Windcharger The only "classic" Scout-class toy released in the US so far Transformers Reveal the Shield Scout Figures Wave 1 (or Gold/HTFD Wave 4) Item No.: Asst. 98438 No. 28578 Manufacturer: Hasbro Includes: n/a Action Feature: Turns into a car Retail: $7.99 Availability: Spring 2011 Other: The first "classic" Windcharger in the modern line
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If you like being pissed off, there were few better times to collect Transformers than early 2011. A number of toys were sold only in Canada, the UK, and Australia like Windcharger here. He did get limited US distribution, and as of yet it seems to be entirely online or through toy distributors who also sell online. In short, if you live in the USA, as of today, this figure never hit store shelves-- but started shipping to stores overseas in November 2010. Lucky you.

As one of the first toys in 1984, you might expect to see more toys based on this character. He wasn't too memorable, so it's not too surprising when he got an Alternators toy that it looked basically nothing like him. Heck, this one doesn't really either, but it's obviously inspired by the original toy particularly as a vehicle. In robot mode he's got gobs of articulation, plus his fists rotate out to have some sort of magnet cannon thing. He's really easy to pose, and the sculpt is quite excellent. Worth noting: the plastic is the swirly kind, so be careful with this one as it may age poorly.

The flip-out fist cannon things are actually a great idea, and should be loads of fun if they repaint the toy in the future. They stand out well (especially better than his red hands), so that's a nice detail. The head is particularly good-- it may remind some slightly of Megatron or Decepticharge, either of which would be swell repaints of this one.

The car mode isn't particularly great, the back of it doesn't seem to piece together quite well. It's an acceptable vehicle but in light of many of the toys we've been getting lately, it's pretty weak. We've seen better.

Transforming is frustrating in spots, particularly getting the legs in place to form the back half of the car. Things tend to slide around more than I like, and the results aren't particularly stellar. I'd almost say just leave it in robot mode and be done with it.

In short, this is an overrated toy. Its rarity and G1-ness makes it a must-buy for collectors of all things classic, but the actual quality of the product is such that if you paid $9 for it at Wal-Mart you'd probably complain. But you'll never have the chance, so it's TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Ross, online, or eBay.

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