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Camshaft (Transformers)
Encyclopedia
Camshaft is the name of a fictional character in the Transformers universe. He is sometimes referred to as "Autobot Camshaft" for trademark purposes. Hasbro registered the name Camshaft for U.S. Trademark
in October 2003.
, does not have a camshaft
. The toy is one of the least known of the 1985 releases as his sub-group, the Omnibots, were three Autobots that were only available by mail-order.
Another little-known fact is that the Omnibots were the Autobots' first "triple changers" -- a talent identified more with the Autobots Tracks
, Perceptor
, and (until 1986) the Decepticon Triple Changers.
The original Omnibots' instruction booklets described them as such new additions to the Autobot team that no tech spec data or statistical information was available about them. This left kids and collectors able to use their imagination regarding what personalities and roles the characters would play. No hint was given at possible profiles until a 1987 mail-order catalog was published, with Ultra Magnus giving synopses of each Omnibot's function.
Original show bibles discovered in 2007 revealed the biography written by Bob Budiansky
. This biography describes Camshaft as a grim warrior who is ruthless in battle.
and his Decepticons attack the Prime Energy Tower. Galvatron orders the Decepticons to form Menasor
, Devastator
and Bruticus and attack. Rodimus Prime
counters this move by ordering in Superion
, Omega Supreme
and Defensor
. Galvatron then orders in Predaking, knowing that Sky Lynx
is elsewhere and cannot counter them. Rodimus orders the Omnibots to attack Predaking's legs. The strategy causes Predaking to fall into the other Decepticon giants, winning the day for the Autobots.
In the Dreamwave profile books, he was described as a scout who is good at his job as he does not want to get damaged or worse meaning he stays away from danger.
According to the biography printed in the collected Reign of Starscream books, he loves being the first Cybertronian to set foot on an alien world.
. In issue #2, he sides with Optimus Prime against Megatron's orders to counterattack their invaders. In issue #3, when Megatron learns that Optimus has broken into his room he sends Bumblebee, Camshaft, Cliffjumper, Jazz, Prowl and Smokescreen to arrest Optimus for treason. Optimus demands to speak directly to Megatron, but when the group is traveling to Megatron's location they are ambushed by Barricade, Brawl, Crankcase, Frenzy, Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker, who have orders to kill the lot of them and capture Optimus. Smokescreen ias able to cover Optimus and his group's retreat in the confusion of an explosion. In issue #4, Camshaft is present when Ironhide joins the Autobots.
In Reign of Starscream issue #2, Starscream barely makes it to the Nemesis on Mars before he runs out of power. His return is noticed by the Autobot Cosmos, who alerts Arcee, Cliffjumper, Smokescreen, Camshaft and Air Raid. Aided by Thundercracker on the Nemesis, Starscream recovers and sends the information Frenzy had gathered back to Cybertron just as Hardtop spots the Autobots approaching the Nemesis. In issue #3, Camshaft is killed by Thundercracker.
Camshaft appears in issue #17 of the Titan Transformers Magazine, in a story called "Return to Cybertron: Part 1" and also issue #18 in the story "Return to Cybertron: Part 2"
Camshaft returns in issue #22 of the Titan Transformers Magazine series in a story called "The Decepticon who Haunted Himself."
.
. He is a member of a patrol led by Kup. He is eager to investigate a signal coming from zone Y-AT, but instead Kup sends Downshift to investigate it.
In Reunification, Kup leads Warpath, Camshaft and Hound in an attempt to assassinate Optimus Prime on behalf of Rodimus and Alpha Trion. Optimus uses Ricochet as a shield to block a blast from Warpath, grabbing Warpath and throwing him into Hound. Optimus then crushes Kup's head with one hand as he shoots Camshaft.
Trademark
A trademark, trade mark, or trade-mark is a distinctive sign or indicator used by an individual, business organization, or other legal entity to identify that the products or services to consumers with which the trademark appears originate from a unique source, and to distinguish its products or...
in October 2003.
Transformers: Generation 1
Camshaft is an ironic name because the signature feature of the RX-7, a rotary engineWankel engine
The Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine using an eccentric rotary design to convert pressure into a rotating motion instead of using reciprocating pistons. Its four-stroke cycle takes place in a space between the inside of an oval-like epitrochoid-shaped housing and a rotor that...
, does not have a camshaft
Camshaft
A camshaft is a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part.-History:An early cam was built into Hellenistic water-driven automata from the 3rd century BC. The camshaft was later described in Iraq by Al-Jazari in 1206. He employed it as part of his automata,...
