You dont know how much I suffered with this custom.
Hi
Well, this is the second step.
It might seem that this backpack is easy to work with because it is "big", but in reality it is very, very difficult, because to make it more dynamic, I have to add joints, and that would make it look bigger, because there is no space left to put those joints. I don't have such small pieces.
Anyway, I decided that it is impossible for me to make the robot mode completely covered by the alternate mode, so I am resigned to have certain parts visible. It is difficult, because with each step I take, I go back two; I've changed, cut, joined and separated the pieces countless times, and I'm still not sure. But I am sure of the alternate mode pieces that remain, and they are what you see here.
I took ideas from Arcee Thrilling's backpack, Vehicon Tfprime, and some advice you have given me. I know the backpack will still be "big", but I don't care; I decided that part of it will go on the back and a portion on the legs, but I don't know how to make it stay there without interfering with Elita's body. I feel like I'm trying to do something too complex.
In the last two photos you can see the little joints that I am experimenting with; I am trying to create parts that bend or rotate, so that the parts can be arranged in robot mode.

Thank you for any advice you can give me.

 

Have you tried using Gundam Option Parts for the joint array?
The Ballden Arm Arms/Binder Gun/No Name Rifle comes with a ton of hinges and ball joints, and the Gunpla Battle Arm Arms comes with a lot of struts that you might find useful.

 

I have thought about that. I'm now in a quarantine zone, so I can't buy parts, but I have a small box of parts; I'll try to see what works for me from there. Thank you so much.