Toy Review - Convoy - Missing Link

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Series - Missing Link
Size/class - N/A
New/remould/redeco - Looks like a Copy, but I suspect all new moulding.
Wave - C01
Released here - N/A (Japan, February 2024)
Approximate Retail Price - 17,380 Yennies
Approximate Size - G1 Optimus Prime-ish
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - Flat Nose Truck
Main Features/Gimmicks - G1 Goodness with modern engineering and articualtion.
Main Colours - Red, silver, blue and grey
Main Accessories - Matrix, Trailer, Roller, gun

Having some trouble with the cumbersome photo situation and google at the moment.

My main comment about this toy is:
This is the toy you thought you had as a kid. It's so good.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczORGMaE1Gyw9HH02Xy5RtvBUoRgZ32rZFzz_nT0Zs7qP6 iKamg_sP7NXA9eaM-kIsTgrLCh1y9OT_esb1WFcZq8cc2doTJAr5U7UaJI_4H3sEWvE jqhH1wQTvsdEJvb_ZZCNggEWjzZAKdBggEnOCJIOw=w633-h475-s-no?authuser=0
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMFCfO8pL0pV-Nexn1YkQXWcfqDJ-QnkGD8npHLPbCN9MEscfyyaB-hFzNfmEMMiC0UCKr8pDAGuh7nEsmuDxRE1bNfispD31IAolHYQ qqx3o0oo0y0nnfEYBT6nJFWf3JOvhYwz9lg2xW_6rIyhunsMQ= w633-h475-s-no?authuser=0
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNggNY6YWN9CaHx5Oglck5yrGYZY7jPktMSPJ5EMNLok7 7XieJkf0J5n1TpgGanhTG3rwzf9oR_bm3h349Ljx1QqirBlQ_a 2Mwy2dXOrTs8dJ0vuWaY9Vpk1zBahPBJODhPhKOl90_5SkEXpj 1P2d1lKA=w633-h475-s-no?authuser=0
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPHhah5LjoSEMvUcPcXwyIuZaX_btLeN8N4EdssaP5Rbr tZeC1Ps01xrSx6YF9uFR5GDqtIsV8dly7z9b1ZXuEjnBEU9_5n NOtW53Xk7UFoWwpCsKZVXuCRCfx2M9plp8Y8ztK_eDP51KDLrI T_1OHk9Q=w633-h475-s-no?authuser=0

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Continuing on

Yup he's a good one all right. All the feels of the old toy are there, all the clickies in the right spots, some with EXTRA clickies. Some of the joints are super tight though, the eb crunch on mine was worryingly so at the start, but you just have to get used to it.

The extra moulding and decals on this guy make him feels super quality! They've changed the shape of the headlights though, as you don't have to stick hands in them any more!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNieD8lvzaibeR_gQbS5FBqdP07CddE_n6smsWN2Ck9Kr f2s60kC5MGl3-WWwWwBWj8L7OGdEwFqRHgxxMlJiHHb1jHnUVZzOHj6ElYEM6VH Y-_i10BXBCPZSKLUDyJAuAFk28Eb7EKIKNbQBHGZUNafw=w633-h475-s-no?authuser=0

I'm not too sure if it's my memory playing tricks on me or what, but the trailer plastic doesn't seem as nice. It's a matte grey, whereas my nostalgia-memory tells me G1 was a bit more silvery/metallic. The spring loaded launcher is gone, as you can now pull the tower out. It has wheels underneath. Be aware that Roller will rattle around in the trailer now as there is no locking mechanism for the little guy.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPsdJ30HD3fNfw96u_Nfz4vQzrQ_ed2e6ic42jWfgHrsN gjKqsBulTNfVu5KtLdyxAoFsJyHZpNZBHc3TjdrVTcOIPgiXop xr7fIluXfxMZOPt0sx-GEZbAEuxJsQ5KE9UOYHn-qyrJJ7uvDbqDMe7aFw=w633-h475-s-no?authuser=0

In the package is Foam, a little catalgue blurbing on about the missing link Convoys, a tech spec decoder and instructions. To me, it feels like the decoder is thicker plastic than they used to be. Pedantic hey?
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNN-k8JSLOnnz493-d-VCY1M_vJfq32KqC_6Lus3rWjfK6Lqw7h6BztQcLNAYwi459Owz nDuJ4v06IdWEdwBqF3f0Ds3OVa5DYtlkyvFu7MGV1i6DR6CkaW gbDmErHf-ZzN52HWx86ciSmdV9WYrpL-tA=w356-h475-s-no?authuser=0
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczO2_wu6rT3xL944O-73FM_LRTIBNMFxZt6D3YxBN-ntxrPBhv4S9Mc9rgpcMEVfrZZ742eqoj5FZBjCoz6urrzkVJHI cNoKjf3Vo51IGR9hN2DcjDuoZkJrqw-jcFHl6LqTTV8BajJiDsr6HRuH-gIPxg=w633-h475-s-no?authuser=0

