Machine Robo Change & Glow
CG Robo Series 1 and 2 were distributed with series specific, pack-in toy catalogues. The Series 2 catalogue showcases both Series 1 and 2 models as well as hinting at toys to be released for Series 3.
The Series 1 catalogue also shows preview sketches of models planned for Series 2. In both catalogues, many of the designs shown are significantly different or did not eventuate into actual releases; see the black double pages in each booklet.
Series 3 The second catalogue and other official sources confirm there was a plan to release a Series 3 of CG Robo figures. The Series 2 catalogue and the Million Publishing book, 'Machine Robo Wedge' both show a preview of what my have been. The second catalogue shows Shuttle CG as one of the 'New Warriors' coming making it seem it was planed for Series 3. With the cancellation of the line, it can be speculated that creation of Shuttle CG was advanced enough to put it into production seeing it released late in Series 2. It does not appear as a finished model in the catalogues.
Prototypes and Incomplete Models For both Series it appears there was a rush to begin distribution. The Series 1 catalogue shows Spy CG (CG-06) in what is likely concept art on its character bio page. The art doesn't match the the other computer generated character illustrations. In the photo showing all six models, Spy CG is clearly a hand painted prototype with cosmetic differences from the production model; most significantly the silver painted upper legs. Spy CG was the first model in the line released without diecast metal in its construction. If it had followed suit with the previous five figures, the upper legs would have been metal. This may have simply been an all plastic prototype with that section painted to appear metal. It may also hint that this is where
Bandai were re-thinking the profitability of the line. If the latter was the case and they were unsure of Spy CG's final build, leaving the model with the production light grey, plastic upper legs for the photo may have seem a lesser offering compared to its counterparts.
Similar to catalogue one, the Series 2 booklet uses what is likely concept art for the final two figures to be released in that line. It can be reasonably presumed they were not adequately ready for sale to be photographed at the time the catalogue was created.
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.
