ZeroKaisers WIP Thread [updated 09/12/14] [page1- Classics Grimlock and Swoop] [page2- TF Prime Voyager Megatron] [page2- Classics Slag] [page3- Robot Replicas Bumblebee] [page4- eBay WIP's] Afternoon all! I figured it was about time I popped my cherry proper and start posting my work over here. I've been customizing since 2008, starting out with straight forward repaints, moving on to heavier mods and full scratchbuilds as the years roll on. Entered a few of Sector70's contests in the past to, placing in the top 3 a few times. I rather like the idea of trying something a bit out of left field.. to me, hearing "it can't be done" is just a flashing neon sign to find out how it can be done. Glaug suggested I made a WIP thread, so here we are! As and when projects are finished I'll give them their own threads respectively, rather than clogging up the forum to all hell with all my previous work and dozens of WIPs (nearly all of which can be seen on my Facebook page). ~ I'll start with some of my more recent work, Grimlock and Swoop. [GRIMLOCK] I love the Dinobots, and whilst we were fortunate enough to get them in AoE, doesn't look like we'll be getting any new Classics any time soon.. that and I was never all too keen on the original Classics iteration of Grimlock. Grimlock was made using parts from a Classics Grimlock, BW TM Megatron (Beast head, claws and tail), 1:100 no grade Dynames, Pellermodel joints (T-rex arms, yeah, I articulated the tiny T-rex arms! ..and claw hinges), and a variety of odds and ends I had in my parts bins. Still a WIP for now as he still needs a blaster of some sort and a sword. I also wanted to add a few more bits to the Dino Mode, like small details down the sides tail and booster nozzles in the tops of the knees and behind the ankle guards (for Beast Mode, think like in FoC when you boost in Multiplayer?). [SWOOP] Swoop I don't think will ever get a Classics figure, at least no time soon. Seems like until AoE at least Hasbro and Takara could only remember Grimlock! My Swoop was made using an Energon Jet-Limb-Guy (I forget who), a few bits from various Kotobukiya and MSG Armored Core weapon sets, a ton of bits from a SRW WildWurger, Animated Swoop, claws from Classics Grimlock, Gunpla bits, Classics Ironhide hands and the beak came from BW TM Megatron's tail claw.. phew! Still plenty left to do on Swoop.. the Robot Mode head is just a place holder for now, still need to fill out a bunch of spots, detail the wings some more, make weapons for him and finish up the Beast Mode head.. I am pretty please with how he looks so far though I think that'll do for now, I'll pop back as and when and drop updates and other WIPs, again, rather than one MASSIVE opening post.
Cheers guys much appreciated! And yeah he's pretty small, here's a pic of him very early on (admittedly sans feet, arms, head etc) next to Classics Bumblebee: Grimlock on the other hand is just a head taller than Classics Voyager Optimus. Thanks again chaps!
(read in epic doctor voice while tilting down glasses) My god, they're more gundam than transformer now! Which only makes them more awesome!! I love gundam*, I love transformers, I love robots in general, so these look pretty awesome to me! *checks clock to see how many hours till pg unicorn drops
I really love your sense of design and the engineering to pull these off man. I like to check out artists work that inspire me and give me ideas for my own projects and I would like to add your work to my inspirational work image folder. Keep rocking man!
Hah! Thanks Sponge I do like using Gunpla and other robot kits for parts and fodder, started tinkering with a few bits and bobs for what-will-eventually-be Sludge, if you like these I think it'll be right up your alley. I'll post pics once I have something to show. Oh man thank you phanthro! That's real nice of you to say Let me know if you want any input or help on a project, I'd be more than happy to lend a hand if need be.
As usual, your work never fails to impress! Love all the heavy mods & scratchbuilding done to these. It's interesting to see a different take on the characters than the typical ones we usually see. Keep it up & share more soon, bro!
