*No. 6 Honda City R — The Diaclone silver deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]. The Diaclone version was also available in red. This mold was later redecoed as [[Screech (Generations)|Screech]]. 
*No. 7 Fairlady Z — The Diaclone blue deco was changed to silver for release as [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]. The Diaclone version was also available in silver with a black hood. 
*No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type — The Diaclone red deco was changed to green for release as [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]. The Diaclone version was also available in blue. 
[[Image:DiacloneSkids.jpg|300px|thumb|]]
*No. 9 Honda City Turbo — The Diaclone blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. The Diaclone version was also available in black and red decos. 
*No.10 Fire Engine — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]. This mold was later redecoed as [[Artfire (Headmasters)|Artfire]]. 
*No.11 Fairlady Z Racing Type — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]. 
*No.12 J59 Jeep — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. This mold was later redecoed as [[Detritus (G1)|Detritus]]. 
*No.13 Police Car Fairlady Z — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]. 
*No.14 Porsche 935 Turbo — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]. This mold was later redecoed as [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]]. 
*No.15 New Countach LP500S — The Diaclone red deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. The Diaclone version was also available in black and yellow decos, which were later used for [[Deep Cover]] and [[Tigertrack]] . 
*No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 — The Diaclone blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]. A red version was also available as a Diaclone. 
*No.17 Battle Convoy — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged, except for some decals on the trailer, for release as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]. 
*No.18 Lancia Stratos Turbo — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys|Wheeljack]]. A remolded version served as the inspiration for [[Marlboor Wheeljack]]. 
*No.19 New Countach Police Car — The Diaclone police deco was changed to a fire chief deco for release as [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]. The original deco was later used for [[Clamp Down]]. 
[[Image:TrasformerSuperBuggy.jpg|thumb|250px|What, no TF love for Powered Buggy?]]
*No.20 Crane — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Grapple]]. This mold was later redecoed as [[Hauler]]. 
*No.21 Corvette Stingray — The Diaclone red deco was changed to blue for release as [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]. The Diaclone red deco was released as Tracks in Europe and later as [[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]]. 
*Powered Convoy — The Diaclone deco was reversed for release as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]]. The Diaclone version was also available in a chrome deco. The Powered Buggy accessory was excised from all Transformers releases.

===Construction Vehicle Robo===

There were two Diaclone releases available. There were many coloring differences between the two but only the most obvious are listed below. All six received new green and purple decos for release in the ''Transformers'' line. The same molds were also released during ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' with the green changed to yellow and, later, orange.
*No. 1 Bulldozer - Orange in both versions. ([[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]])
*No. 2 Power Shovel - Orange in both versions. ([[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]])
*No. 3 Shovel-dozer - Orange in both versions. ([[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]])
*No. 4 Truck Crane - Red in version one, blue in version two. ([[Hook (G1)|Hook]])
*No. 5 Dump Truck - Red in both versions. ([[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]])
*No. 6 Concrete Mixer - Red in version one, blue in version two. ([[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]])

The [[Combiner]] pieces were predominately blue in version one and red in version two.

===Dashers===
The Dashers were released in ''Transformers'' as the [[Powerdasher]]s. They were only available via mail-order and [[Robot Point]]s, and never even got individual names!

*Sky Dasher
*Drill Dasher
*F-1 Dasher

===Dinosaur Robo===
[[Image:DiacloneSwoop.jpg|thumb|200px|Ohh, so [[Show-accuracy|that's]] where his color scheme came from.]]
The Dinosaur Robo molds became the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] in ''Transformers''. Duh. All of the TF releases had softer plastic in certain places. There were also several differences in decos between the Diaclone and Transformers versions, mostly the replacement of blue paint with red.

*Tyrannosaurus ([[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]])
*Triceratops ([[Slag (G1)|Slag]])
*Brontosaurus ([[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]])
*Stegosaurus ([[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]])
*Pteranodon ([[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]])

===Double Changers===
The Double Changers were released as the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]], and like the Powerdashers, were only available via mail-order and Robot Points.

