So, I discussed an idea for a helicopter Combiner torso yesterday. It uses the Hot Spot mold for the base, using the basic transformation of the mold to form the structure for the helicopter. Details: 1. The furthermost end of the helicopter would form the feet of the robot, similar to Hot Spot. 2. The tail of the helicopter would either fold or detach to form a "fusion cannon" on the arm. It would then be a back/shoulder mounted cannon in combined mode. 3. The head would be fashioned to resemble Alpha Bravo, and the Combiner head a super mode of it. The overall toy would be modeled after Alpha Bravo. 4. The rotors would need to be in the center, to help bulk out the alternate mode's center. 5. I want to keep the functionality intact. I'm not really going for a specific model of helicopter, just one that works out with the mold. Thing is, I have no idea where to start on this. First questions are as follows: How would I get the front end to look like a helicopter? Where would the tail come from? How would the rotor work and is there a way to use Springer's sword? What about the wheels? Do I use Onslaught or Hot Spot? Are there parts I can ask for here on the boards to make my idea come to life? How do I paint? I don't even know the process, much less the brands or types to use.
well, if i were to focus on this,i'd use the main hotspot body, and onslaught's combined chest parts. then i'd base it on this coptor https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CH54B_and_M551_Sheridan.jpg springer's blade/coptor would fit in where shockwave rests,but you'll have to most likely use styrene to keep it in place. i'm not exactly sure on the tail/fusion cannon though..... i'd remove the wheels and try to mod them to landing gears... there are many ways of painting, my method is to wash it with soup and water for about 30 minutes, let it dry, use krylon (or testors, tamiya) paints. if your doing it outside, keep track on the weather's temperature, humidity, and anything else that can effect the painting process. i'd suggest using something like a bent coat hanger to elevate the pieces your painting to help prevent touching and ruining the applied paint. blue painter's tape is good for masking parts you don't want painted. after you spray the first thin coat, let it sit for about thirty minutes to an hour, look and see if you need to apply more paint. also lighter colors give a lot of trouble, so try to primer the piece with a grey before applying the actual color. i'm not a professional, so don't take everything i say to heart. i know the absolute best customs takes a few days to work out. so take your time. hopefully this helps....
There are two 5mm pegs holes on Hot Spot/Onslaught and when he closes his arms for vehicle mode, these come together but there is a space. It may be partsforming, but maybe I could fashion two 5mm pegs on the forward end of the tail, which would peg into the back when the hands close? Maybe a peg to slot into that funny shaped hole on Hot Spot's wrist? How do I do this? How would I attach a Bruticus head onto a Hot Spot core? Unless someone has a junker Bruticus armature, I am already looking at nearly $100 of spending.
While I still want to do the above with all my heart (I still need help with it; the above questions were not answered), I am wondering if my first custom should be a simple repaint: I want to make a Batman Transformer*. Just for fun. And I have a suitably amusing background for it which involves the Alpha Bravo custom mentioned in this thread and I am eyeing a Titans Return toy for the purposes of this Batman custom. What do you think is the best option, simple repaint wise? *It's a mecha... piloted by Batman.
ooops, i forgot to help a bit more.... i'm not sure what specific coptor tail would work for the project (maybe a model kit) but if you what to make 5mm pegs, i suggest checking this thread. http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/creative-general-discussion/303169-making-5mm-pegs.html as for the onslaught-to-hotspot part, i'd swap the combined mode chests by unscrewing the parts on the back(you'll need to unscrew the other parts like by the crotch area).unfortunately, the heads themselves aren't interchangable. now as for batman...go with mindwipe.....
Might use those 5mm acrylic rods if I can find them. I know that on my Hot Spot (which I won't cannibalize; I need him for Defensor), the head of Defensor is attached on the ladder on the chest piece. Does this mean that the torso mode would have Bruticus' head, or will it not have a head at all, because you said the heads are not interchangeable? I was thinking of using a model kit. Seems like it is going to be difficult to find the right one because there is no way that I can tell from internet images. The plus side to getting a model kit is that I might be able to use the landing skid parts.
the torso would have bruticus' head. it uses a similar folding mechanic like the latter, but much shorter.... i gotta say i want to do this too, but i'm saving my money for other things.....
Okay, was just making sure. Bruticus' head kind of works here, right? Though if I feel brave enough once everything is done, I might make it more "aerial" and Autobot-y. I'm glad that this idea actually interests some other than me. More experienced customizers' work will kick the snot out of mine.
I am thinking about Mindwipe, thanks to your suggestion. It certainly goes with Batman's motif, being a bat and all. Could you imagine being in Gotham and seeing that thing flying around? But I am also looking at the Chromedome mold because of its chunkier, more "heroic" proportions and that it bears a slight resemblance to the Animated Series Batmobile (though that Batmobile had a much longer front end/hood section.) I would use a repainted Titanmaster as the head, which I am not sure which of. Thoughts?
chromedome does fit as a batmobile, as for the head, maybe clobber,with a paint spot to separate the eyes,and some antenna for the headmode ears/robot mode cape like batman beyond....
