I got to thinking about the Transformers Animated leader class toys having batteries included and installed pre-package (see the "try me" features on these). The dilemma is if you keep them MISB, these batteries will eventually leak and cause permenant damage to the toy. I've seen what can happen with batteries left in unused electronics and its not pretty. So what do collectors do about this that are OCD about MISB? Do they break the seal in order to preserve the toy from battery damage? Or do they leave it as is? What do organizations like AFA have to say about this issue?

What exactly causes a battery to corrode? Not too long ago I checked the battery compartment of my G1 Galvatron, which has had the same battery in it since 1986, and was amazed to find there was no corrosion (I guess the name Galvatron isn't a misnomer). My old Walkman did not fare as well and had to be tossed. Maybe the climate has something to do with corrosion. I guess it's just a gamble.

Downloading the instructions from the hasbro site, I see in there they strongly suggest removing the batteries if you're not going to play with the figures for a long time. So this is a real issue. MISB for these guys several years from now could mean a more risky venture. I've sent an email to AFA asking for their opinion on this matter.

a battery shouldnt corrode if it is not exposed to moisture and button cell batteries dont have the capacity to leak (they dont have fluid in them)

if you have a large misb collection, I would store it (i see no need to display misb stuff) near a dehumidifier, whether it has batteries or not, that would extend the life of the packaging as well

I believe these figs use double A's, so there is a leak potential. I've read that the circuit merely being "completed" by the electronics causes the corrosion to slowly occur over time, but perhaps this is hastened by moisture as you say.

I have an idea....























play with the toy... hell if you cant pull a magic trick and pop them out with out opening the box just have some fun with the toy

There's an idea... for people who don't worry about MISB collecting. I'm more interested in what AFA has to say about it, since I'm OCD about these things now.

Worst comes to worse, I'll end up playing with them. That's not such a horrible thing to have to do

I haven't checked my shockwave in 3 years now. Thanks for prompting me to check it.

As a MISB collector, I've never worried about it. I've never seen a AA battery leak enough to destroy anything outside the battery compartment.

However, if you do plan on opening the toy and messing around with it, a little vinegar will clean up that corosion.

My G2 Megs had his batteries EXPLODE all over the place once. After that, all batteries came out immediately from all toys, kept in a baggie

AFA has not replied yet. I'm betting they never thought about this and are scrambling to come up with a decent answer. I expect it will be "Send it to us MISB to be graded and we will remove the batteries for you". That's the answer that makes the most money for them

I left the batteries in my RiD Prime for a long time without really using them, once... It wasn't pretty in there... Thankfully though, after removing the batteries and cleaning the battery compartment up, it still worked! But for now, him and RiD Ultra Magnus are mute. And the problem could happen with the Movie Leaders as well (Optimus Prime, Megatron, Brawl).

First thing I allways do: remove the batteries ...

... I hate electronics in TFs !!!

Agreed. But I say that if you're trying to sell the toys 20 years from now, you can't be held liable for what you can't know. I'd put a disclaimer on them stating that they have batteries in them, but that's it. If you're not trying to sell them, just play with them.