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   SIXTRAIN

 

Takara re-issued its fifth set of Micromasters called Sixtrain in July 2003 which I picked up from BigBadToyStore in October 2003.  Sixtrain retails in Japan for 3,600 (300 per box) and was originally released as TF-05 back in 1992.  In this release, Takara decided to produce Sixtrain 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"L x 5.75"W x 5"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 Sixtrain's per case with a couple of regular figures replaced by "Red" variants which create Sixtrain Red Mode.  I received a Red Raise, Windy, and Convertor 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 - Desire          1 - Desire
      2 - Atlan          2 - Atlan
      3 - Raise          3 - Raise
      4 - San Diego          4 - San Diego
      5 - Windy          5 - Windy
      6 - Convertor          6 - Convertor

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


Sixtrain case (12 boxes)


Sixtrain box


Sixtrain's contents

The individual boxes measure 4"H (4.875"H with flap) x 2.75"W x 1.625"D and is priced at 300 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.

Train Team (Sixtrain components): Desire, Atlan, Raise, San Diego, Windy, and Convertor


Trains hitched together
Micromaster DESIRE
Hokkaido Bullet Train


The Train Team leader.  Has an uncrushably strong will and righteous spirit.  Despite losing his memories from before he evolved into a Micromaster, he was chosen as leader owing to his high popularity among his teammates.  With a greater hatred for evil than anyone else on the team, he appears to be grasping for both the lost memories of his past and the key to activating his Red Mode.


 
  • Desire is packaged with Sixtrain's Right Foot part and is identified as figure #1 (Leader)
  • Desire transforms and connects to Sixtrain's Chest

VEHICLE MODE:  Desire is a White bullet train with Black, Blue and Yellow painted parts.  There are 4 Red wheels which allow for a smooth roll on a flat surface and an extendable hitch to connect with Raise.  He measures approximately 2.5" in length and his Autobot symbol is tampo stamped on the front just below his windshield.

ROBOT MODE:  To transform Desire into robot mode, fold down the rear half of the train 90 to create his feet and reveal his legs.  The last step is to rotate his head upward.

Desire now stands approximately 2 1/8" tall in robot mode.  His legs and torso are Blue with some Silver paint applied to his midsection.  A close-up shot of his Red head reveals just a little bit of Silver paint applied to his face.

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

'92 '03 TAKARA
CHINA


Vehicle Mode


Robot Mode


Close-up of Desire
Micromaster ATLAN
TGV-A

A martial artist with a supreme love of karate, Atlan's hobby is hardening his body.  He enjoys special training and never forgets to drill.  The intensity of his paired training with Ironlift fascinates all who see it, drawing them in and not letting them go.  The strength of Sixtrain's punching power can only be due to his combining with the team.


 
  • Atlan is packaged with Sixtrain's Pelvic/Thigh part and is identified as figure #2
  • Atlan transforms into Sixtrain's Right Arm

VEHICLE MODE:  Atlan is a Silver & Blue French train with Black painted windows.  There are 4 Red wheels which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with San Diego.  Atlan measures 2 1/8" in length.  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 Atlan into robot mode, rotate the rear downward 180 and rotate arms upward.  In this mode, Atlan stands at 2.5" tall.  His color scheme includes Black painted parts at his pelvis and visor.

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 Atlan

Micromaster RAISE
Limited Express

Possessing a precognitive ability, Raise has saved his teammates from tight spots countless times.  Though he says very little, the accurate decisions he makes using his ability earn immense trust from his partners.  A very early riser, he loves to watch the sun rise over the ocean.
 
  • Raise is packaged with Sixtrain's Left Foot part and is identified as figure #3
  • Raise transforms into Sixtrain's Left Arm

VEHICLE MODE:  Raise is a White express train with some dark Grey, Black and Blue painted parts.  There are 4 Red wheels with which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with Desire.  Raise measures approximately 2.25" in length and has an Autobot symbol located on the top and right side.

ROBOT MODE:  To transform Raise into robot mode, separate the train slightly by rotating the rear half downward, then continue to rotate it 180 to create his feet and reveal his legs.  The rest of his upper body is also revealed.

Raise stands at approximately 2.5" tall.  In this mode you can see that he has Blue legs and arms and Red midsection and head.  Silver paint has been applied to his waist and part of his face. 

The copyright marking can be found on the back side of the front half in train mode which is printed in Black lettering.


Vehicle Mode


Robot Mode
Close-up of Raise

Micromaster SAN DIEGO
Steam Locomotive

 An engineer by nature, he busies himself daily with the maintenance of their Metrobase headquarters.  With the help of the Build Team, he endeavors to power up the Cybertrons with the new items he produces in rapid succession.  Deeply impressed by Earth culture, he's had an episode in which he was going to hold a wedding ceremony with Discharge.


