Post by CkRtech on Nov 25, 2004 2:19:04 GMT -5
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/iron1.jpg)
Soldier.
Ironhide represents all the good qualities of a loyal soldier who can think for himself. I don't remember a ranking system in my younger years when watching the cartoon, however I always personally considered Ironhide to be second in command to Optimus Prime. After watching the DVDs recently, I didn't see many scenarios which favored this opinion. However, there were plenty of times that Ironhide was there and willing to express his ideas on what or how things should be done. He always did this in a sincere way and came across as an agressive and willing officer who in no way ever meant disrespect to Optimus Prime.
It is amazing that the creators of the tec specs, cartoon (represented above), and comics managed to give such a genuine personality to Ironhide after seeing a red van which transforms into ....something. Is that a robot? Does it have a head? Apparently, it has a face - oh wait! The sticker came off! There went the face.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/iron4.jpg)
Ironhide, along with his vehicle based counterpart Ratchet, are considered to be among the most disappointing Transformer toys of all time - and rightfully so. The character of Ironhide present in the cartoon does not have an adequate representation in toy form. While it is very unfortunate, I could also argue that his mold is underrated! The metal, chrome, plastic, paint, and sticker scheme really come together to create a pretty neat Transformer. The robot mode has to be considered more exciting than the van mode. As cool as he is, he still doesn't have a head.
I didn't have Ironhide as a kid. I was a Ratchet fan (moreso than Ironhide) and wanted to have one of his toys, but changed my mind after seeing what it looked like. I wonder how well Ironhide and Ratchet sold back in the day as well as how many kids had no idea what they would look like after transformation to robot mode.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/iron3.jpg)
Toy Facts:
The animators went pretty wild when transforming Ironhide. He transformers nothing like his toy counterpart, but the toy itself is pretty cool. Despite being a relatively small transformer, the back of the van pulls off the robot body and becomes a mini battle station underneath Ironhide. When I was younger - as I never had an Ironhide... - I used to think that the robot could not be detached from the battle station. He most definitely can as he is a different piece to begin with. The back of the van is made entirely of plastic and has large amounts of chrome on the treads and launcher. Ironhide has metal present in his feet, chest and hips.
Disappointments:
Well this is obvious - this 'bot has no head! He looks nothing like the Ironhide we grew to love in the cartoon. He therefore does NOT stand very well next to an Optimus Prime toy. He is supposed to be the trusty soldier! ...not something that looks like it could hang on a Christmas tree!
If you will allow me to straddle the fence on this one, I may open some new doors for you in your opinion of Ironhide. The toy is actually pretty classy. The balance of the chrome, metal and plastic as well as the stickers help make a pretty sharp-looking toy in robot mode. He sets up for display well - I recommend placing him near that battle station, though. When the bot strays from the station, he tends to start looking very plain. The accessories are a must. Without the accessories, the battle station looks like ....a pizza box. I truely believe that this is a toy that is completely different when you finally see it in person and get to transform it. The transformation is really a lot of fun.
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/iron5.jpg)
Collecting Ironhide:
Well immediately following what I just said, the accessories are a must. The red peg for the spinny thing is hard to come by for a small amount of money (small amount of money relatively speaking to 1984 accessory prices). Chrome wear is going to be a huge problem, so check for that. Sometimes, the back of the van doesn't snap together well, so check the battle station transformation and make sure it comes together well. The missles have chrome as does the spinny thing - so make sure they are all in good shape. Remember only one missle can be displayed at once, so not all three HAVE to have perfect chrome. There are two plastic blocks where his knees are which can come off - make sure those are present. Transform both the robot and battle station if you can. Getting both from alt mode to robot mode well help identify any broken pieces. My Ironhide has a broken arm which I didn't notice when I bought him (unless it broke after I bought him). It is broken at the hinge that connects to the drivers seat. Finally, make sure your Ironhide has that wonderful face sticker applied.....if you could call it that.
There was no G2 incarnation of Ironhide.
The copyright for Ironhide is located beneath the drivers seat (face) - just turn him over and look from underneath while in van mode. The rubsign is located at the front of the top of the van, just above the windshield. It is visible in van mode.
Get some hands-on work with this Transformer before you decide not to buy him!
![](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v518/tfreviews1/iron2.jpg)