Heavy/Scratch: Hercules "Rage Upgrade" Elbows

Discussion in 'Radicons Customs' started by echotransformer, Aug 20, 2012.

  1. echotransformer

    echotransformer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2006
    Posts:
    2,024
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Likes:
    +3,241
    WELCOME HERCULES FANS!!!

    Want to upgrade your Herc? Well you've come to the right place!!!

    GREAT NEWS -- SECOND KIT IS RELEASED! Fill out Herc's waist, cover the fists and faces on his arms, and MORE!!!
    __________________________________________________________________________________

    SECOND KIT

    BUY AT SHAPEWAYS

    (NOTE: Minor improvements were made to the parts after these photos were taken--if you order a set it will look slightly different see http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/645778-hercules-rage-upgrade-elbows-47.html#post8727587) for more details)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    FIRST KIT

    BUY AT SHAPEWAYS

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    __________________________________________________________________________________

    SO WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND THESE?

    I'm a huge fan of Hercules and have been watching all the excellent ideas with customizing and modding him. I started by designing some custom Elbows using CAD to improve the arm position of the TFC Rage kit and it has ABSOLUTELY BALLOONED from there. I've been sharing all sorts of designs on this thread and everyone has been amazing at helping provide feedback, testing, and suggestions.

    In a matter of months I am up to OVER 20 custom parts to make your Herc look even more BADASS than ever, all available on the super-cool, super-reliable SHAPEWAYS direct manufacturing store. What you see on these pages represents dozens of days of work...tons of measuring, drawing, sketching, CAD and good old fashioned customizing.

    Worried about Painting? Wondering about Dyes? What material to choose? What about color matching? Well there's LOTS of information in this thread to help you get the best possible results should you choose to get these (or other) parts from Shapeways.
    __________________________________________________________________________________

    OKAY, SO WHAT CAN I BUY? HOW MUCH $$$?

    Currently I have over 20 "RAGE UPGRADE" parts available in a variety of kits depending on what kind of mods you want to make. Shapeways controls the pricing and it ranges from ~$8 to ~$105. I am working hard on my designs to reduce costs.

    SHAPEWAYS STORE:

    Shapeways | Designs by echotransformer

    ECHOTRANSFORMERS HERCULES RAGE KIT ON SHAPEWAYS:



    __________________________________________________________________________________

    I'M HAVING TROUBLE FIGURING OUT WHAT THESE PARTS DO, WHICH ONES SHOULD I BUY? DO I REALLY HAVE TO HAVE THE RAGE KIT?

    It's probably easiest to watch my video where I explain how they work with some unpainted prototypes:

    Echotransformers Hercules Upgrade Kit - YouTube

    And no, you don't have to have the Rage Kit. Really, the only part that requires the Rage Kit are the eblows...as you can see from the pictures above, it enhances a "Stock" Hercules quite nicely. ;) 
    __________________________________________________________________________________

    HOW MUCH TALLER IS HE WITH THE THIGH EXTENSIONS?

    He is 16mm or 5/8" taller, and IMHO more stable because his ankles are closer together and less force is placed on the joints. You'll also notice a fairly dramatic change in proportions...in many ways it makes the Rage kit have similar proportions to the stock Herc.
    __________________________________________________________________________________


    I DON'T KNOW, I'M STILL WORRIED ABOUT PAINTING!

    I don't blame you for asking...it can be challenging but both me and the crew here are working hard on making that easier. And hey this is a hobby and it's fun in the end...best of all it puts you on a path to be a better customizer. If painting isn't your cup of tea, just order black dyed and you're good to go...they still look good in black.

    SPRAY PAINT (Silver or purple):
    http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/645778-hercules-rage-upgrade-elbows-13.html#post8348316

    DYING PARTS (Black):
    http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/645778-hercules-rage-upgrade-elbows-17.html#post8428467

    HAND PAINT (Green):

    Best option is to view my VIDEO!!! :) 
    Youtube video, how to paint Hercules parts Green


    Also, there's pictures and other info here:
    http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/645778-hercules-rage-upgrade-elbows-29.html#post8544375

    HAND PAINT (Purple):

    I also have a video for the purple!!! :) 
    Youtube video, how to paint Hercules parts Purple

    Also, there's pictures and other info here:
    http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/645778-hercules-rage-upgrade-elbows-52.html#post8761944
    __________________________________________________________________________________

    NOW WHAT ABOUT SURFACE QUALITY, I HEARD SHAPEWAYS PLASTIC QUALITY ISN'T THAT GOOD

    Well there's two important things here. First is I started my sets as "White Strong and Flexible" for low cost and hopes that everyone would sand and paint, but I have quickly learned that EVERYONE WANTS POLISHED. So now, all my parts are offered in polished (Except hip replacements).

