CG accurate BM Jetstorm mock up While i'm waiting for some commisioned pieces for BM Rattrap to arrive I began work on a mock up of BM JetStorm. This is just a card mock-up. I decided to take more creative liscence with the jet-mode and go for a far more accurate robot-mode. I'm going for perfect transformation so the nose-cone will fold up into the thorax thingy and the stabilizer doo-dads will fold up inside the thorax (think Transmetal Optimus' head transformation). 27/5/09 The smallest of smallest updates on this. These pics are a week old now so i'm a little further along than this. The head is original, as are the wings, but everything else is made with styrene. it's my first time using this so forgive me for any wonky areas. I'm having fun shaping the styrene using heat. The arm gaunlets will really benefit from this. Also, I decided to go for more anime accuracy in the vents. They will now rotate and form thrusters in the aft-of-the-craft.
Well, I decided to tackle Rattrap and Jetstorm as I thought them to be the most challenging designs to realise as actual toys. However, Jetstorm is actually a pretty simple design. Taking liberties with the alt-mode sure helps but I don't think it's going to be that far off the CG model.
I know your proclivities when it comes to BM stuff R-Mac. I'll shall endeavour to do my best. I have a question though. Should I have the chest vents carry over into the jet-mode from robot-mode (awesomesauce!) or have them disappear in Jet-mode (more like the CG)?
If you could manage to hide them it would lend to a more show accurate alt mode. Way back I had an idea of how to accomplish this. I'll try and mock up something to figure it out. Just off hand have you done anything with Thrust yet. I am still working on finishing mine.
Actually, I was happy enough with the Beast Wars Returns Thrust so i'm not planning to do a Thrust anytime soon. As for the intakes, It would be very easy to have them simply spin around. I may do both and have CG accuracy AND big ol' intakes. And Takara_Destron, nice to see another South-Walesian in here. I've been living in Japan for years now but still miss the old place.
I think I WILL go with the chest vents carrying over. It just evokes his name more that way. I'll have some WIP pics up next week. The vents are what's killing me. Putting a lot of detail into them. Those and the engineering for the lower half.
I'm assuming your Beast Wars returns Thrust is our Battle for the Spark Thrust. And yes, I do agree that he is definately as show acurate as you can possibly get (providing he is transformed correctly). I say that because the pictures on the packaging show him completely mistransformed. Anyway, the only issue I have is that he is tiny. I really try for correct size as much as possible. I guess I'm pretty anal when it comes to that. And I guess thats one of my biggest complaints where Hasbro is concerned. Oh well. BTW, I started back up on my Jetstorm yesterday and I'm actually using alittle more of the Ultra figure than you are. However, now I'm in a quandary. I actually like your idea for spinning his thrusters around. Would definately make it easier to hide and have a more show accurate jet mode. What to do.
Any update is better than no update. If he's big enough, do you think you could fit some show quotes in to that chest of his? I have to say he had some of the BEST lines... And amen to work getting in the way of everything....I feel ya! Keep on chugging brother. All the world is forward motion. All forward motion counts, but it is up to YOU to decide what it counts for!
It's funny that you mention that because I was looking at my MP Skywarp the other day and thought it would be a nice idea to put a quote on there somewhere. What would be the best one though?
Nice job so far. Don't feel bad about the slow progress, believe it or not I haven't gotten anywhere on mine. Whether you're working or not, life has a way with getting IN the way. Looking forward to your next update!