Scratch Builds: Masterpiece Jazz: How I Build - by Jarrod

Discussion in 'Tutorials and How Tos' started by Jarrod, Apr 16, 2010.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    (Here are Jarrod's original threads for this piece; feel free to stop by and leave a comment, etc.:

    http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/300788-mp-alt-g1-jazz-wip.html

    http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/306852-1-24-masterpiece-jazz-finished.html

    Thanks again to Jarrod for providing all he's done here as well as how well he's contributed to Radicons Customs over the years! ~Superquad7)


    I really wanted to document to the progress of the particular build, it was going to be a lot of work. I figured people would like to see it evolve, so thanks!​



    Jazz was created using the torso, arms and head from Alternator Jazz, Taimya's 1/24 Martini Porsche 935 Turbo kit, and Bandai's MG RX-78-3 G3 Gundam Ver 2.0 kit for most of the legs, the skirt, hands and gun, and whole and a lot of styrene!

    Jazz was painted using Tamiya Pure White spray, Model Master Semi-Gloss Black, Krylon Silver, and a dark gunmetal mix of my own for knee joints and vents. Additional, small details were done in Tamiya Silver and Clear Red, Blue and Yellow. The chrome accents were done using Bare-Metal Foil, and the decals were all provided with the kit.


    [First step] is about 10 hrs [of work] now, and just barely scratched the surface. The plan is to have as near perfect a replica of Jazz's G1 self as possible, updated to Alternator/MP level.

    [​IMG]


    The front end is fully attached, as is the roof/windshield. The doors are coming along, still need the excess styrene trimmed. The rear half of the car is just sitting there; that's going to be the biggest challenge.

    [​IMG]


    Don't mind the Gundam feet, they're there just so Jazz can stand for now . . . and the skinny legs will be built up later. I plan to build a articulated "skirt" like MP Primes as well.

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 4
  2. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    [Here, I've] trimmed the doors, and added new hands. I also added a balljoint to the upper part of the elbow joint to mimic a bicep swivel:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Next, gotta do something with the very large hood piece that sticks up behind Jazz's head . . . and then it's onto the legs.

    Thanks! I'll actually be using the rims and tires that come with the kit; they're the proper ones as well. These are rims I'll be using, the ones that belong to the 935:

    [​IMG]


    Thanks, it's actually a modification I did to my Alt Streak years ago when he was first released.


    I guess I could, but he's pretty much exactly the same size as regular Alt. Jazz, the Porshe is nearly identical in size to the RX-8.

    Well, I still plan to mod the head too, trying to get it more G1 like, so I gotta redo the "horns" and change the side of the head abit. He'll have a G1 accurate gun and missle launcher when he's finished. And yep, the fingers independantly move at the first two knuckles each, and the thumb is on a single ball joint.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 2
  3. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    [Here is the] work on the legs and feet, [and there's] lots of scratchbuiling here! I started by putting in a polycap that swivels side to side; this will give Jazz some side to side ankle articulation. The polycap will also serve as the transformation joint for his foot:

    [​IMG]


    [The] next step is [to] starting to build up the lower leg, and building a frame to attach the car shell to:

    [​IMG]


    I hope to have part of the rear car shell attached tomorrow.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 2
  4. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    The car shell [has been] attached to the transformation frame of the foot. You can also see I've hinged the hood panel above his head to fold down:

    [​IMG]


    Both rear halves attached. Ugh . . . gotta fix that gap between the door and rear end:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Thanks, its Alt Jazz/Meister actually. The arms transform quite differently, and it was the separate support hinges for the arms that led me to choose this body over the Subaru.

    It's the MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver 2.0 (or the G3 Gundam, same kit, different colors).
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 2
  5. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    [​IMG]

    I decided when I started this project that the rear windows weren't just going to flip open and lay on the backs of his legs. First off, they look kinda dorky, and second, they're huge. They'd stick up to his mid-thigh, and totally restrict his knee articulation. So, I figured they'd slide or rotate into the feet somehow.

    So, I cut a groove into wall I'd built, added a peg to the window:

    [​IMG]


    . . . . and now the rear window panel slides down into the foot for robot mode!

