Diaclone Part 3 | Pre-Transformers Construction, Trains & Dinos

Construction Robos!

Let’s take a look at an amazing set of Construction Robots that will look very familiar to Transformers fans!

Construction Robo 1: Bulldozer | 1983

Pre-Transformers Bonecrusher

Transformers fans remember the mighty Devastator as the first Transformers combiner, formed by the six Constructicons. Now let’s take a look at the Diaclone ancestors of these legendary Decepticons!

First up is Construction Robo No. 1, Bulldozer. This powerful little construction machine would later become the Constructicon known as Bonecrusher!

And this is just the beginning. We’ve got five more Construction Robos to go before the whole crew comes together!

Construction Robo 2: Power Shovel | 1983

Pre-Transformers Scavenger

Next up is Construction Robo No. 2, Power Shovel!

This little excavator would later go on to become the Constructicon known as Scavenger.

Construction Robo 3: Tractor Shovel | 1983

Pre-Transformers Scrapper

Here we have the payloader that would later become the Constructicon Scrapper!

With three Construction Robos down, we’re halfway to assembling the powerful Construction Vehicle Robo Combiner!

Construction Robo 4: Truck Crane | 1983

Pre-Transformers Hook

Here’s the crane that forms the torso and head of the six-robot combiner!

Of course this would later become the Constructicon Hook.

Construction Robo 5: Dump Truck | 1983

Pre-Transformers Long Haul

Who didn’t love playing with toys like this outside in the dirt? Many surviving examples today are rusted, worn and still carrying around decades of dirt from childhood adventures!

There’s something endearing about finding those well-played-with relics, but it’s equally amazing to see a pristine, unused museum-quality example like this. AFA is proud to help preserve these few remaining pristine examples, providing a lasting reference for these incredible toy lines and how they originally appeared more than 40 years ago.

Here is Construction Robo No. 5, Dump Truck. This mold would later become the Constructicon Long Haul!

Construction Robo 6: Concrete Mixer | 1983

Pre-Transformers Mixmaster

Last but certainly not least is the sixth member of the Construction Vehicle team, Concrete Mixer!

Transformers collectors will immediately recognize this mold as the future Constructicon Mixmaster. While we love the classic green and purple of Hasbro’s later design, the original Diaclone colors look equally impressive!

Here we see the Red/Orange version, but as we discovered with the Car Robot line, Diaclone loved its color variants! Concrete Mixer was also released in a striking blue version.

Here is a look at Construction Robos 1 through 6 together!

Construction Robo Combiner!

At the time of writing, AFA is evaluating a pristine Construction Robo Combiner!

This awesome six-robot set would later become the Transformers Constructicons and their combined form, Devastator.

The Diaclone set came in two amazing color variants, known by collectors as Orange/Red and Red/Blue.

Here’s a look at the Orange/Red version!

The Mighty Devastator!

The Construction Robos would also make the leap from Diaclone into the Transformers universe!

Hasbro recolored the six construction vehicles in the now-iconic green and purple color scheme and introduced them as the evil Constructicons.

When all six came together, they formed one of the most memorable combiners in Transformers history, the mighty Devastator!

From Diaclone Construction Robo to Transformers Devastator!

“Prepare to meet your doom! Nothing can withstand the might of... Devastator!”

Train Robos!

Well, between the Car Robot line and the Construction Robos, we’ve covered some amazing vehicles. Now let’s hit the railway!

The incredible Diaclone Train Robos were never released in the United States by Hasbro, but that didn’t stop them from eventually making their way into the G1 Transformers universe in Japan!

The Train Robos would become the Autobot combiner team known as the Trainbots, and their combined form, Raiden. They even appeared in the Japanese Transformers cartoons, including Transformers: The Headmasters in 1987 and Transformers: Super-God Masterforce in 1988.

So while these might be unfamiliar to many American G1 fans, they are very much part of G1 Transformers history!

Train Robo 1: Tōkaidō Shinkansen | 1983

Pre-Transformers Shouki (Japanese G1 Release)

All aboard! First up is Train Robo No. 1, based on Japan’s famous Tōkaidō Shinkansen bullet train.

This sleek blue and white train would later become Shouki, leader of the Trainbots in the Japanese Transformers universe!

For American Transformers collectors, this is where things get especially interesting. Unlike the Car Robots and Construction Robos we just explored, Shouki never received a Hasbro G1 release in the United States, making the Train Robo story a part of Transformers history that many U.S. fans are only now discovering.

Train Robo 2: EF65 Blue Train | 1983

Pre-Transformers Getsuei (Japanese G1 Release)

Next up is Train Robo No. 2, based on Japan’s EF65 electric locomotive!

