Color changing
From Transformers Wiki
| This article is about the Generation 2 gimmick. For other instances of color changing, see color change (disambiguation). |
Yet another lame cheesy awesome gimmick in the fight for toy dollars is the ability for a toy to change color.
Generally this is done by application of paint or a sticker which contains some sort of color-changing ink or paint. This color shift is brought on by the power of love and a positive, can-do attitude, but the heathen scientists, whose mood rings never worked, have other explanations, which will be given for the sake of humoring the unbelievers.
This color change is usually linked to temperature, and is called a thermochromic quality. A Transformer with color-changing features probably uses a leucodye.
Leucodyes require a temperature shift of about five to ten degrees Fahrenheit.
Since the temperature change necessary to activate the color change can be achieved by applying warm water, this gimmick is often paired up with the water-squirting gimmick. It can also be activated by a direct heat source of any kind.
The gimmick is heavily susceptible to age, and in time will eventually stop working entirely.
Contents |
Toys
The Transformers
Autobots
Aquaspeeders (1993)
Decepticons
Stormtroopers (1993)
Generation 2
Autobots
Color Changers (1993)
Decepticons
Color Changers
Notes
- An early thermochromic substance, liquid crystals, found use in rubsigns.
- While the gimmick itself is a fairly common addition that has appeared throughout many kids toylines, most adult collectors do not employ its use due to the possibility of metal pieces on the toys rusting due to water contact.
External links
- Color-Changing Inks: Brighten your bottom line - Brief explanation of leucodye technology.
