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Tasmania Kid (BW)

2009-04-16T04:56:26Z

61.198.230.82: /* Beast Wars */

{{factions|maximal}}
:''Tasmania Kid is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Wars II]] portion of the [[Beast Era]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:NewForces TasmaniaKid.JPG|right|250px|thumb|Where's Diggery Dingo and Wendle T. Wolf?]]
'''Tasmania Kid''' is the youngest of [[Lio Convoy]]'s crew, and the most luckless. He wants nothing more than to be recognized as a full-fledged Maximal warrior, but his youthful exuberance and tendency to leap before he looks keep getting in the way. He loves to run through the wilds, and often goes out against Commander Lio Convoy's orders.

One time he went pee-pee on a forest fire to put it out. He probably drank two slabs of beer to do so.

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars II'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Katashi Ishizuka]]

[[Image:NewForces CybertronDiverKid.JPG|left|150px|thumb|"Once again, Apache's crippling alcoholism amuses us all."]]
Tasmania Kid, simply known as '''Kid''' at the time, was under the command of Lio Convoy (who similarly was just named "Convoy") on a Maximal Space Station. When Convoy went missing, Kid was unwilling to go on missions without him, instead spending his time losing at chess against [[Diver (BWII)|Diver]]. Eventually [[Bighorn]] took charge of the team and they went to investigate a suspicious energy flare on the planet [[Gaea]]. Upon arrival, [[Yukikaze (BWII)|their ship]] was shot down by [[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]]'s [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], so Kid took an escape pod down to the planet's surface.

Gaea's atmosphere proved hazardous to [[Transformer|Transformers]], so Kid was forced to scan himself an [[Alternate mode|beast mode]] in order to survive. He considered either a leopard or a bird, and soon settled on a nearby eagle. However, a Tasmanian Devil jumped in his face as he activated his scanners, and Kid accidentally scanned its DNA and became Tasmania Kid. He wasn't very happy with this turn of events, since, well, Tasmanian Devils just aren't ''cool''. Tasmania Kid soon met up with Diver, [[Scuba]], [[Apache]] and Bighorn, and together they investigated a mysterious black fog that had enshrouded the area.

The fog turned out to be emanating from the Predacons' spaceship, the ''[[Galvaburg II]]'', but before they could do anything about it, Tasmania Kid and the others were attacked and pinned down by the Predacons. They were rescued by the emergence of a large white lion, and heavily damaged the ''Galvaburg II'' before following the lion into the wilderness. {{storylink|The New Forces Arrive!|The New Forces Arrive!}}

The Maximals were led back to their crashed spaceship, where they took up headquarters. The lion then revealed itself to be Lio Convoy, whose earlier disappearance was due to crashing on Gaea. Reunited with their leader, the Maximals prepared to stop the Predacons' plot to drain the planet of energy. They were quickly sent out to stop the [[Autoroller|Autorollers]] from destroying a jungle, and Tasmania Kid contributed by extinguishing a fire by peeing on it. {{storylink|White Lion, Run!|White Lion, Run!}}

====''Beast Wars Neo'' cartoon====
Tasmania Kid somehow escaped the wormhole he was in to help rebuild [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] after [[Unicron]]'s ravaging. {{storylink|Graduation Ceremony!!|Graduation Ceremony!!}}

===Comic continuity===
====''Beast Wars II'' comic====
[[Image:Cyborgkid.GIF|left|170px|thumb|Tasmania Kid is the Road Warrior.]]
When Lio Convoy wrecked [[Apache]]'s room in a drunken rampage, Apache scolded Kid, who decided to run away. Kid was attacked and captured by the [[Cyborg Beasts]], who planned to make him one of them. This plan failed when Apache singlehandedly annihilated the Predacon forces Rambo-style.

At another time, Tasmania Kid and [[Diver (BWII)|Diver]] were out on a scouting mission (much to Diver's chagrin, as he wanted to relax) when [[Apache]], popping out of the bushes, quietly called them over. The confused pair followed, only to find Apache to be an illusion, baiting them into a net laid out by [[BB]]. BB then took the two Maximals back to [[Starscream (BWII)|Starscream]], who told them he would release them after they ran an "errand" for him.

When the duo didn't report back, the Maximals left in search of the missing Diver and Tasmania Kid, eventually finding them collapsed at the edge of a valley. However, it was all part of Starscream's trap. Diver and Tasmania Kid, now brainwashed into thinking they were Predacons, sprang into action and attacked the Maximals. [[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]] soon entered the scene and stacked the odds tremendously against the Maximals.

As the fight raged on, [[Megastorm]] got to a vantage point and prepared to fire his cannon at both Lio Convoy and Galvatron, killing two birds with one stone. [[Scuba]] intervened by creating a geyser beneath him from an underground river, throwing Megastorm's aim off. The blast knocked Tasmania Kid and Diver back to their senses, though they were angry at the (rightfully) confused Apache, whom they blamed for ambushing them. {{storylink|The Maximal Brainwashing Operation|The Maximal Brainwashing Operation}}
{{-}}

====''Beast Wars Neo'' comic====
Tasmania Kid is worshiped as a god on the planet of rabbit-formers from which [[Stampy]] hails.

===IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics===
Tasmania Kid is one of [[Big Convoy]]'s subordinates on Cybertron.

[[Image:Taskid dies.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Those with stupid names die first.]]
Along with [[Survive]] and [[Cohrada]], he joined Big Convoy in investigating [[Shokaract]]'s tower. Unfortunately, Shokaract emerged from within and grabbed Tasmania Kid in his claws. Kid was torn in two pieces and killed. Big Convoy and the others were summarily defeated as well.

Fortunately, the Earthbound Maximal and Predacon teams took the [[Pack]]'s transwarp cruiser and returned to the point in the time stream that Shokaract emerged from his tower. Unfortunately, it was still too late to save Tasmania Kid, who was torn in two pieces ''again'' just before Big Convoy and Shokaract noticed the newly arrived transwarp cruiser.

Sheesh, [[Simon Furman|Furman]]. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 3|The Ascending #3}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
*'''Tasmania Kid''' (Basic, 1998)
* ''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-14'''
*''Accessories'': Arm-mounted cannon

: Tasmania Kid's only toy is virtually identical to the [[Hasbro]] [[Beast Wars]] toy [[Snarl (BW)|Snarl]], transforming into an (alleged) Tasmanian devil. Holding the toy by its tail in beast mode and pulling the trigger makes his body leap forward in a spring-loaded lunging attack. In robot mode, the tail becomes an arm-mounted (non-firing) blaster cannon.

: The same mold is used by [[Bound Rogue]], whose coloration bears a striking resemblance to the contest-prize version of Tasmania Kid.

*'''Tasmania Kid vs. Dirge''' (Vs. pack, 1997)
*''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-14'''

: Tasmania Kid was also available in a multi-pack with the Predacon [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]].

*'''Tasmania Kid''' (Contest prize, 1997)

: A blue and yellow version of Tasmania Kid was awarded as a special prize along with many other oddly-colored ''Beast Wars II'' Maximals in a magazine contest in Japan. This was the design contest that resulted in the creation of [[Star Upper]].

