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Transformer Masterpiece - MP-1 Cybertron Commander Convoy |
| Series | Transformer Masterpiece |
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| Title | MP-1 Cybertron Commander Convoy | |
| Release Date | December 2003 | |
| Manufacturer | Takara | |
| Suggested Price (JPY) | 9,800 | |
| Scale | Non-Scale | |
| Height (cm) |
Vehicle: (L x W x H) 23.5 x 8.5 x 13.2 cm (approx.) Robot: Head Height 32.0 cm (approx.) |
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| No. of Parts | 1 die-cast action figure + 1 laser rifle + 1 Megatron pistol + 1 matrix + 1 color manual + 1 ID Card + 1 cardboard trailer | |
| My Rating | Excellent |
Related Items:
Comment
Masterpiece Convoy is the Takara's version of
the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime by Hasbro, its
American counterpart. The goal of this toy was to
create a large, detailed, accurate representation of
the Convoy character that was able to transform and
incorporate a wide array of toy features that had
had been developed over the past twenty years.
Convoy's robot mode is designed to bring in elements
from both the original Generation 1 toy as well as
the TV show. A healthy dose of stylized design was
provided and the result is probably one of the most
impressive toy representations of the original
Convoy ever seen in the Transformers toy line.
Masterpiece Convoy has two different manufacturers, Takara and Hasbro but both of them are not releasing an exact duplicate item. Both manufacturer versions have some subtle differences made to this commemorative series bringing a localized flavor to each version. I did some research on the net and the following list is the difference found:
- Different packaging where Hasbro comes in a crystal box while Takara's in a black box.
- Hasbro's comes with battle damage as seen in "Transformer: The Movie", while Takara's comes in a clean figure.
- Hasbro version has a shorter smoke stacks.
I owned the Takara version since it has a better quality in overall and without the weathered look.
The big feature here is the ability for Convoy's chest to open up. Each chest panel swings out to the side to reveal a Matrix underneath, as seen in “Transformers: The Movie”, allows a neat feature to be used here. Push the blue switch to the left of Convoy's head back and a bright light shines through the chest and the Matrix. This light is seriously bright to the point where I do not recommend staring directly at it too long.
Convoy comes with jam-packed features and accessories where I could not list all of them here.
In every angle, this toy is would truly be a masterpiece if the following defects were rectified.
- The chest panel on the left chest panel is slightly slanting down inward direction, where it should be parallel with the right chest panel.
- A deep seam lines is visible on both arms.
- Only a foldable cardboard trailer is given, which look awkward to be display with such a beautiful figure.
Omitting the mentioned defects, this release of Masterpiece Convoy is truly a dream-come-true release to all Transformer fans worldwide. Convoy, being an iconic representation of Transformer, is first ever convoy release to make a realistic proportions compatible with transforming mechanisms to change the figure into truck mode. Personally, the re-issue of G1 Optimus Prime is nothing compared to this. Since the demand is high, this took quite some effort of me looking for this figure.
This item is quite hard to get owing to its popularity but I manage to locate mine at Low Yat Plaza.
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| Details like rivets are visible | Truck side view shows longer smoke stacks compare to Hasbro version |
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| Blue switch on top is to light up the matrix | Underside view |
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| Windows open reveal a driver seat | Three colors tail lights |
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| I wish I could shoot Star Scream via the comm-link | |
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| Come on, Decepticons! Come and taste my rifle! | Bumblebee! Gather all Autobots now! |
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Document Date : 2004-01-19 |
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