Tfsource just got a new batch in stock.

 

Are those 1/100 or 1/144?

Dammit. This custom looks so nice, I'm tempted to buy the parts, foolishly thinking that someday I'll have the time, money and energy to do this.

Such great execution.

 

Thanks man  

Those hands are the 1/100 size. I'm hoping Fan Style do some for the Lambo mold like they did for the Datsuns. The Hobby Base are nice but really fiddly to assemble and it's a pain having to mod for fitting.

 

Can you explain step by step how you painted the thighs silver? I'd like to do this on mine but I'm new to disassembling and painting.

 

Yeah you're best off taking them apart, so IIRC there are a few screws in back and a pin at the knee (if you've never disassembled, that will be the trickiest part: ideally you need a similar diameter metal rod to put against the end of the pin in the knee, and tap at it with a hammer to push it through. Heating the pin first helps a bit if you can). If you can't or don't want to do that, you could opt for just masking off the rest of the bot and painting the front of the thigh while the knee is bent, let it dry, then straighten the leg and paint the back.

For the best results clean and dry the parts, spray with a primer, spray with silver paint, then spray with a varnish/clear coat and reassemble (with drying times inbetween of course). You may need to sand slightly before painting if there are any areas that rub.

 

Where can I find a similar diameter metal rod to put against the end of the pin in the knee? I have know idea where to get that or what dimensions to look for. How do I heat the pin in the knee? I'm guessing the spray technique is only recommended if I disassemble the parts instead of masking the robot.

 

You can spray paint on with or without disassembly, as long as you are careful to cover the rest of the figure (a good tip there is to wrap a plastic bag over the rest and use the masking tape to seal the edge). Of course, you can just paint by hand with a brush if you like, but personally I prefer the smooth even finish you get with a can.

If you haven't got anything to hand to push the pin (blunt nail, spare pin from a junker etc) you can buy craft tools for the job (doesn't have to be exactly the same diameter as the pin). Sounds like this is all new to you though, so I suggest checking out some tutorials on pushing pins first  

 

Great improvement on a great figure.

 

Yep. I'm a newbie. I checked the board for tutorials on pin pushing but found nothing or maybe I'm not looking properly. Can you provide a link?

 

Cheers!

This should help...

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/tutorials-how-tos/214537-how-remove-pins-rivets.html

 

You nailed the Red Alert look, its awesome.

 

Thanks.

 

If you had the time, maybe you could consider a tutorial? Just a suggestion, no pressure.

 

How does primer spray and varnish/clear coat spray help? Can't you accomplish this without primer and varnish/clear coat?

What model/brands do you recommend for all 3 sprays (primer, silver paint, varnish/clear coat)?

For the similar diameter metal rod that I'll need will 1/16" (1.5mm) do?

 

Cheers!

I tried to include photos and WIP notes in the thread and it ought to be a fairly straight forward mod. I am of course happy to answer any questions! Speaking of...

As long as it isn't bigger than the pin you're pushing it should be fine  

Nothing to say you have to prime/finish if you choose not to. Primer just gives the paint a better surface to cling to (and in this case stops red colour showing through, since silver is often a thin paint), and clear coat helps protect the paint and prevent it rubbing off or scraping during transformation. If you don't tf your figures you may as well just paint silver directly onto the figure.

I don't have any particular brand loyalty, I just tend to use what is easiest to get hold of at the local craft shop. Humbrol Silver 11 is handy because it's sold in a spray can and also in a pot (for any touch ups by hand down the road).

 

You removed the outside of Red Alerts forearms which were part of the door, and replaced them with a part that matches the rest of the forearm, where did this part come from?

 

I guess the forthcoming anime colored MP 14+ Red Alert eliminates most of the need for any modding.
???????8?11??????????DEAL?????MP-14+ ?????????????????????????????????
https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK12360&mode=retail
http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/trans...me-color-alert-takaratomy-mall-exclusive.html

 

It still doesn't have the arm flap kibble though, that many consider to be iconic to the character's G1 design.

 

Scratch built from pieces of styrene, with thinner strips of styrene laid across to match the bevelled look of the stock forearm.

Funny thing is, I'm a hugely toon-centric guy and I've modded a lot of figures specifically to be more toon accurate, but the new + MP style leaves me cold so far. Almost the only worthwhile thing about the new version is the thighs IMO. The colours seem to be drab and matte, the little sculpted details no longer have paint apps to bring them out, and worst of all they didn't take the opportunity to retool the arm transformation into arm-doors. I just hope the main line doesn't go in this direction (although arguably it already has with Shockwave). Personally I love the gloss and shine of MPs like Soundwave - he'd be an easy pass if they redid him with flat white instead of silver...

That's the killer... Maybe if they'd done that I wouldn't be able to resist + Alert. As it is, I actually prefer my own custom!

 

...As you should. Yours is so immensely awesome, I am truly jealous. I wish a company would put out the parts needed to do the arms and pelvis as you have. As it is, I'd need the sides from a 1/32 Lambo model kit and some wheels the size you've installed. So, probably not gonna happen.