    [​IMG]


    And [here are] both rear panels attached. Onto the feet/shins next, then i think thats it for the integral engineering - mostly cosmetic additions after that:

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  6. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    [Here,] I realized that I'd have to add the waist skirt before I start on the feet. I need[ed] to know how much free space I have to work with. This is just the functional base, [as the] details will be added later. I haven't come up with a good selection for the rear part of the skirt yet . . . as it is, there's no room in vehicle mode for it. I may end up just gluing a panel onto the back hip:

    [​IMG]


    I also realized I've never taken shot of him from the rear, so here ya go:


    [​IMG]


    And proper rims and tires attached. Unfortunately, I had to set the rear wheels lower than they're supposed to be. As it is, clearence is in the millimeters. Some sacrifices must be made for the perfect robot mode I guess:


    [​IMG]

    Well, I'm at the point I was most apprehensive about - the shins and feet. I protoyped a working model I guess; the size is right, the foot has some side to side movement, and the shape is right.

    Problem is, the whole leg has to pass right though that spot for transformation, so it has to hinge out of the way. The bigger challenge, however, is getting it to fit into vehicle mode. That whole shin and foot piece is going to have to fold in half, and raise up about a centimeter, and kinda fill in a space behind the seats.


    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  7. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    Yep, I promise when its done, theyll looks just like Jazz's waist.

    After a few unsuccessful attempts, I've got a working shin and foot! Here it is crammed in vehicle mode. Damn, that Porsche really does have such a small rear end!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    . . . . and here's the transformation. Start by unfolding the legs:

    [​IMG]


    Then open the panel and swing the leg through, then swing panel closed:

    [​IMG]


    Finally, flip the foot down.

    [​IMG]


    And done! I've got to sand the inside of the foot some to allow better clearance in vehicle mode still, and make a peg to hold the foot to the shin in robot mode:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Phew! After this, it seems like it should be a breeze. It's basically just filling in panels and added surface details . . . I think!


    Yeah, the rear windows will still fit, the window panel can still rise up about 1 mm or so; its just resting on the leg at the moment.


    Yep, they are. I use styrene tube, with brass wire as the pin, made by the same company that also makes styrene.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 2
  8. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    Both feet attached. Jazz can now stand freely on his own, but I still plan on building in some kind of heel for added stability.

    [​IMG]


    I'm really trying to push it on this one. I didn't want to just copy the G1 or Alt transformation. Plus, I wanted to add in a bit of his animated appearance.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  9. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    Man, the closer I get to finishing this thing, the more I want to work on it!

    I added pegs to the legs/rear of the car to hold it together, then paneled up that section. The rear of the car how holds snugly together:

    [​IMG]


    Here's an underside shot, too. You can see the waist sections splayed out, and if you look reeeeaaallly close, you can see what will become the heels:

    [​IMG]


    And speaking of, here they are in their origami goodness. I designed them really just from a functional standpoint, they're not supposed to look fantastic, just provide stability, and fold up into the already limited space available:

    [​IMG]


    He now stands very solidly! I started adding some details to the right leg, some line scribing, extra paneling, etc.:

    [​IMG]


    And a shot to show off the articulation. There's a few extra thumbnails below too.

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  10. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    [Here, I'm] working from the bottom up adding details. Both legs now have the same details added; check out sticker-like the detail in the upper shins. [I worked] on the waist, too, - got the shape a bit better, and added lots of detail there, too:

    [​IMG]


    Here's a closeup of the new stuff:

    [​IMG]


    And, just when I thought I wouldn't be able to fit them anywhere, I had an idea, and was able to fit in some flip out speakers in his waist. They're kinda small, but they're there!

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
  11. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    I really wanted the speakers, but kinda resigned myself to thinking I'd run out of room. But dammit, I wouldn't let it go, and I'm glad I didn't. Even if they're not optimal size, they're integrated, and that's what I really wanted.

    Thanks again. When I was getting ready to start this, it really was going to be just a reshell. But then came the new hands, and with it new legs, then it just exploded into this. Figured as long as I'm scratchbuilding, might as well as make it as accurate as possible!


    So, here's the new chest block. It doesnt fold out flat like the Alternator transformation, but rather just lies up against the inside of the doors. So, if you open the door in car mode, there'll be a wall. But its a race car; its part of the safety cage!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
  12. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    [Here is the] finished head. It was actually a lot more intensive than I realized. The Alt head (while close) really differs significantly from the G1 head in lots of little details. I even had to slightly elongate the face behind the chin. Anyways, you can see all the additions in the styrene below (Stepper variant? Heh.):

    [​IMG]


    And, just because I really wanted to see it in the proper colors, here it is with a quick paintjob:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Check below for some extra pics, and for a nice comparison shot.


