Hi all, I got a little further on my Sideswipe project http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/222247-mp-sideswipe-wip.html#post3375858 . His hands and feet are now working, and I started on the hinges for the jetpack transformation. Still need to finish his shoulders, legs, jetpack, and start the detailing, but the basic transformation is almost complete. Started on his weapons.
Man that's turning out super clean man! Nice work. Are you going to paint it yourself or get someone else to paint it? Not sure I've seen you paint anything yet
Thanks Lucs! Ill paint it myself, Im no Spurt Reynolds, but I have built and painted scale models most my life. Did you ever see my Brawn? http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/218703-universe-classics-brawn-6.html It actually just got custom of the month over at Sector70. The Sector70 Lab
Great job! Lovin' the hinge work! What glue do you use? I seem to have trouble with building durable styrene joints!
Incredible job! Looking at the underside, I like how everything is so neatly packed in there, very efficient use of the space in the shell.... you pulled off the 'bot proportions & transformation extremely well.
I use either Zap, or "Future Glue" for most of it. But if I need to made the joints strong and reliable, I use Testors liquid plastic cement. It chemically melts the plastic together, and once cured, its super strong. The biggest thing with strength, is surface area of your glued pieces. Clean part fitment is the first step to getting a strong joint, try to avoid gaps, and glue filling.
I see, I use Zap as well, plus accelerator most of the time! I guess I need to really pay attention to my "pre fitting"! thanks!
Thanks, but now that Im looking at the underside of it, I noticed I stuck on the left knee cap crooked LOL! Its only temporarly double side taped on, so I can paint it, but its been stuck there for a couple weeks and I just now noticed!
holy cr#p!!!!! the fit and size of him rocks so far!!cant wait till you finish more small details!!!then do sunstreaker!!!!
Updated pics. I started some details, and did the swiveling thighs. I also tried to play with the camera lighting to show off the LED eyes better.
That is awesome on so many levels. Looking forward to seeing him all painted up. Are there tutorials that teach how to build like that with styrene? I really want to learn.
Thanks man! The best advice I could give is first acquiring the correct tools. Most customizers already have a Dremel, and bits, hobby saw, x-acto knives, pin vice & drill bits, assorted small files,etc... But you also need a good stright edge rule, micrometer, a protractor, a small square, and a large flat file. I also use stiff poster board to mock up difficult pieces, or tricky hindges. It makes it much easier to do "trial and error" work, then transfer the design to the styrene. The next step is pratice, You know the old saying ... But its important. Espeically with the tools, master them, and your only limit is your imagination. I personaly am critical of myself, and I think it helps me do better work if im constantly being judgmental of my own work. But thats OK, because its only plastic, and if your not happy with a part, its not a big deal to just build another.
