FINALLY got another couple of Solar Storm Grappels after searching the whole weekend for one. (found a lot of PCC's though).

Once we got back from Labor Day, I started work on what will most likely be my default "play" Prime -- meaning he's voyager sized, and good to play w/ my CHUG deluxes and Voyager-sized Megatron.

I have been reading the latest IDW stuff and love it. Alex Milne's artwork is inspired and I wanted to pay some homage to it, as well as to G1 roots. This piece isn't quite all-Milne, but does borrow some elements from it.

First, some teaser shots of the early head sculpt (that's actually still Grappel's head under all that!) and vehicle mode. Just some primer coat of paint on for now.

EDIT: Updated 1st post with another WIP shot of Robot Mode.

EDIT: Added panels to his abdomen and a little more red paint. HERE

EDIT: A little more paint, shoulder pads, and a screw-up.

EDIT: Lightened up the blue paint, added more red to the shoulder panels, painted his hips and shins grey. HERE

EDIT: Added the trailer more pics HERE

 

So far looks pretty good

 

this is an interesting take..so far u have not dissapoint me with ur renditions of Optimus..
please make this even better!!..
(btw ur work has been featured in Singapore's Transformer Fans Unite Facebook Page..just to let u know)

 

really good idea, and nice work on the head.

 

Headsculpt looks amazing. Looking forward to seeing this and your RID-based Prime completed.

 

One more teaser pic, robot mode (minus shoulder pads):

 

Looks promising. I just picked on up to do a similar project.

 

The more I think about this mold the more I really want it as an Optimus.

Looking forward to yours all finished up.

 

I think I am going to nick some of your ideas when I get an extra SS Grappel or Inferno. Definitely I will credit you for this awesome inspiration.

 

I'm liking that head. What have you got planned for the arm kibble?

 

I restrained from saying this on your previous custom of this mold, but it's become far more apparent now that I see the mouthplate. Looks. Like. Pyro.

 

So Far So Good. I like how you've incorperated Animated components on to a classics figure without making them seem out of place.  

 

looking good!

 

Added some panels to his abdomen to define his robot mode better.
Panels came from pieces I took off of Grappel.

 

This is really really cool. I love it.

 

Very nice! It looks much more robust than the Classics version.

 

another great job. Quick question? how are you painting this and what kind of paints are you using. Id recommend using a gloss coat for the front of the cab and chest plate and use dull coat for all blue and rear of the vehicle. It looks great and cant wait to see this finished

 

I used cheap light grey primer to spray the initial coat. I will probably leave that part for his thighs.

The red is testors gloss enamel. (can't find testors acryllic to save my life
in this area w/o buying a whole new set).

The silver is some cheap brand, can't remember.

The blue is testors gloss acryllic but I'm not 100% certain I will stay w/ that.
I'd like to lighten up the blue if I can. Will probably do a mix w/ some
gloss white or dull white per your suggestion on making the blue a flat.

 

Holy cow man! Between this and your UM custom you're gonna make me go pick up every Grappel I can find!
Awesome!
Later

 

THAT is very awesome.