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| {{disambig3|Diaclone}}
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| [[File:Diaclone-GRB logo.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Di...a...cloooooooone!!!]]
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| '''''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.
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| In the ''[[Microman]]'' toyline, transforming robots were becoming more popular. Takara, wanting to capitalize on this developed the ''Diaclone'' toyline. It was first introduced in [[1980]] and its focus was on the sci-fi robots and mecha rather than the pilot minifigures. But it was not until March [[1982]] that toys with [[alternate mode|alt mode]]s 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)/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>
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| 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.
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| In [[1983]], [[Hasbro]] representatives discovered ''Diaclone'' and ''Microchange'' toys at the [[Tokyo Toy Show]], and soon struck a deal to create the ''Transformers'' brand.
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| 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.
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| 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]].
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| ''Diaclone'' was revived in 2016. In 2020, a new version of Battle Convoy, the toy that became Optimus Prime, was revealed. Will this lead to more re-imaginings of ''Car Robots'' toys? Only time will tell.
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| <!-- {{picsneeded|Catalog scans}} -->
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| ==Toy range (incomplete)==
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| The following list covers all ''Diaclone'' releases that were later rereleased as ''Transformers'' toys. ''Diaclone'' molds with no ''Transformers'' releases are generally not listed as they fall outside the purview of this site.
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| ===Baku-Ten Attack Robo===
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| Released in the ''Transformers'' line as the [[Jumpstarter]]s.
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| * Drill Tank Type — Available in two decoes. 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 decoes)
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| * 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===
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| [[File:Sunstreaker-diaclone.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Maybe they died when the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' crashed?]]
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| *No. 1 [[Spin-Out (G1)|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.
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| *No. 2 Onebox Cherry Vanette — The ''Diaclone'' black deco was changed to red for release as [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Toys|Ironhide]]. The black deco was virtually unchanged for release as Ironhide's [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#black|Protect Black]] form and was used as inspiration for ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Ironhide (SG)|Ironhide]].
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| *No. 3 [[Cordon|Countach Patrol Car Type]] — Not released as a Transformer but later used as inspiration for [[Cordon]] and the white [[Sunstreaker clone]]s.
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| *No. 4 Onebox Ambulance Type — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Toys|Ratchet]].
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| *No. 5 4WD Hi-luxe — 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 ''Shattered Glass'' [[Trailbreaker (SG)|Trailbreaker]].
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| *No. 6 Honda City R — The ''Diaclone'' silver deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Crosscut (Autobot)#Toys|Crosscut]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in red, which was used for [[Reboost]]. This mold was also redecoed in orange as Skids's [[Screech (Generations)#Toys|Screech]] form.
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| *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 toys as well as [[Bluestreak (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Bluestreak]].
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| *No. 8 [[Lift-Ticket (Diaclone)|4WD Wrecker Type]] — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was changed to green for release as [[Hoist (G1)/toys#Toys|Hoist]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in blue, and the red deco was used as inspiration for ''Diaclone'' [[Lift-Ticket (Diaclone)|Lift-Ticket]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Hoist (SG)|Hoist]].
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| [[File:DiacloneSkids.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|One Skids, two Skids, three Skids, four! Five Skids... and that's it.]]
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| *No. 9 [[Burn Out|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 black deco was used as inspiration for ''Diaclone'' [[Burn Out]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Skids (SG)|Skids]].
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| *No.10 Fire Engine — The ''Diaclone'' version is nearly identical to the Transformers [[Inferno (G1)/toys#Toys|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#Toys|Artfire]].
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| *No.11 Fairlady Z Racing Type — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Toys|Smokescreen]].
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| *No.12 J59 Jeep — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Hound (G1)/toys#Toys|Hound]]. This mold was later redecoed as [[Detritus (G1)#Toys|Detritus]].
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| *No.13 Police Car Fairlady Z — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Toys|Prowl]].
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| *No.14 Porsche 935 Turbo — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Toys|Jazz]]. This mold was later redecoed as [[Ricochet (Headmasters)#Toys|Ricochet]].
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| *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 black and yellow decoes, which were later used for [[Deep Cover#Toys|Deep Cover]] and [[Tigertrack#Toys|Tigertrack]] .
