The Transformers franchise has a long and varied history with mailaway items, stretching back to the earliest days of the brand with releases like the Omnibots, Reflector, and Time Warrior.

In this episode, the team look back at some of the most memorable mailaway Transformers from across the years, discussing how they were obtained, why they felt so special at the time, and what made them stand out from standard retail releases. We also explore the sense of anticipation and exclusivity that came with mailaways, and how that experience shaped collector memories.

It’s a nostalgic and thoughtful look at a distinctive part of Transformers history — and why mailaway figures continue to hold such appeal decades later.

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1986 is one of the most memorable years in Transformers history, but it’s not just the headline movie releases that deserve attention.

In this episode, the team shine a light on some of the unsung heroes of the year, looking beyond the obvious and discussing figures like Sky Lynx, the Battlechargers, the Triple Changers, and more. We explore what made these toys stand out at the time, how they were received, and why they continue to hold a special place for collectors.

It’s a celebratory reappraisal of a landmark year, focusing on the figures that helped define 1986 beyond the silver screen.

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Even decades on, Beast Machines remains one of the most polarising chapters in Transformers history, inspiring a level of debate and disagreement that few other eras can match.

In this episode, the team dive into the 1999/2000 toy line with varying degrees of familiarity and affection, exploring what made Beast Machines so controversial at the time and why it continues to divide opinion. From radical design choices and departures from Beast Wars to shifting expectations within the fandom, we unpack what was happening — and how it feels looking back now.

It’s an open-minded reappraisal of a line that dared to be different, examining both the frustration it caused and the ideas that make it worth revisiting. Supreme stuff.

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Micromasters are one of the most celebrated parts of the Generation 1 Transformers line, delivering classic robots in disguise fun in miniature form. But what’s better than lots of little Transformers? How about little Transformers that combine to form even bigger ones?

That’s exactly what the Micromaster Sixcombiners offer. In this episode, the team explore the various releases in this sub-line, from the original vintage gift sets through to modern reissues and later Hasbro Universe versions. Along the way, we discuss what made these sets so appealing, how they expanded the Micromaster concept, and why they remain such a distinctive part of late-G1 Transformers.

It’s a deep dive into one of the cleverest and most characterful corners of the Micromaster line.

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As part of TFNation 2022, the team were delighted to attend a panel with Andy Couzens, formerly Head of Boys Toys for Hasbro Europe and a key figure in the development of the European-exclusive era of Transformers from 1991 onwards — often referred to by fans as Generation 1.5.

Following the panel, we were able to spend some additional time speaking with Andy, gaining further insight into how this fascinating and often overlooked period of the franchise came to be. In this episode, we examine the unique circumstances behind European Transformers during the early ’90s, the decisions that informed the toy line, and why this era continues to resonate so strongly with collectors today.

It’s a thoughtful exploration of a distinctive chapter in Transformers history, enriched by first-hand perspective from someone who helped define it.

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The party’s over and it’s time to head home… but at least we’ve got a sack full of new toys to help soften the comedown.

With convention season wrapped up, this episode sees the team looking back at dealer room hauls from events past, revisiting some of our proudest purchases alongside a few that perhaps didn’t live up to expectations. We talk about what made certain finds feel special at the time, how our tastes have changed, and the lessons learned from both the triumphs and the missteps.

It’s a relaxed, nostalgic chat about collecting at conventions — the thrill of the hunt, the impulse buys, and the stories that stay with you long after the doors close.

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Convention season is upon us, making it the perfect time to talk about what, for many collectors, is the highlight of the toy collecting year.

In this episode, the team explore what makes conventions such a special part of the hobby, from guests and panels to dealer rooms, displays, cosplay, artwork — and, of course, the inevitable late nights and hangovers. Whether you’re a seasoned convention-goer or someone who has yet to take the plunge, we discuss the many different ways conventions bring the Transformers community together.

It’s a wide-ranging and celebratory look at the shared experiences that make conventions such a memorable part of collecting.

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Many collectors remember the period between 2011 and 2015 as the peak of the Transformers Masterpiece line, when TakaraTomy seemed to deliver one standout release after another.

Much of this era is closely associated with celebrated toy designer Shogo Hasui, whose work during these years helped define what Masterpiece could be and cemented his reputation within the fandom. In this episode, the team look back at what is often regarded as a golden age of Masterpiece collecting, discussing the figures themselves, the design philosophy behind them, and why this period continues to be held in such high regard.

It’s a thoughtful retrospective on the so-called Hasui years, and an exploration of why they left such a lasting impression on collectors.

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Today’s episode is all about stickers — one of the most deceptively stressful aspects of vintage Transformers collecting.

The team dive into the giddy highs and frustrating pitfalls of keeping vintage Transformers stickers looking as presentable as possible, from application and preservation to the hard truths of wear, age, and regret. Along the way, we discuss why stickers provoke such strong feelings among collectors — and, naturally, struggle to stay on topic more than once.

What began as a listener request for a Patreon-exclusive minisode quickly grew into a full-length discussion, proving there’s far more to say about stickers than anyone initially expected.

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The Triple Takeover team are often blamed for indulgent toy purchases across social media, but the world’s worst-kept secret is that we’re usually self-enabling more than anything else.

A big part of that enablement comes from re-purchasing toys we previously moved on — sometimes years later, and often for very different reasons than when we first sold them. In this episode, we dig into why that happens, exploring changing tastes, shifting priorities, nostalgia, regret, and the lessons learned along the way.

It’s an honest and reflective discussion about the cyclical nature of collecting, and why letting go of a toy doesn’t always mean it’s gone for good.

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