I hate to be that guy, but, and I should start by saying SteamShield has done an awesome job creating this and the CW Vortex upgrade kit, but given the high cost of ordering these kits through Shapeways, then the work of having to disassemble/paint/reassemble the two figures, I fail to see why this is a better alternative than just spending a little more for the UW version. But maybe that's just me...

 

I think it might be just you, the Takara Blast Off looks absolutely terrible, especially when compared to this kit. The barrel-chest, noodle arms, and total lack of any bulk on his back makes him look like some little kid wearing a box on his chest, saying "I'm a robot!" And despite being an entirely new mold dedicated to being a space shuttle, he looks absolutely horrendous in vehicle mode, especially when retooling a few parts on the Hasbro Blast Off results in an incredibly cool shuttle. And did I mention the disaster that is the UW version's paintjob? Either way, you'd have to paint him. And when your custom does justice to designs a fellow member strived to create and perfect for the fandom, it's just such a happy feeling.

 

How are you painting these anyway? Figure it's not spraypaint...

Also, can a leg be made out of this? It's a little odd there's been no demonstration of leg mode.

 

Your not the only one, but more power to everyone who decides to go this route.

 

wow this is looking solid, good job!

 

In the end this cost me about the same as unite warriors version. I chose this method because I already had Hasbro's Bruticus before the full reveal of Takara's. There are aspects I like much better about Takara's, but that color on Blastoff if eye searing. I wasn't about to double dip when this was available! It looks fantastic! And I've wanted to try Shapeways for quite some time now, so I bit the bullet. I already started painting Bruticus to look more cartoon accurate so I'll be more than satisfied when this print arrives plus the Perfect Effect hands and feet!

 

are you supposed to glue the thrusters on? and would a dremel work with removing the wing to take the pin out?

 

I glued the thrusters on, and pass the tail stabilizer through the slot in the thruster for better look. Now there isn't a lot of surface for the glue to work, I found using some epoxy putty around the seam work wonders.

 

It's the rarity. The awesome art and just plain appreciation that someone worked their creativity to MAKE THIS FOR US. Hasbro doesn't give 2 shits about fans. Not adults. I've emailed, called, written those robotic stuck up bastards. Just useless. SS has rebooted and hit the ball out of the park with what fans want. It's not the artistic talent ,SS obviously has, I appreciate, it's the unique ability to catch what ppl want. I'm sure SS will claim it's all for fun and these are just what he wants to create, maybe :? Steamshield is us. Thank you, SS. I have and will continue to purchase your creations whenever I can put the dollar your direction. You're a special and talented artist with insane possibilities. Please never give this up.

 

Too bad you can't get someone like Nonnef to produce these as kits in actual smooth plastic already color matched. Or have you contacted him to see?

 

Either GCI or Renderform.

Nonnef seems incredibly overwhelmed just getting his own stuff out.

 

This kit with the new Renderform head is my ideal setup for CW Blastoff now. If Venksta could work with you on this, it would be an awesome set to sell together.

 

I'm throwing my money at the first 3rd party company who picks up this idea.

I assume you've all seen Steamshield's finished product?

Here's the thread  
http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/1061796-combiner-wars-blast-off-custom-completed.html

 

Looks great  

 

Wow, that's really cool!

 

Hi, thank you for creating these for true G1 fans! Are these available to purchase?