Heavy/Scratch: Shapeways: FOC Bruticus upgrade kit (more game-accurate)

Discussion in 'Radicons Customs' started by echotransformer, Jan 26, 2013.

?

What are your thoughts on how to release this kit?

Poll closed May 7, 2013.
  1. Get Shapeways done by Spring. Painting req'd, but it will be quickly available for all 5 FOC molds

    31 vote(s)
    17.6%
  2. Take up to 1 year to design & release via 3rd party. I can WAIT so I don't have to PAINT.

    81 vote(s)
    46.0%
  3. Do both Shapeways (release soon) and 3rd party. (KO's will likely happen but I want the original)

    61 vote(s)
    34.7%
  4. I just want SOMETHING to fix my Bruticus--a low-priced knockoff is all I need

    3 vote(s)
    1.7%
  1. echotransformer

    echotransformer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2006
    Posts:
    2,024
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Likes:
    +3,242
    **Here's a Video describing the parts: http://youtu.be/Ra1n6J0IvbI**


    Hi Everyone,

    My official decision is that I am going to do my best to bring this to market via mass production instead of Shapeways. This was by no means an easy decision...hence the long period without updates.

    All of you have been tremendously supportive of my efforts and have contributed greatly to my understanding of what to do here.

    Here are my 'top 3' reasons why I am working towards mass production.

    1. Quality. It will simply be the best possible way to enjoy the kit--in quality plastic, crisply molded with factory paint applications and carefully matched color in a nice retail box.
    2. Reach. Simply put, more people can enjoy the kit this way because it will be a great price and accessible from many online retail stores.
    3. Design. I believe that in the transition to mass production, the kit will go through yet another redesign that will make it even better. I've already started to explore 'mold ready' designs, and some parts will evolve to be 2-sided, while others will receive additional detail and scuplting -- all the while preserving the fundamental proportions and scuplting you have all helped to shape

    This will be a journey for me. Although we all enjoy these products on a daily basis, much blood, sweat and tears go into every collectible we buy--and this kit will be no exception. I have brought in a very good friend of mine who has supported my work for many years and together we are already in the process of talking to the industry.

    We have goals for this kit:

    -top-notch quality
    -fair pricing
    -good time to market

    Balancing these goals will be the challenge. But we're up for it!

    We will do our best to share progress which updates and announcements. They will likely not be as frequent as the Radicons/Shapeways projects simply because this kind of work takes more time.

    We will also start to transition to the third party thread. (Only Shapeways updates will be posted here)

    Lastly: expect continued Radicons/Shapeways projects from the Echotransformer group. I am already working on a few cool surprises that fit best in the Shapeways method, so stay tuned.

    Again, thanks for all the support--there are many more great things to come. With that, I'll leave you with an updated picture.

    --Echotransformer


    [​IMG]


    KIT TYPES:

    Our goal is to release the kit for ALL the FOC Bruticus paint jobs, eventually. At this time we are not certain of which one is first, cost, date...sorry...but obviously:

    -SDCC Bruticus
    -standard mainline FOC Bruticus (aka Fruiticus)
    -G2 BBTS Exclusive Bruticus
    -Takara metallic paint Bruticus

    At this time, there are no concrete plans for the Wreckers Ruination Bruticus; however, we are considering a Shapeways kit should this project be successful.

    ____________________________________________________________________

    Original Project Introduction:

    After several months modifying Hercules, Hegemon and Predaking, I decided to turn my attention to FOC Bruticus. I was inspired by much of the Radicons work on the forums, and in this case wanted to make a Shapeways kit with hopes of making it available to everyone. (Update--as you can tell by my new message, the plan is now to aim for mass production)

    Believe me: This figure has HUGE potential!

    Okay, here's the progress thus far:

    I started as always, with reference images, photos and good old fashioned pencil sketches:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    This inspirational phase was definitely generating confidence that this could pulled off.

    Next up, I built a LEGO mockup, just to guage proportions, attachment points, etc.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    At this point my confidence was good enough to begin the tedious process of CAD. 40-50 hours later, after hundreds of measurements and thousands of model features, the parts began to take shape:

    [​IMG]

    From top left: Backplate mount for Onslaught, Hand mount for Blastoff, Hand mount for Vortex, Sheild extension for Blastoff and Fin extension for Vortex.

