Drill Robo

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This article is about the character from the 1980s Machine Robo franchises. For the Machine Robo Rescue character, see Drill Robo (MRR).
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Drill Robo (ドリルロボ) is a Machine Robo from Romulos.

The original version is 13.4 metres tall in robot mode, weights 298 tonnes, can travel at 122 km/h on the surface and 68 km/h underground, and is armed with an Ionoid Super Drill and a Blazer Cannon.

On Cronos and Electronic Planet B-1 he is known as Rod Drill (ロッド・ドリル).

Fiction[edit | edit source]

Machine Robo packaging[edit | edit source]

When a Dogra alien attacked a city on Earth, Drill Robo was able to surprise and destroy it by drilling through the ground directly in front of the monster as Jet Robo flew overhead. Drill Robo instruction manual

Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos cartoon[edit | edit source]

Voice actor: Kōichi Hashimoto
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Rod Drill is 15, 2.1 metres tall, weighs 5 tonnes and can travel at 70 km/h above ground and 55 km/h underground; he is a member of the Battle Tribe. Despite being a student of Kirai Stol, Drill tends to rely on his muscle as opposed to his occasionally-glimpsed martial arts skills. Unlike the serious Blue Jet, Rod is the clown of the troop, regularly agitating for more sleep or food. However, Drill remains a brave, kind and loyal friend of Rom Stol who never waivers from their quest. Especially if it gives him the opportunity to burrow underground in his drill tank mode or otherwise cause good-natured chaos. Rod Drill grew up in Dakota, where he was good friends with Combat Buggy and Trim Sponsor before studying under Kirai Stol along with Rom and Jet. His skills largely revolved around being able to drill his way out of whatever they threw at him. As such he was dispatched by Kirai along with his fellow students when the Gyandlar attacked Cronos, helping save Triple Jim and Leina Stol. However, while they were away Kirai sacrificed himself to prevent Grujios taking his knowledge of the Hyribead. Rising Storm - the Fighting Style of Justice! After mourning, Rom decided to go on a quest to find the secret of the Wolf Emblems; Rod and Jet offered to join him but he insisted on going alone. The pair instead discreetly followed their friend, and were able to help him inside the city of Sado Fortress after he was ambushed by the Devil Satan 6. However, the population of the city turned them over to Grujios and they needed the help of young boy Ziggy to get free and defeat the Gyandlar. Rom subsequently invited his friends to join him on his quest. Wolf Sword! Call Forth the Thunder of Courage!

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He caused disruption when his stomach led him on a side-quest for some food, causing him to fall in quicksand that began to corrode him. His friends were able to drag him to safety, but had to fight the Gyandlar to get the Metal Laster from the nearby settlement of Vira in order to save him. Steal the Metal Laster! He later freed Rom from his cell in Sunsua, also digging up the explosives Grujios and the other Gyandlar had planted around the town to coerce the population. Devil Trap - The Enslaved Village He got to show off his skills when the quest took the friends to the planet's north pole, where he used his drill to create an ice cavern complete with furniture for the group to shelter in. When Zagam appeared with the Gyandlar Drill did his best to stop the Gyandlar captain, but was injured by the polar specialist fighter. Zagam successfully kidnapped Leina, but eventually released her after a change of heart. Hot Fight at Absolute Zero! Dill later helped Rom out when Mizuchi buried him under a rockfall. The Rock People and Mizuchi the Mysterious Dragon

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He met old friend Trim Sponsor in the Rainbow Sands, saving him from one of the desert's monsters and immediately noting his strange behaviour. After travelling to Arambia, he reacted furiously when Girandor accused Trim of treachery and vowed to clear his name. While the after-effects of a bantonium bomb killed Trim before they could do so but after finding out Girandor was in fact a Gyandlar agent and Drill helped avenge his friend. Dash Out, Tank Trancer! The group them visited his hometown of Dakota, but Rod overslept the morning before their visit, attacking Jet when he tried to rouse him. Unaware that his friends had been captured while he dozed, Drill took a circular route to the town, rescuing Melodia - a resident of neighbouring Konan - from a trap. He was quickly taken with her but got distracted by the news of Dakota and Konan being at war. Drill found his old friend Combat Buggy and was able to get his friends released and expose the Gyandlar manipulation behind the conflict. He was able to reunite the towns but didn't get the girl, as Melodia was actually in love with Combat Buggy, briefly devastating Rod before some gentle teasing from Jet brought him back to his old self. Pledging Love on the Great River