 

  • San Diego is packaged with the Gun & Head part for Sixtrain and is identified as figure #4
  • San Diego transforms into Sixtrain's Back

VEHICLE MODE:  San Diego is a dark Gold steam locomotive with Silver painted trim.  There are a total of 6 dark Gold wheels with 4 of them free spinning which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with Atlan.  San Diego measures approximately 2.25" in length.  His Autobot symbol is tampo printed on his left-front fairing (shown on right).

ROBOT MODE:  To transform San Diego into robot mode, rotate the rear downward 90 and rotate arms upward.  The rest of his body is revealed.  In this mode, San Diego stands at 2.5" tall and 7/8" wide.  His color scheme includes a Yellow torso, Grey face and midsection, and Blue legs.

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


Vehicle Mode


Robot Mode


Close-up of San Diego
Micromaster WINDY
Yamagata Bullet Train


Though a splendid female warrior, in fact, her mental age approximates that of an Earthling teenage girl, and she is engrossed more with love and gossip than battle.  With her beautiful singing voice, she's the idol of the Cybertrons.  She even seems to have secret admirers among the Destrons.


 
  • Windy is packaged with Sixtrain's Fists and is identified as figure #5
  • Windy transforms into Sixtrain's Right Leg

VEHICLE MODE:  Windy is a dark Grey bullet train with some Blue, Black and Silver paint applied to it.  Windy has 4 Red wheels which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with Convertor.  Windy measures approximately 2.5" in length and his Autobot symbol is tampo printed on right front side. 

ROBOT MODE:  To transform Windy into robot mode, rotate the rear part 180 to create his feet and reveal his legs.  Also revealed is the rest of his body.

In this mode, Windy stands at approximately 2.75" tall and reveals some Orange paint applications on torso, helmet and midsection.  Silver paint has also been applied to his waist and face.

The copyright marking can be found on the inside of the rear half of the train printed in White lettering.


Vehicle Mode


Robot Mode


Close-up of Windy
Micromaster CONVERTOR
Freight Train


A historian, he is interested in Earth's history and devotes himself to research centered on ruins around the world.  Extremely well-versed in Cybertronian history, he will offer advice to his companions using historical facts as examples.  Though he affects a youthful air, he is the oldest of the Micromaster warriors.


 
  • Convertor is packaged with Sixtrain's Chest part and is identified as figure #6
  • Convertor transforms into Sixtrain's Left Leg

VEHICLE MODE:  Convertor is a dark Green train with White painted trim, Black windows and Yellow & White headlights.  There are 4 Red wheels which provide a smooth roll and an extendable hitch to connect with Windy.  Convertor measures slightly over 2.25" in length.  His Autobot symbol is tampo printed on his left-front side (shown on right).

ROBOT MODE:  To transform Convertor into robot mode, rotate the rear downward 180 and rotate arms upward.  In this mode, Convertor stands at 2.5" tall.  His color scheme includes Blue, Grey, Silver painted midsection and parts of his face and Gold painted torso.

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 Convertor

Military Vehicle Combiner Modes

The Military Vehicle Combiner modes are not documented in the instruction sheet, but rather the original issue of Sixliner.  I figured I'd include them here because majority of the parts of Sixtrain are the same as Sixliner and can be connected or joined together to create these modes.  The trains have hitches which allows you to connect them to each other as shown in the photo at the top of the page; Desire to Raise, Windy to Convertor and San Diego to Atlan. 

The first mode is called the Gripper Probe.  This mode combines Sixtrain's right foot, rifle, fists, and head parts.  The fists and head connects to the pegs on the rifle which connects to the peg hole on the foot and finally connects to Raise's hitch. 

The second mode combines Sixtrain's left foot and torso to create the Wingard.  The torso part connects to the peg hole on the foot which connects to Windy's hitch. 

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

Sixtrain Red Mode
 

Takara decided to include parts to create Sixtrain Red Mode.  As I stated earlier, I received 3 chase parts with the case I ordered.  It is still unclear if there was an error in packing this case or that it's just a normal occurrence.

Sixtrain Red Mode's color scheme is just that...Red!  His Autobot symbols are tampo printed in Red & White and strategically placed on each individual figures which are clearly visible when combined to create Red Mode.

Each train has dark Grey paint applied to their windows.  Also, a little bit of Silver has been applied to his helmet, specifically on his forehead and eyes.  There are some train parts which appear to be made of darker Red such as Convertor & Windy and I don't know why this is.  The two parts match so I really can't complain.

*** 11 October 2003 -- Special thanks to Todd Ligett of Snarl's Homepage for selling me the missing parts to complete my Sixtrain Red Mode chase figure! ***

 
 

Desire with Right Foot part

Atlan with Pelvic/Thigh part

Raise with Left Foot part

San Diego with Gun & Head parts

Windy with Hand parts

Convertor with Chest part


SIXTRAIN! ACTIVATE RED MODE!!

