Autobot Tankdozer

It is unfortunate that the Transformers Power Core Combiners line is ending; whilst it didn't start on the best footing, the overall quality of the line has increased with each wave of new figures. Coming from the same wave as the Constructicons and Dinobots I've already looked at, Heavytread with Groundspike shows the progress that the two packs have made alongside the five packs.

Heavytread turns into a large (for the price) tank in a vaguely desert based camouflage, with some yellow and drab green areas. His minicon groundspike can form a large mine plow that can be attached to the front of the tank on a flip out post. There is a lot of subtle detail on every surface of the tank, and though I won't pretend to know what it all represents, I'm sure that it is all based off real features of real tanks. There are four wheels embedded in the treads, and the turret is capable of a full rotation. The only weaknesses in this mode are apparent from the back, two of the blue blocks are visible and the rear of the vehicle is somewhat incomplete.

Robot mode is as bulky as you would expect from something that was just a tank. More of the dark green comes into play here, as well as the black treads commanding more attention. For being so bulky he is surprisingly articulated, with ankle joints being the only noticable ommision. There is more than a hint of G1 Brawl in this guy's design, despite him being an autobot, the blocky head and position of the main gun are similar. Groundspike can be put in his own robot mode or can become a large claw weapon that fits over Heavytread's right hand.

Heavytread's torso mode is one of the bulkiest of the line, with a larger but equally blocky head and the entire front of the tank forming his chest and shoulders. The turret is cleverly turned into an asymmetrical backpack. Groundspike can form a chestplate for this mode, but like most of the other minicons in the line this mode falls a bit flat compared to his other modes. Whilst he doesn't come with any drones of his own, Heavytread can utilise those from any of the five packs, and looks best with the Combaticons or their redecos. He forms the core of a stumpy but imposing combination that gives the impression of a lot of mass.

I really do like the Power Core line, the two-pack figures in particular are a lot of fun and feel much more substantial than the similarly priced scout class figures. It's a pity that these guys are becoming hard to find, and are often marked up slightly compared to earlier waves. Heavytread is worth it though, even if you don't have any drones, he is a great little standalone figure.