This is one HUGE WIP that I've been working on since July on and off. Most recently, I've been working on the connectors and smaller mods on some of these--as well as trying to figure out which figures to actually use. Since then, I've come up with this formula (while it's probably not the best, it's what I'd prefer to use and I'm glad they differ from the other WIP Combaticons/Bruticus stuff a bit). Onslaught - Universe Onslaught Blast Off - Classics Astrotrain Vortex - Cybertron Buzzsaw & Energon Barricade (modded into one figure) Brawl - Classics two-pack Megatron (tank) Swindle - Universe Hound ========================================================== I'd also like to cite Devastator's articulated G1 Bruticus and Ptitvite's infamous Devastator as the main inspirations for this (thank you, my bros). I was also inspired a bit by others--F_R's stuff has inspired me a bit and so has L_K's Bruticus, even though I've had this planned since June and started work on it in July. Thanks for the tips and inspiration, guys! For years I've wanted to do something like this with Bruticus and it wasn't until Ptitvite posted his Devastator that I realized I could do it, with the help of those needed parts. You rock, man.
Great project! You are making it G1 combining? IMO, Swindle as the right leg?.. I'm not familiar with this Universe Hound...Is the gun from it? Will the gun connect to his arm like the G1 cartoon? lol so many questions!! Keep it up and show me that bot mode!!
I'm working on classics bruticus as well but have not received universe hound yet. It seems to be scarce in my area. I'm glad I'll have someone else to bounce ideas around with . I'll post mine as soon as I get hound and attach his butt to the leg. Best of luck!
nice, my swindle is ready for paint, hope to post soon. I am wondering does the bumper spin back in alt mode? It looks like you bore out part where it attaches
Thanks guys! I chromed out Swindle's wheels a bit today and reinforced the connectors on Onslaught to support the weight of the arms when connected. Slimaximus - The gun just might be from the reissue--I have both the original G1 and the reissue that hit with RID (can't recall which it was). So you could be right, Slimaximus. ALPHAMAGNUS - Can't wait to see yours, bud. I really dig the work you put into yours and I will say it now, it is better than mine. Keep up the great work, bro. As for the bumper, no. I cut out the mid-section that used to snap into the small hole there. With the Neo Shifters connector there, it allows the bar/bumper to snap onto either side of it--I made sure to cut it so that I could still snap it on if needed. This also allows it to snap on in bot mode the way that you see above. Nothing fancy, but it helps change the look a bit without going all out. The only thing really left to do with this one are the following: head mod - gotta get rid of that "nice guy" Hound look and add a visor and some styrene to Swindle him a bit.....G1-style paint job - obviously. lol connector(s) for the foot (which has yet to be built, so this will come last) I also want to take my dremel and use the small drill bit to drill a hole into the end of the weapon (so it won't have that cheap look to it and it will actually look like a gun instead of a solid piece). I am also going to drill a small hole in the upper arm (near the shoulder) to attach the weapon to--to give him the G1-style arm cannon he had back in the day.
This mold is very nice for Swindle. I can't wait to see yours (and the rest of you Radicons who're working on a project similar to this!).
Do you have any plans on covering the Neo-shifter up in bot mode so it doesn't look so goddy sticking out like that? May be w/ a peice of stiren to give him a flat chest plate much like he had in G1 w/ his window shield over his upper torso. Something like so: http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/transformers/hu/images/6/63/Svindli_-_Swindle_in_Marvel_Comics.jpg
Looking great so far,cant wait to see the G1 style face and of course Bruticus. Keep up the good work.
I actually like the way it looks. Kinda like Movie Swindle's chest cannon. Actually, his toy bio described him as a nice guy, it said he was "good-natured" and that his motto was "Make deals, not war" Ironicly, a visor wouldn't be G1-accurate, he just had big bug-eyes in G1. It would be a neat little alternators nod though.
Ok, I haven't done much more on these in the last few months or more. I did finish up Swindle's head--modded with strips of styrene--and I added the part of the two-pack Megatron tank feed to his shoulders to give them more bulk and depth. I also snapped a clearer/better shot of both Swindle and Brawl (since the older shots were too bright or washed out). I've since changed my mind on Vortex and I think I have something else in mind (still working the kinks out), but I'm planning to use the Marvel Crossovers Spider-Man helicopter (came with the Iron Man in the two-pack). It's closer to voyager size, but if I can either find some better legs or build the lower legs smaller with styrene, I think I can shorten it to something closer to deluxe size and still leave the top half (and arms) as-is so they'll transform the same. I considered trying to do a G1 transformation out of him, but still can't decide if I'll go that route or stick to what I mentioned above (I don't have any shots of this yet, since I'm still deciding how I want to play it). For now, here are some shots to show the Swindle head. Enjoy, guys--hopefully I'll get more done on this project soon.
Thanks, Allen! I'm contemplating changing the transformation scheme a bit and adding a more G1 styled chest--not sure though. I like how it looks now, but I think I can do something better (it will just require a lot more time and patience with it). Maybe I'll finish these up someday. lol
Actually, yes--I'm still waiting for it to arrive though, but I may be going that route instead (after seeing chansformers' take on it). Thanks again, man--can't wait to get it and see what I can do.