Editing Diaclone

{{disambig3|Diaclone}}
[[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]]'') from which the earliest [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] ''Transformers'' toys came. ''Diaclone'' has proven perhaps the most enduring of the various [[pre-Transformer]] brands, subject to a variety of remixes and revivals both within the ''Transformers'' brand and without.

==Overview==
===Original toyline===
[[File:Diaclone Car Robots Illustration.jpg|upright=1.7|thumb|You thought [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|the cartoon]] made up the flying thing, didn't you.]]
The ''Diaclone'' toyline was first introduced in [[1980]] with a focus on various piloted robots that could transform into various abstract sci-fi vehicles, bases, and creatures. However, in March [[1982]] toys with [[alternate mode|alt mode]]s based on realistic, present-day vehicles that many Transformers are known for today began to appear as part of the "Car Robots" sub-line. The first one was the ''Diaclone'' predecessor of [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|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. French toy company [[Joustra]] also released various Diaclone figures in Europe under the original Japanese name (sporting unique box art), a few exclusive Revell model kits and even an accompanying mini-comic series, but these also faded into obscurity.

In [[1983]], [[Hasbro]] representatives discovered ''Diaclone'' and ''Micro Change'' 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, "standard" [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], [[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''. The reason why many of these toys feature opening cockpits, hatches, or seats is that ''Diaclone'' had presented them as lifeless mecha for small driver figures, which were no longer included in their ''Transformers'' incarnation.   

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 ''[[Diaclone#Jizai Gattai|Jizai Gattai]]'' (自在合体, "Limitless 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]].

===''Diaclone'' in ''Transformers''===
====In Japan====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom Deluxe Road Rage.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|Everyone say "Thank you, Diaclone."]]
In 2002, TakaraTomy's [[The Transformers: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]] line branched out from straight-laced Generation 1 re-issues to something that would become a longstanding tradition of the ''Transformers'' brand: the plumbing of unused ''Diaclone'' decoes of ''Transformers'' molds to create new characters. Beginning with a two-pack of [[Crosscut (G1)#Toys|Crosscut]] and [[Road Rage (G1)#Toys|Road Rage]], this first generation of ''Diaclone'' refugees were roundabout one-to-one recreations of the original ''Diaclone'' toys exclusive to TakaraTomy's boutique retailer [[e-HOBBY]], using the already queued up Generation 1 molds. Each character received a whimsical bio from ascended superfan and all-around franchise renaissance man [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] casting them as "missing" Generation 1 characters in the style of franchise architect [[Bob Budiansky]]'s original character profiles.

This practice made the jump to the big leagues in 2013, when the big-budget ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' line built up enough ''Car Robots'' molds to begin fishing for [[redeco]]es, beginning with former mail-away exclusive ''Diaclone'' derivative [[Tigertrack]]. Things really kicked into gear two years later with the release of a [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#MP18B|blue ''Diaclone'' version of Bluestreak]], whose bio established a longstanding mystery plot as story elements from the ''Diaclone'' toyline's scant fiction began leaking into the world of the Transformers. This storyline (again by Ichikawa)<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Not all, but yes. I wrote most of Diaclone/Microchange repaints bios, except MP Tigertrack/Clamp Down/Bluestreak/Enemy & other cassettes (though I did original e-Hobby and Encore).|link=https://twitter.com/Hirovmi/status/1604695336206815233?s=20&t=nkk0qz_bmz0rHavlkZQ_RA|site=Twitter|name=Hirofumi Ichikawa|year=2022|month=12|day=18}}</ref> reached a fever pitch with the release of ''Masterpiece'' [[Spin-Out (G1)|Spin-Out]] in 2020, whose bio ''textually'' identified him as a Diaclone mecha brought to life as a Cybertronian by mysterious alien technology!
{{--}}

====In the United States====
[[File:C-81ripsBeet-ChitfromZaptrap-CMW.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Insert your own Alien reference.]]
The return of ''Diaclone'' to Hasbro markets began with Hasbro's equivalent to e-HOBBY, [[Fun Publications]], finding their own use for ''Diaclone'' decoes as characters in their topsy turvy'' [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' franchise where the heroic Decepticons battled the evil forces of the Autobots, beginning in 2009 with ''Shattered Glass'' [[Ironhide (SG)|Ironhide]]. As Fun Publications' stories ballooned in scope in the years to come, it was revealed that the "[[Transcendent Technomorph]]s," impassive observers at the heart of the ''Transformers'' multiverse, had charted out a distant [[universal stream|cluster of universes]] that they named "[[Cymond]]," wherein the settings of the various pre-''Transformers'' toylines, Diaclone included, were theoretically imported wholesale into Fun Publications' metafictional in-universe constellation of ''Transformers'' franchises.