*'''Beast Collection Special 10''' (Super Deformed Set, 1998)

: A non-transforming, translucent blue figurine rendition of Tasmania Kid came in a set with 9 other Beast Wars II characters.
::*''[http://www.shmax.com/Figure_Details/2920/Tasmania_Kid More information on Tasmania Kid at shmax.com]''

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Maximal/Snarl/snarl.htm Snarl (aka Tasmania Kid) at TFU.ino]

{{charstub}}

[[Category:Character stubs]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Neo characters]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Maximals]]

Astrotrain (G1)

2009-04-12T23:41:49Z

61.198.230.82: /* Generation 1 */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2}}
{{disambig3|Astrotrain}}
:''Astrotrain is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Astrotraing1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Choo Choo Rocket]]
'''Astrotrain''' loves to sow confusion. To this end, his [[Triple Changer]] abilities serve him well. Nothing pleases him more than confronting an Autobot in a dark corner and making him wonder if he's up against one Decepticon or two. He craves having this power over others. Single-minded, you may say, but when most of your time is spent transporting troops around, you have to take your jollies where you can. He wants more from life, but it's either fly the other Decepticons around, or get scrapped by them.

He also craves having power over a massive [[Astroforce|army of train drones]]. Follow your dreams, Astrotrain. Follow your dreams.

{{bigquote|It's always the same thing. I fly them to points unknown, exhaust all my fuel, and they get to have all the fun.|Astrotrain on his eternal role as the Decepticons' ride| [[The Gambler]]}}
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Űrvonat''' ("Space Train")
:''Italian name:'' '''Triplex Uno'''

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====Generation 1 cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Jack Angel]] (English), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese)

[[Image:AstrotrainTakeover.jpg|left|200px|thumb|It doesn't matter if you're grey or white... if you're a boy or a girl...]]
Astrotrain arrived on [[Earth]] during the second year of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s campaign to conquer the planet and its energy resources. His activities prior to that point remain unclear.

{{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

He once transported Megatron to the [[Moon (moon)|moon]] where he and the Decepticons' leader attempted to jam Earth's radio waves. The attempt was interrupted by the arrival of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|two]] [[Carly Witwicky (G1)|humans]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. Astrotrain engaged in a bad pun, accused Omega Supreme of being too outdated to catch him, and then was the victim of a Cybertronian's impression of a sandworm (see image) before being thrown a few planetary diameters. {{storylink|Blaster Blues|Blaster Blues}}

[[Image:Omegasupreme astrotrain.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Behold my mighty hand!]]
Typically one of the more easy-going among the Decepticons, even Astrotrain isn't above letting a little power go to his head. While tracking [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], he shot down the Autobot, who had been on a fuel scouting mission, and managed to trick the people of [[Titan]] into believing that he was one of their Sky Gods, so that they would mine energy crystals for him and the Decepticons. Astrotrain used [[Jero]], a corrupt High Priest who was as fanatical as he was ruthless, to further his ends. However, the Autobots [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] arrived aboard Omega Supreme looking for Cosmos. Omega Supreme was virtually out of fuel after the trip, but the Autobots soon managed to refuel him using the energy crystals. Knowing that he, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] alone couldn't beat Omega Supreme, Astrotrain destroyed the crystals in a fit of pique before flying off, leaving Jero to die like the worm he was. Harsh, Astrotrain, harsh. {{storylink|The God Gambit|The God Gambit}}

{{storylink|The Secret of Omega Supreme|The Secret of Omega Supreme}}

Astrotrain later transported [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] to the planet [[Monacus]] to check up on Decepticon sympathizer [[Lord Gyconi]]. When they learned that Gyconi had captured a number of Autobots and brainwashed them into mindless slaves, the Decepticons tried to stow them aboard Astrotrain to take them back to Megatron. However, their plan was stopped by [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Devcon]] and [[Slizardo]], and the latter two followed Astrotrain into space as he escaped with his comrades. {{storylink|The Gambler|The Gambler}}

{{storylink|Sea Change|Sea Change}}

However, the incident on Titan had given Astrotrain a taste of power, and he decided he liked it. With the help of [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], Astrotrain froze [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in a sewer system in order to take over the Decepticons. He then created an army of trains to help him rule, thinking it was a good idea. Although he managed to amass a surprisingly large amount of [[Energon cube|Energon cubes]], the productive day ended with him flooding the entire city after bursting a water main. Worse, Megatron thawed out. The embarrassment of these incidents forced Astrotrain to creep back into the Decepticon ranks quietly... at [[fusion cannon]] point. {{storylink|Triple Takeover|Triple Takeover}}

{{storylink|Prime Target|Prime Target}} {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion|The Search for Alpha Trion}} {{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood|Hoist Goes Hollywood}}

Astrotrain transported Megatron, Starscream and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] to the lost Autobot colony of [[Antilla]], where they discovered the entire civilization had been wiped out by the deadly [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]]. Not heeding a holographic warning from the Autobots, Megatron ventured further into the colony and seized an advanced heat ray weapon from its storage chamber. As they left Antilla, a Cosmic Rust spore-filled asteroid appeared to chase after Astrotrain, prompting Megatron to test out of the power of the 'lightning bug' weapon on the space rock. The blast obliterated the asteroid, but the shrapnel from the explosion pierced Astrotrain's hull and punctured Megatron's chest plate, infecting him with Cosmic Rust. Oddly enough, Astrotrain was never infected. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

{{storylink|Starscream's Brigade|Starscream's Brigade}}

In the year 2005, he transported the Decepticons away after getting their aft-sections [[Battle of Autobot City|handed to them]] at [[Autobot City]]. He couldn't make it back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with the amount of weight on board, so they tossed [[Megatron (G1)|some]] [[Insecticon (G1)|dead]] [[Thundercracker (G1)|weight]] overboard. After that, Astrotrain served as the ring for the subsequent fight among the Decepticons to replace the ejected Megatron, where the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] formed [[Devastator]] inside him (slag, Astrotrain is big!) and Rumble and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] used their piledrivers (slag, Astrotrain is sturdy!) Apparently, they all made it back fine, and Astrotrain was the one to crown Starscream during his coronation as the new [[Decepticon leader]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie|The Transformers: The Movie}}

When the Decepticons lost their hold of Cybertron, Astrotrain went with the rest of them to [[Chaar]], where he was seen trying to deliver Energon cubes to the starving army. When he tried to take a cube for himself while the Constructicons were fighting amongst themselves for the energy, they merged into Devastator and kicked him aside. Devastator was then distracted by [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], and Astrotrain made another move for the cube, only to be shot by [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. Such is life. When Cyclonus insulted the Decepticons for their behavior, Astrotrain somewhat notably mentioned that he knew [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and Megatron "were the same guy". Cyclonus later stated that he needed energon as it was needed to revive Galvatron, and Astrotrain gave him the rest of his supplies. He got an inspirational speech in return. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1|FFOD, Part 1}}

{{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}}

{{storylink|The Killing Jar|The Killing Jar}}

Astrotrain then helped Galvatron and the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] with the plan to destroy Cybertron with a [[death crystal]] cannon. {{storylink|Chaos (episode)|Chaos}} Later on, when [[Scourge (G1)|intruders]] found their way inside [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], Astrotrain responded to the alarm but ended up being possessed by Starscream's [[Spark|ghost]] because of his useful cargo space. Starscream flew his body most of the way to [[Unicron]]'s head, then left it when he closed in on Cybertron, leaving Astrotrain to be shot down by the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]. Astrotrain was then captured and interrogated by the Autobots, but was as confused as they were about why he had been flying so close to Cybertron all by himself. He was later released as a way of thanking Scourge for revealing Unicron's plans to them. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine|Ghost in the Machine}}

