"Fire Engine Robot to Car"
Originally designed by the Japanese company EXCITE, this figure was released by MARK (also in Japan) for their Construction Robocar line where it was named, 'Fire Engine Robo'.
In parallel, MARK distributed the model as Dump Truck to Europe as part of their Robot Changers line under the subcategory Robot to Car. Specific to Italy, MARK distributed via GIG as part of their regional Trasformer line that also included models from Takara and other notable companies. For Italy GIG named it, Mini Autobotte Pompieri Robot.
The United States saw the same four figures, all with different names distributed via GAKKEN from EXCITE under the title, Henshin Robo. Chronologically this Western release may predate all others discussed here, however that is unconfirmed.
As with many of MARK's 80's offerings, the Japanese company JAM later reissued all four models under the new toy lines. JAM changed this figure's chest colour to blue, the head to un-chromed yellow and renamed it Fire Robo.
As with most JAM releases, they were offered multiple times over the years and each time saw ever cheaper build quality. JAM first sold them separately named 'Power Robo' as a candy toy (cheap toys that come packed with a sweet), next as Super Power Construction Robo (three pack including only Dan Robo, Crane Robo and Tank Truck Robo) and finally all four separately again as Alloy Construction Robocar.
At this time the relationship between EXCITE and MARK is unknown.
See main Convertors & Robot Changers index page for more details.
Region Codes Used: JP Japan / EU Europe
NOTE: Location codes only shown where items were known to be released. This list is accurate yet likely to be incomplete.
Robot Changers EU MARK 1984
Henshin Robo US EXCITE 1984
Construction Robocar JP MARK 1984
Trasformer Italy GIG/MARK 1984
Power Robo JP JAM 19?? (candy toy)
Alloy Construction Robocar JP JAM 19??
Stamping: the MARK released Robot Changers versions still retain the EXCITE manufacture stamp. It's unclear if EXCITE became MARK, were absorbed by them or more likely MARK simply acquired their moulds as they did with other companies going out of business and didn't bother to change the stamps. This is why Takatoku stamps are seen on some MARK/SELECT Convertors and Robot Changers.
