Robo Strux
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[edit] Robo Strux Overview
Zoids (originally called Mechabonica) is a series of plastic toy models designed and produced by Japanese toy company TOMY (now Takara-Tomy). The models resemble a range of creatures (including animals, dinosaurs, and insects), and the majority are designed in 1/72 scale, with moveable features. Most Zoids are motorised, either wind-up or battery-operated, and are built with the use of snap-together parts and rubber caps.
Robo Strux (Also written as Robostrux) was the second incarnation of the Zoids line seen in America and consisted entirely of recolours with no new kits. Spanning from 1985 to 1986, Robo Strux was relatively short lived and only 18 different models made it to a full release with 2 more having a 'half release' and a further 4 being unknown. Of the full release, Stunra (Sinker) and Chompz (Barigator) are the rarest with Badox (Iron Kong) and Slithor (Malder) also being hard to find.
All the Zoids in the line were recoloured form their OJR counterparts; the blue Zoids were coloured in blue, teal and silver (sometimes also navy blue) with red canopies, while the red ones were red, beige and tan with green canopies. The battery operated models all included one sprue of chromed weapons (gold for Red Zoids and silver for Blue Zoids). Radox and Badox were given such a weapon set even though no extra weapons were included with their original counterparts.
Though not tied to Europe's Zoids line, the 2 factions were similarly named Blue Guardians and Red Mutants. As such, some collectors consider the blue Zoids released here to be alternate or 'pre-mutation' version of the European Red Zoids (particularly Reptex, Brutox, Slithor, Stunra, Batlar and Runna).
Although each Robostrux Zoid was given a new sticker sheet, oddly enough the faction stickers included were the same as their Japanese counterparts and as such bear no relation to each kit's faction.
A single issue of a Robostrux comic is known to exist but its authenticity is unclear.
Most of the models can be found in 2 different versions, one in its unique Robo Strux colouration and one in its European form. Similarly, box art can either be uniquely Robostrux or recycled European box art with the Robostrux logo (the box style is generally no indication of the colour of the kit within).
While the OJR Malder, Iron Kong and Salamander were equipped with spring-loaded missile launchers, their Robo Strux counterparts were not. Slithor (Malder) and Radox (Salamander) retained the launcher but without the spring and Badox (Iron Kong) came with an entirely different, non-functional launcher identical to that made for OER Gore.
Rather than having the "whitehead" cockpit of its Japense Counterpart, Sekta (Spiker) came with a Zenebas-style "Clamhead" cockput. Similarily, while the original Japanese Godos and Guysack came with optional "Whitehead" cockpits, the Spartak and Stang did not.
[edit] The Models
The Red Mutants consisted of 7 models:
- Brox (Zatton)
- Chompz (Barigator)
- Kreep (Molga)
- Spartak (Godos)
- Stang (Guysack)
- Radox (Salamander)
- Gordox (Gordos)
The Blue Guardians consisted of 9 models:
- Batlar (Geruder)
- Reptex (Gator)
- Runna (Marder)
- Sekta (Spiker)
- Slithor (Malder)
- Stunra (Sinker)
- Brutox (Redhorn)
- Terox (Gojulas)
- Badox (Iron Kong)
Two further models, Rado (Puterasu/Pteras) and Legz (Gargantulus) saw a 'half release'; that is to say they were not produced with unique Robostrux colours and instead can only be found in their European counterpart's colours with recycled European box art. It is unclear whether these models were planned to have a true Robostrux form.
Another four models have an unknown status:
- An un-named and un-boxed version of Glidoler can be found in Robostrux colours and though extremely common it never saw a release and is believed to have been planned as a mail away item. Shipping boxes of this Zoid have been purchased by wholesalers and are in ready supply on eBay.
- A version of Mammoth was shown in the supposed Robo Strux comic. Shown only in black-and-white, the Zoid's colour scheme is unknown.
- Fangz, a navy/silver-coloured version of Shield Liger has been spotted. The Zoid is extremely rare and it is unclear whether the Zoid was a prototype or if it saw a very limited release.
- Lizar, a blue/silver version of Iguan was planned for release but doesn't appear to have reached shops.