Later, Astrotrain stumbled upon [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] in space and battled him until the two were suddenly interrupted by a laser barrage from the nearby [[Junkion (planet)|Planet of Junk]] and retreated. Astrotrain returned to Chaar to report this to Galvatron, who punched him in the face, insulted him and stated that he didn't care. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006|The Big Broadcast of 2006}}

Astrotrain was later seen participating in a Decepticon attack on Japan, trying to ram a bullet train head-on, before being driven off by the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear|The Burden Hardest to Bear}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====
Astrotrain photographed the incomplete [[Autobot City]], with the aid of [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]'s camera mode, so that Megatron could decipher whether or not it was powerful enough to stand up to [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
Astrotrain, Blitzwing and [[Octane]] were amongst the troops serving under [[Sixshot]] in [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] on Earth. Together, they helped Sixshot distract [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and his warriors from assisting the Autobots forces on Cybertron. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} The three were later dispatched to protect Trypticon from an attack by the Autobot Triple Changers [[Springer]], [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and [[Sandstorm (Autobot)|Sandstorm]], unaware that it was just a distraction to allow [[Blaster (G1)|Twincast]] to infiltrate the base. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation|The Great Cassette Operation}} Astrotrain then went into Earth's orbit to help steal the energy-gathering satellite known as [[Solar-1]] {{storylink|The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok|The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok}}, and much later he witnessed [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] reveal his gigantic [[Transtector]] at [[Zarak (planet)|Zarak]]. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{note|Events from the [[The Transformers (Marvel Comics)|UK-only]] comic stories are in italics.}}
''Astrotrain was one of Lord [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]]'s warriors on Cybertron, operating out of [[Darkmount]] in [[Polyhex]]. At Megatron's demand, he called a group of Decepticons back from a planned assassination attempt on Emirate [[Xaaron]] and the Autobot leaders, leaving all the Decepticons unaware that it was actually a ploy by the Autobots to wipe them out. {{storylink|Target 2006|Target 2006}}''

[[Image:Ratbatcratercritters.jpg|left|175px|thumb|"Thus, my new fuel economy plan will increase fuel efficiency. Any other questions, Astrotrain?" "Yeah. What the hell did you just say, Ratbat?"]]
Astrotrain and his fellow Triple Changers were commissioned by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] to investigate the loss of his [[Wash and Roll|priceless cargo]] that had arrived on Earth via a low-cost freighter, but hadn't checked in as scheduled. Upon making contact with the crashed ship, Astrotrain and his companions were infected with [[Scraplet|Scraplets]], and began to slowly waste away. Lucky for them, the Autobot [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] was also infected, and his friends managed to re-discover the [[Water|strange and wondrous chemical]] that acted as a cure. In saving Blaster, the Triple Changers were incidentally saved as well. Astrotrain showed quick thinking when he identified a nearby [[G.B. Blackrock]] as a useful asset and hypnotically gained control of him, thus ensuring the viability of [[Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom|Ratbat's greatest plan]]. {{storylink|The Cure!|The Cure!}}

The Triple Changers then linked up with Shockwave's Decepticons on Earth, which soon fell under the command of their former superior on Cybertron, Ratbat. Astrotrain joined the Decepticons in an assault on the Autobot crews of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and [[Steelhaven]] on Earth's moon. {{storylink|Totaled!|Totaled!}} Sometime later, he fought against his fellow Decepticons when Ratbat and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s armies temporarily came to blows. Astrotrain was seen rolling over [[Snapdragon]] and [[Weirdwolf]] in the melee. {{storylink|Cold War!|Cold War!}} Once the Decepticons united against a nearby Autobot regiment, Astrotrain again saw action when he ionically-disrupted the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]], [[Slingshot]]. Soon after, though, the Triple Changers were all destroyed battling Starscream in [[Buenos Aires]], Argentina, after Screamer got himself hopped-up on [[Underbase]] power. {{storylink|Dark Star!|Dark Star!}}

In an alternate version of 2009, Unicron had destroyed Cybertron and the Decepticons (under [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]]'s command) controlled America. Astrotrain and Octane were seen defending the [[Decepticon Powerbase]] from one last, desperate Autobot assault. They shot down the [[Pretender]], [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]], when he was disrupting the base's force field. {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!|Rhythms of Darkness!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''When [[Autobot City]] was completed in 2004, Astrotrain was one of several Decepticons brought by Shockwave to attack the opening day festivities. {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!|Aspects of Evil!}}''

''In 2008, the Decepticons were tipped by the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] to an opportunity for wiping the Autobots off the face of Cybertron. Astrotrain acted as point-man for the invasion, not only leading the air force of flying [[Combaticon|Combaticons]], Triple Changers and [[Seeker|Seekers]], but also acting as transport for [[Soundwave (G1)|Commander Soundwave]] and the legion of ground troopers in his cargo hold. Things turned sour when the Quintessons ambushed the Decepticons on their way to [[Autobase]], though: Astrotrain was forced to dump the soldiers in his hold and quickly transform in order to greet their adversaries. {{storylink|Space Pirates!|Space Pirates!}}''

=====Earthforce=====
{{note|These stories do not fit into the normal Marvel continuity. See [[Earthforce]] for details.}}
''He happily worked for Shockwave's faction in the [[Decepticon Civil War]], along with his fellow Triple Changers. Astrotrain took the time to slug it out with [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] after the [[Enclave]] between Shockwave and Megatron went sour. {{storylink|The Bad Guy's Ball!|The Bad Guy's Ball!}} Thanks to an inside informant, Astrotrain and the other Triple Changers joined Shockwave in surprising Megatron at an energon shipment rendez-vous point, overpowering him with blaster fire until the Decepticon leader fell off the side of a cliff. {{storylink|Secrets|Secrets}} Those were happy times for Astrotrain. He was not so happy when he had to rescue [[Octane]] from a military testing range, and when he found out Octane had got here by messing around on the job again, Astrotrain happily buggered off and left him. {{storylink|Manoeuvres!|Manoeuvres!}}''

====''Generation 2''====
Astrotrain shows up among a crowd of Decepticons all fired up to tackle the armies of [[Jhiaxus]], just before they pretty much got slaughtered. {{storylink|New Dawn|New Dawn}}

====''Classics''====
{{note|Classics is a [[splinter timeline]] from the Marvel US continuity that does not include events from either ''Generation 2'' or the Marvel UK issues.}}
[[Image:Astrotraincrossingovershuttle.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Astrotrain is relieved he only has to carry five Constructicons now.]]
[[Image:Devastatormegatronastrotraincrossingover.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Clearly, Astrotrain's interior is bigger than it looks.]]
Astrotrain's carcass lay undiscovered at the bottom of the sea for ten years until Megatron managed to find him. His remains were excavated piece by piece by enslaved [[Human|humans]] and transported to Megatron's base of operations within the wrecked [[Ark (G1)|''Ark'']] in northern [[Canada]]. Using incomplete schematics and Megatron's memories of Astrotrain's old body, Astrotrain was finally reconstructed. Astrotrain was immediately put in charge of finding the remnants of the rest of the Decepticons who fell at the hands of the [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream, plus the unpleasant task of carting them back to their headquarters. This morbid job took its toll on Astrotrain, who yearned for real battle.<ref>Astrotrain's ''Classics'' profile in the Transformers Collectors' Club magazine</ref>