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When Rom was freaked out by the Gyandlar captain Preacher, Drill decided to undertake a solo attack, but was no match for his enemy - only avoiding death when a bell ringing drew the enemy away. However, it meant he was able to piece together Preacher's weakness - the bell drew forth the spirits of ancient heroes to combat him - and help Rom defeat the monster. Phantom Monk Preacher's Challenge Later, when Leina was taken to the Sky Castle by Grujios, he summoned Battle Tribe reinforcements in the form of Combat Buggy, Vilion and Missile Tank Robo but the Gyandlar was able to summon up a fog to keep them from aiding their friends. Death in the Demonic Castle in the Sky His troops were eventually forced back to nearby Elie, where Drill called out the chief Pylon for not aiding Rom. His words got through and together they were able to send Grujios and his reanimated captains into a black hole. The Demonic Castle - Farewell Grujios Rod later joined Rom, Vanishing Harry and numerous Battle Tribe Machine Robo in competing in the prestigious race at Devil's Island. He ran among the leaders, noting Harry's dirty racing, before being attacked by carnivorous plants laid by the Gyandlar Black Bass. He was able to escape and later save Harry from the Gyandlar, convincing the rival racer to eschew a defection to the Gyandlar and race honestly. Drill subsequently won, much to his delight. Run Through the Race of Death!

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Later on their quest, the group were attacked by the militia of Cleo City, with Rod helping beat up several of their attackers until Pithus arrived to straighten things out. Nevertheless he was perturbed at being turned away from the city, though while Rom, Jet, Leina and Jim were more concerned with the odd behaviour of the citizens Drill's primary concern was his hunger. With the help of Sara the group were able to free the city from the influence of the Gyandlar captain Nerve. The Heart of a Protecting Angel He later joined the defence of Emerald City, attempting to improvise weapons when the city's defenders ran low on ammunition. Gather All Machine Robo Along with the rest of his band, he clashed with the arrogant Land Commander 5 team but later joined them in helping defend the city after Police Car Robo was injured. Attack, Land Commander 5! Drill didn't stay on the team after the battle but did become one of the key members of the Machine Robo army forming at Emerald City. He set out to rescue Tough Trailer, trapped underground with Diondra, and met up with Pro Truck Racer before helping save them, also getting Leina released. Escape from the Underground - Pro Truck Racer Appears! A storm trapped the group behind Gyandlar lines; Drill clashed repeatedly with the rash Pro Truck Racer by being more focused on getting aid for the injured Leina. Pro Truck Racer stomped off and got overwhelmed by Garudi, though Rom and other rescuers arrived in time to save him. Fire! Big Blazer Cannon!

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Rod was given a Blazer Cannon missile launcher by Kendō Robo, further increasing his ability to cause widespread destruction, and helped free Tough Trailer from the curse of the Demon Sword. Curse of the Demon Sword Medusa He later helped battle the Gylandar-controlled Battle Rock Mars Battle Rock Mars' Tears and drive off Gyandlar troopers so the damaged Big Shuttle Robo could land. Baikanfu Disappears in Space Drill was part of the team escorting Magna Rock and the Wolf Sword back to the Battle Base; while they were attacked by Diondra his decision to help Header was vital in the Fossil Men - and thus both Gattai Saurer and the real Wolf Sword - to Rom's side. Secret Valley of the Fossil Men During the final battle with the Gyandlar, Rod led the spearhead of the Battle Tribe forces into the mothership, and was on hand when Rom found out the Gadess in the ship's throne room was an illusion. Baikanfu - Cry of Anger! Trapped in the throne room with Diondra and others, he witnessed Rom free his brother Guardi from inside Garudi Mighty Fortress, Heavenly Sword - Jet Don't Die!; after they were freed by Jet he helped lead the final stages of the battle against the Gyandlar army, as Rom defeated Gadess. After Cronos was saved he was among the Machine Robo to lead the planet and travel through a dimensional gateway. The Final Battle of Cronos

