HOLY WOOLLY MAMMOTH! BEAST WARS NEO C-35: BIG CONVOY!!

9:07 PM in Beast Wars Neo, C-35, Korean, Large, Sonokong, Woolly Mammoth

Big Convoy: Mighty Impressive

Hey there fellow bloggers! A very warm welcome once again to another blog post, of which I am proud to feature this time around. The toy in question is both brilliant in overall design and ingenious gimmicks packed into one overgrown mammoth of a beast! That's right, the featured Transformer this time is none other than the Cybertron Supreme Commander（総司令官）, fittingly dubbed as a "One-Man" Army: Transformers Beast Wars Neo トランスフォーマー ビーストウォーズネオ: Ｃ－35　ビッグコンボイ / C-35 BIG CONVOY!!

Sonokong Korea Box Front: Neat!

I had initially seen him some time ago, but was not too familiar with the character and existence of the toy. Mind you, I did not follow the Beast Wars Neo TV series, and only got to rekindle my interest and love for Transformers only back in the year 2000, via Transformers: Car Robots aka TF:2K, which aired exactly a year and the half after Beast Wars Neo aired. Although not too deeply motivated by the satirical style of the Beast Wars Neo Anime series, nevertheless it was the "neo" --pardon the pun--! kick-ass design which drew me to this mighty beastly robot. Heck, what could be more awesome than a giant mammoth, than a giant mammoth who can transform! >:-P I didn't want to break the bank for this big fella by buying the Takara 1999 released version, so i decided to purchase the Korean reissue which was released a couple of years back. I must honestly say right from the get go, that this is the "official" Takara reproduction, quite similar in the quality of plastic used for the Japanese Takara version. :-) And, once again, e-bay aka "evil-bay" was my source of vice... :-P

I bought it off for only US$ 50.00 (shipping included!), which roughly translates to only about RM180.00- plus i had some discount coupons left over from Paypal of US$10... or RM34-- which technically made it a mere steal at a discounted price or only RM 140.00 or so! >:-) I love the thrill of scouring for bargains on my purchases, and this time I was counting my blessings... ;-)

Inside of Box: Neatly packed in Robot Mode

Anyway, no more ranting, and lets just get straight to the mini-review, shall we? Judging from his "Technical Data", Big Convoy certainly proves that he is no mere push-over and is one which should be handled with respect and high regard, both for his no-nonsense battle sense and leadership prowess!

Big Convoy: Close-up 'Mug Shot'!

Beast Wars Neo

• Big Convoy (Ultra, 1999)
  • Japanese ID number: C-35
  • Accessories: Big Cannon, Mammoth Haken *2, Energon Matrix

Tech Specs

Strength:	10
Intelligence:	10
Speed:	9
Endurance:	10
Rank:	10
Courage:	10
Firepower:	10
Skill:	10
Total:	79

Big Convoy, the Convoy warrior known as the one man army, is astoundingly powerful, but prefers being alone, heading onto battlefields by himself. He wields a Big Cannon, which can blitz enemies with a single shot. On orders from Vector Sigma, Big Convoy has been appointed as an instructor to a group of young warriors.

Nemesis Prime Universe Instruction Manual

Beast Mode: Woolly Bundle?

Big Convoy transforms into a mammoth and is a rather difficult-to-transform shell-former, as practically all of his beast mode components are shells that fit around the compressed robot to form this mode. As such, he has no leg articulation in this mode, though he has a rubber trunk which can be controlled by pushing a lever on the top of his head. In addition, the movement of his tusks can be controlled by pulling either of his ears. Big Convoy technically has a beast "attack mode" (as shown below), in which his Big Cannon is folded out.

'Beast Attack Mode': Cannon On!

Robot Mode:

Ready for Action!

In robot mode, Big Convoy stands slightly shorter than the original Beast Wars Ultra class Optimus Primal and Lio Convoy toys, but more than redeems itself by being armed to the teeth with an impressive set of weapons and smart gimmicks.
























First and foremost, the spring-loaded Big Cannon, formed out the beast head, can fire two missiles from two barrels in succession with a rotating dial. It is held in his hands and can be stored on his back, though doing this may cause some stability problems owing to its weight.

Secondly, he has flip-out tonfa melee weapons in his forearms., which makes for a handy direct combat option, perfect for clubbing the enemies senseless! >:-) It also add an air of brute force to a toy already impressive in it's own right!

Missile Action!

Thirdly, the two beast panels on the sides of his legs feature two spring-loaded missile launchers that fire anchor-shaped projectiles (similar to the original Beast Wars Ultra class Megatron toy).

