Soundwaves Oblivion: Transformer Toy Archive: Zap Trap 75 (e-Hobby Exclusive, 2004)

Sunday 4 September 2016

Zap Trap 75 (e-Hobby Exclusive, 2004)

Function: Hunter / Seeker
Transformation: Stag Beetle
Ability: One form of clone soldier created by the Insectrons. Possess only extremely limited intelligence themselves, but are capable of conducting skillful pursuit activities under the remote control their template, the electronic warfare specialist Shrapnel. Use the 40,000-volt electrical bursts from their twin horns for making ambushes to capture or destroy enemies. Instantly disintegrate into nothing if Shrapnel's control beams are intercepted, a weakness shared by all the other Insecticlones.
Weapons: Gamma Ray Detonator, Grenade Launchers

In the Diaclone storyline the villains were the Waruder Force, the main villain being Warudaros (see Grandstand Convertors Siclonoid) and the 3 Insecter Robos were like the other Diaclone figures, piloted mecha suits.

Zap Trap is a repaint of Shrapnel and is based on the original 1983 Diaclone release named Kuwagatorer. Zap Trap is the only clone whose colours at first glance are similar to Shrapnels: the arms and feet are red rather than purple; the transparent chest section is red rather than yellow and the legs are dark brown instead of black.

The Insecticon Clones also retain the Energon Cubes released with the 2004 Insecticon set which fit into the chest cavity's which would otherwise have fit a Diaclone Waruder inch-man figure.

The box art for the Insections used the original Diaclone artwork which was repainted in the black and purple livery. Sharpnels artwork was also altered slightly, possibly to fit around the window on the Transformers box; the gun swapped fists. Zap Traps artwork on the collectors card restores the original Diaclone artwork which is a nice little touch.