Sparking gimmick

Some Transformers toys such as the Sparkabots and Firecons have had the ability to produce showers of sparks, simulating weapons or hot exhaust.

These sparks are produced by a mechanism that, when activated, allows a spinning steel wheel to rub against a flint, similar to that contained in a cigarette lighter.

Sparking mechanisms are notorious for wearing out after prolonged play, and for littering a toy's surface with burned-in crunchy bits, giving the spark-exit area a black-peppered appearance.

Though this gimmick is cool and fun, it isn't one that Hasbro considers any more for use in toys, probably for safety reasons.