After the appearance of the mysterious crossdimensional Decepticon [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], Astrotrain and the other rebuilt Decepticons under Megatron's command traveled to [[South America]] to investigate an equally mysterious power source that seemed to share traits with Landquake. En route, they were attacked by [[Walter Barnett]]'s [[RUNT]] squad. {{storylink|Crossing Over, Part 2}} Astrotrain managed to shake off these interlopers just before Optimus Prime and his Autobots arrived in search of this same power source, and a new battle between the factions began in the jungles surrounding the power source. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}} As the battle escalated, Astrotrain joined with some of his peers in surrounding [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]], {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}} but ultimately, Megatron was forced to call for a withdrawal. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

Megatron soon granted the mysterious [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]] and his rogue group of Decepticons an audience. However, Astrotrain and the other Decepticons under Megatron's command were forcibly implanted with reverse-engineered [[Cerebro shell|cerebro shells]]. Bug Bite's plan was cut short when a jammer activated by [[Elita One]] disabled the shells, and a fight soon erupted between Megatron's Decepticons, Bug Bite's Decepticons, and the Autobots under [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]' command. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Astrotrain warwithin.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Finally, I get to fight instead of carry people.]]
When Megatron needed a major distraction to infiltrate the subsectors of Iacon and establish Cybertron as a living war world, he sent Shockwave to command a full frontal assault against the Autobot capital. Astrotrain was among the many Decepticons who aided Shockwave in this siege. {{storylink|The War Within|The War Within}} Later on, after Megatron's disappearance led to a factioning of the Decepticon army, Astrotrain began serving with Starscream's [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]]. {{storylink|The War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages}} The Predacons remained the only major hold out among the factions when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] negotiated a great peace between the Autobots and Decepticons due to low energon reserves planet-wide. Astrotrain and the Predacons attempted to prevent the peace treaty and the consolidation of their opponents, but their efforts were in vain until the surprise return of Megatron with his new [[Aerospace Extermination Squadron]], thousands of super-charged warriors grown from [[Quintesson]] cloning technology. The Decepticons managed to establish an Age of Internment until [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] finally returned to free the Autobots and equalize the sides once more. {{storylink|The War Within: The Age of Wrath|The War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

After the disappearance of the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]] and its crew, Astrotrain and his fellow future Triple Changers, Octane and Blitzwing, began serving directly under Shockwave's command. {{storylink|Destined for Nothing|Destined for Nothing}} When Shockwave learned how to perfect his Triple Changer process after the [[Great Shutdown]], due to [[Unicron|Unicronian]] technology he pilfered from [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], Astrotrain was one of the first to benefit from the procedure.

In 2003, Astrotrain, along with [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], Blitzwing, [[Sandstorm (Autobot)|Sandstorm]] and Octane arrived with Shockwave on [[Earth]] to place the Earth-bound Transformers under arrest for war crimes and take them back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. When Shockwave was eventually defeated and his control of Cybertron lost, Astrotrain and Blitzwing remained his loyal servants until the return of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] caused Astrotrain to switch loyalties while Blitzwing was destroyed. {{storylink|Lost and Found (comic issue)|Lost and Found}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:Infiltration5 AstrotrainImwaiting.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Not even alien invasions can stop Astrotrain from updating his blog.]]
Astrotrain was part of a Decepticon infiltration cell that had operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. Under the command of Starscream, he oversaw the extraction and refinement of the mysterious, Energon-like substance, [[Ore-13]], {{storylink|Infiltration issue 5|Infiltration issue 5}} but despite having sampled its power, he was unwilling to stand alongside Starscream against Megatron. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6|Infiltration issue 6}}

Later on, he took Starscream's place as the Earthbound Decepticon Infiltration Unit's second-in-command under Megatron, and continued to oversee the Ore-13 research. {{storylink|Escalation issue 1|Escalation issue 1}} During Megatron's scheme to escalate the tensions between [[Brasnya]] and [[Russia]], Astrotrain served as air cover for their ground forces, but was severely damaged by [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] {{storylink|Escalation issue 4|Escalation issue 4}} and later retreated.

After being humiliated in battle with Optimus Prime, Megatron ordered [[Sixshot]] to come to Earth several phases before his presence is normally requested. Upon hearing this, the wire in Astrotrain's forehead nearly exploded, but Megatron told him to shut up. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6|Escalation issue 6}} Witnessing his leader straying further from protocol every nano-klik but knowing none of them would dare tell Megatron he was wrong, Astrotrain decided to do the unthinkable, something no sane Transformer would ever do except as a very last resort: deliberately reactivate Starscream so he could do it ''for'' them. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation issue 1}}

[[Image:Devastation6 shownomercy.jpg|left|170px|thumb|Don't cross the streams, Blitzwing!]]
When the alien [[Reapers]] suddenly attacked their headquarters, Astrotrain left his post (forcing Blitzwing to cover for him) to plot how to exploit the situation with Starscream (though he was openly concerned if the plan failed they'd be dead). The plan worked: Starscream successfully removed Sixshot from the board and attacked the Reapers, at which point Astrotrain popped up in the command bunker to go "look at how brave Starscream is bravely attacking the Reapers by himself!". Megatron deduced what was going on behind his back, but instead of punishment, led the Decepticons into battle. {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation issue 5}} After the destruction of the Reapers, Astrotrain expressed surprise at their victory and callously declared that the deaths of [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] were acceptable losses. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation issue 6}}

[[Image:AHM3 Astrotrain.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Somebody didn't mind the gap.]]
A year later, Astrotrain carried on being by-the-book and tactically minded in the attack on [[New York City]], suggesting they send the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] to handle ground forces to avoid ballistic attacks. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 2|All Hail Megatron issue 2}}

He also took to the subway lines in locomotive form to eradicate the humans hiding in the subway stations. Inexplicably, his train mode was seen to resemble an outdated steam locomotive instead of the diesel freight engine it had been a year earlier. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 3|All Hail Megatron issue 3}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
With the Autobots reduced to a small rag-tag rabble, Astrotrain accompanied Starscream's small strike team to the [[Pegasus Star Cluster]]. Astrotrain and Bliztwing both attacked Optimus Prime after the mercenary [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] destroyed the Autobot bunker's security system, allowing the Decepticons in. Astrotrain avoided death when Mirage forced Prime to lower his weapon in exchange for [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s life. He could barely hold Prime back as Mirage executed [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], losing his grip when the furious Autobot leader attacked the mercenary. {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage|Spotlight: Mirage}}

===''Hearts of Steel''===
[[Image:Astrotrain HOS.jpg|left|100px|thumb|That's Mister The Astrotrain.]]
Referred to as ''the'' Astrotrain, he was a black-and-purple locomotive, with a retracted propeller on the front and batwings along the side.

