This is looking awesome!!!

 

I'm all about keeping the key visual elements from the original toys. For me the Scramble guys are defined by their peg-heads and slot-chests.

Even if has to be a faux peg and slot, I want them to be there  

Why, Blades of course:
Autobot Blades - Transformers Universe Classics 2.0 - TFW2005

He's darn skippy nice as it is, repurposed re-deco though he may be.

I'm planning on giving him the same treatment as First Aid, new head, G1 Styled chest, and he'll definitely get the hip-guns. I may do new rotor blades for him too so he can to the blade-sword thing accurately (not the his actual toy has EVER done that  )

From a man of discerning taste in these matters, I'm flattered!

Thanks man! I'm really tickled by how much people are liking this one!

 

My only critique would be to remove the faux wheels on the chest. It does look nice and give those old g1 cues, but his four real wheels are clearly visible. FOC Jazz does this and it can't be helped cause I cannot talk to the designer, but in this case I can, and if I could change anything on this that would be it. Otherwise nice job at repurposing prime ratchet.

 

I love this. Please get it up on shape ways!!!  

I echo caretakers thoughts on the faux wheels. On one hand they are really nice, but with the actual wheels being clearly visible its abit distracting.

Will the chest still attach during altmode (like the swerve kit?)

I really like the way you've flipped the legs around aswell, to make him more g1 style with being blocky.

Reminds me alittle bit of the idw version...



Top work though, cant wait to see it fully finished  

 

Update 7/28/12

Some refinements to the model, including a whole new neck assembly.



Also, printed in color ABS, which I think makes a big difference.

I'm working on a no-wheels variant too, but once I get the neck assembly finialized and make a few more tweaks, I think I'll be able to make this kit available for sale  

 

Did you say "printed in ABS" ??

I didn't even realize that was an option. Is it super-pricey?

zmog

 

Personally, I think the chest wheels are one of FA's defining design features, but since computer design and rapid prototyping makes everything so easy, it'll be easy to make a no-wheel version too  

Thanks! I haven't seen that IDW art, but I like it. Maybe I'll borrow some design cuex from that for the non-wheel variant to make it extra cool.

Thanks!  

Yeah, it's one of the things I LOVE about my printer, printing in the "good stuff" I love Shapeways' nylon family options (the flexibles), but ABS just feels right in the hand.

Not quite as strong as injection molded parts, but darn close.

Expense wise, the machine cost me a pretty penny, but the ABS is pretty cheap. I anticipate I'll actually be able to charge a fair bit less than Shapeways (and also turn the parts around faster)

I think I've mentioned I'll make both options available so foilks can have their choice of material and resolution vs cost, find what works best for them  

A few more tweaks and I'll throw the kit up on Shapeways and in the Marketplace section  

 

I vote no-wheels too. This mold is already different enough that it feels like faux G1-style kibble is a bit out of place for me.

Holy crap. That's impressive!

I suppose the down side would be the, uh... rendering lines? The texture that the printer leaves. One suggestion I would venture would be to build models with this in mind, knowing that they will be sanded down smooth afterwards. I'm not sure how one would plan and compensate for sanding in the design process, but it's an idea.

Wow! I'll bet it cost a lot! Did you buy this just for hobbying or is there a career/business excuse for it as well.  

Looking forward to it!

zmog

 

It'll take me a little while to finish the no-kibble version, but I like the idea of making options available!

The machining marks are definitely the biggest weakness, but they've gotten a lot less noticeable with the latest skeining software I downloaded.

And yes, you've nailed the key-factor, I try to orient all my parts to keep the "ugly sides" out of view as much as possible, and to minimize the layering marks as much as possible.

Honestly, at anything other than close-up, you don't even notice them though.

Toy-making has always been my greatest hobby/ambition, so it's mostly for that.

I'm also using it to create the photographic models for my stop-motion(ish) film, but that's not so far off track either  

Normal version is up on shapeways, and I'm hoping to create a thread tonight. "IDW" version will take a few days though.

Thanks for the interest and support!

D/L

 

All right gang,

G1-Style Kit is up on Shapeways (or from me  )


http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/commissioner-listing-feedback/635570-destrongerlupuss-robot-shop.html


No-wheels IDW version coming soon.

 

Fantastic work mate, I'll hang on and see how your IDW version turns out- but this is brilliant  

 

So if we get one from you, we get it in ABS instead of... well, whatever Shapeways does?

zmog

 

That's the long and the short of it, yes.

I think I've realistically laid out the relative adsvantages and disadvantages, so it comes down to what you're looking for. Personally, I'm never going to order from Shapeways again unless I need something really tiny of something with particular material properties.

But my offerings aren't for everyone  

 

I'll likely be in touch once I can actually lay hands on one of these Ratchet figures.  

zmog

 

PM'd

 

Thanks guys, but be sure to hit my marketplace thread for any sales related messages  

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/commissioner-listing-feedback/635570-destrongerlupuss-robot-shop.html

 

IDW Variant

Well I won't say I recreated the design perfectly, but I think I captured its spirit, and while I still prefer the G1 version, I have to admit, it looks pretty cool  



Check out my marketplace thread for ordering details.

 

Wow, that was fast! With all due respect, I think I like the IDW version more than the G1 version. Those chest vents just have a lot of classic appeal.

Nice!  

zmog

 

Nice! I like it! since 3-D printing leaves it all "pixelly" is there a way to smooth it out and make it look crisp and smooth? Does it take well to puttying the entire thing and sanding it down? (but it would take away from the crispness of any edges as well). I see how 3D printing is good for prototyping basic shapes, but tiny detailed ones for TFs seems like you need a higher "resolution" printer? how much does one like this cost?