C-01 Convoy - Henkei - Figure

I really love the Classics Prime mold. The proportions are good, the articulation is excellent, and both robot and vehicle modes are pretty solid and stable.

I'd even go as far as claim that this is, so far, the best Prime toy to date. Sure Masterpiece Prime is more detailed, and has lotsa special features, but which toy is more playable?

So, how do you improve on near perfection? The Henkei Convoy.

When rumors started floating about a G1-accurate repaint of Classics Prime, I expected the addition of the autobot emblem on the shoulders, nothing more. Then, the pics came out. Wow.

My problem then was how to score an awesome piece like this. Truth be told, I expected the price range to do a number on my wallet. So I decided on a little project.

Comparing Classics Prime with Henkei Convoy, I noticed that a little repainting and omission of paint will be enough. Seriously, I planned on repainting Classics Prime's grill and bumper with metallic silver paint this holy week. The excess yellow highlights in his limbs could be solved with a touch of acetone. Cool!

Then, I went with a friend to a nearby hobby shop since he's picking up an SDF-1. I went in, saw Henkei Megs, and this cool robot.

It just blew me away. Sure, he looks like Classics Prime, maybe with some subtle differences, but the price is good enough to justify the purchase!

Here's the back of the box, again, cluttered and busy design showcasing the features, and the tech specs.

STUFF

The good news is that there's not a string of twisties. The bad news is that there are lots of plastic tape.

Henkei convoy comes with the manual, a tech specs card, and a mini-comic which is the exact same mini-comic that came with Henkei Megatron.

ROBOT MODE

Basically Classics Prime with less yellow highlights, and with Autobot emblems on his shoulders ala-Classics Magnus, Henkei Convoy is definitely G1.

The joints are surprisingly very very tight!

HC also has blue lightpiping in his eyes but it does not work that well, just like the Classics version.

Goddamn! That's one shiny grill!

TRUCK MODE

The first thing you'll notice in truck mode is that ultra-mega-hyper shiny chrome grill. You know that scene in the animated movie where Prime rams into a conehead seeker? Yep, you can reenact that same scene with Henkei Convoy, a Classics seeker, and a trailer.

Another thing you'll notice is that the headlights are different.

The high headlights have been painted blue, and smaller lights placed lower become the trucks main lights, which are more believable.

TRUCK OR ROBOT?

It's a very tough decision, but I'd go for robot mode. Why? because Robot mode features more details.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE! CLASSICS PRIME VERSUS HENKEI CONVOY VERSUS CLASSICS ULTRA MAGNUS!

I'm sure better pics can be seen on the net comparing both Primes, but I can't stop shooting pics!

CP has more yellow highlights on his forearms. Also, Henkei Convoy's arms are fully red.

The shoulders are obviously different, and check out those thighs. Henkei Convoy's are painted metallic silver.

The heads also have slight differences. Henkei Convoy's crest is silver, compared to Classics Prime's yellow.

The pattern on the wind vanes are also different. See the difference in the legs? They are different shades of blue.

Here, we see the difference of the fists. Where Classics Prime's is fully black, Henkei Convoy's has portions painted blue.

Some shots showing the difference of the thighs and crotch.

"Hey! We both have emblems of allegiance on our shoulders!"

Comparisons with Magnus-

Truck mode comparisons - first thing you'll always notice is the big shniy chrome bumper and grill.

Also notice that Henkei Convoy has more paint applications on the front of the truck.

Some more pics-

Here, we see the slight difference in the shade of blue.

Notice that Henkei Convoy's smokestack/weapon is painted silver (similar to Classics Magnus).

CLASSICS PRIME OR HENKEI CONVOY?

Funny thing is that Henkei Convoy is cheaper than Classics Prime. If you don't have Classics Prime yet, go get Henkei Convoy.

I can't recommend one over the other since both have their own strengths and weaknesses, unlike Classics and Henkei Megatron.

Classics Prime is a flashier, updated version of G1 design, while Heneki Convoy sports a much simpler look, with subtle features.

So basically, it all boils down to whether you like your Prime with a big shiny chrome grill or not.

PROS

-simpler design and color application

-more traditional G1 look

-chrome grill and bumper

-muffler/weapon is painted metallic silver

CONS

-very tight joints make transforming a bit difficult

Reviewer	Evil Wolf
Date	March 21st 2008
Score	(10 out of 10)
Reads	15346

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