Build Typhoon & Build Cyclone are two toys that share the same basic structure, transformation and articulation. However there's not a single major piece that is exactly the same on both toy, moulding differences are everywhere. Like the other two standard size Build team members he has a name referring to a storm that rotates which is in a way prefiguring the usage of these three parts in the combined form.
Build Cyclone is a four wheeled crane cast in red plastic. The crane base rotates and the crane arm raises, but does not extend or allow the hook to pivot much. There are a pair of small supports for the crane that fold out to the sides from under the front bumper.
Build Cyclone has a sort of third mode: bend the crane hook under the crane and it flips a long gun barrel out of the top of the crane. This mode looks not unlike the GI Joe vehicle the Slugger
TF: Remove the crane arm & the crane base and separate the two. Pull down the back of the truck being careful not to extend the robot's hips contained within. Fold the feet up from their position curved over the top of the toy and fold the heel spurs down from under the toy. Stand on feet. Fold the front wheels and the panels round them out to the sides, then fold the lower arm then the hand down from there. Mount the crane base on his back with the cab window pointing down. Fold the top of the cab back to go round the joint on the T bar then fold the head down, pegging into the robot's neck and turn the head round. Pull on the crane hook to fold out a black gun barrel. Mount this in his hand as a rifle. Fold up the control cab for the crane revealing a gun hidden within - remove and place in his other hand.
The robot looks very similar to Build Typhoon, but in red and with grey exposed robot parts. The head is red with a silver face and a black visor.. His wrists bend, he's got ball jointed elbows, shoulders & hip. His knees bend and his head turns.
Good solid toy, giving a nice chunky robot which is almost what you feel you need from a construction vehicle. Two decent hand weapons.
Build Cyclone is Car Robots toy C-021 and also appears in the Build King giftset numbered C-022
Hightower was only available individually carded - there was no Landfill boxset. The initial release of the Build Team & Mega Octane in the UK was an exclusive to Woolworths, but further (imported ?) stock later materialised in Toys R Us.
This version of Hightower is only available in the Landfill giftset.
Hightower keeps his existing RID name but let's face it we all know he's meant to be Hook. He's mainly green in this form with a purple crane and robot chest. The non control side of the crane base has a Decepticon symbol on it.
Once again another great repaint in this set.