Turned A.B. into Groove. This was my second attempt, did it as stated above for AlphaMatrix. He's gonna paint him, my paint skill is sub par. I know there are those of you out there who could do this better. Let's see 'em.
OK, here's the parts list for this build. 1st the old standby, Super Glue. There's a few areas where I use some 2part epoxy just to fill some space and strengthen bonds, but for the most part good ole super glue will do the trick. 2nd Ransom Bionicle connectors, we'll take two balls with flat backers and cut them loose, then glue the two backers together. Also we will need two of the sockets. More on that later. Axer, Road Pig, or one of the MANY KOs out there. We'll be using the front end, and the engine parts. 3rd Scout class Cybertron Scattershot. The missile bank will become the trunk/toes. 4th Armada Cyclonus Last but not least, Energon Arcee Rear tire assembly
We need to pull the two pins inside of the red. The helicopter parts are going bye-bye. So of course we'll remove the cock pit as well. The "feet" pop right off, don't worry about them they get hidden. Then cut the gray post off where it will rest even afterward.
Alright, here we have the Alpha Bravo mold with the Groove head courtesy of SteamShield. Fantastic look and good fit. will work with swiveling for limb modes. It's a bit loose, may be because I ordered it in black unpolished, but it's nothing bad, and a touch of clear nail polish will take care of it perfectly. Here's a link: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/steamshield
Ok, next up we have the "saddle bags". Start by removing the intake ports from Armada Cyclonus. Of course something else may work, but this is my formula. I think it gives him that little extra Cybertronian/updated look. First, take your dremel, cut them out, and shave the edges. Then cut or sand the inside flat. Now cut the little box on the back off flush. I glued some styrene on to give a flat backer. Once the glue fully cures, take your knife and trim neatly. Bondo is what I use to fill any gaps.
Now, for the trunk. This will also serve as toes. We'll use Scattershots missile rack. Remove the one screw that actually holds the two main pieces together then the rest is held by pins. I carefully slid a knife in the groove, ha groove. Shave the back piece. glue the pop up missile pod thing down, and fill gaps with styrene. Again, Bondo works great to close gaps. When you attach it to the legs make sure you do so in a way that lets them "clip together".
Now we remove the Fairing and front wheel assembly from Axer. Glue the two pieces together and remove the tap circled in red from the first shot to get something like the second shot.
cut off two bionicle balls with the flat plate. If need be shave down and shape the rounded edge. Then glue the two plates together. Next cut out two sockets. We'll need those for the next step.
Pop the back tire assembly off of Arcee. Then glue the wheel in place by the post in the center. Now, it's important to make sure that you rotate it before hand so that as many of the pegs that lock the halves together as possible are kept once you cut it up. Use your dremel, or saw to cut it flat right accross the top of the Brake/chain thingy and keep it flat. Using a knife shave off the little things that pop up for decoration. Also, cut away the sides from the rotor mount. Leave it there from the first verticle so the legs can still lock into place for transformation. (We'll add the seat later.) Add drops of glue to both sides, line them up carefully so the cracks on both pieces line up and press it into place. Be very careful to get it apart gently once the glue sets about half way so the two halves don't get glued together.
Same concept as with the wheel assembly. Place a spot of glue on each of the raised lines under the blue paint, press the saddle bag on. Cut a very thin strip of styrene and glue it into the gap in order to fill space/add strength. Be sure to stand the legs up in order to get it flat while in the standing position. Next repeat for the trunk. Again be sure not to let the leg halves get glued together.
This is the part I'm proud of. For me the problem was how to get the front end of the bike on and let it rotate to let it sit "groovelike" on his back while looking right in limb mode. Solution? Bionicle connectors. Take the pieces we cut out, then grap the piece that pins into his back and cut away the basic shape of the socket you have. Clean it up as well as possible. Glue it in place, let it set, and clean it up with bondo. Fill and sand once it sets. Glue the second one to the front fairing. Fill any gaps left and let it set up well. Now you have a swivel that folds up neatly, and works quite well. Never could figure a way to give it a motorcycle gas tank look, but hey, it's Cybertronian, who say's it has to look like an Earth vehicle?
Man, If I wasn't happy with with my Defensor, I would so totally do this! Thank you for making this a informative WIP so others may follow in your footsteps.
I shaved down the engine detailis from axer and put them and the seat on. Not posting pics of that cause its pretty straight forward and you can use any material you want or skip it. When primer is dry i'll post pics of completed bot.
Holy crap! Groove is looking great! Thanks for making him for me. Hopefully I can get Menasor finished and make some more progress on Predaking. Too much happening.
