Wow, I think I should add some context here.

Many of you may not realize that Echo TF is me, one guy, a fan who in my spare time loves to design stuff, or in the case of Quarter Mile/Intimidator, had the opportunity to team up with Eddie on the design.

Lightning struck once with Boosticus...it was hugely successful and I was able to coordinate with Transbots on production. The project went well!

But with Quarter Mile and Trailcutter/Hoist, DMY has not provided updates on the project. We provided the designs and things have been pretty quiet since. It has been very difficult for us, we follow up with them often, trying to get information for those of you who were interested. We don't have bad things to say...but we don't have news, either.

Our last update, just a couple days ago was that the test shots may happen either just before or just after CNY. Not enough news to share, really...  

Please know that Eddie and I are doing all that we can...it's not a great situation for any of us--you, the fans especially.

So back on topic...

I designed these Feral Rex upgrades over the holidays...I have no idea if they could be produced. I dont have a manufacturer, or contract, or anything...perhaps i should have posted myself in Radicons? Given the mixed reaction so far, I'll probably just go with Shapeways.

I just want to be sure you guys know EchoTF is a very small fry, not looking to make money, just a fan (or two fans) trying to share our stuff, have fun, and break even on the investment.

I know that may not help when product falls way behind, or isnt appealing...thats the risk i/we take in this hobby...but I just had to share this as it may add a bit more info about what's up with EchoTF.

 

I was one of the people that got the g2 boosticus set and I can honestly say that your hard work and effort were very well appreciated. You've got the boards support with all your projects man  

 

How hell could you not have anything bad to say about DMY? They took your designs when? and have't done jack with them!

Can't you team up with GCI or someone and get that ishit out

 

Uhh...Rex's arms aren't actually short. they only look like it because his legs are a bit on the long side and the torso looks small because of how compact it is. But if you hang your hands to your sides, and straighten out Rex's arms, you'll find that Rex's arm length is pretty similiar to yours. Take off the combiner legs and you'll see it easier.

On topic...I like the gun sleeves, but I wish they'd stay square. The square guns have a lot of character to them and it helps differentiate them from Bruticus who has round guns and all.

The feet look nice but I don't think I'd use them unfortunately. The wrist extenders I feel make the arms look too long.

 

Not feeling this set at all, I'm more than happy with him the way he is. Still want the M3 set and the Trailbreaker/Hoist feet, though.

 

It's gonna be difficult to not sound biased since we're friends/partners, but I think I may actually bring a good unbiased opinion on your add-ons here for a different reason...I don't have a nostalgic connection to Predaking. Not even a little bit. I've never really been a fan of beast/animal-formers. BUT, the Predaking wars did temp me. For one, I'm a big fan of orange (General Lee b!tches!) and secondly, combiners in general just kick a$$!

So of the three sets, I found myself being most drawn to Rex. I think I liked that he still had nice sharp edges, but wasn't necessarily as boxy as the other two sets. I liked that he wasn't as slavishly G1 (cube-y) as the other sets.

But one thing I noticed between all sets that I didn't like was his floating toes. G1 or not, IMHO, I thought it looked silly. So I really like that not only did you update that silly design by making the toes touch, but you gave them a shape that I think more appropriately matches MMCs aesthetic. Those round toes are dumb (cannons or not)...sorry life long Predaking fans.  

The wrist adaptors. Since I don't have the set, I don't really know about any of the clearance issues others have mentioned, but I'm a sucker for any added articulation, and I see that you added a ton. Awesome for fist pump and weapon holding poses. I do agree that if it's possible to achieved a slightly less boxy design, that would improve the look. Maybe a little bit more tapered towards the hand?

I don't know of any issues anyone may've had with the back guns, but I feel the stock ones look a little bit more antenna-y than gun-y. The beefed up barrels make them look more like cannons!

Really though, I guess not owning the set, maybe my opinion doesn't matter at all.  

 

+1 on this!!!

 

What Feral Rex needs IMO is a bigger head. I don't need different toe guns or added stuff to his wrists. Just give me a head that is bigger and I'll be happy.

 

Release date 2020? LOL

 

I for one am an owner on the sdcc Boosticus set and would definitely buy again from Echo and Eddie again.

 

Sorry about this Echo. Seems I placed this thread in the wrong section of the site. I think these new parts go well with FR. It's good to see constructive criticisms and actual suggestions that could work. I'd like to see this come into fruition either by mass production or via shapeways and such.

 

^^ Definitely not your fault, Daim and agreed, some good feedback in here. Thanks for moving the thread.

I've painted the prototypes, have a look:

 

Nice update!

 

I wasn't' a fan of this set when you first posted the prototype. But now that they're painted, it actually looks great! I'm going to be ordering a set for myself.

 

Hey EchoT, when will the feet be available for order?

 

Oh oops, nevermind. I found them in your shapeways store  

 

So much fun~~~

 

I'm really starting to dig those new toes with the fact that they do sit flush on the ground. At first I wasn't a fan of them, but the more I see them the more I like them.

Have you thought about designing some leg extensions? Which could plugin between Leo Dux's leg pegs and Bovis and Fortis' ports to add some extra height to make him as tall or taller than Warbotron's Bruticus which could also function as a double knee joint.

 

Hey Echotransformer,

I got this email from Shapeways, they are unable to print the toes :-(

Would you be able to print up a set for me? I waited 2 months for these.

 

Do you guys think getting the cufflinks, cannons, and feet in black would match Nero Rex or will I need to paint those or something?