01 Convoy [Collection #0]

CONVOY (01)
TF Collection #0

Convoy (01) was released in Japan in March, 2003 and sold for Ľ6,500. It is the eighth re-issue figure (#0) released in this new stylized packaging. Convoy is the Japanese name for this figure but many of you recognize him as Optimus Prime. I'll continue to use his Japanese name throughout this review.

The box is made of corrugated cardboard with a front flap that is secured by two strips of velcro. The box is mostly White with Red trim and measures 10.75"Hx8.75"Wx4"D. There's a second Black & White packaged with Convoy and measures 10.75"Hx8.75"x2"D and contains the TF File Card Binder. The "Transformers" lettering is embossed on the front along with the anime Convoy created by Dreamwave Productions. The writing on the ends of the box (front & sides) allow it to be displayed on a shelf in different ways, horizontally & vertically. The top & bottom is mostly printed in English and each side panel can be displayed vertically or horizontally. The horizontal panel is mostly in English whereas the vertical is mostly in Japanese characters.

Opening the flap reveals several things--a nice layout with parts secured in a molded plastic container and data cards attached to the backside of the front flap. The cellophane cover is framed nicely with an Autobot symbol on the front/top and "Convoy" printed on the front/bottom.

The backdrop is Red with Convoy's name above the toy and Collection 0 below it. At the very bottom of the backdrop is "Transformers". Some of the accessories/weapons have a label below the part and the extra parts are hidden in the trailer.

The card catalog is almost entirely in Japanese with most of the page titles in English. The index page is glued to the front cover of the box and outlines the contents of the card catalog. This catalog can be removed from the box due to the perforated edge and can be stored in "bonus" 6-ring binder.

The following items were included with this release:

1. Convoy (Cab, Trailer & Fists)
2. "Roller" Scout Car (+6 Wheels)
3. Gas Pump (Base/Nozzle/Hose)
4. Energy Ax
5. Laser Blaster
6. Character Card
7. Sticker Sheet
8. Instruction Sheet
9. TF File Card Binder

The following information is contained in the booklet:

- Fold-out Dreamwave Poster
- Fold-out Catalog of Season-1 Cybertrons
(C-50 thru C-55, C-71 thru C-76)
- Adams Data File
- 49 Laserwave Data File

Convoy's Weapons & Accessories

WEAPONS: Convoy's weapons are identified as Laser Blaster & Energy Ax. Other accessories include the fuel pump and "Roller" Scout Car. The previous Convoy releases contained the scout car which is painted Silver whereas this release is Blue. The photo below shows Convoy's Laser Blaster attached to Roller.

"Roller" Scout Car

One particular item that is included with this release is the TF binder which measures 9"Hx8"Wx2"D. It is a 6-ring binder made of solid cardboard covered with Red marble-like paper and Silver letters embossed on the front and back. Dividers were included with the following labels: T/F World, CYBERTRON, DESTRON, TV STORY, and CATALOG.

VEHICLE MODE

Convoy is a 10-wheeled semi and with his Red cab & Grey trailer. There are several chrome painted parts such as the rims, grille, headlights, exhaust pipes, gas tanks, and bumpers. The pre-applied stickers include: Red, White & Blue Autobot (Cybertron) stickers applied to the both sides of the trailer and Silver sticker strips were also applied all around the cab.

Convoy's Autobot rub-sign is clearly visible on the roof of his cab. The rubber tires have the following imprinted on them; "FORMULA DESERT DOG". The windshield is translucent Orange The details are very nice and is one of my favorite toys!

There are 4 different "Formations" as indicated on the instruction sheet and listed below:

Cybertron Mobile Base
Movement Attack System
Combat Container
Cybertron Preparation Deck

Instead of creating more photos of these formations, I'll just point you in the direction of the existing Convoy write-up: TF-01 Convoy.

ROBOT MODE

The following photos are of a sticker-less Convoy. If you've visited my site before, you've probably already seen Convoy with his stickers and read the review so I won't go into any details. The figure hasn't changed...except for the addition of an Energy Ax :)

Convoy's helmet is obviously Blue with Silver paint on his mouth guard and forehead piece and Yellow eyes.

To transform Convoy into robot mode you have flip the rear section of the cab that houses the rear wheels. The legs have locking joints and are angled enough to separate the legs. Next fold down the rear bumpers to create Convoy's feet. Separate the back of the cab rotating the flaps out and forward creating his shoulders & arms. The front wheel fenders extend down to create Convoy's forearms. Now insert the fists into the headlight sockets and rotate the roof downward (Autobot rub-sign) revealing Convoy's head. Now you can insert Convoy's Laser Blaster or Energy Ax into either fist.

The entire "Transformer Collection" is excellent, especially when something new is added to a figure or its entire package such as the Energy Ax and TF binder. Now that I have a few Megatron's and Convoy's, it's time to continue introducing new figures into the line-up!!