Micromaster Sixbuilder

SIXBUILDER

Takara re-issued its fourth set of Micromasters called Sixbuilder in May 2003 which I picked up from BigBadToyStore. Sixbuilder retails in Japan for Ľ3,600 (Ľ300 per box). Sixbuilder was originally released in Japanese as TF-01 back in 1992. In this release, Takara decided to produce Sixbuilder with US-styled lettering, tampo printing vice stickers, and follow the PVC-style box. The box (case) is smaller the standard PVC box which measures 9.75"Lx5.75"Wx5"H. This box contains two sets of six separate components in individual boxes. Unlike the PVC's, an instruction sheet is inserted so that the number for each particular figure is visible through the port hole on the front of the box. This allows you to select a figure you need before you open it. As stated above, there are two sets of Sixbuilder's per case with a couple of regular figures replaced by "Green" variants which create Devastor. I received a Green Ironlift, Mixing, and two Treader's as identified in RED letters below. The case I received had the following box layout:

Left-side (Back to Front)	Right-side (Back to Front)
1 - Crash-Bull	1 - Crash-Bull
2 - Digger	2 - Digger
3 - Ironlift	3 - Ironlift
4 - Gran-Arm	4 - Gran-Arm
5 - Green Treader	5 - Green Treader
6 - Mixing	6 - Green Mixing

The one thing I noticed about the case I received was that instead of replacing one or two figures with Devastor parts, a total of four were replaced. I don't know if this was an error since I haven't found any information online in regards to the Carton/Mastercase breakdown. I'll update this review with the breakdown once someone sends me the information in an e-mail :) I've included a photo with the three different Devastor parts I received in my case.

The individual boxes measure 4"H (4.875"H with flap)x2.75"Wx1.625"D and is priced at Ľ300 each which is clearly marked on the case. Each box contains the individual vehicles in plastic bags, an instruction sheet/catalog, and parts to create Sixbuilder robot. There are 4 panels on each side of the instruction sheet/catalog printed in black & white (instructions) and color (catalog). The instruction sheet also includes a "character spec" which was fully translated by Doug Dlin and identified in RED below.

Sixbuilder case (12 boxes)

Sixbuilder box

Sixbuilder's contents

3 of 6 Sixbuilder Chase Figures

Build Team (Sixbuilder components): Crash-Bull, Digger, Ironlift, Gran-Arm, Treader, and Mixing

Micromaster CRASH-BULL
Bulldozer

Leader of the Build Team. A designer, Crush-Bull prefers it when things proceed systematically. Deeply sympathetic and sentimental, he has a weakness for being easily tricked. Glide says of him, "He's one calculating city-'bot."

Crash-Bull is packaged with Sixbuilder's waist/thigh and is identified as figure #1 (Leader)
Crash-Bull transforms and connects to Sixbuilder's rear

VEHICLE MODE: Crash-Bull is a Turquoise Bulldozer with Black, Silver and Gold painted parts and a Grey shovel. There are four hidden wheels which allow for a smooth roll on a flat surface. He measures 2" in length and his Autobot symbol is tampo stamped on the top of his engine.

ROBOT MODE: To transform Crash-Bull into robot mode, fold down the shovel 90°, then pull out the front end of the bulldozer so that the Black oval part (his thighs) is aligned with the rest of the figure. Last step is to rotate the grille upward 90° to expose his head.

Crash-Bull now stands approximately 2.25" tall in robot mode and the Autobot symbol is nicely placed on his torso. A close-up shot of his head just a little color with Silver paint applied to his face.

The copyright marking can be found underneath the front part of the vehicle (grille part) and is printed in Black lettering in the format below:

'92 '03 ŠTAKARA
CHINA

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Crash-Bull

Micromaster DIGGER
Power Shovel

A mighty robot boasting of his power. Puts strenuous effort into construction operations in combat, skillfully operating the shovel of which he's so proud. The mood setter of the Build Team, he devotes himself to the care of his teammates. His famous way of chairing recreational times is known even among the Destrons.