Fun Publications put their money where their mouth was with "[[Cybertron's Most Wanted]]" the 2015 theme of [[BotCon]], Hasbro's official ''Transformers'' convention. This year's convention exclusive comic chronicled the incursion of ''Diaclone''{{'}}s [[Waruder]] antagonists straight into the TransTech homeworld of [[Axiom Nexus]] and the subsequent collaboration between ''Diaclone''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s heroic Dianaut pilots and the inhabitants of Axiom Nexus to repel the Waruder invaders. Accordingly, BotCon 2015's grab bag of exclusive figures included redecoes of existing ''Transformers'' toys into the first toys of the original Waruder and [[Diaclone (faction)|Diaclone]] factions in nearly thirty years! Fun Publications continued to produce the odd bit of ''Diaclone'' fiction here and there right up until the very last day of their stewardship of the ''Transformers'' license in 2016, with the [[King Waruder]] included in their final batch of character profiles.
{{--}}

====Going worldwide====
[[File:TF-Shattered-Glass-Collection-Ultra-Magnus.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|The Mother, the Maiden, and the Skeletor.]]
Following the realization of Hasbro and TakaraTomy's initiative to standardize the global presence of the ''Transformers'' brand in 2018, ''[[Generations Selects (franchise)|Generations Selects]]'', the exclusive-oriented arm of the the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' super-brand, picked up where e-HOBBY and Fun Publications left off. Since its inception ''Generations Selects'' has placed a noticeable focus on updates of pre-existing ''Diaclone''-inspired characters, as well as fresh ''Diaclone'' remixes of their own, albeit with [[DK-2 Guard|somewhat less elaborate characterizations]]. Perhaps the most fantastical ''Diaclone''-related feat thus far in this new era has sprung from the adjacent ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Shattered Glass Collection|Shattered Glass Collection]]'' subline, with the announcement of a 2022 Leader class figure triple billed as a ''[[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Shattered Glass]]'', a [[Delta Magnus|Masterpiece]], ''and'' an [[Magna Convoy|e-HOBBY]] character, all three of which were inspired by a single ''Diaclone'' toy!
{{--}}

===The return===
[[File:Diaclone Reboot Illustration.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|We're Back! A Diaclone Story]]
The ''Diaclone'' brand proper was revived by TakaraTomy in 2016 as a boutique property aimed at adult collectors with a strong focus on re-imaginings of toys from the original line. Proceeding more or less chronologically through ''Diaclone'' history, the first overlap with the ''Transformers'' brand came in 2019 with a wave centered around the Dashers, the ancestors of ''Transformers''' Powerdasher trio. In 2021, a new version of Battle Convoy, the toy that became Optimus Prime, was released. This was followed in short order with a new iteration of Powered Convoy, the ancestor of Ultra Magnus, in 2022. Will this lead to more re-imaginings of ''Car Robots'' toys? And how does Takara's ''Masterpiece'' plotline fit in to all this? Only time will tell.
{{--}}

==Toy range (incomplete)==
The following list covers all ''Diaclone'' releases that were later rereleased as ''Transformers'' toys or otherwise inspired ''Transformers'' concepts. ''Diaclone'' molds with no ''Transformers'' relation are generally not listed as they fall outside the purview of this site.

===Baku-Ten Attack Robo===
[[File:Diaclone Jumpstarters.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
Released in the ''Transformers'' line as the [[Jumpstarter]]s. 

* Drill Tank Type — Available in two decoes. Dark blue limbs with grey chest or dark blue limbs with red chest. ''Transformers'' releases [[Twin Twist (G1)|Twin Twist]]/[[Salt-Man Z]]/[[Robot-Man Z]] all utilized completely new decoes. The red deco was used as inspiration for (sigh) [[Twin Twist (G1)#Legacy|"Diaclone Universe Twin Twist."]]
* Jet Type — Available in two decoes. 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 decoes.
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===Car Robots===
Both ''Diaclone'''s only proper [[subline imprint]] and the most significant assortment to ''Transformers'' history by a wide margin, Car Robots is the source of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] himself as well as the entirety of the 1984-1985 [[Autobot Cars]]. More abstractly, it eventually served as the inspiration for the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2000 ''Transformers'' franchise]] of the same name.

;Individual figures
[[File:Diaclone Car Robots.jpg|upright=3|thumb|Hey that truck guy looks familiar.]]

