Published on Saturday 9 November 2024 by Bachmann Europe

The Transformers franchise originated in the early 1980s through a collaboration between the U.S. toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Takara. Hasbro licensed Takara’s toy lines Diaclone and Micro Change, repurposing them into new, shape-shifting characters. To support the toys, Hasbro partnered with Marvel Comics to create a storyline, and writer Bob Budiansky developed the backstory of Autobots and Decepticons, an intergalactic war between heroic and villainous robots from the planet Cybertron. This story was expanded in the animated Transformers series that aired in 1984, helping launch the franchise into pop culture.

The Transformers film series began in 2007, directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg. The first live-action movie, Transformers, introduced a new generation to Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, and their battle against the Decepticons on Earth. The success of this film led to a series of sequels, each blending explosive action and CGI with the ongoing Autobot-Decepticon conflict. In 2018, Bumblebee was released as a prequel, diverging from Bay’s style to focus on a more character-driven origin story directed by Travis Knight. The franchise’s popularity has made it a cornerstone of both action films and toy culture, appealing to audiences for decades through its mix of nostalgic and modern storytelling.

The models

Plastic kit manufacturer Trumpeter has created a new range of highly detailed snap-together Smart Kits for fans of the "Transformers" franchise, based on Bumblebee and other popular characters including Soundwave, Blitzwing, and Optimus Prime. Trumpeter’s focus is on-screen accuracy, such as capturing Bumblebee’s distinct appearance across different adaptations, including his look in the Bumblebee (2018) film and Transformers: The Last Knight (2017).

Trumpeter Transformers are licensed by Hasbro and designed in robot mode with full articulation, enabling the character to hold multiple dynamic poses once assembled. Detailed, flexible joints replicate the Transformers movement style, offering collectors and builders many display options. Depending on the kit, some figures include weapons and accessories seen in the films, such as Bumblebee’s arm cannon and battle mask, which add to the figures’ authenticity and display appeal.

The figures are approx 10 cm tall when assembled and feature a high level of articulation, with over 20 movable joints enabling numerous poses. Detailing includes panel lines, armour plating, and weaponry.

These are snap-together model kits with pre-coloured parts, requiring no paint or glue, making them accessible for beginners and advanced model builders alike. Each figure comes with a display base that can be connected to other figure bases.

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