. The toy is one of the least known of the 1985 releases as his sub-group, the Omnibots, were three Autobots that were only available by mail-order.
Another little-known fact is that the Omnibots were the Autobots' first "triple changers" -- a talent identified more with the Autobots Tracks
Tracks (Transformers)
Tracks is a character in the Transformers Universes. The name is now too generic to license in recent times; so the toys creator, Hasbro had to add a "modifier" - a prefix to the name in order to use it on their product, in this case the name became "Autobot Tracks" or "Turbo...
, Perceptor
Perceptor
Perceptor is the name of several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Perceptor transforms into a microscope ....
, and (until 1986) the Decepticon Triple Changers.
The original Omnibots' instruction booklets described them as such new additions to the Autobot team that no tech spec data or statistical information was available about them. This left kids and collectors able to use their imagination regarding what personalities and roles the characters would play. No hint was given at possible profiles until a 1987 mail-order catalog was published, with Ultra Magnus giving synopses of each Omnibot's function.
Original show bibles discovered in 2007 revealed the biography written by Bob Budiansky
Bob Budiansky
Bob Budiansky is an American comic book writer, editor, and penciller, best known for his work on Marvel's Transformers comic. He also created the Marvel character Sleepwalker and wrote all 33 issues of that comic.-Career:...
. This biography describes Camshaft as a grim warrior who is ruthless in battle.
Manga
In the Transformers Manga #5, GalvatronGalvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
and his Decepticons attack the Prime Energy Tower. Galvatron orders the Decepticons to form Menasor
Menasor
Menasor is the name to several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. The original version was the combined version of the Stunticons. Since then, other characters have taken the name Menasor.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Devastator
Devastator (Transformers)
Devastator is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. For legal-political reasons, Hasbro now adds a modifier to the character's name on newer toy packages, such as Constructicon Devastator....
and Bruticus and attack. Rodimus Prime
Rodimus
Rodimus is the name of a fictional character from the various Transformers universes. Rodimus is a young Autobot and succesor to Optimus Prime. He was formerly known as Hot Rod, but was reformatted as Rodimus Prime by the Matrix of Leadership and became the leader of the Autobots...
counters this move by ordering in Superion
Superion
-Transformers: Generation 1:Superion is the first Autobot special team to be created, and is the Autobots' first combiner, formed from five smaller robots who are able to transform into fighter-jets and planes.Members:* Silverbolt - Team leader.* Air Raid...
, Omega Supreme
Omega Supreme
Omega Supreme is the name of a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. He is always an Autobot and is often depicted as a gigantic transformer with vast strength and/or overwhelming firepower.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and Defensor
Protectobots
The Protectobots are a fictional emergency, search and rescue team of five Autobots in the Transformers toyline. They transform into civilian service and emergency vehicles and combine to form the combiner Defensor...
. Galvatron then orders in Predaking, knowing that Sky Lynx
Sky Lynx
Sky Lynx is the name of several different characters in the fictional Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Sky Lynx consists of two separate components: a space shuttle that can transform into a bird-like creature , and a ground transport vehicle,...
is elsewhere and cannot counter them. Rodimus orders the Omnibots to attack Predaking's legs. The strategy causes Predaking to fall into the other Decepticon giants, winning the day for the Autobots.
Dreamwave Productions
He did not appear in any cartoon series and did not make it into an American comic until Dreamwave's "War and Peace" story, but even then he only made a cameo appearance.In the Dreamwave profile books, he was described as a scout who is good at his job as he does not want to get damaged or worse meaning he stays away from danger.
Toys
- Generation 1 Omnibot Camshaft (1985)
- The Omnibots were based on the Diaclone line of toys made in Japan, and unlike many other toys imported and turned into Transformers, they retained their original Diaclone colors. The three Omnibot toys were offered exclusively as mail order items by Hasbro in the US, obtained by sending in collectable Robot Points off boxes plus US$5 shipping. During 1985, the number of orders for Omnibots exceeded expectations by Hasbro, who extended the offer. They had nearly 50,000 orders for Camshaft alone by July. One of the earliest Transformers toys.
- Universe Spy Changer Camshaft (2006)
- A re-release of the transparent purple and orange recolor of Transformers: Robots in DisguiseTransformers: Robots in DisguiseTransformers: Robots in Disguise, known in Japan as , is a Japanese anime television series and serves as a self-contained universe separate from any of the other existing Transformers universes...
