Rodimus Convoy (C-77) was released by Takara on 18 December 2000.  Rodimus Convoy was originally released in 1986 as Rodimus Convoy in Japan and Rodimus Prime in the US.  This version of Rodimus Convoy has the rubber tires and metal toes as opposed to plastic.  Since I don't own an original Rodimus Convoy (Prime), I will not provide any further comparisons.

Rodimus Convoy's inner packaging

The packaging has been modified slightly inside and out but retains the style and appearance of the original Japanese Rodimus Convoy.  The box is fairly small measuring 8"x4.5"x3.25"(6.25" with the flap).  The contents include:

1. Rodimus Convoy (vehicle mode)
2. Photon Eliminator
3. Shields (x2)
4. Sticker Sheet
5. Instruction Sheet
6. Character Card 

Some stickers were already pre-applied at the factory such as the flames on the hood and on the side panels of the Winnebago. 

Rodimus Convoy is a futuristic Winnebago with a Maroon, Orange, and Yellow color scheme with Red, Yellow and Orange stickers (flames).  There are also some chrome parts such as the wheel hubs and exhaust system which is clearly noticeable.  The windows are Blue translucent in color.  One of the best features of this release is the fact that we have rubber tires versus plastic.  His rub-sign is located on the roof of the Winnebago (trailer) which is clearly visible in the photos below.  Rodimus measures about 7.25" in length and 2.75" in height.  When separated from the trailer, he measures approximately 6.25" in length & 1.75" in height with the trailer measuring 5.5" long.

WEAPONS:  His weapons are identified as Photon Eliminator & Shields.  I've included two shots of the Photon Eliminator (side & top view) just for your viewing pleasure.  The Shields attach to each side of the Gun Barrel post of the Mobile Defense trailer and the Photon Eliminator can be placed in either hand of Rodimus Convoy in robot mode.

Shields & Photon Eliminator
(side & top view)

ROBOT MODE:  To transform Rodimus Convoy into robot mode, you need to pull Rodimus away from the trailer by grabbing the front end/wheels.  Next, remove the yellow spoiler from the top of the vehicle.  Grab the front end of the vehicle and pull outward.  To create his arms, pull each side which houses the wheels outward.  Fold down the metal toes to create his feet.  The upper body needs to be rotated so that you can expose his head.  Take the front end of the vehicle and rotate it 180 degrees upward from the point that the hood meets the main window.  Push the body downward towards his pelvis and fold out his head.  Now attach the spoiler to his back and you're done!  It should look like the photo below standing about 7.5" tall.

Rodimus Convoy in Robot Mode

There isn't too much articulation with this figure.   His elbows can rotate up and down and that's about it.

Here's a close-up photo of Rodimus Convoy's detailed head/face which is painted Grey with Blue eyes.

VEHICLE MODE:  To transform Rodimus Convoy into Mobile Defense Mode you have to remove Rodimus from his trailer.  Open up the roof of the trailer by pulling the side panels outward.  The Double Barrel Gun needs to be extended by lifting the piece upward.  The Gun mount can be extended so that you can attach the Shields to either side of the mount.  That's it...the Gun can be tilted up or down depending on where the target is located :)

Vehicle Mode (Mobile Defense)

Front View

Side View
 

Rodimus Convoy with Photon Eliminator
 

Vehicle Mode

Side View
 

     Mobile Defense Powered-Up Mode
 

Side View
 

Front View
 

Rodimus Prime with Photon Eliminator and operating the Double Barrel Gun

Rodimus Convoy is a sharp looking figure with a simple transformation, smooth rolling action on its rubber tires, and great looking stickers!  It is definitely worth adding to your collection...especially if you've never owned one before.