The Decepticons built (or modified) the Astrotrain to be the locomotive engine pulling their battle train to New York City. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 3|Hearts of Steel issue 3}} En route he rammed through an Army blockade undamaged, but ended up driving off a cliff thanks to [[John Henry]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and apparently falling to his destruction... despite having wings. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4|Hearts of Steel issue 4}}

{{note|Astrotrain never speaks or transforms out of train mode during the events of the story. The cover of issue 4 appears to depict him in robot mode, and he clearly has some airplane components, so he is apparently a triple-changing Transformer in this continuity as in most.}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Astrotrain''' (1985, 1986, 2004, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''D-48''', '''TFC-11'''
**''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

[[Image:G1Astrotrain toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|And then I transform into a train and a rocket and a Transformer again...]]
: Astrotrain was one of the two Triple Changer toys released in 1985. He transforms into both a purple steam locomotive and a gray space shuttle. Like [[Perceptor (G1)|several]] [[Thrust (G1)|other]] [[Bluestreak|characters]] from ''Generation 1'', the pre-production toy shown in [[Hasbro]] [[Catalog|catalogs]] and stock photography does not match the final product.

: In Japan, the 1985 release of Astrotrain had a color scheme based upon the real-life versions of the vehicles he transformed into, with a white space shuttle and a black steam locomotive. In 1986, Takara released Astrotrain in his US toy colors.

: In 2004, Takara reissued Astrotrain his original Japanese white color scheme, but with the "NASA" stickers changed to "ASTR", and with white paint on the shuttle side of the die-cast front. In 2005, Hasbro released this version of Astrotrain on the Hasbro Toy Shop.

{{-}}
* '''Astrotrain Proto Color Version''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-48'''
**''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Often referred to as "Anime Astrotrain" by collectors, this version was decorated in colors used on the original 1986 toy's packaging as well as the ''Generation 1'' animation model. He was an [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]].

* '''Astrotrain''' (Boss Original Figure, 2008)
: Released in a line of PVC figures available only in convenience stores in Japan, this version of Astrotrain is rendered in grey and violet.
::*''[http://www.shmax.com/figure_details/3045/Astrotrain More information on Astrotrain at www.shmax.com]''

===Classics===
*'''Astrotrain''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

[[Image:ClassicsAstrotrain.jpg|left|180px|thumb|...and a rocket and a train and a Transformer and man it's hard work!]]
: ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Astrotrain, like much of the ''Classics'' line, is an extensive update of the original Astrotrain designed based heavily upon their cartoon appearances and using modern toy engineering techniques. He still transforms into a NASA space shuttle, though there are two rather obvious locomotive front halves on the sides of the rear hull, and instead of a steam engine, his secondary vehicle mode is a bullet train locomotive. His robot mode is based heavily upon his ''Generation 1'' cartoon animation model design, and is armed with a large purple laser rifle similar to the original toy's rifle. However, purple highlights aside, his deco's color scheme is predominantly based on the original Takara toy.

: As with all ''Classics'' toys, he has a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

{{-}}
===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Astrotrain toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|I'm going grey! Get me some Just For Men, stat!]]
*'''Astrotrain''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

: In 2008, Classics Astrotrain was released in Japan as part of the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei! Transformers]]'' line by [[TakaraTomy]]. The figure was extensively redecoed into dark grey and purple colour scheme based on the character’s appearance the ''Generation 1'' cartoon. Unlike the Hasbro ''Classics'' release, instead of a rubsign, he has two Decepticon sigils tampographed onto his wings. All ''Henkei'' toys feature a somewhat randomly [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] part somewhere upon them, and Astrotrain is no exception: the trim of his chestplate and and engine array are vacuumized purple, with the engines themselves left as unpainted silver chrome.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:AstrotrainCharacterModel.jpg|right|200px|thumb|That ass be fly, yo.]]
* The 1985 [[Catalog|catalogs]] show a prototype Astrotrain toy, whose gray and purple color scheme is the one used in the cartoon. The prototype also has a number of design changes from the retail version: arms that extended on a slide joint, different feet, and a different head sculpt that was the basis for his [[character model]]. He was shown with [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s weapons. Being resin hard copies, these prototypes didn't transform.<ref>[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue_frame.php?art=Animeastro Original Astrotrain prototype at TF-1.com]</ref>

* Astrotrain's animation model is rather odd. Despite having the shuttle tailfin rather clearly folded up and slid into place within the torso... it has another mystery tailfin jutting straight out of the back. Huh.

* Speaking of the tailfin, the original box art and instructions<ref>[http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/teletran.asp?coat=decepticon&year=1985 Botch's Transformers Box Art Archive, 1985 Decepticons page]</ref> depict it as being folded open to make a chestplate shield. The fin gets tucked away early during the transformation to keep it out of the way. However, the original animation model (and thus his other fictional appearances) show it tucked away in robot mode.

* While Astrotrain's original toy had a visor, his ''Classics'' toy, and most of his depictions in fiction, give him two eyes instead.

* Astrotrain, along with Cosmos and Omega Supreme, was one of three space-faring characters added to the cartoon in 1985. In addition to the usual voice flanging given to the show's robotic characters, all three had an echoing reverberation applied to their voices, presumably to play up the "outer space" aspect.

*While Astrotrain does not appear in the ''[[Stormbringer]]'' comic series (due in part to him being on Earth at the time), the trade paperback includes a design sketch for a Triple Changer which appears to be intended as Astrotrain's pre-Earth Cybertronian form.

*In the [[IDW continuity|IDW ''Generation 1'' continuity]], Astrotrain's space shuttle is essentially a ''far'' more realistic rendering of a space vehicle, but his third mode has been upgraded to a diesel-electric six-axle locomotive resembling a [[Wikipedia:GE U28C|General Electric U28C model]], along with custom features like red and purple headlights and a all-purple paint-job. It also has a Big F**king Gun mounted on the engine cowling. That's badass.

*From [[All Hail Megatron]] onward, Astrotrain's design has been retooled to resemble his [[Classics]] toy in robot mode, minus some of the train kibble. However, he transforms into a purple D62 steam locomotive once more, like his original toy.There is probably a [[Trukk not munky|good reason]] for that.

*Astrotrain believes that [[Fandom|those who worship Transformers]] are fools. {{storylink|The God Gambit|The God Gambit}}

[[Image:TheTransformerTheMovie-Astrotrainexcaping.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not shown: the stationmaster's house.]]
*Whether or not Astrotrain needed rails to use his train mode varied in the cartoon. In the movie, he used his locomotive form to take a run up for him to take off (in space shuttle mode), but without the aim of rails. However, before that, he has been commanding his train drones and travelling on rails, in [[Triple Takeover]].