Machine Robo: Battle Hackers cartoon[edit | edit source]

Voice actor: Kenyuu Horiuchi
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After the Machine Robo left Cronos and passed a dimensional gateway they re-emerged as the citizens of the Algo Republic on Electronic Planet B-1 with no memory of their previous adventures. Rod Drill became a member of the Silver Wolves, the land component of the Algo Army. After Pro Truck Racer was busted for disobeying RIM, Rod Drill was promoted to leader of the Silver Wolves, leading them into battle against the Gurendos Strongest Warrior - R.JeTan! Due to Kizune and Gantsuke leaking RIM's plans, Rod Drill and a squad of Silver Wolves were ambushed by Gurendos and forced back. After the Battle Hackers exposed and destroyed the traitors, he was able to lead a successful assault. Crystal Eavesdropping Strategy He clashed with Drill Crusher over the value of the Battle Hackers during a tactical meeting on the Grand Whale. While he struck his subordinate for talking back he eventually saw their value after they prevented Gakurandar from destroying the main bridge into Crystal City, though Drill Crusher still transferred away from the Silver Wolves. Jet Riser - Full Fire! He later examined the damage caused by Sorikondar after Garzack's Garfire-SP was stolen and used to destroy a fuel facility in Crystal City. Stolen Garfire-SP Rod Drill later became more tolerant towards the Battle Hackers; he and Tough Trailer helped the Winner Robo to traverse a huge canyon to destroy the Gurendos' new super-cannon Dangerous Grand Whale Along with Blue Jet, he was later inspired to go against RIM's orders to seal off the overheating electronic furnace, joining the Winner Robo in their ultimately successful attempt to shut down the furnace and save the workers inside. Save the Electronic Furnace of Death!

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Rod Drill fell under the control of the Gurendos' brainwashing satellite, leading a force of Silver Wolves to attack Crystal City; once again they were released thanks to the efforts of the Battle Hackers. Destroy the Fortress Satellite Along with Blue Jet he tried to lead a force to relieve the Battle Hackers, who were pinned down by Gakurandar and a huge force of Gurendos, but mines laid by Sorikondar prevented them reaching the besieged group before they were able to fight their own way clear. R. JeTan! Run! Rod Drill later led a force of Silver Wolves as part of a major Algo Army counter-attack against the Gurendos, ultimately forcing them to retreat. Quickly, Gattai Saurer! He later took part in the Algo Army response to the Gurendos trying to move through B-1's forest areas. Riser! Power Up! Rod Drill was then a key part of the Battle Hackers finally defeating Yasand and destroying his electromagnetic missiles, joining Drill Crusher in tunnelling directly into the midst of the Gurendos' command post. The Flower of Hope Blooming on the Battlefield After the casualties of the missiles were restored thanks to the help of the Battle Hackers he led a counter-offensive that pushed the Gurendos out of the range of Crystal City. Let's Do It! While he personally guarded Land Giant 32 when it brought supplies into the Grand Whale, Rod Drill was unable to detect the cloaked Shinobis and Igarn. Special Command - Destroy RIM He later commanded the Silver Wolves as RIM chose to take the Grand Whale in for a direct assault on the Gurendos' base in Blood Country. Goodbye - Battle Forever

Leina Stol OVAs[edit | edit source]

Voice actor: Kōichi Hashimoto
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After crossing the dimensional barrier Rod Drill became human, though he retained a suit of armour closely resembling his previous form. He arrived on Electronic Planet B-1, where he was captured along with Jim and Jet by the wizard Velt Zaruk and his paramour Myra. Thanks to Rom, Leina, Shuli and Rall he was freed, and helped battle Myra while Leina helped Rom fight Zaruk. Leina Stol in Wolf Sword Legend II The group then travelled to Ursus to fight Baltun, where Jim, Jet and Drill were again captured while Rom was killed. Leina however was able to rescue them, and Drill successfully battled the resurrected Devi, enabling her to destroy Baltun. Leina Stol in Wolf Sword Legend III

How Rod Drill was simultaneously turned into both the robotic Rod Drill seen on B-1 and the human version of Rod Drill that seems to have travelled with Rom to B-1 at about the same time is unclear.

