...And Now in Geek News... Insert lame "more than meets the eye" reference

Did I hear you scream "Megatron!"? Yeah I knew it, you're a geek... Have no fear, I was a big fan of the Transformers and I even saw the Transformers movie at the Gold Class and LOVED it.

That's right, scoff if you will... thats not why we're here. So why are we here you say?

Well, do you remember why they were called transformers?
Was it because they turned into lady robots?
Did they develop manageable amounts of electricity from high power lines?

Nooooooo, they turn into cars, and planes, and... guns...

And here is where the interesting tidbit of the day comes into our post, dear listener...

This is the only Transformer that is illegal in most states of Australia and only legal in NSW with a permit.

Wait, what?!

Thats because Megatron transforms into this...




















And cos the limited edition steel one looks like a real Walther p.38, customs decided that its a replica firearm and therefore a prohibited weapon. There's even a website describing the steps you need to take to be allowed to keep one!

http://www.megatron.net.au/MC_Masterpiece_MP05_NSW.htm

The fun parts are:

□ Provide evidence that you are a current member of a weapon collectors’ club. You will receive this letter in your membership pack which we will send you after you apply.

□ Provide a statement demonstrating that your collection has a genuine commemorative, historical, thematic or financial value and that Megatron is required as part of that collection.

□ Provide a description of your safe storage arrangements detailing how Megatron will be stored to prevent unauthorised access.

Storage arrangements you say? such as?

□ Megatron MP-05 (prohibited weapon) must be stored in secure premises which are securely locked.

□ The storage area must have solid walls which form a substantial barrier to forced entry.

□ All perimeter windows and roof skylights must be fitted with security grilles.

□ All perimeter doors must be of solid construction, securely hinged in stout framework and fitted with mortiselock or deadlocks. Door hinges must be concealed or the hinge pins welded to prevent them being punched out.

□ All prohibited firearms / prohibited weapons which form part of a collection must be rendered permanently inoperable.

Hmm obviously this is due to the likelihood of a ninja attack, its an understandable precaution to take... Who know's what shenanigans a ninja/decepticons pact could drum up.

So as it reads you need an actual vault to hold a foot tall toy. No word of a lie, there was one guy on the site that has a thumbprint scanner on the door of his collection.

BTW? How does one render his Megatron inoperable? is it just welding the joints shut? Do you have to prove that you lost the instructions and cant make him transform anymore?

Is it wrong that I kinda want one now? Is it cos its prohibited?

Scratch that... I want Darth Vader/Death Star transformer... thats just maximum geek



When are kids old enough for Transformers? Is 4 old enough?

My God that was a lot of geek... I feel slightly dirty now