Red Ruby Matrix: Powerful and Shiny!

Last but not least, the front of his chest panel flips down, revealing a chamber -like storage-- which is capable of storing the first-ever removable Matrix toy accessory. It is coated in vacuum-metalized gold with a transparent red center. This accessory can be held by any figure with standard 5mm fist holes. Not only does it look good, doing so, but it also lends an air of power, and arrogance to the figure. It;s a neat little accessory which complements the figure well. I mean, who wouldn't want to pose their Primes holding the omnipotent Matrix of Leadership?! Very impressed even more! Nice touch!

Light our Darkest Hour!

Overall Thoughts:

Beast War Neo Big Convoy is overall a clunky-shell former, but once you get pass the initial disappointment of the less than stellar Mammoth Beast Mode, his Robot Mode is a sight to behold. Powerful, bestial and a true representation of Japanese toy engineering and most importantly, aesthetics. Thus, I would strongly recommend that both fans and non-fans of the Beast Wars line to plunk down a rather small and affordable fortune to go out and obtain him, as he is getting rarer and more difficult to find in the online and specialist stores. Don't hesitate to add Big Convoy to your collection, too if you are an avid Prime/Convoy collector! Im glad I managed to, and you would too! Thus, Big Convoy deservedly gets a BIG stomping 4 **** 1/2 Four and A Half Stars / Over 5 ***** Stars!!

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WSTOYZ- REVIEW: BRAVE SERIES-LINER DAGWON!!!

3:24 PM in Brave, Gattai, Korea, Sonokong, Takara, Train Robots, Yuusha

Hey there fellow Bloggers! Today I will be putting something different as a kind request by one of my best buddies! (Here's hoping I don't let you down, bro!) -who just so happens to be an avid collector/fan of the Brave or Yuusha, line of Transforming Robots; which coincidentally became somewhat of a huge success for Japanese Toy-Maker Company Takara Co. Ltd. Although considered a separate franchise, The Yuusha Series; the toys certainly somehow inadvertently "borrowed" certain similar elements/ Mecha-design references during a time when the diminishing popularity of the Transformers franchise in Japan, Transformers Zone, occurred during the early 1990's. Takara desperately needed another shot in the arm, and thus a series of Brave or Yuusha cartoons paved the way for a reemergence and reinvigorating future after the unparalleled success of Transformers.

Without further delay, essentially, today I will be giving a personal review for one of the most interesting Three Robot / Train-based combiners to ever be produced by Takara, even being released as far back as the year 1994 in the Brave Command Dagwon Line! Yes, fellow Mecha fans... It is none other than : "SPEED WARRIOR - LINER DAGWON!"


Box Image: Front view shows nice, solid graphics of individual modes and combined form. This is the more inexpensive Sonokong Korean Version, Licensed by Takara.

Inside of Box: Contents are individually packed in Train mode inside plastic tray. Missiles for DagArmor are neatly packed on top right hand corner, as is the stickers and instruction manual.

I shall give a brief review and little personal insight with regards to the individual Robots, aesthetic differences and of course functions and gimmicks.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

First up is the Team Leader and Commander:

DagTurbo

Train Mode:

Dagturbo's train mode is essentially a Blue and White Bullet Train which can transform into the main torso of the combined super-robot mode. He also holds the super robot head in the middle part of the train carriage. At a glance, the design is pretty similar to other train robots produced by Takara, and DagTurbo's function and style can be likened to another 3-part combiner in the form of Transformer Car Robots JRX J-5 / RID Rail-Spike Bullet Train.

Left Arm Power Up Weapon:

DagTurbo's Power-up Piece is a super-charged turbo engine, which he attaches to the back of his train mode-- It can be separated to make the Left-hand connection and arm of the Liner Dagwon super robot mode. Besides forming the arm, the super-mode part also carries the front hip-guard for Liner Dagwon.









