I was always drawn to his space jet mode from G1: I wouldn't mind customing a more modern version, but I'm stumped as to which base toy to use. Any suggestions? I would prefer it be a forward wing type craft.
I agree, in fact I think that if you don't fold up the nose to the cockpit sides and modify the helmet slighty (mainly removing the horns/plane guns) and leave all the guns attached, you'd have a good Triggerhappy in robot mode. Jet mode could easily be made from a Universe treadbolt to mostly resemble Triggerhappy, too, just remove all the Blue Angel like decos and swap out the cockpit for a blue one (I think Classics Jetfire had a blue cockpit that would work). The only problem being that the wings in jet mode for Classics Jetfire aren't swept foward (although they do swing foward for robot mode). Actually, I don't know if this is possible, but maybe you could take the wings from an Animated Starscream voyager and modify them to replace the Classics Jetfire wings. Although if you feel like you don't want to go that far, simply modifying a Universe Cyclonus would probably be an easier custom job (you'd need his Targetmaster for either option anyways)
Hmmmm..... Jetfire/Tread Bolt might work. (especially since I am repainting that figure right now to Botcon-like Dreadwind). Will have a look to see if the wings can be modified. The original G1 toy is quite pretty. Strange there hasn't been a truly similar vehicle since.
Somehow, I'm thinking a heavily modified SW TF X-wing would work nicely. Keep us posted if you attempt this custom! On an similar note, my G1 Triggerhappy just got his gun this week
I'm voting for the Cybertron/Galaxy Force Starscream (probably the voyager version ), or any of his repaints. General air-frame shape, over-all robot-mode arrangement, etc. are all pretty close. Probably want to get some kind of forward-mounted cannons for jet mode to complete the look. If you started with a Target-Dirge, it wouldn't even require much repainitng Great, now I'm getting inspired to hire this one out D/L
I really like that Universe Dirge idea. I have the figure too (pre-ordered it way before I knew of the existence of Henkei Dirge, now I have two Dirges). The "wings" look like they cut be easily cut off and re-attached facing the otherway (swap right with left). The head wouldn't need much in the way of work (either for his toy head, or his "ninja" comic head). Excellent, excellent. Btw, I looked at the Classics Jetfire mold. Sure the wings swing forward, but in vehicle mode they are very far forward, making it look more like a fork, than a jet. So, no. Good suggestion though.
After thinking about this, I hunted down a Dirge on Ebay Might just give him a Target-Master partner, do a little detail-work, and call it a day. He's DARN close already, and I'm not using the tetrajet molds for anything else in my collection. D/L
Trigger happy is one of the few G1 toys I still have. I'm afraid hes not complete though as I lost Blowpipe at an oriental rug sore when I was a kid. but as far as this custom goes; forward swept wings and giant cannons are key!
Anybody got any tips on what implement to use to the cut the wings off? Or indeed what implement to cut Transformers plastic parts in general? Do people use Exacto blades? This guy's wing is on a hinge, which starts to move when force is applied. My real concern would be a single faulty swipe of that blade is likely to remove the tops of one my fingers as the whlole wing moves with a the knife stuck in it! In the Cyb Starscream (actually Universe Dirge) I've chosen to cut just lateral of the pin in the hinge, seems the cleanest place to make a cut. I've never paid attentions to hinges before but this one is not symmetrical!!!! Which means I cannot simply swap right with left. Thus avoiding the need to cut anything. Boo.