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm Astrotrain at TFU.info]
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Astrotrain Astrotrain's Universe profile at NTFA.net]
*[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue_frame.php?art=Astrotrain Original Hasbro Astrotrain, original Takara Astrotrain and Takara reissue Astrotrain at TF-1.com]
*[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue_frame.php?art=Animeastro e-Hobby Astrotrain and original Astrotrain at TF-1.com]

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:Classics characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Gods]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Masterforce characters]]
[[Category:Starships]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]

Armordillo (BW)

2009-04-10T15:59:53Z

61.198.230.82: /* Beast Wars */

{{factions|maximal}}
{{picsneeded|toy, fiction}}
:''Armordillo is a [[Maximal]] in the [[Beast Wars]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:BWArmordilloJapan.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Armored Armadillo is weak to Spark Mandrill.]]
'''Armordillo''' is a master mechanic and explosives expert who carts a vast array of tools and devices around beneath his heavily armored shell. His specialty is constructing brilliantly elaborate traps and then waiting silently and patiently (with a patience that borders on supernatural in his comrades eyes) for however many days or weeks it takes for a Predacon to stumble into it. His satisfaction when they inevitably do makes it all worth while. In addition to his tools and devices he has an impressive optic array, a hidden laser weapon, and a Morningstar melee weapon that combined with his heavy armor make up for the fact that he moves extremely slowly.

:''Spanish name:'' '''Armadillo'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Armodillo'''
:''Japanese name:'' '''Armor'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Tatou'''

==Fiction==
===IDW Beast Wars comics===
Armordillo was one of the [[protoforms]] left behind by the crew of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' on prehistoric [[Earth]]. He was activated and put in chronal phase by [[Razorbeast]] at [[Magmatron]]'s request, but was protected from Magmatron's [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] shell-program by Razorbeast's viral code.

Soon after awakening, he joined up with [[Bantor]], [[Noctorro]], [[Stinkbomb]], and [[K-9]] to free [[Torca]] from a tar pit. After following Razorbeast's signal for days, and picking up more Maximals along the way, Armordillo rode into battle against Magmatron's Predacons atop Torca, presumably joining up with Razorbeast's army after their victory.

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
*'''Armordillo''' (Basic)

:Armordillo is a [[flipchanger]], transforming from an armadillo, as per the pun, to robot. Contained inside an armadillo foot is a laser gun. Inside another is a mace. The mold was later used for [[Bump]] and [[Psycho-Orb]].

{{anchor|Playset}}
*'''Volcano Showdown''' (Vs Playset, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-X1'''
**''Accessories'': Mace and pistol

:Armordillo was available in Japan exclusively in this large set containing not only him and his enemy [[Snapper]], but also a large battery-operated volcano playset. The playset comes with a number of red plastic balls in some way representing lava, which can either roll down the mountainside in a perpetual cascade, or be fired from the accompanying cannon.
:It has been hypothesized that this playset was originally slated for an abandoned ''[[Microman]]'' line, which is made plausible by the scale of various sculpted details.
::*''[http://www.shmax.com/figure_details/3525 More information on Armor at shmax.com]''

==External Links==
[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/Armordillo/armordillo.htm Armordillo at TFU.info]

[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Maximals]]

Snapper

2009-04-10T15:54:07Z

61.198.230.82: /* Beast Wars */

{{Factions|predacon}}
{{picsneeded|Volcano set, fiction}}
:''Snapper is a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''

[[Image:BWSnapperJapan.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Villain in a halfshell!]]
Everyone knows the tortoise beat the [[Stampy|hare]], but had that tortoise been '''Snapper''', he'd have beat the hare into a bloody pulp and hid the remains at the bottom of a swamp. A jet-propelled snapping turtle with a vicious attitude, Snapper is proof that not all turtles are slowpokes. But unlike [[wikipedia:Gamera|another jet-powered warrior turtle]], Snapper is anything ''but'' a friend to children everywhere.

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Morsure''' ("Bite")
:''Italian name:'' '''Snap'''
:''Spanish name:'' '''Tortugon'''

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics===
[[Magmatron]] came to prehistoric [[Earth]] to gather an army using the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'''s [[Protoforms|protoforms]]. Snapper was among the protoforms to be successfully turned into Predacons. Magmatron ordered his forces to seek out the double-agent [[Razorbeast]] and his crew of Maximals. Within a few days, the Predacons had located the Maximal headquarters, and battle ensued. During that battle, Snapper tangled with [[K-9]]. The Maximals won that fight, and Snapper and the surviving Predacons retreated into the wilderness. {{storylink|The Gathering|The Gathering}}

He was later seen with [[Manterror]] and [[Retrax]] spying on the Maximals. That is, until [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] decided he'd be better as a footrest. He was left behind on Earth to fight the [[Blendtrons]], and managed to survive that battle. {{storylink|The Ascending|The Ascending}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Snapper-toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''Snapper''' (Basic, 1996)
**''Accessories'': Twin cannon

: Part of the first wave of "smooth bubble" ''Beast Wars'' Basics, Snapper transforms into a green organic snapping turtle. Like many ''Beast Wars'' Basic figures, his transformation is spring-loaded; pressing down his tail converts him most of the way from turtle to robot. A portion of his shell-back pops free, revealing a flip-out double-barreled blaster weapon that can peg onto his forearms.

{{-}}
*'''Volcano Showdown''' (Vs Playset, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-X1'''
**''Accessories'': Twin cannon

:Snapper was available in Japan exclusively in this large set containing not only him and his enemy [[Armordillo]], but also a large battery-operated volcano playset. The playset comes with a number of red plastic balls in some way representing lava, which can either roll down the mountainside in a perpetual cascade, or be fired from the accompanying cannon. :It has been hypothesized that this playset was originally slated for an abandoned ''[[Microman]]'' line, which is made plausible by the scale of various sculpted details.
::*''[http://www.shmax.com/Figure_Details/3526/Snapper More information on Snapper at shmax.com]''

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Predacon/Snapper/snapper.htm Snapper at TFU.info]

[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Predacons]]

Heavy Load (RID)

2009-04-10T15:40:27Z

61.198.230.82: /* Robots in Disguise */

{{faction|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Heavy Load}}
{{picsneeded}}

:''Heavy Load is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Heavyloadrid.jpg|right|250px|thumb|We're 2 seconds away from a fully-realized pelvic thrust.]]
'''Heavy Load''' is as bulky as his name implies. His thick armor intimidates even the toughest [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], but his bulk does not inhibit his movement. To the contrary, he's studied martial arts and can move as gracefully as the most lithe of Transformers. Heavy Load is the most powerful of the [[Build Team]] (not to mention the loudest) and is always quick with a joke. He tends to play mentor to the team's young leader [[Wedge]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Build Typhoon'''

==Fiction==
===''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daran Norris]] (English), [[Yoshikazu Nagano]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Heavy Load RiD Cartoon.JPG|right|301px|thumb|And now we're one second away from a fully-realized pelvic thrust...]]
When the [[Autobot Brothers]] encountered the Build Team in an unfinished tunnel, Heavy Load was a mite boastful about the team's tunneling prowess. He was even more enthusiastic when Wedge secured the team their first combat mission. Once they got to the site where the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]] were trying to steal some diamonds, he and [[Grimlock (RID)|Grimlock]] helpfully began transporting the goods. The Predacons swiftly realised what was up and captured Wedge. Heavy Load cunningly offered them a disk which he claimed held the plans for the global space bridge (but in reality were plans for a sewer). Despite his protests, he and the rest of the team ended up chasing a penguin which had stolen the fake disk, and later admitted to his fellow Autobots that the disk they'd been chasing was bogus. {{storylink|Wedge's Short Fuse|Wedge's Short Fuse}}

