was the prototype Buster really a prototype? - Printable Version +- Blue Plastic Tracks (https://www.blueplastictracks.org) +-- Forum: Blue Plastic Tracks (https://www.blueplastictracks.org/forum-36.html) +--- Forum: Trackmaster Thomas and Friends (https://www.blueplastictracks.org/forum-5.html) +--- Thread: was the prototype Buster really a prototype? (/thread-4450.html)

was the prototype Buster really a prototype? - Tons of Trackmasters - 03-02-2021 Backstory: The HiT toys buster prototype had a black rim around his roller wheel, in the final version it was changed to red. https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/thomas-friends-trackmaster-buster-3728417334 https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/thomas-friends-road-crew-car-100751335 https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/thomas-trackmaster-lot-free-wheeling-469555283 https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/thomas-trackmasters-sodor-1931665166 All of the links above feature a TM HiT toys buster with the black rim around his roller including one mint in box. It seems that perhaps  his prototype was not a prototype but he had a hector like situation (released in one version for a brief period of time then replaced with another version) I think that this version of Buster had the same issue. Or maybe this was a bulgy situation (the window/service window) Does this mean that he is a valid character to collect? that is up to you of course...  Huge thanks to GreatGordonFan for showing me the bottom listing which caused me to put some research into finding more listings! RE: was the prototype Buster really a prototype? - GreatGordonFan - 03-02-2021 tbh I am not sure what it could be Tons.  Perhaps it was like the hector with the red coach and was sold for an extremely brief period of time. RE: was the prototype Buster really a prototype? - Tons of Trackmasters - 03-02-2021 a real mystery RE: was the prototype Buster really a prototype? - Tons of Trackmasters - 03-03-2021 but as you can see, this is the listing that "certifies" my idea https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/thomas-friends-road-crew-car-100751335 there is no way that could have been coloured in... RE: was the prototype Buster really a prototype? - Tharazero1 - 03-03-2021 I guess its time to add another variation to the list RE: was the prototype Buster really a prototype? - confusedanddelayed - 03-04-2021 I don’t have a construction crew hit toy-era blister pack handy, but doesn’t that style bulge out on both sides? If so, is it possible that the blister pack in the worthpoint listing is actually opened, because the cardboard appears to lay flat against the tan cloth? And if that’s the case, could it be possible that buster was then altered? I know that is quite cynical of me, and assuming my recollection of the bulging blister pack is even correct, it would seem to require a fair amount work from the person who listed it. Just a thought. RE: was the prototype Buster really a prototype? - Tons of Trackmasters - 03-04-2021 hmm the seller didn't list it as "prototype" or "factory error" In fact they were probably oblivious themselves...what an interesting item RE: was the prototype Buster really a prototype? - confusedanddelayed - 03-04-2021 I found on eBay a new Hit version of kelly, and after seeing the photos, I can definitely see how Buster’s blister pack could be laying flat like it is in the worth point link. That blows ups my cynical conspiracy theory! ? I looked back through eBay for recently sold busters and didn’t readily find any with the black frame, but your compilation clearly demonstates that they’re out in the wild. Very cool find, and I think we’ve all got a new reason to look for buster (a character I’ve collected, but will no real gusto). Well done Tons and GGF! RE: was the prototype Buster really a prototype? - Tons of Trackmasters - 03-04-2021 well...the collect them all bar keeps going up lol...i wonder how Muddy will react...