Micromaster Sixliner

SIXLINER

Takara re-issued its first set of Micromasters called Sixliner in May 2002. Sixliner was originally released in Japan as C-370 back in 1991. In this release, Takara decided to produce Sixliner 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 (trains) in individual boxes. Unlike the PVC's, there is a circular hole on the front of each box which allows you to see a number that equates to a particular figure so you know what you get before you open it.

The individual boxes measure 4"H (4.875"H with flap)x2.75"Wx1.625"D. As stated above, there are two sets of Sixliner's per case with no color variations. I haven't opened the second set to confirm this, but I'm basing this on comments from other collectors on ATT. Each box is priced at Ľ300 which is clearly marked on the case. I purchased my case from BigBadToyStore.com in June 2002.

Each box contains the individual trains in plastic bags, an instruction sheet/catalog, and parts to create Sixliner robot. There are 4 panels on each side of the instruction sheet/catalog printed in black & white (instructions) and color (catalog). The instruction sheet is placed towards the front of the box so that the number is visible through the hole as mentioned above. The instruction sheet also includes a "character spec" which has been graciously translated by Doug Dlin. One thing that isn't identified on the instruction sheet is the Military Vehicle modes which take the parts from Sixliner's robot and attach to Leif, Diego, and Spark.

Character specs are displayed next to each figure below which is easily identified in RED and the order is determined by the assigned number on their instruction sheet.

Sixliner case (12 boxes)

Sixliner box

Sixliner's contents

Sixliner components: Diego, Spark, Alan, Leif, Joe, and Night

Trains hitched together

Micromaster Warrior DIEGO
Steam Locomotive

The leader of the Liner Team and peacemaker of the Cybertron Micromasters. Contrary to his powerful outward appearance, he is a delicate logicalist. However, when his anger reaches its peak, not even his teammates can restrain his power. He is also an expert marksman.

Diego is packaged with the Sixliner Rifle and Head and is identified as figure #1
Diego transforms into Sixliner's Back

VEHICLE MODE: Diego is a Black steam locomotive with White & Silver painted trim. There are 4 Black wheels which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with Alan. Diego measures 2" long and 7/8" tall. His Autobot symbol is tampo printed on his left-front fairing (shown on right).

ROBOT MODE: To transform Diego into robot mode, rotate the rear downward 90° and rotate arms upward. In this mode, Diego stands at 2.5" tall and 7/8" wide. His color scheme includes Black, Orange, Grey with Gold & Silver painted on his torso and stomach/face.

Articulation: Very simple with hinge joints at his shoulders, upper legs, and knees. What can you expect from a Micromaster?

The copyright marking can be found behind the front section of the train that connects to the legs. It's printed in White lettering in the format below:

'92 '02 ŠTAKARA
CHINA

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Diego

Micromaster Warrior SPARK
Tokaido 100 Line Bullet Train

A young warrior who prides himself on his speed. Among his team, he's most compatible with Leif, and they often act in concert. Owing to his youth, he sometimes has his own way with matters and is something of a roughneck. Specializes in controlling water.

Spark is packaged with Sixliner Right Foot and is identified as figure #2
Spark transforms into Sixliner's Torso

VEHICLE MODE: Spark is a White bullet train with Blue, Black and Yellow painted parts. The Blue trim outlines the Black windows and lower section of the train. There are 4 Red wheels which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with Leif. This is the only train that doesn't cover the robots Red head in vehicle mode. Spark measures 2 1/8" long and approximately 1" tall. His Autobot symbol is tampo printed on the front nosecone (shown on right).

ROBOT MODE: To transform Spark into robot mode, rotate the rear downward 90°, then rotate his head and arms upward. In this mode, Spark stands at 2 1/8" tall and 7/8" wide. He is the shortest of the six robots since the nosepiece is connected to his back vice head. His color scheme includes White, Black, and Red with Silver painted on his stomach & face and Yellow on his torso (inverted triangle).

Articulation: Very simple with hinge joints at his shoulders, upper legs, and knees.

The copyright marking can be found underneath the train between the front wheels which is printed in White lettering.

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Spark

Micromaster Warrior ALAN
T.G.V. (Train ŕ Grande Vitesse)

A quiet warrior, more of a logicalist than Diego. Uses his skill at controlling electrical items. The Mega-techvolt he wields makes the Destrons shake in their foot casings. In the opinion of the always cool and gentlemanly NIGHT, Alan tends to fade into the background.