    [​IMG]

    From top left: Brawl foot and Swindle foot (with articulated toes); Brawl knee extension, Onslaught chest shelds (2 days modelling those bad-boys) and fists (not articulated)

    First the little plate at the back of Onslaught--this fills in his back, allows you to mount the cannon on his back facing forward AND yes those are the three buttons that disable him (couldn't resist the G1 homage ;) )

    [​IMG]

    **NEW--Here are pictures of how Blastoff arm works...it's an extension/plate that his fist plugs into...**

    [​IMG]

    Kit installed:

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    For a side-by-side comparison:

    [​IMG]


    I wanted to give purpose to the parts, so I have started making a trailer for Onslaught. You can see the feet, fists, etc. installed. You can install a big gun in Blastoff's chest sheild

    [​IMG]


    **Actual mockups and details after the jump**
     

    Attached Files:

    • Like Like x 4
  2. echotransformer

    echotransformer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2006
    Posts:
    2,024
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Likes:
    +3,242
    **Update, check out my new video here: http://youtu.be/Ra1n6J0IvbI**

    NOTE: The kit is intended for ALL FOC Bruticus molds: SDCC, Mainline, G2 BBTS Exclusive and Takara. Because this is Shapeways, parts will arrive white/polished so painting will be required. I'm sure there are a few people who will comission painted versions on the boards. Sorry guys, I'd love to offer these in color, but Shapeways doesn't offer that

    NOTE: I do not know the price at this time. I am doing everything I can to make the parts as cost-effective as possible.

    ADDITIONAL NOTE#1: I do not have a release date at this time. I'm a single guy working on this and have a more than full-time job. I work on it often in my spare time. I really want this done by late Spring 2013...I'll keep pushing hard...please be patient...

    ADDITIONAL NOTE #2: If the sales of this kit go well, I am willing to work on a Ruination kit. That project will require many new parts to be designed and will be very costly, so the demand has to be there in order for me to able to afford to create it.

    ADDITIONAL NOTE #3: I will be offering 'sub-kits' so you can buy just the hands, feet, wing, mini-Shockwave, etc. Note that these kits won't have the volume discount offered by Shapeways, so "The Full Monty" will be the best value...but for those on a budget or just want some key pieces (you'd be amazed at what just the hands do) this will be a great choice!


    Here are some shots of the "Alpha 1" prototypes:


    [​IMG]

    Original prototypes (wide crotch cover, unpainted)


    [​IMG]

    Closeup of the feet

    [​IMG]

    Trailer with parts

    BIG BACK GUN--as many of you (and myself) were dissatisfied with Bruticus' back gun, I made a new beefier one (digital mockup)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    FLATTER WING:--after much feedback and consideration, I decided to mockup a flatter wing

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    MAKING AND PAINTING OF FRUITICUS:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    How the colors were matched:http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/777746-shapeways-foc-bruticus-upgrade-kit-more-game-accurate-23.html#post9022345

    UPDATE March 17th, 2013

    Major CAD update. I'm redesigned all parts to combine together and make a trailer WITHOUT needing a frame. All parts get used in both Gestalt and trailer mode. I'll be testing parts in individual Robot modes as well. All parts don't have to be in this exact configuration; for example, you don't have to put the big wing under the trailer. Only the two feet, wheel mounts, and front attachment are needed to make a working trailer.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    MAJOR UPDATE: Alpha 2 parts arrived and painted

    I decided to paint up the 2 sets differently, one to match the G2 BBTS Exclusive and the other to match SDCC Bruticus. Enjoy...

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    • Like Like x 2
  3. Bossguy

    Bossguy Banned

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2012
    Posts:
    871
    Trophy Points:
    101
    Likes:
    +2
    Wow! I want one!
     
  4. Onslaught24

    Onslaught24 Ayo Fryman. That uh, that's highly illogical. Moderator News Staff

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2011
    Posts:
    16,262
    News Credits:
    42
    Trophy Points:
    347
    Likes:
    +5,441
    Ebay:
    Instagram:
    the feet look awesome! will they be a separate set? cause i'm looking into making articulated hands for him on shapeways and i'd love to have those feet add-ons

    EDIT: might i also suggest a heel add-on for Swindle?
     
  5. seali_me

    seali_me RIP January 2018

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2007
    Posts:
    19,841
    Trophy Points:
    337
    Likes:
    +2,485
    So that's what's missing: shoulder covers and slippers. Covering the shoulders. Genius!

    Love the bulk.
     
  6. gtrslngr1981

    gtrslngr1981 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2013
    Posts:
    219
    Trophy Points:
    112
    Likes:
    +40
    Beautiful, really bulks him up in a good way. Love the toe extensions.
     
  7. G60Force

    G60Force World Smallest Mini-Con

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2010
    Posts:
    7,973
    Trophy Points:
    197
    Likes:
    +68
    Ebay:
    :rock 
     
  8. SeiberBirdR

    SeiberBirdR Birbicon, Metal-Head

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2010
    Posts:
    1,802
    News Credits:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    232
    Likes:
    +2,105
    Awesome progress so far! I look forward to the final project. I was hoping to see a 3rd Party set of this sort but of course, shapeways might work better since I have the G2 version to sit next to my Colossus.