Toys[edit | edit source]

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Machine Robo[edit | edit source]

Machine Robo Series[edit | edit source]

  • Drill Robo (1983)
    • ID number: MR-17
    • Accessories: none
Drill Robo was the 17th figure in Bandai's Machine Robo Series and transforms from robot to drill tank in 5 steps. His drill does not spin, though he does have decent shoulder articulation and movement at the knee. Drill Robo features a diecast chest and lots of chromed details, including the tracks and the drill. The tracks themselves do not move; instead caster wheels hidden on the underside of the vehicle mode allow the drill tank mode to be pushed along a flat surface.
  • The figure was later issued as the GoBots figure Screw Head, with no changes apart from the omission of the additional sticker sheet included with the Japanese release. As such the American version lacks some of the extra details. For unknown reasons the toy was not issued in Europe or Australia.


Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos[edit | edit source]

Machine Robo Series[edit | edit source]

  • Drill Robo (1986)
    • ID number: MRB-1
    • Accessories: none
Drill Robo was reissued for the Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos toyline in updated packaging. The figure was assigned to the Battle Tribe, and featured no changes from the original Japanese release. Despite the prominent cartoon character being named 'Rod Drill' the toy - and all others released in the Revenge of Cronos line - retained its' original name.
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Chara Collection[edit | edit source]

  • Drill Robo (1986)
    • ID number: MRB
    • Accessories: sword
A non-converting figure was made for the Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos line's Chara Collection series, in recognition of the character's role as one of the leads of the series, and it is generally close to the character's animation model in the series, albeit slightly less stylised. For a figure of the period the toy has excellent articulation, with a turning head, ball-jointed shoulders, moving elbows and poseable legs. The figure also came with a sword (despite the character rarely using one in the series) and an enamel badge of the Wolf Emblem. It retailed at ¥1000.
  • The Chara Collection version of Drill Robo was not released outside of Japan.



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Chara Collection DX[edit | edit source]

  • Drill Robo (1986)
    • ID number: MRB
    • Accessories: Blazer Cannon backpack, connector
The same figure as the Chara Collection version was also available as a Chara DX Collection figure; this substituted the sword for a pellet-firing launcher and backpack system. It retailed at ¥1480.
  • The Chara Collection DX version of Drill Robo was not released outside of Japan.



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Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos (Action Toys)[edit | edit source]

Machine Robo Series[edit | edit source]

  • Rod Drill (2016)
    • ID number: MR-02
    • Accessories: arm blades (2), extended drill, stand

The second figure in Action Toys' Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos series, Rod Drill converts from robot to drill tank. Designed by Lu.K of Awaken Studio, the figure features a mix of plastic and diecast. It is the first release of the character to use the same name as the cartoon. As a modern figure, Rod Drill features a wide range of articulation. The arm blades can be clipped to both fists and - uniquely for an Action Toys release - left in place for conversion. They do not resemble anything the character uses in any known media. While the head can be left in place for the vehicle mode it can also be switched for the extended drill part, which is not only pointier but allows the bit to "spin" on the ball-joint without showing the robot's face. Sadly, Rod's transformation does not involve little doors opening to show his face.

Merchandise[edit | edit source]

A completed model as pictured in the kit's painting guide.

Machine Robo Series Model Kits[edit | edit source]

  • Roddrill Robo (Machine Robo Series, 1986)
    • ID number: 1
A Snapfit converting plastic model kit of Drill Robo was produced by Bandai in 1986. The kit required no glue and featured large stickers for detail, though paint would be required to make it accurate to the toy or animation model. It included a small figurine of Rom Stol in nothing like the same scale.
  • The model kit version of Drill Robo was not released outside of Japan.


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Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos Choco-Corn[edit | edit source]

  • Rod Drill Robo (Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos, 1986)
    • ID number: 5
A small plastic model kit version of Rod Drill Robo was issued by Bandai in 1986 as part of their Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos line of models, distributed with Morinaga & Company's Choco-Corn candy. Rod Drill Robo retained his ability to transform. The model very closely followed the transformation of the toy version, though the kit itself was cast in a single colour of plastic and would require extensive painting to look anything like the picture included on the leaflet. Like the rest of the range, the model retailed at ¥100.
  • The Choco-Corn figures were never issued outside of Japan.


Notes[edit | edit source]

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