Hello everyone,

after I've finished my first addon kit - Heavy/Scratch: - Transformers Ark transforming leg filler addon kit set - I've started work on the second kit. This one will give the shuttle mode those G1-looking side panels that stick out a bit.

Unfortunately I don't have as much time as I used to, due to starting a new job. But I still sit down on weekends and tweak the design.

For now I think I'm about 2/5th done with the addon kit. I'm almost finished with the main connection part to connect the side panels to the ship. And I also have the idea to make those panels detach and transform into blasters/rifles that the Ark can dual-wield in robot mode.

Update:

Version 17
All parts finally fit snuckly! Now I can go over to detailing, adding the transformation and fine-tune tolerances.

All details are in the update post further down below.


the part in full frontal view



from the top


from the bottom


this is how it attaches at the moment
(also had to make holes for the turrets)


and here you can see how it fits and where it ends

 

Here's the first version where you can see what the final shape will look like in the end.



Converted it into a 3D shape




And here you can see the file on my PC


And the original for comparison


Btw is there an option to change/select the thread thumbnail?

 

Holy crap! These look great

 

Nice!

 

Awesome work, look at those iterations...that's some hard-core refinement right there. The new shape makes WAY more sense, much better aesthetics!

 

too bad that the kingdom ark head still only swivels, hands are trash, chest is gappy, and requires a lot of upgrades to be fixed.

"all things considered, you did an amazing job, lad! amazing!" -Kup

 

Version 9
Gave it a hinge joint and a connection tab so it doesn't flop around. It's shaved off because that's where it will disconnect from the transforming side panels/weapons.

Back side with hinge joint

Front side

Here you can see the connection tab and it moves out of the way for 100% arm movement

Connection of the hinge joint

 

Update:

Version 17
All parts finally fit snuckly! Now I can go over to detailing, adding the transformation and fine-tune tolerances.

- Added a connection port at the hinge piece that attaches to the ark.
- Fine-tuned the big wing piece for the last few weeks so it fits like a glove.
- Had to add holes for the turrets, otherwise they would have stuck out through the shell.
- Some borders/corners of the piece don't align yet with the ship, but this will be the next step

This big wing piece gave me such a headache, because how do you measure a part that curves from front to back non-linear but it has to fit everywhere, the front, the back AND the middle!?
And also the turret holes were a pain in the butt  

But it fits! FINALLY!!

Also, sorry for the print quality of the big piece, but had to set it to triple-thickness layer height (0.32mm) so it doesn't print for half a day each time.

the part in full frontal view



from the top


from the bottom


this is how it attaches at the moment
(also had to make holes for the turrets)


and here you can see how it fits and where it ends

 

Looks good. Maybe next version add some turrets.

 

Thanks, A lot Cross!

Now I have to get the Ark!

 

I'll add some 5mm peg holes to an optional file to add some printable turrets which will be included.

I'm sorry!  

 

Awesome job so far, can't wait to see the finished product  

 

Looks terrific! Question: does the larger piece swing back with the smaller pieces hinge? Just wondering but you will probably show the transformation later.

 

Yes surprisingly it does, haven't tested it yet but if you were to leave it attached it can fully hinge out without getting hindered.

Here are some pictures of what it looks like with the wing still being attached to the hinge piece (almost looks like an angel wing):



Side view


Top view


Arm movement also doesn't get hindered


And from the front

 

combine this with the DNA design upgrade kit and you've got what the designers should've made in the first place

 

Nice! Now he'll have wings!

 

my only suggestion is could you maybe find a way of making a new head and neck? I don't like how it is normally, and I would like to see it look closer to the autobot insignia and have more articulation at the neck

 

Did you see Mr Cross’s initial upgrade? It is a way better design than the DNA upgrade kit and the parts are not removed and reattached for transformation. Mr Cross has other upgrades planned too so stay tuned

 

Have you considered just outright replacing the original yellow shoulder plates? They look like they are easy to unscrew and it might make things easier overall

You probably won't be able to fit all the extra volume you need to fill just by doing so, but you might want to entertain the possibility