*No. 1 Countach LP500S — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was changed to yellow for release as [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Toys|Sunstreaker]]. The red deco was used as inspiration for [[Spin-Out (G1)|Spin-Out]] and the red [[Sunstreaker clone]]s. 
*No. 2 Onebox Cherry Vanette — The ''Diaclone'' black deco was changed to red for release as [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Toys|Ironhide]]. The original deco was later released as "[[Ironhide (G1)/toys#black|Ironhide Protect Black]]" and was used as inspiration for ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Ironhide (SG)|Ironhide]] and the [[DK-2 Guard]].
*No. 3 Countach Patrol Car Type — Not released as a Transformer but later used as inspiration for [[Cordon (G1)|Cordon]] and the white [[Sunstreaker clone]]s.
*No. 4 Onebox Ambulance Type — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Toys|Ratchet]].
*No. 5 4WD Hilux — The ''Diaclone'' black deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Toys|Trailbreaker]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in blue and yellow decoes, the former of which was used as inspiration for [[Breaker (G1)|DK-3 Breaker]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Trailbreaker (SG)|Trailbreaker]].
*No. 6 Honda City R — The ''Diaclone'' silver deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Crosscut (G1)#Toys|Crosscut]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in red, which was used as inspiration for [[Reboost]].
*No. 7 Fairlady Z — The ''Diaclone'' blue deco was changed to silver for release as [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Toys|Bluestreak]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in a silver deco with a black hood that inspired Bluestreak's character model, and the blue deco was used as inspiration for multiple Bluestreak/"[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Silverstreak]]" toys and [[Bluestreak (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Bluestreak]].
*No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was changed to green for release as [[Hoist (G1)/toys#Toys|Hoist]]. The red deco was used as inspiration for [[Lift-Ticket (Diaclone)|Lift-Ticket]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Hoist (SG)|Hoist]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in lilac as part of the "Double Set" (see below).
*No. 9 Honda City Turbo — The ''Diaclone'' blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Skids (G1)#Toys|Skids]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in black and red decos, the former of which was used as inspiration for [[Burn Out (Diaclone)|Burn Out]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Skids (SG)|Skids]].
*No.10 Fire Engine Ladder Car for High-Rise Buildings/"Fire Truck Long Ladder Type"<ref group="A" name="fire">Car Robo No. 10 is named "Fire Engine Ladder Car for High-Rise Buildings" (消防自動車高層ビル用ハシゴ車) in combined kanji/katakana on its packaging, but "Fire Truck Long Ladder Type" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Inferno (G1)/toys#Toys|Inferno]].
*No.11 Fairlady Z Racing/"Fairlady Z Racing Type 280 ZX Turbo"<ref group="A" name="racing">Car Robo No. 11 is simply named "Fairlady Z Racing" (フェアレディＺ レーシング) in katakana on its packaging, but "Fairlady Z Racing Type 280 ZX Turbo" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Toys|Smokescreen]].
*No.12 J59 Jeep — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Hound (G1)/toys#Toys|Hound]].
*No.13 Police Car Fairlady Z — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Toys|Prowl]].
*No.14 Porsche 935 Turbo — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Toys|Jazz]].
*No.15 New Countach LP500S — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Toys|Sideswipe]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in a yellow deco, which later became the basis for the ''Transformers'' figure [[Tigertrack#Toys|Tigertrack]]. At least one recorded specimen exists of a third, super-rare black [[variant]] unlikely to have ever seen full production.<ref>[https://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=blackswipe Discovery and authentication of "Black Sideswipe"] at Transformers One</ref>
*No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 — The ''Diaclone'' blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Mirage (G1)/toys#Toys|Mirage]]. A red version of the ''Diaclone'' figure was exclusively available with the Powered Convoy DX Set (see below).
*No.17 Battle Convoy — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Toys|Optimus Prime]].
*No.18 Lancia Stratos Turbo — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Toys|Wheeljack]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in a different deco and head, which was used as inspiration for [[Exhaust]].
*No.19 New Countach LP500S Police Car Type/"New Countach Police Car LP500S"<ref group="A" name="policecountach">Car Robo No. 19 is named "New Countach LP500S Police Car Type" (ニューカウンタックLP500S ポリスカータイプ) in katakana on its packaging, but "New Countach Police Car LP500S" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' police deco was changed to a fire chief deco for release as [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Toys|Red Alert]]. The original deco was later released as [[Clampdown (G1)#Toys|Clampdown]].
*No.20 Crane Car/"Truck Crane"<ref group="A" name="truckcrane">Car Robo No. 20 is named "Crane Car" (クレーン車) in combined katakana/kanji on its packaging, but "Truck Crane" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Grapple (G1)#Toys|Grapple]].
*No.21 Corvette Stingray — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was changed to blue for release as [[Tracks (G1)/toys#Toys|Tracks]]. The ''Diaclone'' red deco was released as Tracks in Europe and later as [[Road Rage (G1)#Toys|Road Rage]], and also inspired [[Tracks (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Tracks]]. The ''Diaclone'' version also received a Finnish exclusive black deco, which was used as inspiration for [[Loudpedal#Masterpiece|Loudpedal]] and the [[Black Tracks|Tracks clone]].
[[File:Diaclone Powered Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7]]
*Powered Convoy — The ''Diaclone'' deco was (more or less) reversed for release as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Toys|Ultra Magnus]]. The original deco was later released as "[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#MoviePreview|Ultra Magnus Yokokuhen Version]]". The more common ''Diaclone'' version was available with flat grey plastic parts for his trailer, but a rarer variant changed those to [[vacuum metallizing|chromed]] parts. latter version was also available as part of the "Powered Convoy DX Set" (see below). The "Powered Buggy" (パワードバギー) accessory was excised from all ''Transformers'' releases, though it did inspire the fiction-only character [[Delta Magnus#Notes|Powerdrive]]. The original ''Diaclone'' deco was used as inspiration for [[Delta Magnus]], [[Magna Convoy]], and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]].