Quite a change of pace from the sleek bullet train of No. 1, this powerful blue locomotive would later become the Trainbot Getsuei in the Japanese Transformers universe.

Train Robo 3: Tōhoku Jōetsu Shinkansen | 1983

Pre-Transformers Yukikaze (Japanese G1 Release)

Back to the bullet trains! Train Robo No. 3 is based on the Tōhoku Jōetsu 200 Series Shinkansen, with its distinctive green and white color scheme.

This sleek Train Robo would later become the Trainbot Yukikaze in the Japanese Transformers universe.

And with three Train Robos down, we’re now halfway to forming the imposing Train Robo Combiner!

Train Robo 4: Tōkaidō 153 Express Train | 1983

Pre-Transformers Suiken (Japanese G1 Release)

Next up is Train Robo No. 4, based on the Tōkaidō Main Line 153 Series Express Train!

The dark green and orange color combination gives this one a completely different look from the first three trains we’ve seen.

This Train Robo would later become the Trainbot Suiken in the Japanese Transformers universe. Four down, just two more to go!

The real 153 Series Express Train that inspired Diaclone Train Robo No. 4. Photo circa 1981.

Train Robo 5: L-Limited Express 485 | 1983

Pre-Transformers Seizan (Japanese G1 Release)

Train Robo No. 5 is based on Japan’s 485 Series Limited Express train.

The cream and red color scheme gives this one another completely different look from the trains we’ve seen so far. This Train Robo would later become the Trainbot Seizan in the Japanese Transformers universe.

Five down and just one more to go!

Train Robo 6: DE10 Diesel Locomotive | 1983

Pre-Transformers Kaen (Japanese G1 Release)

And here it is, the final member of the team!

Train Robo No. 6 is based on Japan’s DE10 diesel locomotive, and its bold orange and gray design gives us one last completely different style of train.

This Train Robo would later become the Trainbot Kaen in the Japanese Transformers universe.

Here is a look at Train Robos 1 through 6 together!

Train Robo Combiner Gift Set

Pre-Transformers Raiden (Japanese G1 Release)

At the time of writing, AFA is currently evaluating this incredible mint-in-box Train Robo Gift Set!

The packaging gives us a great look at all six individual Train Robos alongside their combined form. We especially love the unique design of the combiner, with the locomotive bodies still clearly visible throughout the arms and legs.

It’s unmistakably a giant robot made from six trains, and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. Another incredibly creative design from Takara!

And here’s a look at a nice loose Train Robo in its combined form!

Transformers Combiner Raiden!

The Train Robo combiner would later be recolored by Takara and make the jump into the G1 Transformers universe as Raiden!

The six Trainbots returned with new colors and identities, combining to form Raiden, released in Japan as this spectacular G1 gift set.

From Diaclone Train Robo to Transformers Raiden. Another amazing piece of the Diaclone-to-Transformers story!

We’re Not Done with the Train Robos Yet!

By 1984, Transformers was taking off in the United States while Diaclone was nearing the end of its original run in Japan. As a result, some of these later Diaclone releases have become incredibly difficult to find today.

And that brings us to something very special: Train Robos No. 7 through 12, featuring special color versions of the six trains we just explored!

These are some seriously rare pieces of Diaclone history.

Train Robo 7: Tōkaidō Shinkansen Plated Type | 1984

Pre-Transformers Shouki (Japanese G1 Release)

Nothing like a chrome finish to take something to the next level!

Train Robo No. 7 brings back the Tōkaidō Shinkansen from No. 1, but this time with a striking plated finish that completely changes its appearance.

And just how rare is this one? AFA had never graded an unused example until this beauty arrived!

What a way to kick off the special color releases!

Train Robo 8: ED76 Blue Train Towing Locomotive | 1984

Pre-Transformers Getsuei (Japanese G1 Release)

Don’t let the “Blue Train” name fool you. This special color release features a distinctive brown/maroon finish that gives it a dramatically different appearance from Train Robo No. 2.

Another rare 1984 release and a great example of the unusual color variations Takara introduced near the end of the original Diaclone run!

Train Robo 9: Doctor Yellow 922 | 1984

Pre-Transformers Yukikaze (Japanese G1 Release)

Train Robo No. 9 gives the Shinkansen mold a bold yellow makeover based on Japan’s famous Doctor Yellow inspection train. Even if you knew nothing about Diaclone, a robot bullet train named Doctor Yellow is just plain awesome!

The mold would later become the Trainbot Yukikaze in the Japanese Transformers universe, but this rare 1984 Diaclone version has a personality all its own.

