Micromasters

1989-1992

As Hasbro started to paddle in the shallow end of their Transformers think tank, they looked to other, competing, toylines for inspiration. Taking a hint from the then-popular MicroMachines toys manufactured by Galoob, Hasbro developed their own line of micro-vehicles (transforming ones, naturally) and so came up with Micromasters.

The Micromasters Transformers (initially "Micro Transformers") were released either in sets or with larger vehicles that could transform into inter-connecting bases. The Micromasters themselves, though with simple transformations, were detailed representations of real vehicles and highly collectible.

The second year saw the release of Micromaster Combiners, a Transformers version of Matchbox's Con-Nect-Ables range. Two robots would form a front/back vehicle combination which were interchangeable and so could form countless nonsensical amalgam vehicles.

In Japan, Takara continued the Micromaster theme with motorised bases (with robot as well as vehicle modes), combine-to-form-robot six-teams and spring loaded Microtrailers.