Power-Up Robot Mode:

Stylish, and retains the colour of its Train Mode--it stands roughly about 5 inches tall when fully transformed. Adding the Turbo Engines is done with two pegs which can be attached to the back part of the legs. Overall he is a decent looking robot, but definitely not the best looking of the bunch! LOL! Here, pictured above, you will notice slightly that I have made a few minor enhancements to the sticker parts, namely the hip-plate and forehead yellow crest. They were missing from the original sticker sets, and I thought a little "sprucing up" was needed to enhance the Robot mode's appearance! It's always cool to add your personal touch to your own toy-- as they always say--a little effort goes a long way! :)

Next in line is The Combiner's Team Fire-Power and Artillery Expert:

DagArmor

Train Mode:

Essentially, the appearance of DagArmor's Train-Mode is quite similar to that of DagTurbo's. He is primarily white with a lighter shade of blue. The only difference is a few colour changes of a few green lines across the train carriage. DagArmor's main function is to transform into Liner Dagwon's Right-Leg Piece, connecting with DagWing to form the lower part of the super Robot Mode. At a glance, the design is pretty similar to other train robots produced by Takara, and DagArmor's function and style can be likened to another 3-part combiner in the form of Transformers Car Robots J-7 / RID's Rapid Run.

Right Arm -Power-Up Weapon:

DagArmour's Power-up Piece is an Artillery Multiple Rocket Launcher , which also attaches to the back of his train mode-- It can be separated to make the right-hand connection and arm of the Liner Dagwon super robot mode. The plastic missiles are fully spring loaded, albeit only with respect to the two main launchers attached on it's wrist.

Power-Up Robot Mode:

Whoa! what an extra awesome difference the robot mode can look just by attaching it's super rocket launcher backpack! Its safe to assume that his overall aesthetics appeals to me the most. His backpack makes him look bad-ass and adds to a sense of power-- The primarily green arms and legs complements his red-missiles and silver stickers applied. An excellent robot mode well designed!

And thirdly, the last member of the group to be given the spotlight is the team's flight expert:

DagWing

Train Mode:

Essentially, the appearance of DagWing's Train-Mode takes a completely different turn to that of both Turbo's and Armor's. He is primarily gray lighter shade of silver. DagWing's main function is to transform into the flight thrusters for Liner Dagwon's super robot mode. He also has the connecting piece in order to combine with DagTurbo to form the lower part of the super Robot Mode. At a glance, the concept once again is rather similar to other train robot gestalts produced by Takara. Although dissimilar in design to Car Robots J-5/ RID Midnight Express, nevertheless DagWing's function is important to complete the overall look and feel of Liner Dagwon's Super robot mode-- The upward mode of the "Robot Wing's" is enhanced even more because of the clear blue plastic used to mold them.

Wing Booster Power-Up Weapon:

Essentially, the thrusters and wings can be folded backwards to mimic a so-called "landing mode". The style of the wings can be then altered with a press of a button on the thrusters back-part. Nothing much in terms of the gimmick, but it does add to the playability, considering the limitations of the overall toy design and engineering form the early 1990's.

Power-Up Mode:

My second fave--and also retains the colour of its Train Mode--Overall pleasing on the eye, and a stylish looking robot! Here once again, as pictured above, I have made a few minor enhancements to the sticker on bot mode., namely on his front of the train chest. A strip of silver and black sticker with the number's "1" / "2" embossed. The "sprucing up" was needed to give the Robot mode's appearance a hint of personality! Once again, I always feel that with a little creativity and inspiration, you can make a toy unique and stand out even more. ;)

JUUREN-GATTAI! DAGWON LINER!

Well, now that its coming to the tail end of the review, I would not want to be so cruel to let you guys miss out on the piece De la Resistance' : The combined/ parts which are transformed from the individual powers/abilities of the Three Liner Members!

As mentioned earlier, DagTurbo forms the torso and head piece, followed by both DagArmor and DagWing. Essentially, both Turbo's and Armor's super mode weapons become Liner Dagwon's Arms-- this also includes both train mode front pieces, which become the super robot mode's shoulder pads.

To Gattei, or Combine, simply take the mid section of Dagwon Liner's Torso and tab the connectors from DagTurbo (essentially his arms which are folded ala JRX) into the combined lower leg/ thighs area of DagArmor and DagWing. Then attach the arm connectors, followed by the back thrusters. Finally, swivel the Super robot-Mode Head forward to complete the transformation and combination sequence!!


FINAL THOUGHTS:

WELL, HERE HE IS FINALLY! DAGWON LINER IN ALL HIS GLORY! Overall, he is a bulky-looking combiner, not necessarily a bad thing, but in my opinion, not too shabby and well proportioned. In my book, Liner Dagwon is an interesting and well executed combiner -- and will appeal to mecha fans who especially love combining train-bots! However, having said that, i will take a more unbiased view by adding that in my humble opinion, the individual robot modes are more overall
esthetically appealing -- as they match the Anime look more closely, and look cool with their super parts attached. With that, I give this Brave Series Gestalt a positive 4 **** / Out Of 5 ***** Stars!!

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