Robo Racer is what a Transformer would look like if they’d cross over with Power Rangers

Coming from space, the Blue Centurion arrived on earth with a message about an alliance of all evil in the universe. However, before he could give this message to the rangers, he was caught by the bad guys and the message was erased. But the Blue Centurion didn’t come to Earth alone… He brought his mighty zord, Robo Racer with him! For more information about Power Rangers: Turbo, click here.

Robo Racer is what a Transformer would look like if they’d cross over with Power Rangers. In vehicle mode, the patrol car just looks like one, with no trace of the robot inside. It’s actually a pretty nice car and rather show accurate. The light and sounds are activated by pressing the Centurion’s symbol on the roof.

Once transformed, Robo Racer is a nice little bot, standing approximately 8 inches tall. The lights and sounds are still there, activated by pressing the same button. He features the usual points of articulation for a DX power ranger Toy (the arms move up and down), waist joint and also has “elbows” joints, so to speak. Also, the helmet can be put back to show the eyes. The arsenal coming with that little guy is pretty impressive: a gun, two blades, a shield and handcuffs!

If you’re wondering the differences between the Robo Racer and his original Japanese counterpart Sirender, prepare for a pretty shocking one: all the die cast parts were replace by dull grey plastic parts! Also, Sirender came with Signalman (Blue Centurion’s counterpart) Signal Whistle. The good news is that every sticker has been kept.

Honestly, I think that this little guy deserves more attention than he got. I mean, many people will go crazy over a Turbo or Rescue Megazord, but won’t even give him a look. Sad mistake, cause this is one pretty good toy!

Artillatron, the Turbo Transport, is a mobile base for the Rescue Megazords from Power Rangers Turbo.

The toy is made entirely of plastic, and requires decals. Lots of decals. Unfortunately, the decals were of poor quality, and many have begun to peel or have been lost over time. To find a perfect version with good stickers is rare.

Each part of Artillatron has a door that opens up to reveal a space for a Rescue Zord. Each compartment is numbered for the appropriate Zord.

Transformation to the Robot Mode is easy. Simply disconnect the cannons from the rear trailer, separate each trailer, then stack them, largest at the bottom to smallest at the top. Re-attach the arms and pull up the visor on the face. The completed robot can roll across the floor. The Rescue Megazords can be stored inside Artillatron in either mode.

The right arm cannon features opening claws. The arm cannons can be attached and used with the Rescue Megazord to become the Artillery Power barrage.

Still, the Rescue Megazord is a fun toy. While we didn't get the metal and chrome that the Japanese version had, kids still got a cool, combining and transforming megazord at a reasonable price.

The 5 vehicles are:

	Lightning Fire Tamer (Red Fire truck) Forms the head / chest
	Siren Blaster (Blue Police Car) Forms the torso / upper legs
	Thunder Loader (Green Dump Truck) Forms Right leg
	Star Racer (Yellow Dragster) Forms left leg
	Wind Rescue (White ambulance) Forms arms.

Bandai America released this toy in 1997 as part of their Power Rangers Turbo line. Each vehicle was packed in robot mode in a styrofoam tray, along with 2 blasters and 2 black clips that helped the combined robot stand. This one of the few Sentai robots that did not come with a sword.

The toy itself is a big sturdy hunk of plastic. There is minimal metal in the leg and arm connector joints. The rest of the toy is all plastic, aside from rubber wheels on Thunder Loader and Star Racer. Transformation is simple enough, and the combined robot is sturdy. The fact that you hardly ever see any of these broken today is a testament to the quality of the engineering.

Each vehicle has a really basic robot mode. Siren Blaster looks really good, with nice proportions, but Wind Rescue, on the other hand, looks like an afterthought. Still, the added play value of each vehicle having an alternate mode is something you don't see on too many Sentai robots.

The original toy from Japan is called the VRV Robo from the series Explosive Dash Task Force Carranger. The toy went through some major modifications before coming to the American market. The most notable changes were:

• Lightning Fire Tamer - Metal removed from extinguisher cannon connectors, Chrome parts replaced with grey plastic. No paint detail on wheels.
• Siren Blaster - Metal remained intact but chrome parts replaced with grey plastic. No paint detail on wheels.
• Thunder Loader - Metal arms and chrome rims replaced with grey plastic.
• Star Racer - Metal upper arms, chrome loader arms and rims replaced with grey plastic.
• Wind Rescue - No paint detail on wheels.

Most of these changes were probably cost saving measures and not safety related.

Still, the Rescue Megazord is a fun toy. While we didn't get the metal and chrome that the Japanese version had, kids still got a cool, combining and transforming megazord at a reasonable price.

Here is a great site with pictures of the Japanese version of the toy.

Editors note: My version of the toy is loose and missing the two small guns and two black stands. If you have these parts and want to get rid of them, let me know. Also, I am looking for a good box photo for this review!