Camshaft (Transformers)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Transformers character | |
 |
|
| Camshaft | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Autobot  |
| Sub-Group | Omnibots Spy Changers Alternators |
| Function | Scout |
| Motto | "A sense of isolation inspires me." "The fallen will be remembered as Cybertron's finest." |
| Alternate Modes | Mazda RX-7 Stock Car Acura RSX |
| Series | Transformers: Generation 1 Transformers: Universe Transformers: Alternators |
Camshaft is the name of a fictional character in the Transformers universe.
[edit] Transformers: Generation One (1985)
Camshaft is an ironic name, ironic because the signature feature of the RX-7, a rotary engine, does not have a cam. The toy is one of the least known of the 1985 releases as his sub-group, the Omnibots; were three Autobots that were only available by mail-order.
The Omnibots were based on the Diaclone line of toys made in Japan, and unlike many other toys imported and turned into Transformers, they remained their original Diaclone colors.
Another little-known fact is that the Omnibots were the Autobots' first "triple changers" -- a talent identified more with the Autobots Tracks, Perceptor, and (until 1986) the Decepticon Triple Changers.
The original Omnibots' instruction booklets described them as such new additions to the Autobot team that no tech spec data or statistical information was available about them. This left kids and collectors able to use their imagination regarding what personalities and roles the characters would play. No hint was given at possible profiles until a 1987 mail-order catalog was published, with Ultra Magnus giving synopses of each Omnibot's function.
He did not appear in any cartoon series and did not make it into an American comic until Dreamwave's "War and Peace" story, but even then he only made a cameo appearance.
In the Dreamwave profile books, he was described as a scout who is good at his job as he doesn't want to get damaged or worse meaning he stays away from danger.
[edit] Transformers: Universe (2006)
Camshaft was released in mid 2006, a re-package of the transparent purple and orange recolor of RiD Spy Changer W.A.R.S. made it out at discount stores as a Transformers: Universe toy.
A daring rogue, his joints have been specially designed to allow him to commit acrobatic feats impossible for other Transformers. Specilizes in sneaking undetected into the most heavily guarded enemy strongholds. Carries a neutron blaster. Using thermoptic and nightvision optical settings and a variety of unconvention hand-to-hand tactics, he is a grim shadow-warrior for Optimus Prime. Able to drive on any surface. Stealth mode renders him undetectable.
[edit] Transformers: Alternators (2006)
A surprise announcement, Camshaft makes a return as an Alternator--a grey repaint of the Acura RSX toy Prowl. Actually, this toy is a straight repaint of the blue Prowl toy only available as a Binaltech toy in Japan which has the sirens of the standard Prowl toy removed. Camshaft comes with a nightstick, the same as Prowl's.
Camshaft's appearance is a homage to the original G1 toy called Bluestreak who was a recolor of Prowl himself. As with several other Alternators, an Autobot prefix has had to be added to the name on the packaging as the original name is not able to be used by itself.
This toy became available at retail in the United States beginning in August 2006.
