Heavy/Scratch: The Snitch (Shapeways)

Discussion in 'Radicons Customs' started by fakebusker83, Apr 2, 2012.

  1. fakebusker83

    fakebusker83 Radicon

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    The Snitch Revision 4.5
    Update April 2, 2012


    [​IMG]

    The Snitch, one of the sneakiest, quietest spies ever known. Even its own allies do not know when it is around
    recording their every move to report to its masters. And even if it's caught (which obviously never happens)
    it can take out a few heads with well placed shots from its dual lasers before speedily boosting away.

    Likes listening to Rosanna albums and pecking on robo-birdseed.

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    This is one of the longest projects ever done with the most number of iterations, and I'm glad and proud to call
    it complete. Even the Thuggers did not go through as many prototypes as this bird.
    A big part of the challenge was really to make a simple, blocky source design, a flying saucer with a beak on it,
    to be something that looks more alive and poses well. Also, it has to be small enough to fit into Soundwave
    even with that large wingspan.

    A big part of the design solution was to combine the structure of the weapon mount to the ball joint, so that a
    lot of volume is saved in the process. An unconventional solution, one that can only be pulled off with 3D
    printing. But unique nonetheless.

    The Snitch incorporates the smallest hinge joints ever reliably done for a Shapeways project. Still subjected to
    the whims of the material you print it in, but I can safely say the hinges work 4 out of 5 prints. As for that 1
    Snitch with floppy wings, a little repair with glue or sculpt will do the trick.

    There was supposed to be a fold out 5mm peg at his bottom for Soundwave to hold onto. I took it out as it
    became compromisingly complicated. Plus, it just looks weird.

    You can employ the Snitch at:
    The Snitch on Shapeways


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    Comparison shot for size. Note that when untreated and exposed, FUD will get darker and yellowish over time.

    [​IMG]
    Cassette mode.

    [​IMG]
    Storage. Take note there is only one way to store the Snitch. Head in first.


    Assembly Instructions

    [​IMG]
    Parts layout

    [​IMG]
    Assembly

    As the dimensional consistency of FUD is much better than Strong Flexible, you will notice the hinges and pegs
    work much better on the former. However printing the Snitch in Strong Flexible is still possible, but you may need
    to do some touch ups on the joints with glue or nail polish.

    As there are locking nubs on the round pegs, paint and detail all the pieces before assembly, as after assembly
    you will find the pegs hard to remove.

    Also, the balljoint stems at the wing roots are kinda long and in FUD might snap if you apply pressure at an angle.
    When plugging the wings in always apply pressure straight on! I've already reinforced the stems but you never
    know what might happen.

    Get your twiddle fingers ready, because the pieces are really, really tiny. Don't lose anything in the sink!


    Conclusions

    And this is it for the Snitch, guys. The last of the cassette bots that I'll ever do (maybe). Any critique, comments
    and drink money is much appreciated! And I'll most likely not be painting any of my models, so if you have painted
    yours please share with the rest of us!

    - Ariel

    Flickr is here.​

     

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  2. jame5y

    jame5y Till All Are One..In the UK Thread

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    WOW! You finally got your protos of it!

    Looks fantastic! Once i've got my new bank card im going to have to have a looksy at picking one up :) 
     
  3. Rexidus

    Rexidus Autobot

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    I have two on the way. They look really cool in these pictures.
     
  4. Megatron31

    Megatron31 I Belong to Nobody!

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    so well done so very well done

    you sir are a master of miniture design
     
  5. Hyre

    Hyre Well-Known Member

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    I love that in cassette mode, it makes it like Soundwave has hidden guns in his chest.
     
  6. fakebusker83

    fakebusker83 Radicon

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    Thanks for the support!

    Thanks Ryo :3
    I'd must say, so much of my income comes from you now Ima drink a beer for you every friday night!

    Thanks dude! Still a long way to go, though

    Ah...you brought it up...
    That large hole up the Snitch's posterior is a 3mm peg hole. If you have any spare cyberverse weapons available...
     
  7. Hyre

    Hyre Well-Known Member

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    Already thinking about it XD
     
  8. Rexidus

    Rexidus Autobot

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    Just be safe man. I'm not a big fan of alcohol. Some of my money back would be a more practical sign of gratittude. :p 

    Honestly the main reason I bought so much of your stuff is because I can use them for pen and papet games as well. Plus they are awesome.

    I think my Shapeways binging is ending soon though. Your WFC weapons are the last thing I'm super tempted by and I find that while waiting for your stuff a lot of other stuff gets thrown into the cart...

    Anyway, this looks awesome and I'll take some pictures once I have everthing all painted.
     
  9. Ironkorr

    Ironkorr Ironkorr Customs

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    thats some serious skill
     
  10. Bruticus82

    Bruticus82 Well-Known Member

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    Awesome work as usual! I'm probably going to buy two.

    Sad to hear you're probably not doing any more cassettes - I thought for sure you'd do Ratbat. Then you can call it quits. Or would you have to do Overkill and Slugfest? Well, if you're going to do them I guess you would have to do Squawktalk and Beastbox, but if you're doing all of those you might as well do an Autoscout...
     
  11. Hyre

    Hyre Well-Known Member

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    Autoscout would be pointless though. Unless it could be a weapon also. Squawkbox though, I'd love to see, just highly unlikely.
     
  12. Ultratron

    Ultratron Well-Known Member

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    AWSOME!!! plan on gettiong 2 of them,1 as my laserbeak,and 1 as buzsaw!!!
     
  13. SMOG

    SMOG Vocabchampion ArgueTitan

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    Nice! I'm liking this little guy! :D 

    zmog
     
  14. Red vs Blue fan

    Red vs Blue fan Banned

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    Bought.
    Isn't that what you said right before he unveiled the weapons? At this rate, you (and me, for that matter) are not gonna quit until long after FOC 2 is released.
     
  15. Rexidus

    Rexidus Autobot

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    Don't say things like that. My wallet migt commit suicide.
     
  16. Hyre

    Hyre Well-Known Member

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    Mine did long, long ago. I've no money for the awesome that's in Shapeways...about 100 bucks for the stuff I've currently got sitting in there.
     
  17. Stormvapor

    Stormvapor Well-Known Member

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    Freaking beautiful work mate!
    you been awesome with these guys!
     
  18. Rexidus

    Rexidus Autobot

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    Guess what arrived today?

    [​IMG]
     

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  19. fakebusker83

    fakebusker83 Radicon

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    Oh look at that! He's like their daddy!
    painthimuppainthimuppainthimup!

    I assume he's gonna be white, red, and yellow..?
     
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  20. Rexidus

    Rexidus Autobot

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    I've actually got a white snitch and a black one. I think I'll paint the black one as close to game accurate as I feel comfortable with. Ravage needs little paint but I should give him some.

    I've got so much to paint right now too. PRID Megatron is currently in pieces and partially painted so I should finish him. That said I have started painting some Scrapplets... I am so fickle.