;Giftsets
*Double Set — lilac version of No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type and silver version of No. 6 Honda City R, called "Honda City S" for this set.
*Powered Convoy DX Set — the rarer variant of Powered Convoy with chromed parts for his trailer, along with a red version of No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 that was exclusive to this set, and an equally exclusive variation of the rare black version of No.15 New Countach LP500S, but now with some parts in blue instead of black plastic in robot mode and additional Lamborghini badge stickers on his doors that weren't present on ''any'' previous version of the figure. This second black version of the New Countach later became the basis for the ''Transformers'' figure [[Deep Cover#Toys|Deep Cover]].

;Notes
<references group="A" />
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===Construction Vehicle Robo===
[[File:Diaclone Constructicons.jpg|upright=2|thumb]]
The original ''Diaclone'' decos featured predominantly blue [[combiner]] parts. All six received new, uniform green and purple color schemes for release in the ''Transformers'' line as the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s. The figures were also available as part of the [[The Transformers (European toyline)|European release]] of the ''Transformers'' toyline in yellow instead of green, and were later also re-released in yellow as part of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' toyline in the United States and Canada, plus rarer orange [[variant]]s that were only available in the United States.

;Individual figures
*No. 1 Bulldozer — orange. ([[Bonecrusher (G1)/toys#Toys|Bonecrusher]])
*No. 2 Power Shovel — orange. ([[Scavenger (G1)/toys#Toys|Scavenger]])
*No. 3 Shovel-Dozer/"Tractor Shovel"<ref group="B" name="shovel">The individually released Construction Vehicle Robo No. 3 is named "Shovel-Dozer" (ショベルドーザー) in katakana, but "Tractor Shovel" in English. The "Build Combination 6 Figure Set" giftset still calls the figure "Shovel-Dozer" in katakana, but now has reversed the order of the two parts of the English name to "Shovel Tractor".</ref> — orange. ([[Scrapper (G1)/toys#Toys|Scrapper]])
*No. 4 Truck Crane — red. ([[Hook (G1)/toys#Toys|Hook]])
*No. 5 Dump Truck — red. ([[Long Haul (G1)/toys#Toys|Long Haul]])
*No. 6 Mixer Truck/"Concrete Mixer"<ref group="B" name="mixer">Construction Vehicle Robo No. 6 is named "Mixer Truck" (ミキサー車) in combined katakana/kanji, but "Concrete Mixer" in English. This is repeated with the "Build Combination 6 Figure Set" giftset.</ref>— red. ([[Mixmaster (G1)/toys#Toys|Mixmaster]])

;Giftsets
*Build Combination 6 Figure Set, contains No. 1 Bulldozer, No. 2 Power Shovel, No. 3 Shovel-Dozer/"Shovel Tractor",<ref group="B" name="shovel"/> No. 4 Truck Crane, No. 5 Dump Truck and No. 6 Mixer Truck/"Concrete Mixer".<ref group="B" name="mixer"/> A later running change variant of the [[giftset]] changed the main color of both Truck Crane and Concrete Mixer from red to blue, while the combiner parts were changed from blue to red. These versions were only available as part of the giftset.

