Powertrain

Powertrain is an Autobot Micromaster from the Generation 1 continuity family.

Jack Kirby has a lot to answer for.

Powertrain is the cautious, by-the-book leader the Off Road Patrol. He approaches every problem with patience, carefully analyzing the best way to tackle it, be it interpersonal conflicts within the Autobot ranks (particularly with the standoffish Mudslinger) or sneaking into a Decepticon installation to blow it to kingdom come from within. Thankfully, he's also a pragmatist, and knows that sometimes, "by-the-book" isn't the answer, no matter how uncomfortable such a decision makes him.

In Japan, Tote leads the "Off Road Patrol Team" instead of Powertrain.

French-Canadian name: Défonceur

Japanese name: Freed

Fiction

Marvel Comics continuity

Came to Earth, fought Iguanus, did some other stuff. King Con!

Zone story pages

When Victory Saber initiated the "Zone Project", the Off Road Patrol helped rebuild planet Micro into the new and improved planet Zone. To counter this threat, Violen Jiger began conquering worlds to build his own Decepticon Zone. All the Micromaster teams, including the Off Road Patrol, were then mobilized to patrol the galaxy, specifically planets where their special abilities would be most useful. Early on, the Off Road Patrol were sent to scout a rocky, mountainous planet. Zone Part 1

Later, King Poseidon and Trypticon were sent to conquer the aquatic world of Wall. The Off Road Patrol engaged them in battle and with the help of Commanders Overload, Erector, Missile Bull and Skywave, they emerge triumphant. Zone Part 3

When the Powered Masters flew off to the Tenth Planet for their showdown with Violen Jiger, all the Micromaster teams took command of Zone and vowed to keep it safe in their Commander's absence. Zone Part 10

Dreamwave comics continuity

Created after the launch of the Ark in a joint venture by the Autobots and Decepticons, Powertrain could first be seen hanging out in Little Iacon with his fellow Micromasters. He and Highjump were discussing Blaze Master, a Decepticon Micro they thought could be talked over onto the Autobot side. The Gray Race He was also among a crowd of freed Micromasters that had briefly been taken prisoner by the Insecticons in Little Iacon. Victims of the Revolution

IDW comics continuity

Powertrain and the rest of the "Off-Road Patrol" were part of the Micromaster assault on Hardhead and Nightbeat at Gorlam Prime. Spotlight: Hardhead

Toys

Generation 1

• Off Road Patrol (Micromaster Patrol, 1989)

Powertrain transforms into an orange semi-trailer "sleeper cab" truck of made-up model. He was only available in a four-pack with his teammates Highjump, Mudslinger and Tote.

This mold was also used to make Ironworks.

• More information on Powertrain at TFU.info

Zone

• Off Road Patrol Team (Micro TF Team, 1990)
  • Japanese ID number: C-335

The Off Road Patrol was sold in Japan a year later as part of the Zone series, with no notable changes from their Hasbro releases.