Latest Update (22 JAN 2012) -MK III toe MOD WIP- -MechTech Port WIP- -Weapons Upgrade WIP Part I- _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ HOWDY! Looooong waited DOTM LEADER CLASS IRONHIDE MK III (MK III from now on) work has begun. _________________________________________________________________ Ironhide MK I WIP can be seen here: http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radic...ject-dotm-leader-class-ironhide-zebu-wip.html Background stories/photos of Ironhide MK II can be seen here: http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radic...ct-dotm-leader-class-ironhide-mk-ii-zebu.html _________________________________________________________________ Introduction: MK III will be my final rendition of Ironhide. MK III is basically a upgraded version of Movie Ironhide based on all improvement notes made during MK I and MK II projects. Pre-project notes: 1. This WILL be a ‘TRANSFORMABLE’ figure. While ‘transformable’ transformer sounds obvious, some of the most awesome custom transformers out there are not transformable. This is just a personal preference. I like mine to be transformable. 2. Articulated hands. Continuing the tradition of MK I and MK II, MK III will have fully articulated hands. 3. The Arm kibbles. Same as MK I and MK II, the arm kibbles will be repositioned to back of the figure in robot mode. 4. Foot mod. After nearly a month of bench tests, MK III will finally have ‘transformable’ side toes. 5. Weapons. First, MK III indeed will be a “weapons specialist” of Autobots. He will have massive amount of fire power (Almost an overkill). Second, all weapons will be held together in both robot and alt mode… no lose parts. 6. LEDs. LED replacement for the head (from stock green to blue) and LED additions to headlights (chest light), bumper grills, and weapons. 7. Smart integration of MechTech Ports. I like the idea of MechTech ports but I don’t like the how they just have holes all over the figure. Perhaps there is smart way to address this? 8. Paint. The paint job will mainly focus on the playability. I certainly do like the hyper detail super shiny (and super sensitive) paint work for the display. However, MK III will be created with ‘everyday play’ in mind. This means not only the paint job will be durable, but also very efficient so that no unnecessary paints in the area to rub off during transformation and/or normal play. 9. Anything else is a "GO"!! _________________________________________________________________ Here are some teaser shots. Detail WIP will be updated so EVERYONE who wish to do this (with great patient and determination) will be able to do so. I will hide nothing and will asnwer any questions you may have. Please enjoy! 1. Toes....oh the DAMN transformatable toes!!! (Coming up with this MOD was like solving a 'rubik's cube'. Just when I thought I figured it out for the robot mode, it won't transform and when I made it transformable, it looked like crap) Well.. it is solved now he he. 2. Back pack reconfigured to hold weaponS (that's right, wesponSSSSSS). It is now MODed so that the roof actually press against the back with the roof top to give more room while provided much needed holding area. 3. WEAPONS! I barely scratched the surface on this... These shown below are the new weapon systems: "Twin missile launchers and twin gatling guns that spin!" They will all be either stored within the body or attached to figure in both robot and alt (possibly thrid mode) modes. 4. Transforming MechTech Ports. Those of you with keen eyes may noticed the twin gatling guns are held (and folded back) by new mech tech ports. These indeed fold in completely when not in use in both robot and alt (possibly third mode) modes. You may also noticed that the twin gatling guns can be stored in the back of the figure. _________________________________________________________________ Again, I intend on doing detailed WIP for MK III. Since this is for my own personal collection, I am taking my time on it (with many many many hours spent on bench tests and drawing boards). Updates for this project will be slow but it will be worth waiting I promise ya'll Thanks Zebu
Great work man! Where do those gattlin guns and rocket laucnchers come from? I'd like to get some of those ASAP!
NO, YOU are the man!! (You are, aren't you? didn't mean to offend you if you are a lady ). I'm not in any hurry to finish. I just want to do a good job. Thanks. Although I don't know how much more TF custom work I'll do after this project. It's called "Kotobukiya MSG Weapon Unit 20" OH if you think the gatling gun just "looks" great, prepare to get your mind blown!! Check out this video for its functionality:Kotobukiya's M.S.G. Gatling Gun - YouTube Basically this has windup motor (like old school zoid) that turns the barrels. Absolutely perfect! Go for it!
Looks good bro, really liking where you're going!! Can't wait to see what you do about a different neck joint if anything.
I haven't even start doing bench tests on the head. However, I actually don't have major issue with stock neck so it isn't the high priorty for me. Adding ball joints and still make them durable sounds like nightmare..
this is looking really great man!! I like the thinking outside of the box.. and on a side note, you know your user name is under the thread title....
O.K here is WIP for MK III toe MOD. Logistic: Bandai Master Grade Zaku II Ver 2.0 Pre-MOD notes/goals: 1. Create transformable toes that come out from the side of MKIII feet. 2. There is no adequate space on the stock figure’s foot so there will be some cutting. 3. If parts of figure must be cut (dremeled), then the entire (transforming toe) assembly should fill the cut away space. WIP: 1. Bandai Master Grade (MG from now on) Zeku II Ver. 2.0 is a great model kit to use for joints and detail upgrade. 2. I used (both shoulder frame are identical), shoulder frames and draft fitted to MKIII’s foot. 3. After extensive bench tests and time spent on drawing board, I’ve decided to hollow out the MKIII’s foot since there is no space to put this assembly without making the figure non-transformable. 4. Marked the area with sharpes and hollowed out the area, installed the shoulder assembly, and filled the gaps with styrene sheet and (eventually) epoxy. Transformation: 1. Pull out the toe and extend tip of the toe (nail?) 90 degree. 2. Turn tip of the toe (nail?) 180 degprees so it faces down. 3. Push the base of toe back in the cavity. 4. Appearance in both robot and alt mode. Post-MOD Suggestions: 1. Although I am completely satisfied with this MOD, it is a bit over kill as far as the articulation. MK III’s toe assembly has 4 points of articulations each. It looks great, strong, and give very nice poseability; however, I think there must be a simpler method (NO there will not be MK IV). If you find one, please post it for everyone to enjoy. 2. Be extra careful when hollowing out the foot. Installing this assemble will require you to dig in almost to the ankle joint. More WIP updates to come. Zebu
Need to get a set of those missile pods for his back, they're a nice touch Mr. Kim! Where do these come from and where can I get them?
The missile pods are also from zaku. I've installed mechtech pegs from dotm topspin. Ill post the wip soon. Thanks.