;Notes
<references group="B" />
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===Dashers===
[[File:Diaclone Powerdashers.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb]]
The Dashers were released with minor changes in ''Transformers'' as the [[Powerdasher]]s. Each released solely as "Powerdasher," they did not receive individual names until decades later.

*Sky Dasher — Also released under the name "Sky Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. ([[Cromar#Toys|Cromar]])
*Drill Dasher — Also released under the name ""Drill Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. ([[Zetar (G1)#Toys|Zetar]])
*F-1 Dasher — Also released under the name "F-1 Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. ([[Aragon#Toys|Aragon]])
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===Dinosaur Robo===
[[File:Diaclone Dinobots.jpg|thumb|upright=2]]
The Dinosaur Robo molds became the [[Dinobot (G1)#Toys|Dinobots]] in ''Transformers''. Duh. All of the TF releases had softer plastic in certain places. There were also several differences in decoes between the ''Diaclone'' and ''Transformers'' versions, mostly the replacement of blue paint with red.

*Tyrannosaurus ([[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Toys|Grimlock]])
*Triceratops ([[Slag (G1)/toys#Toys|Slag]])
*Brontosaurus ([[Sludge (G1)#Toys|Sludge]])
*Stegosaurus ([[Snarl (G1)#Toys|Snarl]])
*Pteranodon ([[Swoop (G1)/toys#Toys|Swoop]], ''Diaclone'' deco inspired Swoop's animation model)
{{-}}

===Double Changers===
[[File:Diaclone Omnibots.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb]]
The Double Changers were released as the [[Omnibot (G1)#Generation 1|Omnibots]], and like the Powerdashers, were only available via mail-order and Robot Points.

*No.1 Savanna RX-7 ([[Camshaft (G1)#Toys|Camshaft]])
*No.2 Ferrari BB ([[Overdrive#Toys|Overdrive]])
*No.3 Celica XX ([[Downshift (G1)#Toys|Downshift]])
{{-}}

===Jet Plane F-15 Robo===
[[File:Diaclone Seekers.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
The F-15 Robo mold was the source for the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. The black and purple deco used for [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Toys|Skywarp]] was created for the ''Transformers'' line, and was never available as a ''Diaclone''. The decoes and remolded wings for the [[Conehead]]s were also original to ''The Transformers''.

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

===Insecter Robo===
[[File:Diaclone Insecticons.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb]]
In ''Diaclone'', these were mechs used by the [[Waruder]]s, the "bad guys" of that universe. In ''Transformers'' they were released as the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] with new purple, black, and yellow decoes. Much later, the ''Diaclone'' decos were released as the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive [[Insecticon clone|Insecticon Clones]].

;Individual figures
*Kabutron/"Beetle-Type" ([[Bombshell (G1)#Toys|Bombshell]]/[[Salvo (G1)#Toys|Salvo]])
*Battas/"Grasshopper-Type" ([[Kickback (G1)#Toys|Kickback]]/[[Shothole#Toys|Shothole]])
*[[Kuwagatrer]]/"Lammelicorns-Type" ([[Shrapnel (G1)#Toys|Shrapnel]]/[[Zaptrap#Toys|Zaptrap]])

;Giftsets
*Insector Robo 3 Figure Set, contains "Beetle-Type" Kabutron, "Grasshopper-Type" Battas and "Lammelicorns-Type" Kuwagatrer
{{-}}

===Train Robo===
[[File:Diaclone Trainbots.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb]]
The Train Robo molds were only released as Transformers in Japan during the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Transformers: The Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' franchise. There were two color variations released for the ''Diaclone'' line, making 12 individual trains total. Numbers 1-6 were standard retail decoes released both individually and as a gift set. It was this deco that was virtually unchanged for release as [[Raiden]] and his components the [[Trainbot]]s. 

Numbers 7-12 are much rarer and were never released as a giftset. These decoes were used as inspiration for [[G Liner]] and the "prototype Trainbots."