With the completion of the Arctic link, Heavy Load took the opportunity to play up Wedge's role as foreman with [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]. Wedge was not enthusiastic about Heavy Load's suggestion they could start on the south route, opting instead for combat training. Heavy Load was not keen, but followed anyway, leaving Grimlock to program the space bridge computer. Unfortunately, this led to the space bridge being sabotaged, and he had to help break up an argument between Wedge and [[Rapid Run (RID)|Rapid Run]]. After the space bridge was fixed, the Build Team combined into [[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] to repel [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] and [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] from the north energy research facility. {{storylink|Landfill (episode)|Landfill}}

After [[Sky-Byte]] and the Predacons attacked the [[CGA Tower]], Wedge helped to hold it up, but the rest of the Build Team were forced to stay back. They defended the tower against Scourge's attack and formed Landfill in order to dig a new foundation for the tower, allowing the safe release of the hostages. {{storylink|Sky-Byte Saves the Day|Sky-Byte Saves the Day}}

[[Image:A Test of Metal Heavyload.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Pinhead]]
Heavy Load intercepted a transmission meant for the [[Autobot Brothers]] indicating that the [[Commando|Commandos]] had been attacking construction equipment. The Build Team decided to face the Decepticons alone, and Hightower sabotaged the space bridge to keep the other Autobots away. The battle did not go well, and Heavy Load began to think their plan wasn't such a good idea. After regrouping, Build Team formed Landfill and eventually narrowly defeated [[Ruination]]. Afterward, they enjoyed a soothing oil bath with [[Team Bullet Train]]. {{storylink|A Test of Metal|A Test of Metal}}

Heavy Load and the Build Team later helped test the space bridge (even though they obviously knew it would work). {{storylink|Lessons of the Past|Lessons of the Past}}

[[Image:Fortress Maximus Heavyload.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Heavy Load likes to call himself on his videophone, because no one else bought one.]]
When the Build Team were assigned to work in an area under [[Metro City]] where they'd worked before, Heavy Load brought up the fact that last time they were there, they'd experienced disturbing hallucinations. He agreed with Wedge's resolve to carry out the job anyway. When the hallucinations started again, he contacted headquarters and was told to persuade the rest of his team to continue. Evidently, he succeeded, as the Build Team soon broke through to a cavern containing [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] and formed Landfill to fight the Decepticons who then arrived. {{storylink|Fortress Maximus (episode)|Fortress Maximus}} Heavy Load and the rest of Build Team subsequently hid Fortress Maximus in a huge building in the middle of the city, although Heavy Load had to stop hot-headed Wedge from going to fight at least once. {{storylink|Koji Gets His Wish|Koji Gets His Wish}}

With [[Doctor Kenneth Onishi|Doctor Onishi]] recovered, the Build Team and Autobot Brothers began a race to locate the last five [[O-Part|O-Parts]]. Wedge was taken captive by Megatron after the O-Parts were all collected, and Heavy Load turned the three his team had found over to Optimus for the exchange, although in the end, it turned out to be unnecessary. {{storylink|A Friendly Contest|A Friendly Contest}}

The Build Team accompanied the Autobot Brothers on a mission to find [[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]] beneath an ancient temple. This was fortunate, as the Decepticons caved the temple in on top of them, and the Build Team were able to dig the Autobots out. They later helped to guard Fortress Maximus. To no one's surprise, the Decepticons attacked, and the Build Team formed Landfill during the resulting battle. {{storylink|Maximus Emerges|Maximus Emerges}}

When Scourge made a second attempt to control Maximus in the Sahara Desert, the Build Team and Team Bullet Train picked up a large number of children and took them to the site via the global space bridge. There the children were able to command Maximus to stop. {{storylink|The Human Element|The Human Element}}

When the Decepticons launched an attack on the Autobot base, the Build Team was called to a predetermined location with the rest of the Autobots to spring a trap on their foes. When the ''[[Megastar]]'' joined the fight, they formed Landfill, who was promptly blown apart by the battle station's firepower. {{storylink|Surprise Attack!|Surprise Attack!}}

After the defeat of the ''Megastar'', Landfill was formed again to fight the Decepticons while [[Omega Prime]] engaged in combat with Galvatron. Galvatron unleashed his cyber-bats, causing Prime to call a retreat, and the Autobots found themselves trapped in a space bridge tunnel rapidly filling with molten lava. Although they escaped, Galvatron soon had them at his mercy again. {{storylink|Galvatron's Revenge|Galvatron's Revenge}}

As Galvatron attempted to attack Optimus Prime, Landfill and the other Autobots blocked his attack and were paralysed by Galvatron's power. They remained in this state until Omega Prime was able to defeat Galvatron in the Earth's core. Afterward, just for fun, the Build Team did some more work on the space bridge. {{storylink|The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle}}

==Toys==
===''Robots in Disguise''===

[[Image:RID Heavy Load Toy.JPG|right|300px|thumb|....and the pelvic thrust is gone.]]
*'''Heavy Load''' (Deluxe, 2000/2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-020'''
**''Accessories'': Dump-claw

: Heavy Load transforms into a yellow dump truck. In robot mode, his dump-bed becomes a large hand-held claw weapon. He can form either leg or both arms to the team's combined mode [[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]].

: He was initially released as part of the [[Takara]] ''Car Robots'' line. The [[Hasbro]] ''Robots in Disguise'' version adds numerous [[Paint application|paint applications]] to him, including an Autobot sigil and "dirt-wash" paint on his dump bed.

: This mold was also used to make ''Universe'' [[Long Haul (Universe Ultra)|Long Haul]].

::*''[http://www.shmax.com/figure_details/690 More information on Heavy Load at shmax.com]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Autobot/HeavyLoad/heavyload.htm More information on Heavy Load at TFU.info]''

*'''Build King''' (Multi-pack, 2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-022'''

: In Japan, the entire Build Team set of Wedge, Heavy Load, [[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]] and [[Grimlock (RID)|Grimlock]] was made available. The toys included were identical to the individual Takara releases.

*'''Landfill''' (Multi-pack, 2003)

: A mainly-yellow [[redeco]] of the entire Build Team was released as a Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] in November of 2003, as a multi-pack released on "[[Black Friday]]", the day after Thankgiving, the most hellishly-overcrowded shopping day of the year. The set cost considerably less than four individual deluxes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/HeavyLoad/heavyload.htm More information on Wal-Mart Heavy Load at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==External links==

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Martial artists]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise characters]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Heavy Load (RID)

2009-04-10T09:07:26Z

61.198.230.82: /* Robots in Disguise */

{{faction|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Heavy Load}}
{{picsneeded}}

:''Heavy Load is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Heavyloadrid.jpg|right|250px|thumb|We're 2 seconds away from a fully-realized pelvic thrust.]]
'''Heavy Load''' is as bulky as his name implies. His thick armor intimidates even the toughest [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], but his bulk does not inhibit his movement. To the contrary, he's studied martial arts and can move as gracefully as the most lithe of Transformers. Heavy Load is the most powerful of the [[Build Team]] (not to mention the loudest) and is always quick with a joke. He tends to play mentor to the team's young leader [[Wedge]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Build Typhoon'''

