Content Co-Collected and Captured by Screwhead
'Changeable robots that are motorized'
Buddy L joined the frenzied robots that change into things market in late 1984 by releasing the first wave of Robotron toys; the 'Dinosaur Collection' was added later.
The line Featured bright colours, pull back spring loaded motors and a pack in sticker sheet with each figure. Robotron stands up well against other rival non-leading brand lines; especially at that scale. The only real detractor to the models is the overall weakness of the plastic and lack of diecast metal in the construction. The sculpting and casting is nicely done, including a decent amount of crisp detail preserved throughout the molding/casting process. The packaging and distribution of the figures is a little sub par because Buddy L went with a generic cardback image rather than unique card art for each model. That said, the front of the card is fantastically coloured while the rear carries an unexpectedly detailed story for the line. The models were offered in a variety of different colour schemes with the Harrier Jump Jet and Space Shuttle models being added later in the run.
Robotron, Robo Tron or Robo-Tron?: While the registered trademark is 'Robotron', most common use is, 'Robo Tron'. This is likely due to Robo and Tron being separated on the blister card front and other marketing material.
Cardback text: "In all Galactic Lore, there is no story as tragic or hard-fought as that of the Twin-Princes of the Rival Moons of the Planet Robotron. Exiled by their parents, the Emperor and Empress each Prince was to rule his own Moon with the most successful ruler eventually becoming the new Emperor of Robotron. But one of the Princes chose evil and destruction as his means to power, and set out to destroy the Good Prince. Join this interplanetary combat with these Evil Force and Good Force Robot/Vehicles that change from robots to Motorized Vehicles. Collect all 8 Robotrons to create your own Galactic adventures
Origins
It's suspected the designs originally came from the Japanese companies 'Crown' and 'Grand Model'. The figures were sold as model kits in Japan and the thin plastic and fine casting of the Robo Tron line owes a lot to it's model kit origins.
More details on the model kit pages below.