;Individual figures
*No. 1 {{w|Tōkaidō Shinkansen|Tōkaidō}} {{w|0 Series Shinkansen|Shinkansen}}<!--東海道新幹線--> ("Machliner", [[Shouki#Toys|Shouki]])
*No. 2 {{w|JNR Class EF65|Class EF65}} {{w|Blue Train (Japan)|Blue Train}}<!--EF65形ブルートレイン--> ("Nightliner", [[Getsuei#Toys|Getsuei]])
*No. 3 {{w|Tōhoku Shinkansen|Tōhoku}}-{{w|Jōetsu Shinkansen|Jōetsu}} {{w|200 Series Shinkansen|Shinkansen}}<!--東北・上越新幹線--> ("Snowliner", [[Yukikaze (G1)#Toys|Yukikaze]])
*No. 4 {{w|Tōkaidō Main Line|Tokai Type}} 153 Series Express Train<!--東海型153系急行電車--> ("Stormliner", [[Suiken#Toys|Suiken]])
*No. 5 L-{{w|Limited express|Limited Express}} {{w|485 series|485 Series}} Limited Express Train<!--Ｌ特急485系特急列車-->("Plainliner", [[Seizan#Toys|Seizan]])
*No. 6 {{w|JNR Class DE10|Class DE10}} Diesel Locomotive<!--DE10形ディーゼル機関車--> ("Powerliner", [[Kaen#Toys|Kaen]])
*No. 7 Tōkaidō Shinkansen, Metallic Type<!--東海道新幹線, メッキタイプ--> ("Silverliner", "[[Silver (G1)|Silver]]")
*No. 8 {{w|JNR Class ED76|ED76}}, Blue Train-Towing Train<!--ED76, ブルートレインけん引用電車--> ("Battleliner", "[[Battle]]")
*No. 9 {{w|Doctor Yellow|Dr. Yellow}} Shinkansen, Comprehensive Rail Inspection"<!--Dr．イエロー新幹線, 総合試験車--> ("Yellowliner", [[Doctor (G1)|Doctor]])
*No. 10 KuHa {{w|113 series|111 Type}} Express Train<!--クハ111型急行電車--> ("Miracleliner", "[[Miracle (G1)|Miracle]]")
*No. 11 L-Limited Express {{w|583 series|583 Series}} Sleeper Train<!--Ｌ特急583系寝台電車--> ("Thunderliner", "[[Thunder (G1)|Thunder]]")
*No. 12 DE10, Diesel Locomotive, Crystal Type<!--DE10, ディーゼル機関車, クリスタルタイプ--> ("Crystalliner", "[[Crystal (G1)|Crystal]]")

;Giftsets
*Train Robo 6 Figure Formation DX Set, collects No. 1 Tōkaidō 0 Series Shinkansen, No. 2 EF65-1000 Blue Train, No. 3 Tōhoku Jōetsu 200 Series Shinkansen, No. 4 Tōkaidō Main Line 153 Express Train, No. 5 L-Limited express 485 and No. 6 DE10 Diesel Locomotive.
{{--}}

===Triplechangers===
[[File:Diaclone Overcharge and Rotorbolt.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb]]
Only the Jet Fighter Type [[Triple Changer]] was ever released in the ''Transformers'' line, but the Helicopter Type later inspired three fiction-only characters. [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Toys|Astrotrain]] and [[Octane#Toys|Octane]] may have been in development when the change to the ''Transformers'' brand occurred.

*No. 1 Jet Fighter Type — The ''Diaclone'' dark green and white deco was changed to purple and beige for release as [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Toys|Blitzwing]]. The original deco was later released as [[Overcharge (G1)#Toys|Overcharge]].
*No. 2 Helicopter Type — Not released as a Transformer, but used as inspiration for the fiction-only characters [[Rotorbolt (Timelines)|Rotorbolt]], [[Skyklik]], and [[Fumes]].
{{-}}