    From the looks of it there is still the basic trailer bed left over after beef-up, right? My big suggestion would be to redesign the back area to be the trailer folded in half so there is no left over alt-mode kibble. G1/G2 Bruticus even had a pair of wheels on his backpack so that would be even more of a G1 homage.

    Smaller suggestions would be to make the chest shield wings be able to fold up, so so the shield can be stored on the trailer as sort of a brace/launching guide for Blast Off.

    Great work! I look forward to the prototypes.
     
  9. SodoCoffin

    SodoCoffin Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2012
    Posts:
    151
    Trophy Points:
    62
    Likes:
    +4
    SOLD :)  Put me down for one once you have it done, please ?
    I got me the team for my own Xmas gift and was so let down once I put them together.
    You have done something her sir I have been waiting for someone to do.
    Great work, top notch idea and look.
    If I also might give a suggestion about the trailer ?
    Maybe make it so parts come off to make Onslaught have arms not Mister Burns arms :) . Nothing fancy just something that clips in his hands and makes him looking to do some damage and not just yell " Swindle release the dogs " .
     
  10. eliotd

    eliotd alternator

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2008
    Posts:
    77
    Trophy Points:
    86
    Likes:
    +1
    im down for one if you make one for g2 or retails. great work.
    have you thought of the cannon he uses in the game?
     
  11. Alpha Omega Trion Supreme

    Alpha Omega Trion Supreme One of the longest handles in the fandom!

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2006
    Posts:
    1,900
    Trophy Points:
    287
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Likes:
    +1,217
    Ebay:
    Sir, I think you may have just saved FoC Bruticus.
     
  12. DJW107PRIME

    DJW107PRIME Autobot Hero

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2007
    Posts:
    7,857
    Trophy Points:
    367
    Likes:
    +352
    Ebay:
    :rock 
     
  13. Mirage775

    Mirage775 Autobot

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2008
    Posts:
    295
    Trophy Points:
    127
    Likes:
    +4
    Ebay:
    Nice man! I'll PM ya some more ideas and see if ya like them or not? Still plan on buying them anyway :p 
     
  14. imoff2186

    imoff2186 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2009
    Posts:
    517
    Trophy Points:
    101
    Likes:
    +2
    This is gonna be awesome
     
  15. Stormvapor

    Stormvapor Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2009
    Posts:
    5,357
    Trophy Points:
    337
    Likes:
    +2,958
    Awesome!
    I second for the G2 version!
     
  16. echotransformer

    echotransformer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2006
    Posts:
    2,024
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Likes:
    +3,242
    Thanks for all the positive feedback guys. It's going to be a fun project. :) 


    Yes, I'll make a few different kits do people could buy portions of the upgrade. I might add more bulk to Swindles heel once the protos arrive and I can better visualize where proportions need tuning.

    Yeah, that was my original plan and I still might make it fold onto his back, but I decided I needed a first build to figure it out...

    Oh and I forgot to show that in fact the wings do mount in alt mode---but they mount to Onslaught, not the trailer...I'll add pics...

    Yeah, I can see that the trailer needs purpose. I'll keep thinking about it...maybe with some parts forming all these things can be accomplished...I also hate his forearms!

    Thanks, it's Shapeways so it will come in polished white so it can be painted to suit any FOC Bruticus including G2 BBTS version. Which cannon? I played the game but I forget...
     
  17. robb0429

    robb0429 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2011
    Posts:
    1,582
    Trophy Points:
    232
    Location:
    Lehighton, PA
    Likes:
    +418
    Ebay:
    Instagram:
    Finally. Also, may I suggest a part for Blast Off that gives his arm mode that flat look for the forearm. It'd basically be just a flat plate. Although looking at the way you guys have the arm transformed, that doesnt seem possible...just a thought! I will defs be paying attention to this, may be my first product from you guys.
     
  18. Bossguy

    Bossguy Banned

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2012
    Posts:
    871
    Trophy Points:
    101
    Likes:
    +2
    I think he's talking about Bruticus' flamethrower.
     
  19. Optimussentinel

    Optimussentinel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2010
    Posts:
    275
    Trophy Points:
    182
    Likes:
    +590
    I wasn't sure if I was going to try to buy Bruticus Figure by Figure, but this gives me a reason to at least try.
     
  20. Mixmastah

    Mixmastah Scientist

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2011
    Posts:
    1,024
    News Credits:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    232
    Location:
    Berwyn IL
    Likes:
    +846
    Sweet