Roller can have the gas pump thing in him, or a woo woo light. You just spin the piece!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMQ1X6nm_Wa35uyvvyPCFT7x-JuluSjYsh5-8QjDQrEtsfcO-7_2ceDHWnk9CnvOvYhEEVnL845AG3RxI6GXHP6xW9A8djYZUpG dzhv37GwXlXagEoO6WQ08O7Vv6_InJ9p86LgqN3YUCx0qvexwh G5hQ=w633-h475-s-no?authuser=0
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPRNzanDieLgPilx6bDaMSoJKk8ay18YoTF445eUX8fbJ xcEpcJIyfoHvMDxmEOyzB5jNykI0kv8_pePA_bO3x_KxRFFAcs sXbTuqk5wOuMFZqNONgozjd0OC5YnYL3hi2pXB-hkTnPB6AamHg4XxQbiQ=w633-h475-s-no?authuser=0
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczP081PoG-GATAqIaWJqWL6SvhMVgm4_9vUYhcrunM5bM6KmKwPJt7bDug9J U_a80_9sCIqEhCPjBq9uMWp4j6RFrGs4wYM-N7RxI-zMw0MrHIKoINRGqauT9GfF0_1w8DZfQ3_MMogJbDBBNxXCRIL2 dA=w633-h475-s-no?authuser=0

There is a mtarix and the toy colour has a golden back piece and the anime colour has a black one. The backing piece is removable.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMGF7FIaUPDySV4gvBZHs9LnzpQeOtTvpqLAHFHfZkx8q aNrjjFDghR10GVGfkv9anyRCiChtEtQX8hDOlgaJYxnCLHS4XV 9Cm2H5ZiICskU3Y9Lm_tvRkkg2kNpxfBEkOQbUJUSdpPiO-VA6OIdV0OOg=w356-h475-s-no?authuser=0
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMoPVPS4-1tjLGLpjC7N-eMFAi5roDwtJnoMoxMV4CnLSJ0EZxrlp3Ve6FDR2NfqvbwB4zK yLcap-bQ9f0dmKdltrb48qARvuQys1blK2zJc7oWhfem5ggAUAgM8WU8 1HIsBY8nGxmVLxSHd8917OyF-g=w356-h475-s-no?authuser=0

And while the trailer is missing the Roller launcher, the missiles are still spring loaded:

https://youtu.be/x68-mqKIbrE

Overall this toy is great. Nice tight joints and articualtion everywhere. Get one.

[Tha_Phantom]

I'm not too sure if it's my memory playing tricks on me or what, but the trailer plastic doesn't seem as nice. It's a matte grey, whereas my nostalgia-memory tells me G1 was a bit more silvery/metallic.


I wonder if the matte colour is so it can be used with the anime one without seeming too jarring? I know plenty of people have gone in on both and no doubt Takara wanted that to happen too.

Can't wait to get mine! You've really got me hyped for this (not that I wasn't already). :D

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I wonder if the matte colour is so it can be used with the anime one without seeming too jarring? I know plenty of people have gone in on both and no doubt Takara wanted that to happen too.

Yeah that was my main thought too.
However, I can't say I'm ecstatic about that decision is that is the case. TBH

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm getting mine via HLJ and I've paid for registered airmail as it was significantly cheaper than DHL, and I've been hit with a triple whammy with MP Hoist, MPG Kaen and ML Convoy all back to back. It may be up to 6 weeks before I receive mine, so I'm just living vicariously through other people's photos. :) I've yet to see someone post a side-by-side comparison with an original G1 Optimus Prime, but here is a comparison photo with Music Label Convoy - which is basically a reissue original G1 OP with a new head.

