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Takara released the
New Year Special Convoy (TF-01) in January
2002. This is the first release New Year Special figures in a
series which will be released every January.
The box art is similar
to previously released Convoy's with some minor changes. Convoy's
eyes are Blue vice Yellow and all pictures of the actual toy show a Blue
windshield vice Amber. One thing I did notice on the box that
wasn't "re-colored" was the canopy on the cockpit which is now Blue.
The box has been
extended approximately 3" in length to include the additional parts of
this release. The dimension of the box is 16.25"x3.25"x6".
The box doesn't have a sticker to identify its release as previous
exclusives, but rather incorporated into the box art (upper left-hand
corner) in Gold which states "2002 New Year Special". I've decided
not to apply any of the stickers to Convoy, so you won't see them in the
photos on this page.
Contents of Box
The following
is a list of "standard" items are found in
Convoy's box: "Roller" scout car
(Blue version) with 6 wheels, Laser Blaster, 2 fists, 6 missiles, tech spec
card, sticker sheet, instruction sheet, gas pump, nozzle, and hose.
Weapons & Attachments
Here is a
list of new items that is included with this release (transcribed by
Doug Dlin):
1.
Convoy Special Color Variation (Cartoon Style)
2. Die-cast Metal Matrix
3. Necklace Chain for Matrix
4. Original Convoy Gun (First Molding)
5. Convoy Figure (Actionmaster)
6. Cybertron (Autobot) Sticker Sheet
7. Cybertron (Autobot) Mouse Pad (6.75"x5.75")
Convoy with Laser Rifles
ROBOT MODE: 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. Finally, insert
Convoy's guns into
his fists.
Convoy with Blue
Eyes & Windshield
Convoy with Matrix
Here's a
photo of Convoy with the Matrix inserted into
his chest. There Matrix is slotted so that it can rest on the
divider separating the two seats in the cab. The Matrix also comes
with a 26" chain to wear around your neck.
Actionmaster Convoy |
Actionmaster Convoy
stands just shy of 4" in height. This is my first AM figure and I
can't say that I'm overly impressed with its function since it doesn't
transform into anything. I will say that it has some nice
detailing with limited articulation. His arms can swing
upward/downward, head can rotate from side to side, legs can bend 90
degrees at the knees, and hips have ball in socket jointing which is
nice. I reminds me of the Microman figures I own. There are
some port holes at his shoulders, back, and under his feet, as well as
his fists. I understand that previous releases of AM Prime came
with a gun attachment, which this didn't, but I have no idea if there
were other attachments that connected to the other port holes.
Action Master Convoy with
Matrix VEHICLE MODE: Convoy is
a 10-wheeled semi and is packaged in this mode with
its Red cab & Gray trailer. There are chrome painted parts such as the
rims, grille, headlights, exhaust pipes, gas tanks, and bumpers. Autobot stickers
were applied to both sides of the cab and an Autobot rub sign is clearly visible on the
roof. The container already had the Blue & White with Red Autobot stickers
applied to the both sides. There silver sticker strips were also applied all around
the cab. As with the previous releases, the rubber tires
have "FORMULA DESERT DOG"
imprinted on them.
There are 4 different "Formations"
as indicated on the packaging. The different formations are identified
below with their corresponding photos
(same info from first Convoy review).
Formation #1 -
Cybertron Mobile Base
The first formation is the moving base which has the
retractable arm with two missile launchers, a radar attachment, and mechanical arm.
At the top of this arm is a cockpit with a canopy that can rotate 360 degrees.
You'll find many little compartments around this container since it's a Diaclone mold and
the original Battle Convoy included small action-figures. Even the cab opens up at
the front to reveal two seats. Some additional seats are in the canopy on the
extended arm, both flaps of the trailer, as well as the scout vehicle.
Formation #2 -
Movement Attack System
The second formation is an attack system. This is
a capsule the extends through a hole at the top of the container. This photo shows
the two missile launchers, mechanical arm, and radar extended.
Formation #3 -
SuperDasher Combat Container
The third formation is like a garage. There is a
spring loaded launcher to send the scout down the ramp. The lever can be found in
the front on the container. There are two support beams that rotate out to provide
extra support to both container flaps. This photo shows Convoy's laser blaster
connected on top of the scout which is painted silver. There are a couple of peg
holes for weapon storage or connecting the nozzle/gas pump.
Formation #4 -
Cybertron Preparation Deck
The last formation is the preparation deck or repair
bay. Convoy is being worked on and the mechanical arm is adding some fuel :)
Overall, I like the
additional items included in this release and I'm looking forward to
seeing other figures in the years to come. I'd like to thank
Masato Shono for hooking me up with this figure while I was deployed! |