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| *No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 — The ''Diaclone'' blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Mirage (G1)/toys#Toys|Mirage]]. A red version was also available as a ''Diaclone''.
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| *No.17 Battle Convoy — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged, except for some decals on the trailer, for release as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Toys|Optimus Prime]].
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| *No.18 Lancia Stratos Turbo — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Toys|Wheeljack]]. A remolded ''Diaclone'' version served as the inspiration for [[Exhaust]].
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| *No.19 New Countach Police Car — 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 used for [[Clampdown (G1)#Toys|Clampdown]].
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| [[File:TrasformerSuperBuggy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|What, no TF love for Powered Buggy?]]
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| *No.20 Truck Crane — The ''Diaclone'' version is nearly identical to the ''Transformers'' [[Grapple (G1)#Toys|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#Toys|Hauler]].
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| *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 it also inspired [[Tracks (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Tracks]]. A Finnish exclusive black deco was the inspiration for [[Loudpedal#Masterpiece|Loudpedal]] as well as a [[Black Tracks|Tracks clone]].
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| *Powered Convoy — The ''Diaclone'' deco was (more or less) reversed for release as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Toys|Ultra Magnus]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in a chrome deco. The "Powered Buggy" (パワードバギー) accessory was excised from all Transformers releases. The ''Diaclone'' deco was used as inspiration for [[Delta Magnus]], [[Magna Convoy]], and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]].
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| ===Construction Vehicle Robo===
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| 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.
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| *No. 1 Bulldozer - Orange in both versions. ([[Bonecrusher (G1)/toys#Toys|Bonecrusher]])
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| *No. 2 Power Shovel - Orange in both versions. ([[Scavenger (G1)/toys#Toys|Scavenger]])
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| *No. 3 Shovel-dozer - Orange in both versions. ([[Scrapper (G1)/toys#Toys|Scrapper]])
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| *No. 4 Truck Crane - Red in version one, blue in version two. ([[Hook (G1)/toys#Toys|Hook]])
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| *No. 5 Dump Truck - Red in both versions. ([[Long Haul (G1)/toys#Toys|Long Haul]])
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| *No. 6 Concrete Mixer - Red in version one, blue in version two. ([[Mixmaster (G1)/toys#Toys|Mixmaster]])
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| The [[combiner]] pieces were predominately blue in version one and red in version two.
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| ===Dashers===
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| The Dashers were released in ''Transformers'' as the [[Powerdasher]]s. They were only available via mail-order and [[Robot Point]]s, and did not even receive individual names until decades later.
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| *Sky Dasher - also released under the name "Sky Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe ([[Cromar#Toys|Cromar]])
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| *Drill Dasher - also released under the name ""Drill Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe ([[Zetar (G1)#Toys|Zetar]])
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| *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===
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| [[File:DiacloneSwoop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Ohh, so [[Show-accuracy|''that's'']] where his color scheme came from.]]
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| 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.
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| *Tyrannosaurus ([[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Toys|Grimlock]])
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| *Triceratops ([[Slag (G1)/toys#Toys|Slag]])
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| *Brontosaurus ([[Sludge (G1)#Toys|Sludge]])
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| *Stegosaurus ([[Snarl (G1)#TOys|Snarl]])
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| *Pteranodon ([[Swoop (G1)/toys#Toys|Swoop]], ''Diaclone'' deco inspired Swoop's animation model)
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| ===Double Changers===
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| 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.
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| *Ferrari BB ([[Overdrive#Toys|Overdrive]])
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| *Savanna RX-7 ([[Camshaft (G1)#Toys|Camshaft]])
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| *Celica XX ([[Downshift (G1)#Toys|Downshift]])
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| ===F-15 Robo===
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| 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''.
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| * Super-high-speed fighter type ([[Starscream (G1)/toys#Toys|Starscream]])
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| * Acrobat type ([[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Toys|Thundercracker]])
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| ===Insecter Robo===
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| 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'' decoes were released as the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive [[Insecticon clone|Insecticon Clones]].