Photo credit: Sato Yoshinori
https://i.ibb.co/xYVGxdH/temp.jpg

[Deano85]

Got both Missing Link Optimus Primes from Amazon Japan. Here is some pics of C-02.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ltkhvblz9i1rht04rwtd7/pixlr_20240228181957742-2.png?rlkey=36cyjnvuntkcbzgoypgz3hm96&raw=1

[Paulbot]

Strongly recommend picking up a Missing Link anime version. Haven't put the bumper bar sticker on yet.

https://i.imgur.com/FWLCbt1l.jpeg https://i.imgur.com/RW0TTmRl.jpeg

With the Transformers Retro Soundwave

https://i.imgur.com/i4A5Etil.jpeg

And with my original Optimus Prime, which I think was a 1986 birthday present.

https://i.imgur.com/73otnIIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/F56tqrIl.jpeg?1

[Dan]

Watching a review of this toy (albeit just the cab-robot) does odd things to my mind. I watch and yes it looks just like the toy I'm incredibly familiar with until they start transforming or posing it and suddenly it feels like I've shifting into some alternate universe. From reading this thread, seems like a huge step forward for the cab and a small step backwards for the trailer. Overall it is astounding. One way of describing this Missing Link line could be 'box art accurate' (which is possibly all a kld ever really wanted).

I have a question for the more technically-minded of you. When a reviewer says that this is an upgrade of the original toy with 'modern engineering' does that mean this would not have been possible in 1984, or just that it would have been prohibitive for a reasonably priced mass produced item?

[reillyd]

Having just had a good play, I’m super impressed and feel, despite the cost, he is worth every penny. Integrating hands into the transformation works so well - no partsforming with the fists, which easily get lost as well. I miss the spring-loaded launch of Roller, and the blue colour of the original. But the actual Convoy? He’s a masterpiece and being able to ‘officially’ integrate the matrix is awesome. I was even able to take a photo of him holding it, which just couldn’t be accomplished with the original

6764
Holding the matrix

The only flaw I can see is that my roller comes without a light. I’ve seen lights in other people’s reviews, but couldn’t see a light in the instruction sheet either so maybe it doesn’t come with it after all, and its a 3rd party upgrade?

[Paulbot]

Watching a review of this toy (albeit just the cab-robot) does odd things to my mind. I watch and yes it looks just like the toy I'm incredibly familiar with until they start transforming or posing it and suddenly it feels like I've shifting into some alternate universe.

That's very much how it felt to me in hand. I've had an Optimus Prime toy for nearly 40 years, and this one is similar to look at in cab mode but does these new things that feel a bit unnatural; as they conflict with my muscle memory of how to transform Optimus Prime.


I have a question for the more technically-minded of you. When a reviewer says that this is an upgrade of the original toy with 'modern engineering' does that mean this would not have been possible in 1984, or just that it would have been prohibitive for a reasonably priced mass produced item?

Nothing in this toy couldn't have been done in the 80s, but would have made the toy more expensive (as it has today) due to part counts and there were things that just weren't done back then - like the ankle pivots and extra posability.

[Deano85]

I'm wondering if any 3rd party company will make a piece to hold Roller in place while in the trailer.

[Tha_Phantom]

The only flaw I can see is that my roller comes without a light. I�ve seen lights in other people�s reviews, but couldn�t see a light in the instruction sheet either so maybe it doesn�t come with it after all, and its a 3rd party upgrade?

I got confused by this at first too. The hole that the gun pegs into is actually a separate piece that swivels around revealing the light.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

The only flaw I can see is that my roller comes without a light. I�ve seen lights in other people�s reviews, but couldn�t see a light in the instruction sheet either so maybe it doesn�t come with it after all, and its a 3rd party upgrade?


I got confused by this at first too. The hole that the gun pegs into is actually a separate piece that swivels around revealing the light.

Yeah this, The area where you would plug the gas thingamajig has the light underneath it, you just need to rotate that piece and the light will be underneath. It might be a bit stiff. My Convoy is a tight fella.

He apparently has thigh swivels too, but mine are super tight. I hear if you losen the screws a tad, then you can access them swivels.

[Dan]

Nothing in this toy couldn't have been done in the 80s, but would have made the toy more expensive (as it has today) due to part counts and there were things that just weren't done back then - like the ankle pivots and extra posability.

Thanks. It is as I suspected, but sometimes the talk surrounding contemporary toys suggests it's all down to new tech. I'm reminded, however, of a special effects supervisor from 70s-80s movies who declared that they could do anything you wanted as long as they were given the right budget. :)

[GoktimusPrime]

PROS: It's an articulated G1 Optimus Prime toy :D
CONS: It's an articulated G1 Optimus Prime toy :p
At the end of the day, that's what this toy is. It's the basically the original G1 Optimus Prime toy with articulation. If that sort of thing appeals to you, then go ahead and get this toy. But if that sounds rather dull to you, then give it a pass.

