Heavy/Scratch: WIP Help with My First Custom - Classics Shockwave

Discussion in 'Radicons Customs' started by CronoSabre, Sep 6, 2013.

  1. CronoSabre

    CronoSabre Well-Known Member

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    I was really inspired by Danilko's Classics Shockwave and really want voyager classics Shockwave, one that would good next to Hegemon. I like the FOC one but it just isn't doing it for me in terms of scale.

    This is my first time trying to customize a figure so I'm in a bit over my head, but if I can make it half as good looking as Danilko's then I'll be happy.

    I already had an Energon Shockblast and I was able to find a junker Alternators Shockblast. So far I have managed to swap his head and get his non-gun hand attached to the existing upper arm.

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    For the non-gun arm I had to drill out the hole in the linkage so it would accept the alternators forearm. The only issue I have to resolve still is the fact that he currently cannot bend at the elbow because the upper arm is interfering. So I figure I am going to have to buy a dremel tool so I can make a clean cut in the upper arm to allow some clearance.

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    The ball joint of the Alternator head was just a little too large for the hole in the chest so I drilled it out one size larger. The fit is very snug but I am still looking for a good way to secure it on the inside of the chest cavity. As of right now the pin which sticks out of the ball joint doesn't stick down far enough to secure. I'd like to pull that pin out if possible and replace it with a screw that I could use to secure it to the inside of the chest, but I am not sure if it is actually possible to pull the pin out without damaging the ball joint.

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    The major challenge is going to be what to do with the gun arm. I definitely want to use the Alternator forearm but finding an upper arm which roughly matches the articulation of the other arm, fits into the peg of the existing shoulder and is compatible with the alternator forearm is proving challenging. I was considering finding another Energon Shockblast, taking the small shoulder and just replacing the large shoulder completely, however, I really like the asymmetry of the large shoulder with its Decepticon symbol. The upper arm of the non-gun hand unfortunately does not fit the peg in the large shoulder (too loose) and the top section of the upper arm is not long enough to drop below the shoulder to allow for the lower section to rotate without hitting the shoulder.

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    Lastly, I'm planning on using the cannon from the G1 Shockwave I picked up for the vehicle mode. Not sure how I'll attach it but I'll deal with that after get the arm figured out.

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    I'm happy to hear any advice or comments you may have. Particularly any ideas you may have for the gun arm.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Thefallenfell

    Thefallenfell SG Autobot

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    you have a good idea going there, what if you use the FOC shockwave gun it will proportion well on this size of figure and work well in tank mode but its up to you
     
  3. Danilko

    Danilko Well-Known Member

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    Great start dude, can't wait to see how your's turns out. I have couple of advices if that's ok.

    I don't think you need to buy dremmel to cut the arm, simply sand down both surfaces on forearm and upper arm just to make space for unhindered articulation and for paint so it doesn't chip.

    Second thing is use screw for the balljoint for the head, makes more solid connection in combination with glueing the part. And about the gun arm, it was challenge for me to to make, I scratch built it from alternators Prowl thigh and heavily modified. But if you can find Cybertron Scattershot parts, use his arm parts to make it happen, it might be the best solution (i didn't have those parts when I built mine) . And if you have any more questions during the build feel free to contact me :) 

    Cheers!
     
  4. kalron

    kalron Technician/Sculptor

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    Looking good here, a fine first attempt!

    Danilko has some good suggestions there. As for a dremel, if you are planning on continuing to bash it is the most important tool in the belt, so I'd say go for it. Plus, once you use it in bashing you find tons of other uses. I just replaced a door and added a dead bolt and the dremel made the additional lock carving a breeze!

    For the gun arm, I went a different direction and used classics megatron's arms and shoulders for this guy, although I used more of that mold than shockblast it could be an option for you.

    Keep it up, you might find that is one is the first of many.
     
  5. CronoSabre

    CronoSabre Well-Known Member

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    Thanks everyone for your comments and advice! Danilko, I really appreciate your comments as your custom was my inspiration to start this project.

    Sandpaper! Now why didn't I think of that. :)  Now I have an articulated arm for the non-gun arm. I might sand down a little bit of the forearm as well to get the extra articulation out of the double joint.

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    I completely agree with using a screw to secure the head, but does anyone know if this pin can be taken out easily? Do I need to use the hot soldering iron method to get it out or is there an easier way?

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    I thought about using the Scattershot/Dropshot arms, I noticed that a lot of people have used them in their customs, but I really like the look of the alternator forearms and from the pictures I've seen I can't tell if the would be roughly compatible with the linkage of the Dropshot arms. Here is a good picture of Dropshot taken apart that I found on Seibertron.

    I'm still debating whether I should trying to find an Energon Shockblast arm for a reasonable price and try to modify it to fit the large shoulder. To do this I would have to: 1. Add some extra thickness to the peg (Not sure how to do this), 2. Sand down the tabs on the large shoulder to prevent interference (see pic below with red lines which show the sections I would need to cut/sand)

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    [​IMG]
     
  6. CronoSabre

    CronoSabre Well-Known Member

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    I saw that a few people had went the Classics Megatron route. I actually have one that I no longer display since I got Hegemon. Although I couldn't for the life of me figure out a way to remove his shoulders. It really looked like they were not meant to be removed. So I gave up on that one.
     
  7. CronoSabre

    CronoSabre Well-Known Member

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    Hmmm... interesting idea, I haven't seen that done before. I might consider that once I get the gun arm finished. I've just accepted that there will have to be some parts forming to get a descent alt mode out of him. I thought the G1 cannon scaled nicely and obviously gave him a G1 look.
     
  8. Danilko

    Danilko Well-Known Member

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    No problem man, glad i could help at least a little bit :) 

    I think soldering iron is the best and easiest way to do it, everything else i believe, can only damage your figure.

    And regarding thickness of the peg on shoulder pad, consider cutting stripes of styrene 1mm wide and as long as the peg is, and glue them all around the peg, should give it enough thickness to hold the arm no problem( that's how I do it normally )

    If you have any questions regarding my build feel free to send me pm and I'll answer in no time :) 

    Cheers!
     
  9. Eddie26

    Eddie26 Well-Known Member

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    I will follow this one seriously, I want to make my own Shockwave from this figure, so let's see how it's going. Keep on it man!
     
  10. QmTablit

    QmTablit BotBot in the what, I said BotBot in the what

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    I'm all for sticking with what you've got working, but I just wanted to post these as an alternative if you feel the need for one.

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    I used Universe Countdown's arms (Cyb. CD Red Alert mold) for mine. it requires something inside the should joint that fits within the Countdown shoulders and the 5mm pegs inside Shockblast's shoulderpads.

    The left hand is simply removed, a post installed, and the barrel from a KO Shockwave attached.

    [​IMG]

    I also swapped the lower legs and turned the feet around for personal aesthetics.
     
  11. batmanprime

    batmanprime Omega-con

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    A little humble advice...I've run into the problem of the hole being bigger than the peg myself. I believe that's a 5mm peg, so get yourself a 5mm drill/router bit. (These work great for making hands more universal and weapons mounts.) Fill in the hole with some 2 part epoxy then re-drill.