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| *Kabutron ([[Bombshell (G1)#Toys|Bombshell]]/[[Salvo (G1)#Toys|Salvo]])
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| *Battas ([[Kickback (G1)#Toys|Kickback]]/[[Shothole#Toys|Shothole]])
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| *[[Kuwagatrer]] ([[Shrapnel (G1)#Toys|Shrapnel]]/[[Zaptrap#Toys|Zaptrap]])
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| ===Train Robo===
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| 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.
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| *No. 1 {{w|Tōkaidō Shinkansen|Tōkaidō}} {{w|0 Series Shinkansen}} ([[Shouki#Toys|Shouki]])
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| *No. 2 {{w|JNR Class EF65|EF65-1000}} {{w|Blue Train (Japan)|Blue Train}} ([[Getsuei#Toys|Getsuei]])
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| *No. 3 {{w|Tōhoku Shinkansen|Tōhoku}} {{w|Jōetsu Shinkansen|Jōetsu}} {{w|200 Series Shinkansen}} ([[Yukikaze (Headmasters)#Toys|Yukikaze]])
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| *No. 4 {{w|Tōkaidō Main Line}} 153 Express Train ([[Suiken#Toys|Suiken]])
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| *No. 5 L-{{w|Limited express}} {{w|485 series|485}} ([[Seizan#Toys|Seizan]])
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| *No. 6 {{w|JNR Class DE10|DE10}} Diesel Locomotive ([[Kaen#Toys|Kaen]])
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| *No. 7 Tōkaidō 0 Series Shinkansen Metallic (Silver Liner)
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| *No. 8 Limited Express {{w|JNR Class ED76|EF76}} (Battle Liner)
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| *No. 9 {{w|Doctor Yellow|Doctor Yellow 922}} (Yellow Liner)
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| *No. 10 {{w|Yokosuka Line}} {{w|113 series|113}} (Miracle Liner)
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| *No. 11 {{w|Sleeping car|Sleeper Express}} {{w|583 series|583}} (Thunder Liner)
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| *No. 12 DE10 Diesel Locomotive Transparent (Crystal Liner)
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| ===Triplechangers===
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| [[File:G1-toy Overcharge.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
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| 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.
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| *No. 1 Jet Fighter Type (redecoed in purple and beige as [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Toys|Blitzwing]], original ''Diaclone'' dark green and white deco later released as [[Overcharge (G1)#Toys|Overcharge]])
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| *No. 2 Helicopter Type ([[Rotorbolt (Timelines)|Rotorbolt]], original blue deco/[[Fumes]]/[[Skyklik]], grey deco)
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| ===Other===
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| *Dia-Battles — not released as a Transformer but inspired the comic background character [[Stormbringer]]. A 2016 remake, DA-01 Dia Battles V2, inspired the ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Magmatron#Beast Wars: Uprising|Magmatron]].
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| *Guts Blocker — not released as a Transformers but did inspire a [[Guts Blocker Autobot|comic background character]].
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| {{-}}
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| ==Fiction==
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| ===''Animated'' cartoon===
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| [[Wyatt Toys]] advertised ''Diaclone'' and ''[[Microman]]'' toys for sale in the [[Detroit Powell Press]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac}}
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| ==Notes==
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| *''Diaclone'' is a portmanteau of "diamond" and "cyclone": "strong as a diamond, fast as a cyclone".
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| *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]''.
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| *Like ''Transformers'' after it, ''Diaclone'' was also released in other countries, in some cases licensed to other companies:
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| **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.
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| **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.
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| **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.
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| **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]]).
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| *General Motors stopped using the "Stingray" name after the 1976 model year. Since the Corvette mold is obviously a 1980 to 1982 model year, Takara incorrectly called it a Stingray.
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| ==See also==
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| * [[Pre-Transformer]]s
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| * [[Diakron]]
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| * [[Kronoform]]
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| * [[Micro Change]]
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| * [[Trasformer]]
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| ==References==
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| {{reflist}}
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| ==External links==
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| * [http://www.diaclone.net Diaclone.Net]
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| * [http://1501bc.com/pretf/ ''Diaclone''] at the Pre-Transformers Page
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| {{toystub}}
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| <!-- [[Category:Diaclone| ]]
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| [[Category:Japanese franchises]]
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| [[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]
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| [[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]] -->
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