I used to have an extended collection of some of my favorite RID figures (the train set) and a few others from after the G1 series, but I have whittled my collection down to just G1.

 

I've never picked up a reissue of any of the original figures for my collection, but I have seen and played with them and the legitimate ones make excellent placeholders for anyone on a budget, but even now they are starting to become collectable and expensive in themselves.

 

I don't consider a reissue to be of G1 stature, just because it isn't. The toys were made some 20 years after the fact, but like I said, they are still good quality and it's tough not to like a toy that is new that looks almost dead on to it's 20 year old counterpart.

 

I think of them like I would an AC/Shelby Cobra kit car, vs. the real McCoy. They can look dead on, but if you walked up to one and felt how cold the aluminum panelling is on an original and how the exhaust resinates through the aluminum body of an original, vs. a fiberglass kit, there is something to be said about an original in quality, aside from it's status of poineering something original. Some things are simply not replicated.

 

All of the G1 stuff that I have is complete, loose in C9 or better condition, but the difficulty I had and lengthy time I spent was obtaining first version release (pre-rub everywhere applicable, rubber tires, die cast parts, early part castings, etc.) of everything and it took a large chunk of change from my pocket, back when these were a bit more affordable in the mid to late '90's when I started collecting, before the days of eBay.

 

I would guess that most of the main figures will run you about $60-100 each these days on average. Give or take $50 for the bigger and smaller figures, depending on if you want the first or rare stuff, etc... As stated, some figures are worth far less, while others are worth significantly more (given that they are all in the same, very nice loose condition)...

 

Honestly, I think you'll probably pay about as much at a convention or other local resource as you would on ebay, minus shipping. Vendors usually charge average to high sales and you usually come up square when comparing some of the deals online. The most affordable way to build a collection is to find other hobbyists that are selling privately, away from ebay and some online stores.

 

Some great deals can be had, both online and locally, but they usually don't come as often as others and require time to seek out. If you are looking to rebuild your collection quickly, you'll probably pay a little more than most who hunt bargains, but nothing more than average.

 

If you are talking all of the figures from 1984 1/2, to mid year of 1990, I think you're probably looking at about $15,000 or so, give or take a grand or two, if you are looking for complete figures. I was doing a quick run down from finished ebay prices, some high, some low of the figures that I have (almost all of 1984-'86 and some from '87) and I was at about 10,000 before I got lazy and lost count.

 

I think you would be best off going to the convention if it is near or in your town. Travelling 100 miles is nothing like a flight ticket or the cost of a rental car with a convoy of people carpooling with you. I think it would make your trip worthwhile.

 

Personally, I'm not interested in anything above and beyond the Powermaster series and maybe the micromasters. I'm just not into the Pretenders and some of the re-hash stuff that came in 1989-1990 with the Action Masters, even though that is all genuine G1 stuff. It's just not for me. I think most of my collecting will end at about the 1988 figures.

 

I've never been to bot-con and I remember the first one. We could never understand why they would hold it in the crappiest places, nowhere near civilization. I'm clueless as to where they hold it these days, but I always thought it would be a good idea to hold it at a hotel or convention center in Vegas or another tourist attraction area, just so people could get out and do something else inbetween attending the convention. I don't know if that has ever happened, but the lack of when I wanted to go certainly kept me from planning a trip from Denver. If you are near proximity, it would be worth the drive just to see what you can see.

When you say "nearly all the G1 stuff," are you referring to pre-movie toys (first 2 years) or everything from 84 to 90?

You mean 1984-1993. :)

I just want to throw in here that it sucks that there is only one official Botcon. I'd love to see 2 or 3 throughout the year in various locations. First, there would be more chances to get the exclusive toys. Second, it would be easier/cheaper if the 'Con was in a location close to me, for once (St. Louis, please). I am sure others feel the same.

That was my complaint.

 

I don't even care that it isn't close to me, but come on, putting it some place where the only other thing around is a Wendy's? If I'm going to plan a trip somewhere and buy a plane ticket, at least give me something to do. It would be rad if it toured the US, but I'd still be fine with one nice location.

 

When did Hasbro have anything to do with it? I know that they've had their hands in it for a bit now, but when did that happen?

 

While I'm not a gambling person, I honestly think that LasVegas would be the best place to hold it in the US. Most flights to Vegas are cheaper than other locations and it gives the visitors something else to go and see. There are a lot of other things to do in Vegas aside from gambling and you can usually get great vacation package flight rates that include hotels and restaraunt comps for very low and reasonable rates.

 

Even from a marketting perspective on Hasbro's part, they would likely see more of a turnout, generate more business and more interest if they made it more inticing for those interested to go visit. No matter which way you look at it or what end of the deal you are coming from, you can't lose by chosing Vegas. It is easily the most popular destination for vacation in the US and quite frankly a no-brainer. Most other conventions that are serious usually hold in either SoCal, Vegas or both.

 

I agree though in that I think that the convention should travel overseas and be held in at least every interested country once a year. At least Japan, Australia, the UK, France, China, South America and Egypt. I think the folks from Canada and Mexico could plan a trip to the US, but again, what the hell are they going to do while in the US?

 

At least give me a reason to book a flight.

Well DaveBonds, you make some great points, yeah it should be held in more populated areas with more touristy stuff to do..remember LV has the Bunny Ranch, heh. Although with Cincinnati you can catch a Reds game(if in town that weekend), also the Cincy Zoo(very popular) and lost of other stuff to unlike where it was last year...so i heard. But yeah i live in columbus and there isnt crap to do here at all.

 

On another note I see that the BotCon website has updated with information on costs, the exclusive sets, etc. General Admission is only $10(which i assume gets you into dealer room, if im wrong someone please correct me). Though the only downside is, the dealer room is only open from 10am-5pm...i hope thats enough time for me.

 

FYI it sounds like they are using the Armada Starscream mold with his mini-con in the exclusive box set.

What heresy! When in town for a Con, you must be in the hotel at all times, doing EVERYTHING there is to offer. Or wait... is Botcon unlike other cons that have stuff to do 24/3? Oh man. In that case bring some comics to read or something. Or get drunk.

Well, its official, I have now taken the steps to attend. I have already set aside a large chunk of money for the show and of course more money to follow. Since with a convention like this money is definately a factor. Also I have also taken measures to if I need to go sunday also I'll get a hotel room up towards Kings Island(its a theme park and only 20 miles from Cincinnati).

 

I'm also wondering how many of us on the board will be in attendance?

I just want to throw in here that it sucks that there is only one official Botcon. I'd love to see 2 or 3 throughout the year in various locations. First, there would be more chances to get the exclusive toys. Second, it would be easier/cheaper if the 'Con was in a location close to me, for once (St. Louis, please). I am sure others feel the same.

 

I disagree.

 

Reason: More cases like the seekers are not needed.

If you can go to Canada then you are all set. Oh ya, you need a copy of your birth certificate or a Passport now but whatever. Is that worth smuggling Megatrons over the border?