Quarantine-Fun-Times got me thinking about another project I abandoned last year, and Setheus Prime's encouragement got me started on actually working on it. So here's my attempt at making a Monkeemobile out of the Ectotron Ghostbuster Crossover Transformer. First, what's a Monkeemobile? What even is a Monkee? The Monkees were a "boy band" with a television show from the 60's. And along with '66 Batman TV Show, got lots of reruns in Nicelodeon's early days during the 80's. Which is where/when I first encountered them right at the height of my Transformer Love. I've gotten to see them live twice, once in 1987 (minus Mike) And once in 92(?) Davey Only. I had kinda outgrown it all by then, but I did get to talk to him and get his autograph. They also have a pretty sweet car. THE STARTING POINT: An ERTLE Monkeemobile Model Kit... AND a stripped down Ectotron. Lets see how it all fits... More to come (and you can bet I'm going to work in the green beanie somehow)...
Generally speaking the Fit Looks about as good as you can hope for. But, there are a number of challenges that are imediately noticable. The ECTO's hood actually has quite a complicated transformation. What do we do with the engine? (If you're thinking Powermaster or Targetmaster, then I like how your mind works!) Another one of the first things we need to address is that the rear wheel-wells on the ECTO are covered. And finally, the ECTO doesn't really have a trunk perse, whereas the Monkee Trunk is quite distinctive. After a full year of angst and measuring and second guessing myself, I finally MADE ROUGH CUTS! Again I thank Setheus for the encouragement to move forward with this. CHOPITY-CHOPITY-CHOPITY The thing is every step after this, is going to require some precision and that terrifies me.
Some Fittings! The Roof If the Trunk tests don't make much sense at the moment, then you and I are on the same page. Not entirely sure how to resolve....
I'm LOVING this!!! You'd better finish this, cause I'm stoked. I have fond memories of that song from my childhood, and even remember some of the episodes.
YESSSS. One of my dream TF lines would be nothing but old school Cali Custom Culture rides - George Barris, Dean Jeffries, pinstripes and flames and chopped and channeled all to hell. Can't wait to see where this one goes.
Oh wow! I hadn't thought of that. And at the moment, it does look like he's going to have a whole bunch of cape-kibble. But I was aiming more for this in terms of robot mode: Mostly because it's more iconic to the group, and while I know this outfit also has a red version, this will be a nice contrast to all the red of the car. QUESTION TO THE THREAD: Any suggestions for heads? (Don't get cheeky and tell me to use Optimus Primal!) I'm also trying to work in TFA-Soundwave's Guitar as an accessory.
Not sure of the size proportions, but what about MP Rodimus? Has a nice human-ish face and helmet hair.
Maybe Brawn or Gears or Armada Megatron without the pincers. Their helmets would emulate the hairstyle and their faces look like human ones.
I like the idea of a Rodimus, but MP is too expensive to part out. I'll check around to see if I have any Gears or megs shapes...
I think Ectotron is Voyager sized (correct me if I'm wrong) so PotP Rodumis Prime or a Deluxe Rodimus/Hot Rod with a big head should work, too. Maybe TR Hot Rod. You could even sit the little Titanmaster inside the car.
: This might be the winner. Especially since I have been wondering what to do with that dopey Hotrod figure anyway.
Someone asked about the CAPE earlier, here's an initial look using the current cut.... Side panels raised.
Re-post with the pictures right-side up. (does anyone know why photos post sideways even though they appear rightside up on my end?)
GTO!! Very cool! Im not really a monkees fan but I like the car. The monkeeman suggestion looked good. TLK hotrod has the hat. POTP Hot rod would look better though. I also Have a suggestion for the trunk. which is to make the panels rotate down in robot mode. Roof folds up, leg extends back Side of GTO folds at angle back (I accidentally drew the arrow backwards )