With a cry of "Sixtrain! Activate Red Mode!!" Sixtrain's body blazed carmine.  His giant form engulfed in flame, he raced off at tremendous speed.  His target was a Destron, Berserker Mode Sixwing.  The two titanic robots clashed, scattering countless sparks.  Shaking the earth and painting the skies crimson with fire, their powers of Good and Evil struggled with each other. For an instant, both of them seemed to freeze, and Sixtrain let forth a resounding roar.  His fusion undone, Sixwing scattered in all directions.  As Sixtrain remained stock still, all limbs outstretched, the Destron forces retreated, showering him with jeers.  Watching Sixtrain deactivate his Red Mode, the Turbo Team's Sireen murmured, "So that's the power of a piece of the Matrix..."

"I wonder if the Destrons' plan was to make this dormant volcano erupt?" Discharge worried, apropos of a firetruck.

Convertor replied gently to her question: "The Destrons had been digging up the ground.  Take a look--it looks just like the remains of ruins excavation.  I can only conclude that there's some secret underground.  Some time ago I performed a concentrated scanning operation with Joe's assistance, and there appears to be some kind of special stratum below."

"So, let's take over the excavation, then," said Digger, his shovel biting into the earth... The unearthing proceeded favorably, and an ancient secret was soon to be revealed.

"Convertor, sir! I think we've finally found something..." Raise's voice echoed out, as if to put a stop to Gran-Arm's grumbling.

"Something's there!" Raise's special ability was providing guarantees.  What they'd uncovered were two pieces of metal.

"This one resembles the type of metal generally used in the outer hulls of spaceships on our own world of Cybertron," came Crushbull's analysis.

Painted on the other piece was an eerie, purple mark resembling an insect's head.

"I don't know what this represents," Convertor said, "but one thing is certain.  These metal pieces belong to robot lifeforms similar to us Transformers."

"Judging by the dating of the stratum, it would seem our companions arrived on this world about three million years ago..." The sound of an explosion cut short Desire's guesswork, and the Destron Wing Team came flying in along with it.

"Good job digging!" Chaingun yelled.  "Now we'll just be taking that unburied treasure!" SixWing combined.

"Return fire.  Build Team, protect the ruins.  Train Team, combine!"  Sixtrain merged at Desire's command, and the battle was on!!

At the Cybertron base, Diego and Sireen discussed the report they'd received.  "If we match the metal pieces found at the ruins to the Matrix fragment discovered in Desire, could we continue getting closer to one of our goals?"

In response to Diego's query, Sireen said, "Let's hope those ruins provide us some sort of answer. Okay, let's hurry in and lend our support too!"

The endless war between Cybertron and Destron has begun once again at the base of the sacred peak, Mount St. Hillary.

 

Sixtrain Robot Mode
     
Micromaster SIXTRAIN
Six-Part Gestalt Hero

A combiner robot born of the fusion of the six members of the Train Team.  Though his Red Mode, which turns his whole body crimson when he activates it, lasts only a short time, it boasts of the greatest power of any of the Micromaster gestalt warriors.  As mild a team as they normally are, no one can hide their surprise at the complete change to them in Red Mode.
 

Sixtrain 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 Convertor  & Windy.  Take Convertor with his hitch extended and insert it into Sixtrain's left foot part.  Convertor's wheels should face the inner side of the foot part.  The Blue part on top/front of Convertor needs to be extended and the pelvic/thigh part inserted into the slot.  That Blue part should lock the pelvic/thigh part into place.

Now take Windy with his latch extended and insert it into Sixtrain's right foot part.  Windy's wheels should face the inner side of the foot part.  The top/front part (nosepiece) of Windy should be folded outward 180 and the pelvic/thigh part inserted into the slot which locks into place. 

Connect the torso part to the pelvic/thigh piece by inserting the peg into the hole.  Now take Desire, fold up his latch and rotate the rear part downward 90.  Now raise his arms upward slightly so that you can rotate the rear part upward at the lower joint connecting to this part.  Re-adjust his arms and Desire should now be in "Z" formation :)  Now slide Desire into the torso cavity so that the windows and front part extend towards the front.  Apply just enough force to lock it into place.  Raise Desire's head upward 90 then attach Sixtrain's head on top of Desire's head.

Now take Raise and push his latch upward.  Rotate the rear half and arms downward 90, then rotate it downward (again) 180.  Insert Sixtrain's left hand into the slot and attach Raise to Sixtrain's shoulder peg.

Take San Diego, secure his latch and rotate the rear part (knee joint) 180 then connect it to the peg behind the pelvic part.  San Diego's front part should rest on the back of Desire (shown in photo above).


Close-up of Sixtrain's head

Moving on to the right arm, transform Atlan so that the rear section is folded downward 90 as well as his arms, then rotate the rear section again 180 and slide his right hand into the slot.  Insert Sixtrain's gun into the right hand and the last thing is to connect Atlan to Sixtrain's shoulder peg.

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, Sixtrain 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.

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

Overall, I still like all of the Micromaster re-issues and hope they continue.  I very happy that I was able to get a hold of all chase figures for the last 4 Micromasters released to date; Reverse Evolution, Devastor/Devastator, Berserker and Red Mode.  All Micromasters should definitely be included in your collection too!

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

 

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