'Make 100s of Robots..... 100s of Space Cars!!!!'
BLAST-BOT is one of three mode changing robot shaped candy containers released by TOPPS in 1986. The mode change is purely partsforming with one set of wheels and the head needing to be relocated to complete the change.
Unlike most mulit-mode robot toys, this one is arguably more fun in vehicle mode. Like SCREW-BOT, BLAST-BOT suffers from a lack of arms in robot mode to give it some visual interest. While BAT-BOT also lacks arms, the wings at least provide some play value. BLAST-BOT could easily have had gun arms that would relocate to the now vacant axel grips in Space Car mode to become exhaust pipes or just still be weapons. While a shame, cost to manufacture vs. sale price would have been extremely tight and likely didn't warrant something as decadent as limbs.
See Switch-A-Robots Index for Further Details
Region Codes Used: US United States - Location codes only shown where items were known to be released.
This list is accurate yet likely to be incomplete. If you are able to confirm release in other regions please get in contact.
BLAST-BOT US TOPPS 1986
Assortment - while these are so far the only colour combinations for BAT-BOT sighted on card, it's highly possible other combinations exist. Only examples on card are included below. Due to the mix 'n' match nature of the toys, any loose example may not reflect released assembly variations. As the Switch-A-Robots SCREW-BOT figure has six sighted examples, two of each body colour so it's possible each have six; unconfirmed.
Stamping (c) 1985 TOPPS Chewing Gum, INC.
Collector Notes As Switch-A-Robots weren't intended as a value product, QC wasn't stringent and that's most evident with BAT-BOT. Often plastic didn't make it all the way to the wing tips (most commonly the right) leaving up to a centimetre missing. In listing photos it's not always obvious and something to check for.
Another common issue is the candy inside the toy has often turned into a sticky, black sludge due to age. Often this sludge leaks out of the toy and discolours the cardback or if loose, other things. If you have loose Switch-A-Robots it's strongly suggested the candy be poured out into a zip-lock bag (if you want to keep it) and stored separately. If it's already sludge, the candy compartment can be washed out with warm water. Shaking both loose and carded examples and listening for the candy rattling inside is a good test. BLAST-BOT's candy compartment back plate can be carefully levered away to remove it. It's held in place with plugs and sockets with no glue.
Trivia The art printed on the counter display tray that held Switch-A-Robots for sale shows the toys in different, brighter, unreleased colour schemes.