Digger is packaged with Sixbuilder's Right Fist & Gun and is identified as figure #2
Digger transforms into Sixbuilder's Right Arm

VEHICLE MODE: Digger is a Yellow Power Shovel with some painted parts such as the windows which are painted Black. The shovel part is Grey which have hinge joints at the base as well as the "elbow" above the shovel. The upper part of this vehicle rotates which adds to the play value of this Micromaster. There are four treaded wheels which provide a smooth roll on a flat surface. Digger measures approximately 2.75" in length and his Autobot symbol is tampo printed on the left side of the shovel operator compartment shown in the photo on the right.

ROBOT MODE: To transform Digger into robot mode, rotate the shovel arm upward out of the way so that you can rotate the front end of the vehicle up and outward 180° which creates his legs and feet. Now tuck the end of the shovel (downward) and push it down so that it rests next to the body. If you look under the vehicle you'll notice that this was the only step to expose Digger's upper body and head.

Digger stands at approximately 2.5" tall. In this mode you can see the Orange parts which make up his thighs and upper body. Some parts are painted Silver such as his face, parts of his pelvic region and his shoulders. The photos on the right really don't appear to be Orange due to the lighting, but trust me...they are Orange. Digger is probably my favorite of the 6 figures in vehicle mode because of his details and movable parts.

The copyright marking can be found on the rear of the vehicle which is printed in Black lettering.

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Digger

Micromaster IRONLIFT
Crane Truck

A martial artist versed in all manner of hand-to-hand combat, Ironlift is very agile and specializes in work at high altitudes. He has excellent jumping power, and rumor has it that, leaping about from building to building, he's more ninja-like than the ninja-esque Night.

Iron Lift is packaged with Sixbuilder's Left Fist and is identified as figure #3
Iron Lift transforms into Sixbuilder's Left Arm

VEHICLE MODE: Ironlift is a Red Crane Truck with some painted parts such as the windows which is painted Black. The crane part is Grey which has hinge joints at the base, middle-section of the crane arm and the hook. As with Digger, Ironlift has an upper rotating part that is attached to the crane arm. There are a total of 6 treaded wheels with two of them molded into the vehicle and having no real function. Ironlift measures approximately 2.75" in length and has an Autobot symbol on the outer side of the crane operator compartment.

ROBOT MODE: To transform Ironlift into robot mode, rotate the crane arm upward out of the way so that you can rotate the front end of the vehicle up and outward 180° which creates his legs and feet. Now tuck the end of the crane (upward) and push it down so that it rests next to the body. If you look under the vehicle you'll notice that this was the only step to expose Ironlift's upper body and head.

Ironlift stands at approximately 2.5" tall. In this mode you can see the Yellow parts which make up his thighs and parts of his upper body. Some parts are painted Silver such as his face, parts of his pelvic region and waist. Red paint is applied to his helmet and part of his torso.

The copyright marking can be found under his left arm in robot mode which is printed in Black lettering.

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Ironlift

Micromaster GRAN-ARM
Shovel-Dozer

The laugh-master of the Build Team, Gran-Arm makes use of his tight-turning vehicular mode to charge through the battlefield. While his offensive ability is low compared to the other five, his bulky armor ranks him high on the team in defensive power. At times he has teamed up with Digger to perform on TV shows.

Gran-Arm is packaged with the Breast & Head part for Sixbuilder and is identified as figure #4
Gran-Arm transforms into Sixbuilder's chest

VEHICLE MODE: Gran-Arm is an Orange Shovel-Dozer with a Black painted window, 4 Black wheels and measures approximately 2.25" in length. His Autobot symbol is tampo printed on the top rear part of the vehicle.

ROBOT MODE: To transform Gran-Arm into robot mode, pull the front and rear parts so that the oval Black parts (his thighs) are lined up with the rear section. Fold back the shovel towards the back then rotate his head so that is faces forward.

