Hi all...
This is still a work in progress, I'd like to share with u guys my modified Optimus Prime from Transformers: Age of Extinction. To make him really "screen accurate" is almost impossible due to the robot:altmode size ratio (is there even such thing?). So this is the best that I can do for now.

I had a list in my mind that I wanted to improve on Leader Class OP. But above all, he must still TRANSFORM (without PARTS-FORMING)!
1. Complete 'backpack' rebuild, different side-panel transform.
2. Gas tanks on the back with hints of 'flame-patterns' at the back. (so he looks cool from the back too, haha)
3. Backpack must be as slim and compact as possible, also it doesn't really show much from the front; must not be taller than OP's head or the smokestacks.
4. Must not hinder movement/poses.
5. Truck mode will be better looking, close to the original Western Star truck design, complete re-paint (with some chrome details too).
6. Some new paint touch-ups for both figure and weapons.

OK, check it out! Thanks!

EDIT: Project is DONE! Please check out page 5.. Thanks!
EDIT2: "Battle-Mode" at page 7!

 

Woah, looking impressive so far! Can't wait to see more!

 

That's incredible! I can't wait to see the end result!

 

Great work!

although I don't like this mold an won't buy, this job looks promising and very ingenious. Looking forward to the result

 

Is that styrene? It looks great! You should make a deal with a 3rd party company to get that backpack mass produced!

 

cool! now there's less kibble!
now you need a way to transform it...

 

Now THAT is a Leader class OP I would buy - thanks so much for sharing, you've done an amazing job.

 

Take a good look Hasbro.

 

Man I can't wait to see this finished.   It's a shame that the designers didn't find a way to make the backpack fold up more like what you did. If Hasbro plans on making another toy based on the WS new Optimus they should take notes from you.

 

Thanks for the kind reply guys, really appreciate it!
Actually when I was (re)building OP, I thought to myself, "isn't it cool if a 3rd party company would offer this mod upgrade..". But then some of the mods I did would require cutting/drilling so, I'm not sure whether it's practical for people. It's like basically a "new" figure altogether because it's a bit more than a 50% mod job haha.... I'm having fun doing this, but at the same time still cracking my head to re-engineer certain things...

As I said in the list, OP must STILL transform, so here's some pictures on the alt mode. I haven't put the 2nd gas-tank yet, I'm scratch building from styrene (the lego rounded bricks as a size-guide), it will look 'full' (not like the lame thin blue molded plastic we got!). But it has to go somewhere, still haven't figure that out yet... Check out another pic of how the transformation is actually possible. It consist of this 'ball-joint connector' pieces from a kreo kit and some lego/kreo hinge system. It looks complex but it's not actually hard to (re)transform to either modes, it just takes a bit of logic. Also, if it WERE to be included in the instructions, it would add just 6 to 8 more steps.... Come on Hasbro!! Hahaha..

 

I need to know how you did this backpack rebuild lol

 

Man, seriously good work so far.

 

Fantastic work !

This is what they should have done in the first place.

About the 6 or 8 steps extra : that should not even be a reason to not implement such a great solution in Leader class.

I'm anxious to see the final painted up result.

 

Amazing job! Can you give step by step instructions on how you did this so I can have a reason to buy leader class Optimus Prime.

 

By far the best backpack fold up I've seen. Did you print up your own parts? Wish i had a 3d printer to work with.

 

This actually makes me want to consider getting this figure. Keep up the good work

 

Wow, just amazing!

 

You MUST mass-produce this.

 

Agreed.