Spy Changer W.A.R.S.. - A daring rogue, his joints have been specially designed to allow him to commit acrobatic feats impossible for other Transformers. Specializes in sneaking undetected into the most heavily guarded enemy strongholds. Carries a neutron blaster. Using thermal optic and nightvision settings and a variety of unconventional hand-to-hand tactics, he is a grim shadow-warrior for Optimus Prime. Able to drive on any surface. Stealth mode renders him undetectable.
- Alternators Autobot Camshaft (2006)
- A gray redeco/retool of the Acura RSX ProwlProwl (Transformers)Prowl is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers series. "Prowl" is one of the most re-used American names in the assorted Transformers series, and its use has become almost synonymous with Autobots who possess a police car alternate mode...
figure. Though the police lights are omitted, Camshaft carries Prowl's nightstick. - Camshaft's appearance is a homage to the original G1 toy called BluestreakSilverstreakBluestreak is a character in the Transformers mythos. For trademark reasons his name had to be changed to Silverstreak in 2003. Trademark was returned to Hasbro again in 2010.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, who was a recolor of Prowl himself. As with several other Alternators, an Autobot prefix has had to be added to the name on the packaging for trademark reasons.
Transformers
Camshaft is part of a special recon force sent into hotspots by the Autobots.According to the biography printed in the collected Reign of Starscream books, he loves being the first Cybertronian to set foot on an alien world.
IDW Publishing
Camshaft appears in Transformers: Defiance by IDW PublishingIDW Publishing
IDW Publishing, also known as Idea + Design Works, LLC and IDW, is an American publisher of comic books and comic strip collections. The company was founded in 1999 and has been awarded the title "Publisher of the Year Under 5% Market Share" for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Diamond Comic...
. In issue #2, he sides with Optimus Prime against Megatron's orders to counterattack their invaders. In issue #3, when Megatron learns that Optimus has broken into his room he sends Bumblebee, Camshaft, Cliffjumper, Jazz, Prowl and Smokescreen to arrest Optimus for treason. Optimus demands to speak directly to Megatron, but when the group is traveling to Megatron's location they are ambushed by Barricade, Brawl, Crankcase, Frenzy, Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker, who have orders to kill the lot of them and capture Optimus. Smokescreen ias able to cover Optimus and his group's retreat in the confusion of an explosion. In issue #4, Camshaft is present when Ironhide joins the Autobots.
In Reign of Starscream issue #2, Starscream barely makes it to the Nemesis on Mars before he runs out of power. His return is noticed by the Autobot Cosmos, who alerts Arcee, Cliffjumper, Smokescreen, Camshaft and Air Raid. Aided by Thundercracker on the Nemesis, Starscream recovers and sends the information Frenzy had gathered back to Cybertron just as Hardtop spots the Autobots approaching the Nemesis. In issue #3, Camshaft is killed by Thundercracker.
Titan Magazines
Note: Events occurring in the alternate universe where Megatron won the battle of Mission City are in italics.Camshaft appears in issue #17 of the Titan Transformers Magazine, in a story called "Return to Cybertron: Part 1" and also issue #18 in the story "Return to Cybertron: Part 2"
Camshaft returns in issue #22 of the Titan Transformers Magazine series in a story called "The Decepticon who Haunted Himself."
Toys
- Transformers
- Autobot Camshaft is a gray redeco of the Decepticon Swindle. First seen in U.S. Stores in December 2007.
- This figure was re-released in the Transformers: Revenge of the FallenTransformers: Revenge of the FallenTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a 2009 American science fiction-action film directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg. It is the sequel to the 2007 film Transformers and the second installment in the live-action Transformers series...
toy line as part of a Bonus Value pack with either Leader Class Optimus Prime or Megatron.
Transformers: Timelines
Camshaft is a mirror universe duplicate of the Generation 1 character. He is one of Optimus Prime's evil Autobots. He is part of Remote Patrol Six commanded by KupKup
Kup is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universe. All are older Autobots who are members of the Elite Guard. Wired Magazine once nominated him as one 12 most ridiculous Transformers of all time...
.
Fun Publications
Camshaft appears as a member of the Autobots in the story Do Over by Fun PublicationsFun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
. He is a member of a patrol led by Kup. He is eager to investigate a signal coming from zone Y-AT, but instead Kup sends Downshift to investigate it.
In Reunification, Kup leads Warpath, Camshaft and Hound in an attempt to assassinate Optimus Prime on behalf of Rodimus and Alpha Trion. Optimus uses Ricochet as a shield to block a blast from Warpath, grabbing Warpath and throwing him into Hound. Optimus then crushes Kup's head with one hand as he shoots Camshaft.