Train Robo 10: KuHa 111 Type Express Train | 1984

Pre-Transformers Suiken (Japanese G1 Release)

Next up is Train Robo No. 10, the KuHa 111 Type Express Train!

This special color version features the distinctive cream and dark blue colors associated with Japan’s Yokosuka Line, giving it a dramatically different appearance from Train Robo No. 4.

Another beautiful and incredibly difficult-to-find 1984 Diaclone release!

Train Robo 11: L-Limited Express Sleeper | 1984

Pre-Transformers Seizan (Japanese G1 Release)

Train Robo No. 11 gives us another dramatic special color version, this time transforming the 485 Series Limited Express from No. 5 into the L-Limited Express Sleeper!

The cream and deep blue color scheme gives this version a completely different personality and really shows just how much fun Takara was having with these late Diaclone releases.

We know, bro... that’s a lot of trains! Hang in there, we’re almost at the end of the line. Just one more to go!

Train Robo 12: DE10 Diesel Locomotive, Crystal Type | 1984

Pre-Transformers Kaen (Japanese G1 Release)

The DE10 Diesel Locomotive returns, but this time Takara gave it the very cool “Crystal Type” treatment, featuring translucent brown sections that make this one immediately stand out from the original No. 6.

It’s another unusual and incredibly rare late Diaclone release, and with that, we’ve made it through all 12 Train Robos. Phew!

Here's a look at Trains 7 through 12 together!

Dinosaur Robos

Now onto some prehistoric influence with the Dinosaur Robos!

And boy, oh boy, are Transformers fans going to recognize these handsome fellas!

After trains, construction vehicles and cars, Diaclone is about to take us back to the age of the dinosaurs!

Dinosaur Robo 1: Tyrannosaurus | 1983

Pre-Transformers Grimlock

Now here’s a face Transformers fans will recognize immediately!

Dinosaur Robo No. 1 is Tyrannosaurus, the robotic T-Rex that would later become Grimlock, leader of the Dinobots and one of the most popular Transformers characters of all time.

The Diaclone version has some great differences from the later Transformers release, including a chrome sword and of course, a Diaclone Driver who could actually ride inside the dinosaur!

Pre-Grading Photo

Dinosaur Robo 1 would later become the lovable Dinobot leader Grimlock!

Here is a look at a Mint in Sealed Box Transformers Grimlock that was graded by AFA!

Bonus: Here is the earlier Grimlock release with alternate back of packaging art. This is another beautiful mint in sealed box specimen!

Dinosaur Robo 2: Triceratops | 1983

Pre-Transformers Slag

Next up is Dinosaur Robo No. 2, Triceratops!

This horned powerhouse would later become the Dinobot Slag, another instantly recognizable member of the original Dinobot team.

There’s just something about turning dinosaurs into robots that works. More than 40 years later, these designs still look fantastic!

Pre-Grading Photo

Dinosaur Robo 3: Brontosaurus | 1983

Pre-Transformers Sludge

Next comes one of the biggest members of the crew, Dinosaur Robo No. 3, Brontosaurus!

This massive long-necked dinosaur would later become the Dinobot Sludge, bringing some serious size and muscle to the team.

Pre-Grading Photo

Dinosaur Robo 4: Stegosaurus | 1984

Pre-Transformers Snarl

Next up is the instantly recognizable Dinosaur Robo No. 4, Stegosaurus!

With those unmistakable plates running down his back and that heavily armored look, this prehistoric powerhouse would later become the Dinobot Snarl.

Four down, and we’ve got just one more familiar Dinobot waiting in the wings!

Pre-Grading Photo

Dinosaur Robo 5: Pteranodon | 1984

Pre-Transformers Swoop

And now we come to by far the rarest of the Dinosaur Robos!

As we move deeper into the later 1984 Diaclone releases, much like the special color Train Robos we just explored, these toys become increasingly difficult to find. Dinosaur Robo No. 5, Pteranodon, is especially elusive and would later become the fan-favorite Dinobot Swoop.

Finding one is difficult enough. Finding one in this condition is something else entirely! This absolutely mint example earned an impressive AFA 85.

What a way to finish the Dinosaur Robo lineup!

Pre-Grading Photo

Here's a look at all 5 Dinosaur Robots together!

That wraps up a pretty lengthy Part 3 of our Diaclone adventure!

We covered a lot of ground this time, from Construction Robos and Train Robos to the incredible Dinosaur Robos!

But trust us, we’re far from finished.

Stay tuned for Part 4, because we have some serious heavy hitters on deck!