The so-called “Special Teams” were the big thing in Transformers in the first half of 1986. Between the near endless hype in the Marvel UK Transformers comic (free inserts, wall charts, collectible cards) and promotions (fold out comic/posters) in toy shops the length of the UK, there was no escape. The new teams, available as sets of five themed vehicle/robots, could combine into one super robot. What made them “Special” was the ability to inter-change their limbs. No wonder the Constructicons felt so out-dated.

The Mini-Autobots assortment from 1986 (aside from Wheelie) consists of reused but retooled moulds from the 1984 assortment. In Hubcap’s case, it is the Cliffjumper mould that has been tinkered with. After such a varied and diverse assortment in 1985, it’s a bit of a shame that the latest batch of Mini-Autobots are more of the same.

Camshaft is no ordinary Autobot! He is an Omnibot and all which that implies. The Omnibots are a set of three Autobots, available only as mail order in certain territories (the UK not among them). Another thing that makes the Omnibots special is that they feature intermediate vehicle modes with flip out weaponry. So, whereas an ordinary Autobot has to transform into robot mode before he can fire upon his enemy, an Omnibot can do it with all tyres still on the road. Now, that’s something worth sending away for.

Omitted from the “Dinobot” sub-group here in the UK and given one of the more interesting characterisations in the Marvel comic series, the anticipation to ever own this frequent flier was positively atmospheric. Of the five Dinobots, Swoop is the smallest, the most modest and the most fragile. Perhaps, then, such a Transformer might take a dramatic nosedive compared to his peers. Or perhaps, instead, Swoop really is above it all.

Seaspray is the first nautical Transformer, converting as he does from robot to impossibly out-of-scale hovercraft. The actual make/model of the hovercraft is difficult to determine (a cursory flick through the world wide web came up with nothing), but the obvious features like the skirt, propellers and bridge are there.

The charm of the “Mini-Autobots” assortments from 1984-1986 is the sheer variety of colours, shapes, and vehicle modes available. And, thanks to the inexpensive pricetags, it means one can build a fun and diverse little collection of Autobots with his or her pocket money. There is something for everyone.

In vehicle mode, Wheeljack assumes the form of a Lancia “Stratos” race car. The authenticity and attention to detail in this mode are quite remarkable. The car’s colour and myriad decals are based on the actual “539″ vehicle that raced in the Fuji Speedway in the late 1970s. Of course, some of the details (such as the Alitalia branding) have been modified to avoid licensing conflicts.

Bumblebee, one of the first of The Transformers toys, was released in 1984 and can transform into an oddly proportioned likeness of a Volkswagen “Beetle” car.