Steam Robo MR-05 / MRB-5
Originally designed in Japan by Bandai and released for their Machine Robo Series line as Steam Robo the model was not long after issued as Train Man and Train in the West. Low sales in the US saw Tonka take over distribution and as part of successfully rebranding the line to 'Gobots' Loco got his new name.
Bandai adopted the Gobots character name for the Australian Machine Men line on figure re-release; predominantly to benefit from the Challenge of the Gobots cartoon.
Bandai did not re-release this model for their European Robo Machine distribution and so he was always sold only as Train.
Further details are below, on the Series 1 Index and for more in-depth reading see the Toy Line History page.
Region Codes Used: JP Japan / US United States / CA Canada / AU Australia / EU Europe / BRA Brazil / CH China / TWN Taiwan / KOR Korea
NOTE: Region codes only shown where items were known to be released. This list is accurate yet likely incomplete.
Gobots 05 Series 1 US/CA Tonka 1983
Robo Machine RM-05 EU Bandai 1983
Robot Machine Men [Train Man] 05 CA Bandai America 1983 (card dated 1982)*
Machine Men [Train Man] 05 US Bandai America 1983 (card dated 1982)*
Machine Men [Train Man] 05 AU Bandai Australia 1983 (card dated 1982)*
Machine Men [Loco] AU Bandai 1984*
Machine Robo Series MR-05 JP Popy 1982*
Machine Robo Series MR-05 JP Bandai 1983 (stamped Popy)*
Machine Robo Revenge of Cronos MRB-5 JP Bandai 1986*
Convert BRA MIMO 1985 - Bootleg**
Sold on a Taiwan cardback also showing; 'Buggy', 'Police Car, 'Space Shuttle', Fighter', 'Bulldozer' and 'Truck'
Robot Vehicles TWN - Bootleg
Convertible Robots TWN - Bootleg
Locomotive Robot Series TWN (matte red paint)
Locomotive Robot Series TWN (metallic red paint)
Mr-Machinerobo CH 1983
Mini-Changeable Bots YJ-3 KOR
* Machine Robo Series extra sticker sheet issued with this release.
** Also released in a six pack box with the MIMO versions of Spoons, Night Ranger, Spay-C, Spoiler and Crain Brain.