In this mode, Gran-Arm stands at approximately 2" tall. His color scheme includes Red painted parts on his torso, pelvic region, and toes. His arms are Red which can rotate upward slightly. His helmet is Red with Silver paint applied to his face. A second Autobot symbol is located on the underside of the shovel which is on his back in robot mode. Another paint application is also noted on the underside of the shovel which is Metallic Red.

The copyright marking can be found on the rear of the vehicle towards the left wheel and is printed in Black lettering.

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Gran-Arm

Micromaster TREADER
Dump Truck

Destron soldiers fear this taciturn 'bot's great fighting strength. Spark and Leif adore him like a big brother. Apparently, long ago, he incurred a debt to Crush-Bull that he could never repay and now serves him loyally.

Treader is packaged with Sixbuilder's Right Foot and is identified as figure #5
Treader transforms into Sixbuilder's Right Leg

VEHICLE MODE: Treader is an Orange Dump Truck with Black painted windows and grille, Red headlights and 4 Black treaded wheels. Treader measures 2" in length and his Autobot symbol is tampo printed on the driver's side of the cab.

ROBOT MODE: To transform Treader into robot mode, separate the front and rear parts so that the middle section is aligned with the rear section. Rotate the front end downward 90° which creates his torso. Rotate his arms forward as well as his head and you're done.

In this mode, Treader stands at 2.5" tall and reveals some Red paint applications on his knees and Silver on his face. Although he stands about the same size as Ironlift and Digger, he appears much larger/taller since his shoulders are about 0.25" above the others. Treader is a stocky looking figure and is probably my favorite of the 6 in robot mode.

The copyright marking can be found underneath the lip of the Dump Truck over the cab which is visible in robot mode. It is printed in Black lettering.

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Treader

Micromaster MIXING
Cement Mixer

Just like Road Police, Mixing is quite the gun-nut. His knowledge of weaponry is second to none, and his hobby is modifying Earth weaponry for his own use. On the other hand, he is also quite a pacifist, and it's his pet theory that once all the guns are his, no one could wage war any more.

Mixing is packaged with Sixbuilder's Left Foot and is identified as figure #6
Mixing transforms into Sixbuilder's Left Leg

VEHICLE MODE: Mixing is a Turquoise Cement Mixer with Black painted windows, Silver painted stripes on the mixer & bumper, and Gold headlights & "stacks". There are a total of 6 treaded wheels with two of them molded into the vehicle and having no real function. Mixing measures approximately 2.125" in length and his Autobot symbol is tampo printed on the passenger side door.

ROBOT MODE: To transform Mixing into robot mode, separate the front and rear parts so that the Red oval parts (his thighs) are aligned with the rear section. If you look under the vehicle you'll notice that this was the only step to expose Mixing's upper body and head.

In this mode, Mixing stands at approximately 2 25" tall. His color scheme includes a Black pelvic & torso, Silver midsection, and Black "rings" above his shoulders as shown in the photo on the right. Silver paint is also applied to his face.

The copyright marking can be found behind the cab (front end) which is printed in Black lettering.

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Mixing

Jet Mode

The Jet Mode is created by combining all of the individual pieces that accompanied each figure. The instruction sheet identifies the steps to create this mode which is fairly simple and explained below.

We'll start off by taking the chest/shoulder part and connecting it to the pelvic/thigh piece. They are connected by the pegs on the chest part and the holes behind the pelvic/thighs. Now take the Gun and slide the pegs on either side down the rails between the thighs. The Gun now forms the nosepiece of the Jet. The pelvic/thigh forms the fuselage and chest becomes part of the wings.

Take the left foot and connect the inner peg to the hole of the left fist which in turn connects to the peg on the left side of the chest piece. Do the same for the right side. Now take Sixbuilder's head and connect it to the peg on the back of the chest piece (rear of the jet) and rotate the head so it's facing downward. The final outcome should look like the photos provided. The photo above shows Crash-Bull piloting the Jet.

