Customer Reviews

Transformers Alternators - Jeep Wrangler (Swindle)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Do you notice anything different about that model Jeep?"

"No," replied my visiting friend. With that said, I grasped Swindle in both hands and seperated the front and rear sections apart with a loud SNAP. I gleefully noted that Swindle's disguise had served him well.

This is still my favorite of my three alternator toys. A Jeep
just makes a neat toy car, and Swindle's Jeep form is utterly convincing. Opening doors, a stickshift and dash, rearview mirrors, and springy suspension (rather than the usual alternator steering gimmic) give Swindle coolness points. And on top of this, he's the easiest alternator to transform, with no invisible pegs going in obscured slots. Just be careful with the rollbar pegs and doors, and you'll be fine. If you wanted to give a careful child a durable alternator, I'd recommend this one, but I'll warn that all of the alternators can break in the wrong hands.

In robot form, Swindle looks quite a bit like a Generation 1 transformer. The blocky chest, small hands, and boxy legs that graced his mold brother Hound look perfect on Swindle.
I especially like the head, which has a visor reminiscent of dark sunglasses, giving Swindle a shady, er, "swindler" look that goes with his small arms and hidden gun. Also, the yellow color looks good on Swindle; it isn't the neon color that has ruined so many other TFs, but a more relaxed mustard tone. If you like the yellow pictures of Swindle, you'll like Swindle. My only complaint is his lack of arm movement and somewhat loose hip joints. Otherwise, it's a beautifully detailed and articulated robot.

In the bottom line, if you're strapped for cash and still want one of these guys, which one should you buy? I'd say that Swindle and Windcharger, because of their articulation and relatively simple transformation, make good first picks (though I don't own Windcharger). I'd also recommend alternators over the reissued G1 transformers, which have poor play value and stickers that come off after around four transformations and should be kept in a display case. Swindle, in particular, is more than a display piece. He's a really fun toy.

Swindle is the repaint/redeco of the earlier released Hound. With the new head, larger tires chrome grille and wheels and bright paint job it seems like a totally different toy altogether. If you're into these updated Transformers like I am, build up your Decepticon ranks with this conniving soldier who stole Trailbreakers Binaltech body. (I'd rather see Trailbreaker as a Dodge Magnum or Ford F-150 myself.)
Transformation wise, Swindle and Hound are some of the easiest to transform out of all the Alternators figures. Once you do it three times it should come naturally.
Swindle has the same amount of articulation as Hound. Ball jointed neck, Semi ball shoulders, semi ball hips, double knees, elbows, index finger, other three fingers, wrists, ankles and ankle pivots. His weapon is the same as Hound's this time colored black.
Pick this guy up because Dead end needs a fellow Decepticon to fight the Autobots.

Maybe it's because I'm not a big fan of yellow or orange or whatever Swindle is, but I am not too crazy about this figure. Maybe it's because I already have Hound and like his looks far better. The only real difference between the two seems to be color and the eyes and symbols.

On the other hand Swindle is very easy to trasform if you already have Hound you know the routine. His arms also seem more stable and did not come off in transformation like Hound's did.

I'd buy Swindle at the cheapest price $(...) but I wouldn't spend more then that. There are far cooler Alternators to pick ahead of him.

Here's the remold of the Jeep Wrangler formerly known as Autobot Hound. If you own Hound you know what you're getting, except it's evil this time.

Swindle's got a good amount of poseability, just like the rest of the Alternator gang. On a scale of 1-5 his difficulty to transform him rates about a 3; not too easy and not too hard. The legs are tricky.

Overall, this is a nice toy. He comes in the newer style of red box, making him easier to play with and display it on the shelf; next to the other 10 Alternators you should have by now :p