When I first saw xueyue2's custom trailer (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radic...port-4-modes-transformation.html#post12801386), I decided to see what it would look like in person using the same base trailer, but it seemed too big compared to the cab and I was wanting a basic trailer that could fit the cars or combiner parts. With the lack of official or 3rd party trailers for CW Prime/Motormaster, it seemed that if I wanted a trailer I'd have to make a custom one myself. So, I looked up other trailers for Prime that existed and found the DotM Voyager Mechtech trailer seemed like the right size. I bought two cheap KO version on ebay to make my own custom trailers. (the included Prime figures were crap quality but the trailers were fine.) I plan on using one for Optimus Prime/Nova Prime (Battle Core Prime) and the other for Motormaster/Grand Scourge. The trailer is the perfect size and can fit two CW cars or combiner parts (even PE Menasor/Ultra Prime kit). It also has lots of weapon ports. Unfortunately the trailer is too low to properly work with CW Prime or Motormaster and the hitch is too far back to be able to turn the cab, so the trailer needs to be modded. I'm almost done modding one, but was too excited to show it: - I raised the trailer using Lego pieces between the trailer bottom and the wheel section. I wanted to use the same sized screws but longer, unfortunately the smallest long screws I could find are thicker. - For the hitch I found that a Lego ball joint actually fits in the peg hole on Prime/Motormaster without needing to cut the small tabs (it actually fits pretty tight). I've moved the hitch closer to the front of the trailer so it can turn. I've also cut the old hitch to decorate the new one. - I've modified the trailer stand by cutting up the old one. Without the cab the stand is straight, and with the cab it folds backwards. The old one would fold forwards without the cab and would cover the hitch, and fold backwards with the cab. The new stand also makes the cab able to go right underneath the hitch without touching. - I've created removable trailer skirts to "fill" the space created by raising the trailer. They are made out of blank plastic badge cards (dummy cards with no chip inside). They are held in place with rare earth magnets connected to "J" pegs that connect into the ports at the bottom of the trailer. The idea is that the panels will be able to be swapped, one side painted to match Optimus (or Motormaster) and the other painted to match Nova (or Grand Scourge). What I have left to do: - Finish the details on the trailer skirts. - Right now the plastic "J" pieces I've used aren't quite 5mm so I had to bulk them up with tape, I plan on making proper pegs once I receive my Instant mold and Green stuff. - For the cars to slide in and out of the trailer better I'll need to shave down the lower weapon ports on the inside, and possibly have to remove the two inside railings. - Final stage will be painting. The trailer itself will probably be silver (with gold stripe?) for Optimus/Nova and black (with silver stripe?) for Motormaster/Grand Scourge. The trailer skirts will be painted to match each Reprolabeled cab with their own iconic colored trailer stripes. Quick mention: So far I haven't even used glue, I've been trying out Bondic and it's working great for this. Enjoy the pics! (the one with the PE piece on top was just for fun, it doesn't tab in, it just sits there...) Let me know what you guys think!
Got them off ebay from a Chinese seller for around 45$ US each. Just make sure it's the Takara voyager one, not the deluxe one.
I really like the concept, but the rear wheels need to be bigger. Right now they throw off the visual balance of the combined form. Maybe get another Prime and mod the lower legs as the tandems? Just a thought, because I really do like the idea and started brainstorming after looking at your pics.
I just photoshopped some quick color patterns for the trailers: - Shared silver trailer with gold stripe for Optimus Prime/Nova Prime - Shared black trailer with silver stripe for Motormaster/Grand Scourge or black with gold stripe Once I have my reprolabels, I will add the cabs to the pics. Let me know what you guys think!
Sky Lynx is jealous, he wants a trailer to carry his buddies too... Looks like he's not enjoying being used as a pony...
Looking forward to seeing more of your progress as I want to do something similar myself. I have a mechtech trailer in hand but I'm not convinced by it so have bought an ultimate Optimus with trailer to compare the 2 myself. Building a trailer is always an option though.
Actually looking at Prime/Motormaster's wheels, the front ones are smaller, almost same size as trailer. I would have liked the same wheels but then I'd have to change the trailer height again because the axles would be too low...and I'm not doing that, lol.
I finished the skirt panels last night, I'll show them off once I get them coated in silver. Today I've completed removing the two railings inside the trailer and trimming the three bottom ports on each side. I used a dremel to "sand" them down, which basically melts the plastic... I tried as best as I could not to damage the surrounding area, the dremel is tricky to use for this, one wrong move and you can completely destroy what you're working on. Luckly it ended up not too bad. I couldn't trim them down completely flush, I didn't want to risk going through the sides, but they are close enough and more importantly out of the way of the cars. Now the cars can slide in and out without getting stuck. The trailer is pretty much done on the modding side, but I think I will add those railings at the bottom of the trailer for extra decor. After that all that's left is figuring out the colors, getting the paint and paint it! Oh...and maybe I should do the mods on the second trailer before painting...
Got my Reprolabels and updated the photoshopped color patterns: - Shared silver trailer with gold stripe for Optimus Prime/Nova Prime - Shared black trailer for Motormaster/Grand Scourge Option 1: silver stripe Option 2: gold stripe - Grand scourge trailer skirt: Option 1: silver Option 2: black Let me know what you guys think and which options look best!
