Generation 1 hit its peak in 1986, with a huge spike in new figures. Departing from the strictly realistic aesthetic of the previous years, Transformers explored using designs centered around various gimmicks, such as auto-transformation. The Decepticon Battchargers used this gimmick to the exclusion of any other potential features. One of the duo was Runamuck, a white third-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.
Origins
Runamuck was part of the first wave of Transformers designed exclusively for use in the Transformers franchise. An early product solicitation shot from a Toy Fair catalog showed a non-transforming vehicle sculpt, but decorated in a dark gray shade rather than the final white. Runamuck was designed by Hideaki Yoke. His US Patent, titled Reconfigurable toy vehicle (aka Transformers G1 Runamuck) was filed on October 14, 1985 (U.S. Patent No. USD295305 S).
Description
Runamuck's Firebird Trans Am is relatively accurate, molded in a light off-white color, with black molded and stickered windows, and gold trim provided by user-applied stickers. He features white plastic wheels shod in smooth rubber tires, and a rubsign placed in an indent in the center of the roof. He features a pull-back motor that propels the vehicle mode forward, and releases a trigger catch that spring-transforms Runamuck into robot mode. The hood extends out to become the feet, the doors flip up as arms, and the rear chassis swings down to stand the robot up while still powering the back wheels. The rear section of the car flips down by gravity to reveal the face. In his robot mode, Runamuck looks like a car in three sections. Small molded lines on the arms near the front fender imply fingers, and he features no robot mode articulation. He can wield his black rifle by clipping it on to the robot mode's shoulder.
Collector Notes
Runamuck’s autotransformation mechanism is not particularly robust. Often, the legs will not fully retract and lock into place in the car mode. Furthermore, damage to the wind-up motor can prevent the small latch from releasing the transformation to robot mode.
Variants
Runamuck does not have any notable production variations.
Availability
Runamuck was available worldwide in 1986.
Redecos & Retools
Runamuck’s mold has never been re-used. Despite the similarity in design, fellow Battlecharger Runabout is not a retool, and uses his own unique mold.