===Early ''Diaclone''===
[[File:Exarchon vs Dia Attacker.jpg|thumb|250px|right]]
A handful of more fantastical toys from ''Diaclone's'' early years passed over for the ''Transformers'' toyline have inspired fiction-only characters, mostly in the form of background easter eggs.
*Big Powered — Loosely inspired the [[Big Powered|combined mode of the same name]] in late Generation 1 subline ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1990 (Zone)|Transformers: Zone]]''.<ref>"当初はソニックボン バーとダイアトラスの2体だ けの予定でしたが、開発途中 で「もう1体を追加、3体を 合体させて巨大ジェットにす 「る」という方針変更があり ました。この大型ジェットの名 前は「ビッグパワード」で巨大 なパワードマスターという意 味と、ダイアクロンのアイテム 名のダブルミーニングでした。" - [[TakaraTomy]] designer [[Motoki Takaya]] in an interview on ''Transformers: Zone'' in ''Takara SF Land Evolution'', p 90</ref>
*Dia-Attacker — Used as inspiration for the original form of [[Exarchon]], arch-villain of the [[2019 IDW continuity|2019-2022 IDW comics]].
*Dia-Battles — Used as inspiration for [[Stormbringer]].
**DA-01 Dia Battles V2 — itself inspired by the original Dia-Battles, this toy from the 2016 ''Diaclone'' reboot was used as inspiration for the ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Magmatron#Beast Wars: Uprising|Magmatron]].
*Dianauts — The heroic human pilot minifigures packaged with various Diaclone mecha were used as inspiration for the subtly named toy characters [[Dia Cinders|Dia]], [[Cline]], and [[Diac]], as well as the fiction-only character [[Chifumi Takahashi]].
*Fortress Robot X — Used as inspiration for, ah, [[Fortress X]].
*Great Robot Base — The ''Diaclone'' franchise mascot and guy in the logo, this famous (in Japan) toy was used as inspiration for [[Dimicron Prime]], the [[Town Commander]] representing ''TakaraTomy themselves'' in the [[Cybertron Satellite]] promotion.
**In perhaps the most esoteric pull in ''Diaclone'' history, the [[Microman#GiantRobo|earliest known prototype]]<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The large robot's transformation mechanism was based on the prototype for the unreleased Microman toy, Giant Robo G-1. This robot would later evolve into Diaclone Robot Base.|link=https://twitter.com/_necronomitron_/status/1631449712376315904|site= Twitter|name=Koji Igarashi in p.104 of ''Diaclone World Guide'', translated by Necronomitron|year=2023|month=03|day=03}}</ref> of Great Robot Base was separately used as inspiration for [[Statue of The One|an effigy]] of the mysterious deity known only as [[The One]].
*Gats Blocker — Used as inspiration for an [[Guts Blocker Autobot|unnamed background comic character]].
*Warudaros — Used as inspiration for the [[Storm Rider]] toy, which was itself then [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[King Waruder]], a riff on the ''Diaclone'' character "''Emperor'' Waruder." We've come full circle or something.
*Waruder pilots — The insectoid opposite number of the heroic Diaclone pilots packed with the Insector Robo, Warudaros, and others, these minifigures were used as inspiration for the [[Beet-Chit]], [[Ripper (Diaclone)|Ripper]], [[Thrasher (Diaclone)|Thrasher]], [[Crusher (Diaclone)|Crusher]], and [[Buzzer (Diaclone)|Buzzer]] toys, as well as their leader, a Thrasher repurpose named [[King Waruder|Daros]].

===Posthumous ''Diaclone''===
''Diaclone'''s final contribution to the ''Transformers'' brand came in the form of the bevvy of product halfway through the pipeline when the line was shelved in favor of ''Transformers'' in 1985. This is widely postulated to be the source of the bulk of the new-mold Takara vehicle Transformers for the years of 1984 through 1986. While there is no hard delineation where TakaraTomy "stopped making ''Diaclone''" and "started making ''Transformers''," June 1985 can be seen as something of a "final deadline" as the month where TakaraTomy debuted ''The Transformers'' at the "Tokyo Toy Show" trade show and Hasbro began shipping design bibles full of data on the initial toy assortments to [[Marvel Productions|Marvel]] and [[Sunbow Productions]].

====Triplechangers Reloaded====
*A ''Diaclone'' patent of a locomotive/space shuttle robot presumably slated for a second wave of [[Triple Changer]]s filed in December of 1984 is pretty unmistakably a near-finalized [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]].

{{anchor|Jizai Gattai}}
====The Scramble Saga====
[[File:Takara SF Land Pre-Menasor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|''Diaclone'' Menasor's transparent thigh high boots were deemed too saucy by Hasbro S&P.]]
"Jizai Gattai" (自在合体, roughly "Limitless Combination"), later "Diaclone Scramble Combination" (ダイアクロン・スクランブル合体 ''Daiakuron Scramble Gattai'')<ref name = "TTMU">[https://twitter.com/syncson/status/1195937750957969409?s=21 "Diaclone Scramble Combination" trade show display] taken from a December 1984 trade journal presented in ''The Toys That Made Us''.</ref>, was to be the primary theme for ''Diaclone''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s 1985 assortment, a modular play pattern consisting of smaller robots that could form arms or legs for larger torsos, all centered around one of ''Diaclone'''s trademark baseformers. This concept was refitted for Transformers and became the [[Fight!_Super_Robot_Lifeform_Transformers_(toyline)#1986 (Scramble_City and 2010)|''Scramble City'']] subline of the Japanese ''Transformers'' toyline, also known as the "[[Special Teams]]" in the European toyline or "all those 1986 combiner guys" in the United States. The central base became [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]].