Devastor/Devastator

Takara decided to include parts to create Devastor (or Devastator in the US). With Sixturbo's release, there were only two chase figures that replaced the regular versions, but with my Sixturbo case there were a total of four. It is still unclear if there was an error in packing this case.

As you can see in the photo on the right, I am missing the chase version of Digger. Devastor's color scheme is Purple & Neon-Green with some Black parts included. The Destron symbol is tampo printed in Purple on each figure. His head has some Silver paint on his face with Purple eyes as opposed to Red on Sixbuilder. Another noticeable item is that the pelvic part is Black vice Grey & Silver on Sixbuilder.

*** 14 July 2003 -- Special thanks to Dave of Extensive Enterprises Auctions for selling me the regular version of Treader as well as Crash-Bull and Gran-Arm chase parts for Devastor! ***

*** 11 October 2003 -- Special thanks to Todd of Snarl's Homepage for selling me Digger which completes my Devastor! ***

Crash-Bull with Pelvic/Thigh part

Digger with Gun & Right Hand parts

Ironlift with Left Hand part

Gran-Arm with Chest & Head parts

Treader with Right Foot part

Mixing with Left Foot part

SIXBUILDER--WARRIOR OF MISFORTUNE!?

The appearance of Berserker SixWing had resulted in a strong sense of impending crisis among the Cybertron Micromasters, casting sizable doubts upon their pride as Cybertron warriors. Compelled to suffer endlessly repeated attacks by the Destron forces, many of them were injured, and sometimes they were even robbed of their Seiberdroid Capsules. As the balance of power began to crumble, there awakened a power to turn things around. This was the debut of SixBuilder!! One nearly moonless night, the Cybertrons somehow managed to drive off a Destron night assault, but a portion of the Seiberdroid Capsules they'd successfully protected had received shocks in the battle and thawed out,

and once more Micromasters wakened. The six warriors took on the forms of Earthly construction vehicles, and thus the Build Team was born. Their combat strength rivaled even Beserker SixWing's, and their high level of technological skill showed a remarkable impact on everything from repairing their comrades to reinforcing their base.

On one such day, word arrived at the Cybertron base that the Destrons were on a mission of destruction in the city. Glide and Road Police charged onto the scene, but the Destrons had already retreated, after which the pair discovered from testimony by the local residents that there was a high probability it was a new Destron offensive force. Upon returning to base and analyzing the information, they found the local citizens had recorded some startling images.

Diego and the others called in the Build Team and pressed for a confirmation in front of the monitor: "There's some images we want you to see." Displayed on the monitor were Treader and Mixing engaged in acts of destruction. Images taken from different angles showed the other Build Team members doing the same.... The Build Team could not conceal the astonishment on their faces. However, while their projected selves were the same in form, they were totally different in color, with

bodies of light green hue.

Then Sireen announced in an enigmatic tone, "According to the information from the locals, Mixing, it seems the version of you shown in these images was calling himself Mixmaster." Then Diego spoke: "For the moment, it doesn't appear to be a plan to introduce fakes, but we can't read the Destrons' intentions. You should all exercise plenty of caution." After he'd finished and the Build Team had moved to another room, their eyes met and they nodded to one another. At length, the Build Team found the fakes with a stakeout strategy, but could not hide their bewilderment at the enemies' total copying of their appearances. Their minds made up, the Build Team combined, and thus SixBuilder appeared.

However, the Destron Build Team also achieved fusion as if they were made for it. The two giants stood face to face. Then the Destron SixBuilder issued a warning in a demonic voice: "You cannot defeat me--no Cybertron can. And that's because...you and I are one!!" "!?"

"Originally, we were no more than a single Seiberdroid. We developed only Destron minds, while you developed only Cybertron minds, yet we were two states of the same byte. Until one of us is gone, our true selves cannot exist," his shout came like a weapon. "Once we have destroyed all Cybertrons, I will merge with you and return to our original form. Until then, our battle with you must wait." SixBuilder watched his departing enemy until he could no longer be seen. "Will we Cybertrons and Destrons have to continue fighting forever...?"

