The first thing you'll notice about this page is the numerous photos of Black Convoy.  I will apologize in advance for this but he's definitely worth the bytes and the wait!

Black Convoy (BC) is a re-issue released on 13 July, 2000 by Takara.   It is based on the 1995 Transformer Laser Rod Leader Optimus Prime, or also known as "Optimus Prime Octane" or "Laser Prime".  This figure is released under the Destronger faction as he is an evil Convoy.  This is evident with his dark color scheme and inverted Black Autobot symbol.

BC is packaged in a 14 1/4"x11"x4" box depicting his Vehicle, Base, and Robot Modes on one side (lengthwise) and just his Vehicle & Robot Modes on the other (heightwise).  He is packaged in Base & Robot Modes with all the various weaponry.  All stickers were applied at the factory and are neatly applied.

VEHICLE MODE:  BC is a Tanker Truck and has a Black & Gray color scheme with aqua blue trimming/pin striping, chrome grille/bumper/hubs, and neon-pink headlights/windows.  It is an awesome cab with two seats and a steering wheel that is visible through the windshield.  The detailing is quite nice, especially with the pin striping; no paint dripping, smudging, or flaking!   This is a 10-wheeled cab (actually 6) with no decals visible in this mode.   The only thing I would like to have seen are rubber tires vice plastic.  Maybe something similar to the "First Convoy".  It would've been a definite improvement in my opinion.

BC's sword fits snug underneath the cab an is visible in the photo above.  There is a ‘rail’ that keeps the sword attached and is a nice little hiding place.  On the roof of the cab is a 'sunroof' button that is clearly visible but inoperable.  This was part of the ‘laser’ gimmick from the original mold but was removed by Takara.  There's also a black sticker applied to the back of the cab that covers the 'former' battery cover for the laser gimmick.  That's the second thing I wish was still intact since I've heard that the headlights, laser cannon, and sword would light up with the press of a button giving a laser appearance.   Takara seems to be removing all electrical gimmicks to save money.  This was evident in the MicroBikes of the Microman line which were repaints of the Transformer LaserCycles.

ROBOT MODE:   To transform BC into Robot Mode you first have to remove his sword from underneath the rear section of the cab.   The second step is to slide out both arms that are the gas tanks and step sides of BC. Then separate the front end of the cab (hood/engine) out and down, creating the shoulders.  Now extend the rear wheels to create the legs and flip the two rail-like pieces above the wheels downward creating BC's feet.  Separate the legs which are connected with a tongue-in-groove joint.  Now it's time to work on exposing his head which is tucked away in his torso.  Open the compartment in his chest and pull out BC's head and rotate it 180 degrees.  Close the torso compartment and install the sword into BC's fist.  Black Convoy stands at 7 3/4" high in case you're wondering.

Isn't he awesome!  He has lots of articulation, stiff and locking joints, and cool silver & black decals!

BASE MODE:  To transform BC into base mode you need to disconnect the trailer from the cab.   Next, pull down the black oval piece at the front of the tanker and depress the little black switch that activates the spring loaded mechanism that separates the trailer in two revealing the tower & Laser Canon on top.  Remove the air pump from the tower.  This pump is connected to the Missile Launcher with a plastic tube and extends at the front of the base.  There are two weapons on each "wing" of the base; Disk Launcher & Missile Launcher.  The Disk Launcher is rotated and flipped upward so that it points away from the base.  The Missile Launcher is disconnected from its post and attached to the ball-in-socket joint.  This is a spring loaded Missile Launcher that has 5 separate buttons to fire each missile individually.  The last thing to note is the storage space for the extra weaponry.  The storage racks are located at the base of each "wing" with the smaller missiles on side and the foam tipped missile on the other.  This Base Mode is not too bad as far as appearances and has many weapons which is a good thing.  The air pumped Missile Launcher is my favorite since it is quite powerful and the harder you pound on the pump, the further the missile travels.

This is yet another excellent addition to my collection and the Car Robot line.  The color scheme for this evil Convoy suits him just fine and is one bad mutha!  It's definitely time for new additions to the  Destronger side.  I recommend this figure for all TransFans!

V E H I C L E   M O D E

BC is about 15" long and 5 1/4" high in Vehicle Mode.  You can see the Disk Launcher on top of the chrome colored trailer as well as the little black lever (located at the base of the trailer) that activates the base mode transformation.

The rear of BC's trailer has a pink, red, and yellow sticker which says "Black Convoy D-012".

R O B O T   M O D E

Another neat gimmick is the "backlit" feature.  Here's a close up photo of Black Convoy with his red glowing eyes as a result of the backlit gimmick when placed near a light source.

Here's a photo of BC manning the guns!  You can stand BC behind the tower and attach the Laser Cannon to his fist.

B A T T L E   B A S E   M O D E

Here is a close up (rear view) photo showing the blue air pump gimmick that shoots the foam tipped missiles, a small Missile Launcher, Disk Launcher, and Laser Cannon attached at the top of the base.

Yet another photo of the base (front view).

W E A P O N S

5 Disks (with Autobot symbols), 2 Large Missiles (foam tipped), and 10 Small Missiles.