Thanks brutha means a lot! I think if I had to say I had one, that'd be my "style", going outside of what's usually expected and doing something a bit different Well, here's something else I finished a while back, just to tide you over until I have more Dinobot progress/start getting a bit more content in this thread. This was for a chap on Twitter who'd commissioned a Kotobukiya Megaman Zero kit to be made, modified and painted. Because some times it's nice to do something for nice people, I offered to repaint and mod a Voyager TF Prime Megatron for him. I started with the cannon, extending the points on the muzzle: Then using some more Kneadite (basically Green Stuff from Games Workshop but WAY cheaper from eBay) I rebuilt the barrel using some of the original one and a bit of sheet styrene I curved with clamps and a hair dryer: I used an old Megaman Battle Network figures Buster arm, hollowed out with a dremel for the back half of the cannon, more GS and some existing parts from Megatron to finish up the back end: Finished up with some styrene to make the cannon look more integrated with the forearm and a peg to go in the existing socket. The sword was layered sheet styrene, little bit more GS and a LOT of sanding and carving.. But wait, there's more! I really liked the detail inside the lens of the muzzle, so using a very small LED pen light (I think from some pound shop tweezers of all things) I rigged the whole thing up so that pressing up from underneath the back end of the cannon would toggle the bulb on and off on the existing switch: As for paint, I mixed up a batch of metallic purple (the stuff I had already was too dark and not quite glossy enough for my liking): I was pretty pleased with how it came out, especially on the cannon: The only other purple bits (at the commissioners request) were the sides of the legs and the tiny bits in the shoulders, the forearms, chest and eyes were to be left translucent: A butt load of layered drybrushing, inking and more drybrushing later, and Megatron was done!: Here's a couple more pics, although they're flash photography admittedly. (still need to sit down and take proper photos): I also used a spare pen light LED which fit into the chest, letting that light up to: As you can see, even under external light it's fairly bright: I'm very pleased with how this turned out, can't wait for the chap in question to get his hands on it and see what he thinks
^ Very nice megatron I like the brushed aluminum/stainless steel look you've got going there, it looks very nice for having used a brush, I'm way to OCD to use a brush and I no longer have an airbrush And the epic chest piping is what I think the designers envisioned with the whole of the powerizer line, and I'll admit it looks good when you use a more intense light (that's not on the other side of the spectrum) Does it still transform?
I like that Grimlock, but I suggest you fill/cover the holes on those lego bits on his back. A lot of people use them and never fill them in, they always stick out like a sore thumb. Whenever I see unhidden lego in a custom it takes it down a notch, for me anyway.
Thanks! I only have a very very basic airbrush which I tend to only use to basecoat/prime customs.. I don't mind paintbrush work for now, it's what I've known for over a decade, but I do have some rather large projects down the line that I'll more than likely use the airbrush for, mostly because I'd like to finish painting them within a year! The chest piping is gorgeous with the right LED, it's a shame Powerizers looked so naff but totally understandable given that red LEDs are way cheaper to manufacture than white or even blue or purple. Also yes, it does still transform the only things that were modified were the cannon and the scratchbuilt sword. Cheers MegaMoonMan, It's on my to-do list for him planned to add some fins over the hollows as they'll nicely blend into the Dino Mode and also give a bit more stability in Robot Mode, acting as spurs on the heels. Totally get what you mean though, when you recognize a part in a custom it kinda breaks the illusion.
Unfortunately, for those following/playing along at home.. Grimlock decided to take a swan dive off the desk and broke his knee rather badly :\ both Robot Mode legs will need rebuild, but if anything it's a happy accident that gives me a reason to make the knees a bit tougher Sticking with the recent Dinobot theme.. here's Slag that I technically finished a while back. Only thing is I'm REALLY not sure about him.. I think recent work on Grimlock and Swoop as made me look back at Slag and start thinking he doesn't quite look "right"? Personally I can't help but feel he looks too short and stubby.. not sure if he needs more mass or to be taller :\ Dino Mode doesn't sit right for me either... for similar mass related reasons, kinda think some of the details on the legs in Dino Mode look too tacked on to.. (sorry about the flash photography, without it I couldn't get it to focus despite my best efforts) Anyway, I'm wondering if I just need to "re-detail" him, build up some more mass on the shoulders and legs.. But thoughts would be appreciated guys
I think it is several things working together, the elbow joints appear to sit to high because the cut that allows movement is on the upper arm (gundam thigh), and the illusion is compounded by the torso looking to long for such short arms, while the legs wide berth at the pelvis and short stumpy look of the legs, just further the look of a squat midget bruiser I think it is largely a matter of proportions, and could be tweaked by lengthening the arms or moving the elbow, lengthening and bringing the legs closer together, or shortening the torso As it is the proportions are reminiscent of Tyrion Lannister My basis on this is guided by typical human proportions, so if that's not the look you are after disregard my input But it looks good to me so far!
I'm in love with the aesthetics of your dinobots, the combination of almost video game like style and odd proportions works perfectly