==Fiction==
===''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daran Norris]] (English), [[Yoshikazu Nagano]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Heavy Load RiD Cartoon.JPG|right|301px|thumb|And now we're one second away from a fully-realized pelvic thrust...]]
When the [[Autobot Brothers]] encountered the Build Team in an unfinished tunnel, Heavy Load was a mite boastful about the team's tunneling prowess. He was even more enthusiastic when Wedge secured the team their first combat mission. Once they got to the site where the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]] were trying to steal some diamonds, he and [[Grimlock (RID)|Grimlock]] helpfully began transporting the goods. The Predacons swiftly realised what was up and captured Wedge. Heavy Load cunningly offered them a disk which he claimed held the plans for the global space bridge (but in reality were plans for a sewer). Despite his protests, he and the rest of the team ended up chasing a penguin which had stolen the fake disk, and later admitted to his fellow Autobots that the disk they'd been chasing was bogus. {{storylink|Wedge's Short Fuse|Wedge's Short Fuse}}

With the completion of the Arctic link, Heavy Load took the opportunity to play up Wedge's role as foreman with [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]. Wedge was not enthusiastic about Heavy Load's suggestion they could start on the south route, opting instead for combat training. Heavy Load was not keen, but followed anyway, leaving Grimlock to program the space bridge computer. Unfortunately, this led to the space bridge being sabotaged, and he had to help break up an argument between Wedge and [[Rapid Run (RID)|Rapid Run]]. After the space bridge was fixed, the Build Team combined into [[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] to repel [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] and [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] from the north energy research facility. {{storylink|Landfill (episode)|Landfill}}

After [[Sky-Byte]] and the Predacons attacked the [[CGA Tower]], Wedge helped to hold it up, but the rest of the Build Team were forced to stay back. They defended the tower against Scourge's attack and formed Landfill in order to dig a new foundation for the tower, allowing the safe release of the hostages. {{storylink|Sky-Byte Saves the Day|Sky-Byte Saves the Day}}

[[Image:A Test of Metal Heavyload.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Pinhead]]
Heavy Load intercepted a transmission meant for the [[Autobot Brothers]] indicating that the [[Commando|Commandos]] had been attacking construction equipment. The Build Team decided to face the Decepticons alone, and Hightower sabotaged the space bridge to keep the other Autobots away. The battle did not go well, and Heavy Load began to think their plan wasn't such a good idea. After regrouping, Build Team formed Landfill and eventually narrowly defeated [[Ruination]]. Afterward, they enjoyed a soothing oil bath with [[Team Bullet Train]]. {{storylink|A Test of Metal|A Test of Metal}}

Heavy Load and the Build Team later helped test the space bridge (even though they obviously knew it would work). {{storylink|Lessons of the Past|Lessons of the Past}}

[[Image:Fortress Maximus Heavyload.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Heavy Load likes to call himself on his videophone, because no one else bought one.]]
When the Build Team were assigned to work in an area under [[Metro City]] where they'd worked before, Heavy Load brought up the fact that last time they were there, they'd experienced disturbing hallucinations. He agreed with Wedge's resolve to carry out the job anyway. When the hallucinations started again, he contacted headquarters and was told to persuade the rest of his team to continue. Evidently, he succeeded, as the Build Team soon broke through to a cavern containing [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] and formed Landfill to fight the Decepticons who then arrived. {{storylink|Fortress Maximus (episode)|Fortress Maximus}} Heavy Load and the rest of Build Team subsequently hid Fortress Maximus in a huge building in the middle of the city, although Heavy Load had to stop hot-headed Wedge from going to fight at least once. {{storylink|Koji Gets His Wish|Koji Gets His Wish}}

With [[Doctor Kenneth Onishi|Doctor Onishi]] recovered, the Build Team and Autobot Brothers began a race to locate the last five [[O-Part|O-Parts]]. Wedge was taken captive by Megatron after the O-Parts were all collected, and Heavy Load turned the three his team had found over to Optimus for the exchange, although in the end, it turned out to be unnecessary. {{storylink|A Friendly Contest|A Friendly Contest}}

The Build Team accompanied the Autobot Brothers on a mission to find [[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]] beneath an ancient temple. This was fortunate, as the Decepticons caved the temple in on top of them, and the Build Team were able to dig the Autobots out. They later helped to guard Fortress Maximus. To no one's surprise, the Decepticons attacked, and the Build Team formed Landfill during the resulting battle. {{storylink|Maximus Emerges|Maximus Emerges}}

When Scourge made a second attempt to control Maximus in the Sahara Desert, the Build Team and Team Bullet Train picked up a large number of children and took them to the site via the global space bridge. There the children were able to command Maximus to stop. {{storylink|The Human Element|The Human Element}}

When the Decepticons launched an attack on the Autobot base, the Build Team was called to a predetermined location with the rest of the Autobots to spring a trap on their foes. When the ''[[Megastar]]'' joined the fight, they formed Landfill, who was promptly blown apart by the battle station's firepower. {{storylink|Surprise Attack!|Surprise Attack!}}

After the defeat of the ''Megastar'', Landfill was formed again to fight the Decepticons while [[Omega Prime]] engaged in combat with Galvatron. Galvatron unleashed his cyber-bats, causing Prime to call a retreat, and the Autobots found themselves trapped in a space bridge tunnel rapidly filling with molten lava. Although they escaped, Galvatron soon had them at his mercy again. {{storylink|Galvatron's Revenge|Galvatron's Revenge}}

As Galvatron attempted to attack Optimus Prime, Landfill and the other Autobots blocked his attack and were paralysed by Galvatron's power. They remained in this state until Omega Prime was able to defeat Galvatron in the Earth's core. Afterward, just for fun, the Build Team did some more work on the space bridge. {{storylink|The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle}}

==Toys==
===''Robots in Disguise''===

[[Image:RID Heavy Load Toy.JPG|right|300px|thumb|....and the pelvic thrust is gone.]]
*'''Heavy Load''' (Deluxe, 2000/2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-020'''
**''Accessories'': Dump-claw

: Heavy Load transforms into a yellow dump truck. In robot mode, his dump-bed becomes a large hand-held claw weapon. He can form either leg or both arms to the team's combined mode [[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]].

: He was initially released as part of the [[Takara]] ''Car Robots'' line. The [[Hasbro]] ''Robots in Disguise'' version adds numerous [[Paint application|paint applications]] to him, including an Autobot sigil and "dirt-wash" paint on his dump bed.

: This mold was also used to make ''Universe'' [[Long Haul (Universe Ultra)|Long Haul]].

*'''Build King''' (Multi-pack, 2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-022'''

: In Japan, the entire Build Team set of Wedge, Heavy Load, [[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]] and [[Grimlock (RID)|Grimlock]] was made available. The toys included were identical to the individual Takara releases.

*'''Landfill''' (Multi-pack, 2003)

: A mainly-yellow [[redeco]] of the entire Build Team was released as a Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] in November of 2003, as a multi-pack released on "[[Black Friday]]", the day after Thankgiving, the most hellishly-overcrowded shopping day of the year. The set cost considerably less than four individual deluxes.
::*''[http://www.shmax.com/figure_details/690 More information on Heavy Load at www.shmax.com]''

{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Autobot/HeavyLoad/heavyload.htm Heavy Load at TFU.info]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Martial artists]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise characters]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]