    Secondly, there are limits to this technology when it comes to surface quality by the way the parts are made. Overall, Shapeways quality is VERY GOOD for direct manufacturing. There parts are not made from tools like Hasbro or TFC parts...they are made using Lazers and CNC machines and all sorts of pixie dust so I can tell that it is super high tech and really a modern miracle of engineering.

    What Shapeways does is give cash poor, 'can't quit my day-job' guys like me a chance to design something and have it build without spending over $10,000 or $100,000 or more on tooling. So yeah, Shapeways makes me happy.

    That said, it may not be your cup of tea. Do your research. Ask around.

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    AND WHAT ABOUT MATERIAL CHOICES?

    Simply put, all parts are "Strong and Flexible" and the only choice offered by Shapeways is dye and polish. This is THE BEST material by far for these parts. It's amazingly strong and can handle Herc's bulk. Note that I have created recommendations on Shapeways for each kit, so have a look at the store and let me know via PM if you need more info. Oh and for the Chemical Engineers in the crowd the parts are "Lazer Sintered Nylon" which is why they dye so nicely, have an excellent flex modulus, low creep and can withstand reasonably high temperatures.
    __________________________________________________________________________________


    ARE YOU GOING TO DO MORE PARTS? WHAT'S NEXT?

    Well as mentioned I'm up to over 20 parts and V2 is relased...I do have a few odd parts left. If you browse thru the pages you'll find more info...but here's a peek of what's to come:

    1. Cab covers for Exgraver, Structor and Neckbreaker
    2. Replacement Thighs (Now available via Beta Program!)
    3. maybe more...we'll see

    Check it out!!! (digital mockups)

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    __________________________________________________________________________________

    SO WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE HIP REPLACEMENTS?

    In a nutshell, I have done initial testing so they are in "Beta" now and you can order a set if you don't mind possibly doing some grinding of the parts from Shapeways with a Dremel. My first Alpha parts worked well, but their tolerances were off so I needed to revise the parts.

    YOU DON'T HAVE TO MOD YOUR HERC TO USE THE NEW STAINLESS HIPS

    You just need to be okay with taking Heavy Labor apart and potentially grinding the Shapeways parts for smooth operation.

    SO, DO THEY WORK?

    The stainless Hips do dramatically improve Herc's stability, and now there are replacement D-rings should they wear out. Excessive use of Herc's Hips will not break the stainless gears, but it will wear the D-rings. When you buy a set you get 4 D-rings and they are really cheap if you need more down the road. Lube is still needed--molybdenum grease is recommended.

    I think once you try it you won't want to go back to the old hips.

    OKAY, I"M WILLING TO TRY THEM OUT...HOW DO I INSTALL THEM???

    I made a video: Replacing Herc's Hips on Youtube

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jan 6, 2013
  2. echotransformer

    echotransformer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2006
    Posts:
    2,024
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Likes:
    +3,241
    BACKGROUND STORY / OLD INFORMATION

    (For those who like to read about how this evolved) :) 

    I was very inspired by GI Eddie's heavy mod to Herc's elbows...looks so much better than a stock Rage kit with the proportions fixed:

    http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/642657-tfc-hercules-forearm-mod-how.html

    But I don't want to Mod my Hercules so I'm working on a Shapeways part to relocate the elbows without having do do any drilling. You'll simply need to unscrew the forearms from the TFC attachment and screw it into these new, "Clippable" attachments. (parts in blue)

    I'd figure I'd share prelimnary CAD for feedback. I'm ordering V1 prototypes really soon...

    Note about CAD drawings: You'll have to use your imagination a bit with these, as I only modeled key parts of the geometry to attach to...but indeed there's an Exgraver and Neckbreaker in those images...just squint your eyes or hold an actual figure up to your monitor! lolzzzz....

