Vehicle mode







A yellow truss crawler crane. The on-screen crane was a Kobelco CK2500, and while the basic layout is the same, numerous details are different.

Transformation

On the whole, the transformation isn't really complex, but getting the legs in the right configuration can be a bit challenging the first couple of times, because they have numerous joints. The same goes for transformation back to crane mode, when it's time to fold up the legs.

Robot mode









The movieverse is known for its 'alien' design aesthetic, and Hightower is a good example. The large legs and small arms with two-fingered hands definitely evoke a Tyrannosaurus rex, yet the head is somewhat humanoid. With the legs fully straightened, Hightower stands just short of 17.5cm to the top of the crane.

Articulation is limited. The head is mounted on a ball joint, but the range of movement on the joint is limited. The neck has a total of three hinges, but these only allow vertical movement. The arms are hinged at the shoulder, but have a very limited range of movement. The legs, on the other hand, have a total of six rotating or hinged joints each.

As Hightower was never seen on-screen in robot mode, and his design only exists as concept art, on-screen fidelity isn't a problem. The concept art depicting this design was shown as part of the Art of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen exhibit back in 2009 at the Bondi Pavilion. I managed to dig up a photo I took at the event, and the accompanying text - at least part of it - called it 'rough form study A'. The implication is that this design was going to be refined, but as the character never ended up on-screen in robot mode, it was probably 'abandoned'. Still, I'm imagining Hightower was probably 'meant' to be used for actual construction, or perhaps support to drag wounded comrades back from the front lines, as opposed to actual combat. If that truss crane was bigger or could articulate (look up photos of the Kobelco CK2500 - some of them have been fitted with pretty big cranes), Hightower would have a substantial reach and he could even do some damage with that claw if he could move fast enough.





The Studio Series backdrop is the same Egyptian quarry that came with the other Constructicons released to date.



The growing Constructicon team.

Verdict



Hightower's unique design means he won't be for everyone, but like Rampage, he will stand out on a shelf. I like him because of his unconventional design, and while he's not great as a plaything, as a display piece, he works just fine.

Obviously he's necessary if you want to make Devastator. Otherwise, he's best left to completists or people who like unusual designs.