MC12 Walther P-38

MC12 Walther P-38 belong to a sub-series of Microman Micro Change line known as the Gun Robo. Takara released a total of four Gun Robo toys (five if you count the alternate color version of MC12) for the Microman line - MC7 M1910 Gun, MC11 S&W 44 Magnum, MC12 Walther P-38 and MC13 P-38 Special (UNCLE Version). MC13 was modified version of MC12 with stock and barrel extension parts. Takara released two versions of MC12 - a black version with brown handle and a gray version with black handle. The gray version (also known as alternate color version) was less common and harder to find in Microman packaging. However, the gray version of MC12 was repackaged and sold as Transformers Megatron in Japan. (The US version of Megatron used Microman MC13 UNCLE version.)

In object mode, MC12 transformed into a realistic Walther P-38. The toy had die-cast core frame which gave the toys a nice weight which in turn made it even more "realistic". MC12 can shoot plastic "bullets" that load into the barrel. (This feature of the toy was removed from the US Transformers toy) To transform into robot mode, handle split open via metal hinges and became the feet, the gun body became the chest and arms, with the head folded out from behind and snap onto the body. The hands slide out from the arm sections. Takara included two accessories a chrome blade and a laser gun that could attached to the hands The robot looked a little silly by today standard but back in early 1980 this was a pretty good looking mecha considered it could transformed into quite realistic and working toy gun. Takara included two sprue full of blue plastic "bullet" and three cardboard targets with picture of various Acroyears from the New Microman series for kids to practice their marksmanship skills.

When Takara reissued Transformers in 2000, they decided to release the MC13 chrome P-38 UNCLE version and sold as Transformers #16 Special. A special black version was also produced but instead of black plastic like the black version of MC12, the toy had metallic black chromed body. Takara would later reissued the Japan version of Megatron (a gray MC12) but the toy was sold as Megaplex and came with the P-38 UNCLE Special accessories including the blue "bullets" just like the original Microman version. The reissued "Gray Megatron" (Megaplex) was sold as e-Hobby exclusive. (Megaplex was billed by Takara as clone of Megatron and used as decoy for the Destron leader).