    Okay, first up is Exgraver. Think of a C-clip sliding over the green part that meets the treads. It simply needs to be locked into place laterally. To install, it does need to flex a bit around the green bit because of the length of it. I'm also going to engage a bit on the vertical rails just ahead of the treads when in Alt-mode. (see section view, last picture)

    [​IMG]

    NOTE: I have contemplated using the 5mm pegs to secure laterally, but it will be a more complicated part, maybe even two-parts, so I'm starting simple for V1. I'll need a very flexible plastic, but I think it will work...


    Second up is Neckbreaker. Geez, is anything square on this guy? It took over two hours just measuring and modelling the green joint. For this one, I'm clipping on flares on the green joint instead of the back edge...mostly because there's no flat surface back there, but also to test the leverage the arm puts on the C-clip. Again, this is V1 so it's worth experimenting...if all fails I'll try something more complex and use the 5mm peghole nearby.

    [​IMG]



    Wing Extensions and Crane Mount (V3)


    The Wing Extensions allow you to keep your weapon barrels for other uses and give a broader, symmetrical wing for Herc. Styling is G1 inspired. Thanks for all the feedback:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  3. echotransformer

    echotransformer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2006
    Posts:
    2,024
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Likes:
    +3,241
    Crane Mount, Lock and most important, Thighs!!! Also, scroll down to see the entire kit on sprue...
    ___________________________________________

    The Crane Mount allows you to put the crane along Herc's back using a sclupted part again, instead of the weapon barrels. It will be strudier and more aesthetically integrated.

    NOTE: The crane hangs in roughly the same position if you suspend it using a weapon barrel hanging down to the bottom of Heavylabor

    [​IMG]


    You can combine the crane mount with the sheild extensions and (hopefully) use it as a sheild (kudos to Daimchoc for the ideas and feedback)

    [​IMG]

    ____________________________________________

    Here's a lock for Herc's crane, in case you want to put string in the spool and don't want the TFC lock in front of his face:

    [​IMG]

    Installed:
    [​IMG]

    ___________________________________________________

    Okay, next is the exciting part...new Thigh extensions! These are intended to allow people to get silver or gun-metal looking thighs without having to paint their Herc. They're beefy too...

    BTW, I'd like to shout out to "TheDreaded1" who made the original extensions that inspried me...credit to you, my friend! These are quite similar, just beefier...

    [​IMG]

    And lastly here's a digibash of the parts installed, sans crane, sans limbs. Intentionally not complete...once I get the V1 parts in I'll take pics and share.

    [​IMG]

    __________________________________________
    __________________________________________

    ***Parts ordered, here's what the final SPRUE looks like!***

    __________________________________________
    __________________________________________

    [​IMG]
     
  4. daimchoc

    daimchoc Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2009
    Posts:
    44,349
    News Credits:
    516
    Trophy Points:
    417
    Location:
    NC, US
    Likes:
    +70,049
    Facebook:
    Twitter:
    YouTube (Legacy):
    Cool. :thumbs2: 
     
  5. G.I.EDDIE

    G.I.EDDIE Purple treads suck!

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2008
    Posts:
    9,071
    News Credits:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    337
    Location:
    US
    Likes:
    +6,621
    Absolutely fantastic!...if had the skills, this is definitely something I woulda tried...though I'm not sure I would have the patience :) 

    I really like how you added some detail and reinforcements...they look nice as well as being functional...eager to see the final product...

    Even having drilled my figures, I'll still be more than happy to get a set of these when they're available...very cool!

    Also, what are these other parts you have planned? Hints?
     
  6. echotransformer

    echotransformer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2006
    Posts:
    2,024
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Likes:
    +3,241
    ^^ PM'd... :) 
     
  7. daimchoc

    daimchoc Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2009
    Posts:
    44,349
    News Credits:
    516
    Trophy Points:
    417
    Location:
    NC, US
    Likes:
    +70,049
    Facebook:
    Twitter:
    YouTube (Legacy):
    I just saw the extension. I can't wait for these to come to fruition. Good job man! ;) 
     
  8. Mirage775

    Mirage775 Autobot

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2008
    Posts:
    295
    Trophy Points:
    127
    Likes:
    +4
    Ebay:
    I would be very interested in buying these, if you will eventually sell them? I like Eddies' idea, but don't wanna drill into my bots...
     
  9. Megatron31

    Megatron31 I Belong to Nobody!