Alan is packaged with Sixliner's Pelvic/Thigh part
Alan transforms into Sixliner's Right Arm

VEHICLE MODE: Alan is an Orange & Grey French train with Black & White painted parts. There are 4 Red wheels which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with Diego. Alan measures 2 1/8" long and 7/8" tall. His Autobot symbol is tampo printed on the left-front side of the roof (barely visible in my photo shown on right).

ROBOT MODE: To transform Alan into robot mode, rotate the rear downward 180° and rotate arms upward. In this mode, Alan stands at 2.5" tall and 7/8" wide. His color scheme includes Black, Orange, Grey (including Red visible wheels) with Silver painted on his pelvis and face.

Articulation: Very simple with hinge joints at his shoulders, upper legs, and knees.

The copyright marking can be found behind the front section of the train that connects to the legs which is printed in White lettering.

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Alan

Micromaster Warrior LEIF
Tohoku 200-2000 Line Bullet Train

Has a poetry-loving romanticist side, but his combat style is wild and destructive. Many are shocked by this gap, but when teamed up with Spark, Destron attacks are nothing to him. Manipulates wind to take down his enemies.

Leif is packaged with Sixliner's Left Foot
Leif transforms into Sixliner's Left Arm

VEHICLE MODE: Leif is a White bullet train with White, Green and Black painted trim. The Green trim outlines the Black windows and lower section of the train. There are 4 Red wheels which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with Spark. Leif measures 2 1/8" long and 7/8" tall. His Autobot symbol is tampo printed on the right-front side of the roof (barely visible in my photo shown on right).

ROBOT MODE: To transform Leif into robot mode, rotate the rear downward 180° and rotate arms upward. In this mode, Leif stands at 2.5" tall and 7/8" wide. His color scheme includes White, Black, Grey, Red with Silver painted on his torso and face.

Articulation: Very simple with hinge joints at his shoulders, upper legs, and knees. What can you expect from a Micromaster?

The copyright marking can be found behind the front section of the train that connects to the legs which is printed in White lettering.

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Leif

Micromaster Warrior JOE
Super Hitachi 651 Line Limited Express Train

A specialist in information analysis. Controlling his probe "Gripper," he obtains all sorts of intelligence, analyzes it, and uses it to guide battles to his advantage. He's a good sort, extremely sociable of character. His counseling abilities are outstanding, resolving the worries of many a Cybertron. Uses his skill at manipulating electricity.

Joe is packaged with Sixliner's Fists
Joe transforms into Sixliner's Right Leg

VEHICLE MODE: Joe is a Cream express train with Grey and Black painted trim. There are 4 Red wheels which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with Night. Joe measures 2 1/8" long and 7/8" tall. His Autobot symbol is tampo printed on his right side towards the front (not shown in my photo...oops!).

ROBOT MODE: To transform Joe into robot mode, rotate the rear downward 180° and rotate arms upward. In this mode, Joe stands at 2 1/4" tall and 7/8" wide. His color scheme includes Cream, Black, Red with Silver painted on his torso and face and Blue painted on his helmet and pelvis.

Articulation: Very simple with hinge joints at his shoulders, upper legs, and knees.

The copyright marking can be found behind the rear section of the train that connects to the legs which is printed in Black lettering.

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Joe

Micromaster Warrior NIGHT
EF66 Blue Train or Sleeping Train

A self-style ninja warrior. Operating in darkness is his specialty, and when the battle stretches out for ages, this tough guy can take it. Wields the all-purpose machine "Wingard," going into action on land, sea and air. Has a special ability to control darkness. Rather talkative for a self-styled ninja.

Night is packaged with Sixliner's Chest part
Night transforms into Sixliner's Left Leg

VEHICLE MODE: Night is a Blue train with White & Grey painted trim, Black windows and Yellow headlights. There are 4 Red wheels which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with Joe. Night measures 2" long and 7/8" tall. His Autobot symbol is tampo printed on his left-front side (shown on right).

ROBOT MODE: To transform Night into robot mode, rotate the rear downward 180° and rotate arms upward. In this mode, Night stands at 2 3/8" tall and 7/8" wide. His color scheme includes Blue, Orange, Grey (Red visible wheels) with Yellow painted on his face and chest and Silver painted on his stomach.

Articulation: Very simple with hinge joints at his shoulders, upper legs, and knees.

The copyright marking can be found behind the front section of the train that connects to the legs which is printed in White lettering.

Vehicle Mode

Robot Mode

Close-up of Night

Military Vehicle Combiner Modes

The Military Vehicle Combiner modes are not documented in the instruction sheet in this release, but rather the original issue of Sixliner. Since it is a re-issue I thought I'd include these omitted modes.

