So did any toy ever pull a switcheroo so that when you rubbed it, it turned out they were on the OTHER side? That would be cool.

That was the original idea behind the mini-spys that came packaged with the mini autobots, they had like 4 basic designs in a few different colors, and the only way you could tell if they were autobot or decepticon was to use the rub sign, so you could've ended up with any number of the same minispys with different allegiances.

 

And then there's Punch/Counterpunch, who had each rub-sign in both of his robot modes (although in Decepticon mode, the autobot rub-sign was still visible on his back, whereas the decepticon symbol could be hidden by flipping the plate it was on in the windshield.)

Ah, I remember those two like it was yesterday... good memories. :thumb

In terms of storyline:

 

ENERGON-CHIP.

1/This is a small black square piece of special cybetronian alloy that can reveal a Transformer's true aligance. It is normally kept hidden because it also includes a Transformer's personal core programs. Energon-chips will glow in the presence of a large amount of energon and will change colour, revealing the 'true' insignia of the faction it belongs to. Security scanners, incorporated in buildings or systems such as 'auto-guns' will detect for a transformer's energon-chip in this way.

 

Many Transformers show their insignia on their bodies. However in a non-war-like situation and for better disguise (especially when the Transformer's mode is that of an organic creature), some transformers don't show their insignia at all. Therefore, the Maximals and Predacons mainly favour the use of Energon-chips to show alligiance only.

 

Recently, however, some Transformers that have their spark crystals on display on the exterior of their forms have forgone the need of an energon-chip. This is because the spark crystal also reveals the user's true aligiance.

 

2/ A  temporary device created from energon that allows a Transformer to create weapons or other devices out of energon. The chip also affords the user limited protection via an energon force-field, but this will result in a shorter life-span for the device.

- Taken from my Glossary:

 

- (http://www.livejournal.com/users/vector_sigma/10979.html)

 

In terms of toys, the rub-signs were originally used to denote an official TF product. at the time many illegally copied TF toys were being sold and also many "Microman" toys, similar to TFs were being sold. hasbro instigated the rubsigns to help consumers (themselves?) differentiate between what was and wasnt an official TF.

 

Later on, bettr copyright laws were created and prices in creating liquid crystal stickers were seen as too high. Thus, as battle Beasts changed from rub signs to crystals, so did TFs.

 

The current "spark of combination crystals" in Energon are a continuation of this new trend.

 

BTW, nearly ALL of my new rereleased Japanese TFs (from astro train onward) have rubsigns that seem to "peel" off at the first layer, meaning that the rub sign isnt protected by a clear plastic cover. Anyone else have the same probs?

BTW, nearly ALL of my new rereleased Japanese TFs (from astro train onward) have rubsigns that seem to "peel" off at the first layer, meaning that the rub sign isnt protected by a clear plastic cover. Anyone else have the same probs?

I just got Sixshot (reissue) and his (first thin layer) peeled right off eeeerrrrr :tfmad , happened on another one, just can't remember offhand which one. I've also had the problem of my rub signs on my reissues not working at all :tdown . As a kid I never really liked them (just looked unsightly, didn't have them on the cartoon). Now I like them (good ol nostalgia), even on my Beast Wars. Sucks they don't always work, anyone else have this problem.

BTW, nearly ALL of my new rereleased Japanese TFs (from astro train onward) have rubsigns that seem to "peel" off at the first layer, meaning that the rub sign isnt protected by a clear plastic cover. Anyone else have the same probs?

 

Yes it happened to my reissue megatron #6. I thought it was a fluke or a protective layer, until it happend to reissue tracks, prime, and star scream. :tdown

Yeah well I always liked them, and my new transformers (Alternators and MP Prime) don't seem complete without them. It would be hardly noticable on Prime, he's so big, and you'd just put 'em in a really discrete place, I reckon. :tfevil

I miss them. Thought they were cool and they would fade into different colors too as they went black

The spark crytals are ok.