Free Combination prototypes known to have been developed into specific Transformers include:
*New Robot Base — developed into [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]<ref name = "SFLand">''Takara SF Land'' p. 113</ref>
*Free Combination Trailer Robo — developed into [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] / [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]<ref name = "SFLand">''Takara SF Land'' p. 113</ref>
*Concorde torso robot - [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] / [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]<ref name = "TTMU"/>
*Fire truck torso robot - [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] / [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]<ref name = "TTMU"/>
*Tank torso robot - [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] / [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]<ref>May 1985 ''Diaclone'' tank torso robot patent.</ref><ref name = "SFLand">''Takara SF Land'' p. 113</ref>

Known limb robot prototypes included five jets, four cars, two helicopters, two motorcycles, one ambulance, one racecar, and a police car,<ref name = "TTMU"/> though anything further would be speculative at best, particularly given specific "teams" of components did not yet exist as we know them today.

This line likely inspired the in-fiction "[[Free-Combination]]" (自由合体 ''Jiyū Gattai'') ability of the original Special Teams' later ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Operation Combination|Operation Combination]]'' redecoes.
{{--}}

==Contemporary international ''Diaclone'' releases==
*Like ''Transformers'' itself, ''Diaclone'' was also released in other countries, in some cases licensed to other companies:
;United States
Takara themselves had a short run in the U.S. market under the name ''[[Diakron]]'', featuring three toys that were later released as ''Transformers'' in different colors. This was followed by ''[[Kronoform]]'', which featured toys that were ''not'' released as ''Transformers'' by Hasbro.
{{Main|Diakron}}
{{Main|Kronoform}}
;Finland
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-[[Loudpedal]]).
;Italy
Italian company [[GiG]] initially released toys under the name ''Diaclone'', but soon changed it to ''[[Trasformer]]'' {{sic}}. Whether GiG was copying Hasbro or the other way round is unclear; however, ''Trasformer'' did feature a blend of ''Diaclone'' toys and elements original to Hasbro's ''Transformers'' line, possibly due to production reasons.
{{Main|Trasformer}}
;France, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands
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]], also due to production reasons.
{{Main|Joustra}}

==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}}
===''Transtech''===
{{stub|{{storylink|Cybertron's Most Wanted}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}} {{storylink|Axiom Nexus News}} {{storylink|King Waruder#Timelines|King Waruder profile}}}}
===''Masterpiece'' toy bios===
{{stub|{{storylink|Spin-Out (G1)#Masterpiece|''Masterpiece'' Spin-out bio}} {{storylink|Bluestreak (G1)/toys#MP18B|''Masterpiece'' Bluestreak bio}}{{storylink|Burn Out (Diaclone)#Masterpiece|''Masterpiece'' Burn Out bio}}}}

==Notes==
*''Diaclone'' is a portmanteau of "diamond" and "cyclone": "unbreakable as a diamond, powerful as a cyclone".<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Teammates united by a bond as unbreakable as diamond, they fight with the unyielding force of a cyclone to protect our world... The Diaclone Corps, Earth's defense force!|link=https://twitter.com/_necronomitron_/status/1629204072502013952|site= Twitter|name=1980 ''Diaclone'' catalog, translated by Necronomitron|year=2023|month=02|day=24}}</ref>
**"[[Cymond]]," the name for ''Diaclone''{{'}}s location in the in-fiction [[multiverse]], was devised by longtime ''Transformers'' contributor [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] as an inversion of the original portmanteau (''cy''clone + dia''mond'').<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20191012014152/https://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/116666-rook-andromeda-on-facebook/page-40 Post on the Allspark Forums] by [[Jim Sorenson]] (archived)</ref>
*Designs from ''Diaclone'' were plagiarized for the Korean animated movie ''Diatron 5'' (다이아트론5), which for a time haunted [[Walmart]] dollar bins as ''[http://www.amazon.com/SPACE-TRANSFORMERS/dp/B000FHDNZW Space Transformers]''.
*General Motors stopped using the "Stingray" name after the 1976 model year through 2013. Though the Corvette mold is obviously a 1980 to 1982 model year, Takara incorrectly called it a Stingray.

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

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%80%E3%82%A4%E3%82%A2%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AD%E3%83%B3 ''Diaclone''] at Japanese Wikipedia
* [http://www.diaclone.net Diaclone.Net] fansite
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180430074512/http://1501bc.com/pretf/pretf.html ''Diaclone''] at the Pre-Transformers Page
* [https://www.transformerland.com/wiki/diaclone/ Diaclone® Action Figure Collectors' Guide] At TransFormerLand
* [https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/diaclone/ ''Diaclone''{{'}}s modern incarnation] at the TakaraTomy website

[[Category:Diaclone| ]]
[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]]