The first mode combines Sixliner's right foot, rifle, fists, and head to create the Gripper Probe. The fists and head connects to the pegs on the rifle which connects to the peg hole on the foot, and finally connects to Spark's hitch. Spark is the leader of the train team.

The second mode combines Sixliner's pelvic part to create the Mega-techvolt. This part connects to the peg hole on top of Diego.

The third mode combines Sixliner's left foot and torso to create the Wingard. The torso part connects to the peg hole on the foot which connects to Leif's hitch.

The idea of taking all of Sixliner's parts and creating something useful such as weapons is a nice touch. No loose parts lying around is good.

Gripper Probe

Mega-techvolt

Wingard

Sixliner Robot Mode

Sixliner is the robot created by combining all 6 trains and the additional parts included in this set. He stands at 6 7/8" tall and 4.25" wide (arms to side).

TRANSFORM TO ROBOT MODE: I'll start with transforming the legs, torso, then arms. The first thing you need to do is start with Night & Joe. Fold out the latch on the front of both figures (Black part on Joe & Grey part on Night). This part will be used to lock the trains to the leg/pelvic part. Night and Joe will slide over the rails of each foot part. Joe connects to the right foot & Night to the left. An L and R is visible on the underside of each foot. Now connect the pelvic part to each train and make sure the latch locks in place.

Now moving on to the torso. Connect the peg part to the pelvic peg hole. Take Spark and fold down the rear section 90° at the hip joint. Now rotate the lower section upward 90° (may have to adjust the arms slightly) so that the train is in a "Z" formation. Rotate his head upward. Take Spark and slide him onto the rails of the torso part (should lock into place). Take Sixliner's head and place it over Sparks head. Now take Diego and rotate the rear part (knee joint) 180° then connect it to the peg behind the pelvic part. Diego's front part should rest on the back of Spark (shown in photo on right).

The arms are created using Leif (left shoulder) and Alan (right shoulder). Both figures have the same transformation so we'll start with rotating the front section at the wheels downward 90°, then rotate the lower section 180°. Now connect the fists to each arm by sliding them into the rails. Finally, connect each arm to the peg joints at the shoulder (torso part). Don't forget to connect the rifle to either fist.

Sixliner's color scheme is obviously made up of Orange, White/Cream, Blue, Green, Grey, Black, Red, Gold & Silver. The combination looks great even without the use of stickers. Sixliner's head is made up of a Red helmet, Blue eyes, and Silver painted face.

Sixliner has very little articulation in robot mode. His head can rotate and his shoulders can raise/lower to the side as well as the front. You can't expect too much from a Micromaster.

Rear view of Sixliner

Side view of Sixliner

Close-up of Sixliner's head

Since there aren't any stickers to this re-issue, I think that the placement of the Autobot symbols on Sixliner are perfect. The symbols are visible on Sixliner's shoulders, torso, back, and just below the knees of either leg. Tampo printing is definitely better than applying stickers in my opinion.

I think the paint job is excellent, connections are snug/sturdy, colors are decent, and overall gets a thumbs up!

** Special Thanks to Doug Dlin for the Character Spec translations **

A NEW TRANSFORMER LEGEND BEGINS!!

The Transformers' home world of Seibertron had been exhausted by the Great Wars of their past. In the course of the wars, the good Transformers, known as the Cybertrons, lost both the Matrix, which was the amassment of their wisdom, and their leader, Convoy. However, after the Great Wars ended, a number of Seiberdroids (Seibertronians without the ability to transform) confirmed that Convoy had escaped into outer space in combat. They planned to seek out the Matrix and Convoy, both to restore their world and for the sake of the Cybertrons. Organizing an exploration fleet, they journeyed into space, following the traces of the Matrix. During their investigative travels, an accident sent a dimensional shockwave washing over the Seiberdroids, and they were teleported to a remote area of the galaxy, where they crash-landed on the third planet of our solar system. The damage to their ship left them with no means to contact or return to Seibertron, but the dimensional vibrations also evolved the Seiberdroids so they gained the ability to transform. This was the birth of the Transformer Micromasters. In rapid succession, the Seiberdroids began transforming into Earthly vehicles, but as a side effect of the evolution, evil minds emerged in some of them, who evolved into the evil Transformers known as Destrons. Gradually, Micromasters were divided into two forces. A new battle began between the Destrons, who plotted to conquer the Earth and return home to Seibertron, and the Cybertrons, who wanted to co-exist with Humanity, set their sights on the cosmos with them, and continue their search for the Matrix.