The Snitch (Shapeways)

The Snitch Revision 4.5
Update April 2, 2012



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.



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









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


Cassette mode.


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


Assembly Instructions


Parts layout


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.

Originally Posted by jame5y 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

Originally Posted by Ryoku I have two on the way. They look really cool in these pictures.

Originally Posted by Megatron31 so well done so very well done you sir are a master of miniture design

Originally Posted by Hyre I love that in cassette mode, it makes it like Soundwave has hidden guns in his chest.

Originally Posted by fakebusker83 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...

Originally Posted by fakebusker83 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.