Other thoughts:
* This toy works out to be roughly double the price of the original Optimus Prime, adjusting for inflation. This isn't a criticism of the price, it is very clear to see where the extra money has gone to; bigger budget means that this toy can do loads more than the original never could, but it also does mean bigger price tag. And this is why the original toy, which was aimed at children, could never be this expensive. This toy is aimed at adult collectors (box says "Ages 15+") with disposable incomes, so it's priced accordingly.
* This is, at least for now, an orphaned toy. Aside from the cartoon coloured version, there are no other Missing Link toys for this figure to interact or display with. Having said that, Masterpiece MP01 was also an orphaned toy when it came out 20 years ago. Takara did market it as being compatible with Binaltech, and it was scaled accordingly, but it was the only MP that existed at the time. I hope that this will be the first of many more ML toys in the near future.
* Missing Link might be the way forwards instead of reissues. HasTak seems to have hit the limit with reissues in terms of available moulds. All we get now are repaints of G1 toys that have been reissued before. If it's not viable/possible to build new G1 moulds from scratch, then how about Missing Link? Imagine getting a Missing Link Ligier which not only has an articulated robot mode, but a robust waist joint that won't snap! Going by ML Convoy's price difference w/ G1, a ML Ligier might cost just under $100... I think a lot of collectors would pay that. Imagine a Missing Link Wheeljack with built-in wings and spoilers. No need to worry about those teeny tiny back pegs breaking.

Piccies:

Front of box
https://i.ibb.co/LZCQCty/convoy25.jpg

Side of box
https://i.ibb.co/cwLyjGY/convoy01.jpg

Back and other side of box
https://i.ibb.co/rcSZGbC/convoy02.jpg

Foam tray and contents
https://i.ibb.co/WsxZbw9/convoy03.jpg

Truck mode
https://i.ibb.co/dQX49sk/convoy04.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/bg5ygTb/convoy05.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/k4mx2Rn/convoy06.jpg

With Diaclone pilot in driver's seat
https://i.ibb.co/2cWg3vK/convoy07.jpg

Diaclone pilot
https://i.ibb.co/FgtjswN/convoy08.jpg

Comparison with G1 in truck mode
https://i.ibb.co/L0Xqc4F/convoy09.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/nfsTV4q/convoy10.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/mHH7bcH/convoy11.jpg

Robot mode comparison
https://i.ibb.co/ThzqBVL/convoy12.jpg

Including Combat Deck and Roller
https://i.ibb.co/yVwTHHV/convoy13.jpg

Robot mode pics
https://i.ibb.co/8g5bk2j/convoy14.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/60YQmDL/convoy15.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/W081T0h/convoy16.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/YhxD0tG/convoy17.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/tz8nYX7/convoy18.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/TgNDZHk/convoy19.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/LnKdJ2R/convoy20.jpg

Energy axe
https://i.ibb.co/413WPSp/convoy21.jpg

Matrix in Matrix chamber (both are removable)
https://i.ibb.co/P5ZD9gM/convoy22.jpg

Passing on the Matrix
https://i.ibb.co/RzyQQyW/convoy23.jpg

Repair Bay mode
https://i.ibb.co/yPbsgvj/convoy24.jpg

Comparative measurements
Robot
Height: Both 16cm / Width: Both 10cm / Depth: Both 5cm from front of bumper to back of arms in perpendicular position
Truck cab
Height: Both 7cm / Length: Both 12.5cm / Width: Both 6cm
The front bumpers are both the same width (5cm), however, ML Convoy's bumper is 2mm shorter than G1's (9mm vs 1.1cm).
Trailer
L: Both 24cm / Height: G1 is 1mm taller (10.6cm vs 10.5cm) / Width: Both 7.6cm
Truck mode (cab and trailer combined)
G1 is 1mm longer than ML (31.6cm vs 31.5cm)
Combat Deck
Height: Both 20cm (to top of radar dish) / Length: Both 31cm (ramp down) / Width: G1 is 1mm wider (21cm vs 20.9cm)
Roller
L: Both 9cm / W: Both 5.4cm / H: Both 3cm without any attachments


no partsforming with the fists, which easily get lost as well.
Funnily enough, it's the reverse situation for me. My childhood Optimus Prime toy was stolen in 2005, but at the time I had the fists stored separately and so the fists weren't stolen. So the only piece of my childhood Optimus Prime toy that I have left today are the fists! :D But you are right, lots and lots of kids did lose the fists.


and the blue colour of the original.
My understanding is that the silver Roller came first, and the blue version was a running change. But having gotten Optimus Prime in August 1985, mine was the blue version, so that's more meaningful to me too. :)


The only flaw I can see is that my roller comes without a light.
The back part of Roller, the part with the 5mm post that holds a rifle or the fuel nozzle attachment, flips over 180 degrees to reveal the strobe light.