Lionbot Questions

[reluttr]

So I have been debating on getting a lionbot for 2 reasons.

1. I never had the true Popy mold of voltron, I only had the smallest and largest trendmasters versions. Plus I really like the added articulation and accessories with the Popy Voltron.

2. I want to attempt to use the individual lion weapons with the toynami mold. I am 99% sure the leg weapons wont work, but I see no reason the mouth blades wont. Since the toys are about the same size and all.


Anyways I have a few major concerns.

Ive heard the original Lionbot was the best, had a more accurate deco, and has stickers the newer bootleg does not have. But apparently it used lead based paints. This version also demands a higher price on the secondary market.

But then there is the newer bootleg, its readily available, presumably does not use lead paint, and can be had for about 80$. But I have heard that the plastics used are a bit more fragile, its lacking some stickers "most notable the silver leg stickers on the black lion", and generally has a more sloppy paint job.

So my main concern is the lead paint, given I do want kids some day. I am worried about any lead poisoning that can occur from me holding, touching, and displaying this figure.

I mean how bad of a problem was this? Because I would like to get a vintage figure, but I do like to pose my toys. Plus apparently, certain lead paints actually degrade and put off a toxic dust with time. :S

[glane21]

I have many Lionbots, from the 1st one out to the latest. So far so good. Just don't lick them.

[Mr. Ginrai]

I have an original Godaikin Golion that I recently purchased to fill a hole in my collection. Prior to that however, my only option as far as affordability was the Matchbox Voltron. Because of that, I searched out to find the Taiwan Matchbox (Lead Paint) release that was the subject of the CPSC recall. There are plenty of them still out there. I occasionally play with/handle them and they're in good condition as far as paint is concerned.

I wouldn't worry too much, but follow reluttr's advice and don't lick them LoL. The lionbots probably have a lot of lead in them, if you are worried you can wear gloves when handling them. Whether you buy a new or vintage lionbot, I'd just make sure the paint is strong and intact, not chipped, weak, or flaking. And don't let your kids (if applicable) play with them.

The blade weapons should work fine, the leg weapons probably won't. I saw you said you had the smallest and largest Trendmaster versions. I assume you mean the plastic action figure sized one and the mid-size or giant plastic one?

You could also look at getting the 97/98 Die-cast Trendmasters reissue set and you would have the options of choosing either gold or silver weapons (similar to what lionbot comes with) and you wouldn't have to worry about the lead paint.

As an aside, I do have a set with the gold weapons that I will be getting rid of. It's in the box and looks like it was rarely played with.

[xtrlowz75]

Awesome I just stumbled on this thread, and my brother is doing exactly this. He has the 1997 diecast Trendmasters Voltron, and his is switching all the weapons from a Lionbot to his Trendmasters. Of course I told him to just keep both and if he wants the best of both, get a Golion. But Lionbots are just fine. The older ones (early 80s) are much better as they are the replicas to a Golion without the fancy Y&K stikers, but the newer ones (mid 90s from Taiwan) are still nice and super reasonable. Of course the newer Lionbots have slightly less chrome in spots, but are still worthy to have in any Voltron collection.

[reluttr]

Has anyone here tried giving the individual lion mouth blades to the toynami counterparts? Im actually surprised no one has tried it, given how much everyone wanted the display stand with mouth weapons. XD

[demonseed]

I'd love to see pics of the lionbot tremdmaster blend.
I really want to get a popy to display with my collection. I also was thinking of getting a lionbot to keep out to "play" with. Should I be concerned about the led? No kids or dog in house. I know many kids have played with these and are fine, but I've seen a lot of discussion on it.

Also, Where can I get a mini lionbot? I have only seen one on eBay.