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2010
    Posts:
    9,694
    Trophy Points:
    317
    Likes:
    +317
    Ebay:
    chest wing parts look great!
     
  10. G.I.EDDIE

    G.I.EDDIE Purple treads suck!

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2008
    Posts:
    9,071
    News Credits:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    337
    Location:
    US
    Likes:
    +6,621
    Man, how long has the wing update been there?...i missed that one...you gotta bump your own thread when add stuff, sheesh!

    Anyway, the extensions look really good...i like that they are different from just pegging in two guns...problem I have with Shapeways is that they don't have the ability to color match...and coming from experience, matching TFCs purple (or any purple for that matter) is near impossible... I think sixpointsinspace got the color down for casting...maybe you could work with him to cast your extensions in the correct color?
     
  11. daimchoc

    daimchoc Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2009
    Posts:
    44,349
    News Credits:
    516
    Trophy Points:
    417
    Location:
    NC, US
    Likes:
    +70,049
    Facebook:
    Twitter:
    YouTube (Legacy):
    The chest shield extensions have been there since you first posted.
     
  12. G.I.EDDIE

    G.I.EDDIE Purple treads suck!

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2008
    Posts:
    9,071
    News Credits:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    337
    Location:
    US
    Likes:
    +6,621
    I don't think so...only the first post had pics...the others were left blank for future use I believe
     
  13. daimchoc

    daimchoc Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2009
    Posts:
    44,349
    News Credits:
    516
    Trophy Points:
    417
    Location:
    NC, US
    Likes:
    +70,049
    Facebook:
    Twitter:
    YouTube (Legacy):
    Must have missed it from the refresh then. :) 
     
  14. malcontentman

    malcontentman Cybertronian James Cagney

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2008
    Posts:
    1,094
    Trophy Points:
    317
    Location:
    Filthadelphia
    Likes:
    +1,281
    Ebay:
    Facebook:
    Instagram:
    "If you build it, they will come." This is a must buy for me! Make it so, please.
     
  15. echotransformer

    echotransformer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2006
    Posts:
    2,024
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Likes:
    +3,241
    @GI Eddie: lolzzz..yeah, should have bumped. I put the wings in there like one day after I made the original post so that's likely why Daimchoc saw it and you didn't.

    Any way great suggestion...I was already sweating the color issue and agree casting would be nice. The elbows don't have to be in color, but the other part I'm making will need color matching too (details soon)

    Everyone: feel free to comment on the styling, any details to improve...don't hold back, wanna get this right.

    @ malcontentman: will do my best. I intend to get this available, in the very least thru Shapeways. Let's put it this way: I'm going to add the Rage kit to my Herc until I have these in hand. ;) 

    --Echo
     
  16. D-Unit

    D-Unit #1 Heel

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2006
    Posts:
    4,212
    News Credits:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Likes:
    +436
    Ebay:
    Looks good. I'm happy with the "Rage" forearms, but I'm sure yours will turn out really cool. Look forward to it.
     
  17. malcontentman

    malcontentman Cybertronian James Cagney

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2008
    Posts:
    1,094
    Trophy Points:
    317
    Location:
    Filthadelphia
    Likes:
    +1,281
    Ebay:
    Facebook:
    Instagram:
    I have the "Rage" kit on my Herc now too, but the way the arms sit out too far drives me crazy. I also don't want to do any permanent moding to get them to come in closer to the body like some have done so this kit would be perfect.
     
  18. echotransformer

    echotransformer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2006
    Posts:
    2,024
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Likes:
    +3,241
    Bumpdated...thighs, crane-mount and crane lock added. Not sure about the crane-mount, but I think I'll order one just to see what it looks like...might cut it back if it's too brash looking.

    I welcome your thoughts, guys!
     
  19. daimchoc

    daimchoc Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2009
    Posts:
    44,349
    News Credits:
    516
    Trophy Points:
    417
    Location:
    NC, US
    Likes:
    +70,049
    Facebook:
    Twitter:
    YouTube (Legacy):
    Cool updates... I can't wait for these to come out. ;) 

    For the leg extensions, why not add some material to the sides? Under the wheels...


    Also, are there alternate uses for the parts?
     
  20. TheJackal

    TheJackal Banned

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2006
    Posts:
    662
    Trophy Points:
    101
    Likes:
    +1
    wow these are really looking promising.. i'd be in for the whole lot when it becomes available, the leg extensions look fantastic.