Bay Area Shops! (California)/ Tetsukin-28 Question

[bbechtold]

I know a lot of us collectors are out here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I was curious where the best shops are to find new/classic robots. I'm down in Palo Alto, and don't know where to go in San Francisco to find the best selections.

BTW, anyone have an idea on the price of a MISB Godaikin Tensujin-28? I've seen a few MIB sell on E-Bay for around $2000, so what would a MISB one cost, and what are the chances that I'll ever find one? Also, does anyone know about production numbers? How many were produced in 1981? This is the one toy I wanted most as a child....and never got. =)

Thanks,

The New Guy =)

[admin1 aka Ed]

Hi bbechtold and welcome ,

Well....I would say you can find one in stellar condition. Just wait about 5 years with money. Seriously. It will take time but network here. We may be able to assist.

One thing to keep in mind is that there is no such thing as MISB per se. That is there was not really any sealing of the toy. If so, it would have been a strip of clear tape. That would have decayed by now (don't get me started on "sealed" Transformers toys). Anyways, for a Minty Godaikin I would say $2000 would be a deal but possible. This factors in the fact that the dollar is weak compared to the Euro. I've seen a strong demand for top-notch toys destined for Italy.

As for production numbers I can only guess. I taked recently with the U.S. importer of Godaikins and he couldn't recall. I can say that Tetsujin sold out in both the U.S. and in Japan after (I think) only one production run.

Ed

[bbechtold]

Heh, please "get started" on MISB Transformers. I collect these as well, and have purchased some of these on e-bay. Is there some way to fake the factory seal that I'm missing? I would think it would be hard to replace the factory tape...I dunno, maybe steam off the original and replace it with a new seal?

I can't afford a T-28 right now or I would have bought the one on e-bay this week that sold for just over $2K. Being unemployed sucks.

Bill

[admin1 aka Ed]

Well my big thing on MSIB Transoformers, is that toys have flaws. I find that toys age badly if there is extream heat or cold. So to BEGIN with I like to see the condition of Chrome, stickers, fading, and bug wear. I've had toys perfect in storage get invaded by bugs. I've had toys that age due to heat. So you may want to be careful about that and then factory flaws.

THEN, yes, I find that tape sealing can be faked. Just get a hair dryer to heat up tape and see how it peels and can be re-applied.

And be aware that aging will cause youre sealed tape to deteriorate and often fall off. My 1980 diaclones have brittle tape in many cases. My 1977 Daitaron has desintigrated cellophane tape that once sealed in the window cover. Don't place too much confidence in MISB toys staying that way after 25 years.

With all that said, just be careful not to overpay. And be aware that time may take the edge off of your special seal.

Finally, my personal interest is in inspecting the toys, checking out the pamphlets and gimmics, and then storing them again.

If you have duplicates then I can understand the fun in the "hunt" for MISB toys.

Ed

[bbechtold]

Yeah, when possible I try to buy at least 2 of each type of Robot that I collect. 1 to keep sealed in the box, and one for display. I the case of Transformers, I like to get 3 so That I can display the Robot in both forms. Of course, sometimes this is financially impossible.

I also like to actually handle the toy. I like to see the actual posability of the toy and the details up close.

Bill

[dragonclaw2]

I heard stories back then (my parents had an account with Bandai) that T28 only had a US run between 500 and 1000...

[Orbitron]

Hi bbechtold,

Have you been to HOBBY UNLIMITED in Burlingame? You can save money if you pay cash on some toys.

www.hobbyunlimited.com
1205 Broadway
Burlingame, CA 94010

And there is one Japanese Video/Toys shop next to the store also. I forgot the name.

[bbechtold]

I actually went to Hobby Unlimited over the weekend. I was really unimpressed with their stock, and the prices seemed awfully high.

For example, they were selling a Red Chogokin version of a Zaku for over $50 dollars. On e-bay, the same item sells for under $25 (+shipping).

Bill