*Ferrari BB ([[Overdrive]])
*Savannah RX-7 ([[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]])
*Selica XX ([[Downshift (G1)|Downshift]])

===F-15 Robo===
The F-15 Robo mold was the source for the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. The black and purple deco used for [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] was created for the ''Transformers'' line, and was never available as a Diaclone. The decos and remolded wings for the [[Conehead]]s were also original to Transformers.

*Acrobat type ([[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]])
*Super-high-speed fighter type ([[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]])

===Insecter Robo===
In Diaclone, these were mechs used by the Waruder, the "bad guys" of that universe. In ''Transformers'' they were released as the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] with new purple, black and yellow decos. Much later, the Diaclone decos were released as the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive [[Insecticon clone | Insecticon Clones]].

*Kabutoron ([[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]/[[Salvo]])
*Battas ([[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]/[[Shothole]])
*Kuwagatler ([[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]/[[Zaptrap]])

===Train Robo===
The Train Robo molds were only released as Transformers in Japan during the ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (franchise)|Headmasters]]'' franchise as [[Raiden]] and his individual components, the [[Trainbot]]s. There were two color variations released for the Diaclone line, making 12 individual trains total. Numbers 7-12 are much rarer and were never released as a giftset.

*No. 1/7 Tôkaidô Bullet Train ([[Shōki]])
*No. 2/8 EF65 Blue Train ([[Getsuei]])
*No. 3/9 Tôhoku Jôetsu Bullet Train ([[Yukikaze (Headmasters)|Yukikaze]])
*No. 4/10 Tôkai-type Express Train ([[Suiken]])
*No. 5/11 L-Special-Express-485 ([[Seizan]])
*No. 6/12 DE10 Diesel Locomotive ([[Kaen]])

===Triplechangers===
[[Image:G1-toy Overcharge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Only the Jet Fighter Type [[Triple Changer]] was ever released in the ''Transformers'' line, but the Helicopter Type made a cameo in a [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comic. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] may have been in development when the change to the Transformers brand occurred.

*No. 1 Jet Fighter Type ([[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], purple and beige deco/[[Overcharge (G1)|Overcharge]], original Diaclone dark green and white deco)
*[[Jet-helicopter Decepticon|No. 2 Helicopter Type]]

{{-}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Wyatt Toys]] advertised Diaclone and [[Microman]] toys for sale in the [[Detroit Powell Press]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac}}

==Notes==
*Designs from Diaclone were plagiarized for the Korean animated movie ''Diatron 5'' (다이아트론5), which is currently haunting Walmart dollar bins as [http://www.amazon.com/SPACE-TRANSFORMERS/dp/B000FHDNZW Space Transformers].
*Like ''Transformers'' after it, ''Diaclone'' was also released in other countries, in some cases licensed to other companies:
**Takara themselves had a short run on the US market under the name ''[[Diakron]]'', featuring three toys that were later released as ''Transformers'' in different colors.
**Italian company [[GiG]] initially released toys under the name ''Diaclone'', but soon changed it to ''[[Trasformer]]'' {{sic}} in a blatant attempt of cashing in on Hasbro's success with ''Transformers'' without obtaining a second license, featuring a blend of ''Diaclone'' toys and elements original to Hasbro's ''Transformers'' line.
**French company [[Joustra]] released the toys under the name ''Diaclone'' in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, featuring a blend of [[Micro Change]] and Diaclone toys with unique packaging designs and origin stories, but eventually sporting factory-applied [[Autobot]] or [[Decepticon]] [[insignia|stickers]] due to production reasons.
**Takara themselves released toys in Finland under the name ''Diaclone'', sharing elements of the packaging design with GiG's ''Trasformer'' line. This release is notable for a unique black version of the Corvette Stingray (pre-[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]).

==See also==
* [[Pre-Transformer|Pre-Transformers]]
* [[Diakron]]
* [[Kronoform]]
* [[Micro Change]]

==External links==
* [http://www.diaclone.net Diaclone.Net]
* [http://1501bc.com/pretf/ Diaclone] at the Pre-Transformers Page

==Footnotes==
<references/>

{{stub}}
[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]