1989 Thunderclap

The Thunderclap is three vehicles in one, each with their own defense systems!

The multi-extendable, high-powered, battlefield “annihilator” cannon is the centerpiece of this powerhouse. 

The tractor provides propulsion and radar jamming, while the trailer enables infrared targeting and armament discharge.

The Thunderclap features several moving parts and removable parts, and the sculpt is incredibly detailed. 
Roll over the images below to find out more, or click the images to enlarge them.

The Thunderclap is comprised of three parts: the tractor vehicle, the cannon base, and the trailer vehicle.

The tractor connects to the cannon base via a large peg at the rear of the vehicle.

The trailer similarly connects to the cannon base via an identical large peg, though the peg is positioned at front in this case.

The trailer sports an antenna, presumably used for communications (its actual function is not documented).

The trailer is armed with a double barrel, rapid-fire, computer controlled blaster cannon on its roof, and a rack of three surface-to-surface, delayed detonation ZPJ-79 cruise missiles. The cannon rotates horizontally at its connection point, while the missile rack can be elevated a small bit upward.

The trailer sits atop two rows of wheels, with each row containing three wheels and protected by a silver panel.

Tail light decals add nice detail to the trailer rear.

While tinted glass covers the front and side gaps in the cockpit cover, the rear gap is completely uncovered.

The large connector peg in front doubles as an infrared target acquisition range projector.

The cannon features a synchronized digital tracking, revolving turret (the circular section on the back left).

The trailer's cockpit opens from the front to reveal a seat for a single figure, who is secured by a waist-level seat belt. Also seen here is the missile rack in the elevated position, as well as the wheel base rotated at a 90 degree angle.

The trailer operator enters the cockpit using steps on the rear left hand side.

The middle component of the Thunderclap, the geometrically proportioned, launch platform stabilizer base, features the vehicle's primary armament and play feature, the multi-extendable, high-powered, battlefield "annihilator" cannon. This cannon has already destroyed four Cobra targets!

The main cannon's barrel is hollow. Note that the individual shells do not fit in the barrel - they instead fit in the cannon's opening on the top.

The cannon contains a play feature by which a shell can be ejected from the open chamber, simulating how a shell would be ejected after the cannon fires a round. To execute this feature, move the silver handle on the right side as far as it will move in the direction of the tip of the barrel, place a shell into opening, and then pull the handle back toward the shell opening.

The front section of the cannon base can seat two figures, with each seat also containing a waist-level seat belt.

The cannon-facing side of the base sports a thermal-protected missile launcher armed with three surface-to-surface missiles. The launcher can be rotated horizontally at its connection point, and the rack itself can pivot vertically.

The cannon's console seat holds a single figure, with the figure once again secured by a single waist-level seat belt. The entire seat can pivot vertically along its connection point to the cannon.

The rear section of the cannon base is armed with two 70mm rotary mini-cannons with laser beam target location. Each cannon rotates at its base.

The rear section of the cannon base can also seat two figures. Each seat contains the standard waist-level seat belt. Safety is important when sitting behind a seriously massive gun barrel!

The rear section stores four shells for the main cannon. These shells can be removed and individually placed into the cannon's opening.

Four small platforms are placed at each corner of the base. Each platform features two foot pegs for additional figure transport.

Four four-point titanium reinforced stabilizer legs can be deployed when the base has been detached from the tractor and trailer.

Once the four-point titanium reinforced stabilizer legs have been extended into position, the main body of the base can be rotated.

The cannon barrel can be extended out very far for maximum firing capability. (However, in this image, the middle portion of the barrel has not been fully extended.)

The cannon has been fully extended here.

Some additional interior detail can be seen in the stabilizer base with the main cannon removed.

The tractor vehicle contains many of the same features as the trailer, with a double-barreled cannon on the cockpit, as well as three total missiles.

A dual-barreled, pulsating, MG-999 assault weapon sits atop the rear of the tractor's cockpit. The cannon can rotate horizontally at its connection point.

Two multi-directional, surface-to-surface, low attack missiles can be fired from the tractor's left side.

In contrast to the trailer, the tractor features two tracked treads.

Another surface-to-surface missile can be fired from the tractor's right side.

The Thunderclap's logo features a shield with a striking image of a sword piercing a storm cloud, which then releases several bolts of lightning.

The large peg connects to the cannon base for towing purposes.

The tractor's cockpit cover is opened from the rear, and it seats a single figure.

The tractor's engine panel cover can be removed to reveal more sculpted detail.

How does one prevent a massive vehicle like the Thunderclap from being detected by Cobra? By using a low-noise, ultra-sensitive, enemy radar jamming module!

As with most G.I. Joe vehicles that contain track treads, the treads are solid pieces of plastic, and the rolling motion of the vehicle is accomplished via two axle pieces that each have two wheels on the end. There is some additional undercarriage sculpting detail present as well.

Roll over the images below to find out more, or click the images to enlarge them. Photos courtesy of Chad Hucal.

Thunderclap left view.

Thunderclap right view.

Thunderclap raised view.

Thunderclap overhead view.

Cannon front left view.

Cannon left view.

Cannon rear left view.

Cannon rear view.

Cannon rear right view.

Cannon right view.

Cannon front right view.

Cannon front view.

Tractor front left view.

Tractor left view.

Tractor rear left view.

Tractor rear view.

Tractor rear right view.

Tractor right view.

Tractor front right view.

Tractor front view.

Trailer front left view.

Trailer left view.

Trailer rear left view.

Trailer rear view.

Trailer rear right view.

Trailer right view.

Trailer front right view.

Trailer front view.

Thunderclap blueprint/instructions courtesy of Tim Dzieciatkowski.
​Instructions thumbnail images are below. Click the thumbnails to enlarge them.

Thunderclap instructions page 1 (click to enlarge)

Thunderclap instructions page 2 (click to enlarge)

Thunderclap instructions page 3 (click to enlarge)

Thunderclap instructions page 5 (click to enlarge)

Thunderclap instructions page 6 (click to enlarge)