To be continued...

Sixbuilder Robot Mode

Micromaster SIXBUILDER
Six-Robot Gestalt Knight

The gestalt robot completed when the six members of the Build Team combine. Boasts of the greatest strength among the Micromasters. Though they thoroughly display this power in their fighting strength, they actually want to use their abilities for creation rather than destruction.

Sixbuilder is the robot created by combining all 6 vehicles and the additional parts included in this set. He stands at 7" tall and approximately 4.5" wide (arms to side) when fully combined.

TRANSFORM TO ROBOT MODE: I'll start with transforming the legs, torso, then arms as I did with the other Micromasters. Remember, the transformation instructions below start with each figure in vehicle mode and not robot mode.

The first thing you need to do is start with Treader & Mixing. Both of these figures have peg holes at the rear which need to be connected to the pegs on each foot. Treader connects to the right foot and Mixing connect to the left. If you're unsure which foot is the left or the right, just turn it over and you'll find either an "L" or "R". The wheels of each vehicle should face towards the heel. Now take the pelvic/thigh part and attach the knee pegs to the holes underneath the front of each vehicle. The nubs on the front of the vehicles should lock into place.

Now onto the torso. Take Gran-Arm and transform it so that the shovel is rotated upward approximately 180° and resting on top of the vehicle. Then fold down the front section 90° at the mid-section joint (robots hips). Connect the chest piece peg located in the center towards the rear to the end of Gran-Arm. Gran-Arm is now combined to create his chest. Now connect the chest to the legs by inserting the pegs of the chest piece to the holes on the back of the pelvic/thigh piece.

The next part will connecting Crash-Bull. Rotate Crash-Bull's front section approximately 270° so that his tracks are resting on top of each other, then rotate the shovel down a notch. Connect him to the peg behind Sixbuilder's pelvic region with Crash-Bull's Autobot symbol facing upward.

The next part to work on is the left then right arms. Take Ironlift and rotate the rear section downward 90° at the hip joint, then rotate the cab downward 180°. Set the crane arm so that it's at a 45° angle from the base facing upward. Connect the left fist to the underside of Ironlift (tongue-n-groove type slot). Now connect the hole of Ironlift (rear end) to Sixbuilder's left shoulder peg. Left arm is complete.

Moving on to the right arm, transform Digger so that the rear section is folded downward 90° at the hip joint, then rotate the cab downward 180°. Set the shovel arm so that it's at a 45° angle from the base facing upward. Connect the right fist to the underside of Digger (tongue-n-groove type slot). Now connect the hole of Digger (rear end) to Sixbuilder's right shoulder peg. The last thing is to connect Sixbuilder's head to his body and gun to his fist.

Close-up of Sixbuilder's head

Several Silver painted parts are visible on the Gun, thighs and his face. His Gun, outer parts of this fists, knees & pelvis, and finally his helmet are Black. The details on his helmet is superb and the paint applications on his face are very nice, especially with his Red eyes. His chest piece has Gold paint applied on the ends which is also a nice touch.

As with the other Micromasters, Sixbuilder has very little articulation in robot mode. His head can rotate and his arm can raise/lower to the side as well as the front. There isn't really much room to extend his arms towards the front since his chest piece extends over the shoulders. The photo above gives you an idea of what I mean.

Since there aren't any stickers to this re-issue, I think that the placement of the Autobot symbols on Sixbuilder are just fine as they are clearly visible in both vehicle & robot modes (shoulders, torso, outer legs and back).

Overall, I really like all of the Micromaster reissues and hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on the regular Treader and Devastor chase figure. I seem to have missed Sixwing's release while I was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, but hopefully I'll get my hands on a case :)

** Special thanks to Doug Dlin for the translations **