    .
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  13. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    Alright, this [is] the last pre-paint shots of the car mode. It's so close, I'm getting all tingly!

    Anyways, most of the day [was spent] filling in gaps, sanding off seam lines, and adding those final touches. There's still a few pieces missing(door handles, inter cooler, etc). that I'm leaving off until the whole things been painted to avoid masking and stuff. But the car mode is pretty much done.
    :
    [​IMG]


    I'm mildly concerned about the robot abdomen bits sticking out the bottom of the doors. I'm kinda hoping they'll be passed of as just some kinda under-car mechanical stuff along with the hip panels. The good thing is, they're really only visible from straight on. Realistically, Jazz is gonna spend 99% of his existence in robot mode.

    I also added these little brake cooling vent things. The kit left this area totally open, just a whole. But the box pic shows a grate, and I'm told there's one supposed to be there. So I built one using grooved styrene, and some VERY thin strips. It's not actually mesh, but I think it does the job:

    [​IMG]


    Next, the final touches to the bot mode, some inner door detailing, [and] FINALLY giving him some rear waist panels. Then time for painting (and building his weapons of course)!
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  14. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    [Here, I] built the gun, [and I] used most of the Gundam gun, with lots of styrene bits:

    [​IMG]


    Also the black parts [were painted] with Model Master Semi-gloss Black, and [I also] painted a few of the silver parts. The chest is just hand brushed so I could see what it looked like:

    [​IMG]


    Building the shoulder launcher [comes] next, the white paint [comes later].
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  15. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    Yeah, well at least my hobby shop carries styrene in all kinds of grooved, etc. kinds of textures. I guess its meant to mimic walls or roofs or sheet metal, or whatever. I added an extra groove in between was was provided though.


    Oh, and G1 Jazz tries out for the '07 Movie. Get it? In two pieces! Ha!

    [​IMG]


    I painted the white the other day, using Tamiya Pure White spray (as the color guides suggests). It's a wonderfully high gloss white, and it's nice and strong too. Started [the] painting [of] the other details too. Decaling [comes next, and I still] gotta build that missile launcher, too . . . .
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  16. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    Pretty much, [here it is] fully painted and reassembled! [There are] still some little extra paint touches [needed] here and there:

    [​IMG]


    Decals next, then missle launcher. Oh, and here's how glossy the white is. Yeah, that's the reflection of the rim!

    [​IMG]


    And just for fun, the very first shot I took of Jazz in robot mode, side by side with today's:

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  17. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    So, I thought for sure I'd be decaling [here], but I ended up building his launcher instead!

    [​IMG]


    I've got a second silver painted missle as well, as I think it'll match the rest of the silver better than the chrome. There's also the little white trigger fin on top too:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 2
  18. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    Phew, [here I've] decaled all day! Still the little sponsor logo's and stuff [are needed to be applied], but [I finished] most of the ones [for Jazz].

    The decals are really nice, after the're dry they look like Tampos, glossy and all!

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  19. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    I've got a few more little touch-ups here and there, and he's done!

    [​IMG]

    Why not?

    Most importantly, they came with the hands I really wanted to use. But also:
    -they were pretty much the perfect size
    -they had full double knee joints(which were needed for tranformation)
    -they had nice blocky, flat thighs
    -they had strong, ABS on ABS joints.

    They were just pretty much perfect for what I needed.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 1
  20. Jarrod

    Jarrod Semi-retired Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2004
    Posts:
    3,820
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    312
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Likes:
    +9,743
    Well, here he is, totally finished. Beware, lots of pictures ahead!

    (Make sure to check out all the extra thumbnailed pics too!)


    Car Mode:


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Transformation:

    Start by unpegging the roof from the rear windows, then separate the rear halves:

    [​IMG]


    Open doors, fold seats forward slightly, and begin to unfold legs at the knee(right leg has been mostly transformed already, see below for left leg):

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Straighten out the knee:

    [​IMG]


    Unfold, and clip heal parts together, then slide rear window into the foot:

    [​IMG]


    Swing shin/foot part open, and rotate entire foot assembly around:

    [​IMG]


    Close shin and swing foot down into place and peg:

    [​IMG]


    The rest is pretty much the same as Alt Jazz, except the skirt/waist panels need to be folded into place:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    During the hood placement, Jazz's head needs to turn sideways so his horns fit. Also, the part of his hood attached to the windshield will fold down:

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 26, 2012
    • Like Like x 4
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.