[complete] Universe Prowl back filler (now available) The purpose of this project is to fill the void in the Universe Prowl mold's back. I feel that it's the most glaring weakness of the mold, and with the recent arrival of my Botcon Rapido, I thought I'd try to improve it. I'm only about a week into this project. So far, as you can see in the photos below, I've more or less sized and toleranced a filler piece that securely clips into Silverstreak's spine. The next step is to (1) minimize gaps, (2) add detailing and (3) remove mass so as the make the piece cheaper to manufacture. Two major revisions I already have in mind include carving out channels for the missile launchers to fold into, and to add cosmetic shoulder mounds to make the arms look more attached to the chest. I am modeling this in AutoCAD, and it's being produced by Shapeways. At this point, this is only a personal project. If I actually see this through to the end, and I'm satisfied with the results, it will be available for order on Shapeway's website. The cost to produce this massing prototype was $18 including shipping, but I hope to bring the cost per unit down significantly through the reduction of material. This project currently has less to do with functionality, and more to do with my own OCD. I encourage everyone to leave some comments and criticism regarding possible additions and other features that could be included.
I think what you are doing is fantastic, but this figure is one of the better Classics figures. You should find a way to make Galvatron not sucky.
I'm always happy when i see something good come out of 3D Printing... ...Just this isn't one of them. It's not that it's bad, but i personally see no point in it. And until it has some detail, suffice to say, it's a oddly shaped plastic block. I would much prefer if the shoulder cannons had a groove to fold down into, and a few details would probably push me over the edge to buy one. Although, maybe i'm biased because i never paid much attention to the back of my Silverstreak. One question: How much functionality is sacrificed? As in, is his waist swivel still intact, and you mentioned possibly some thing for his shoulders (now that i would buy...), does that hinder articulation?
The intention is that zero functionality is sacrificed: the waist swivle is nowhere near the filler piece, and the shoulder mounds would not interfere with the arms. As it stands, the missile launchers are the only parts whose movements are impeded, but as I mentioned above, it's one of the first things I intend to improve. Detailing is also in the works. For the record, the photos show a very rough prototype I had made simply to check for fit and tolerancing. I admit that this project has zero functionality. The purpose is, really, the correct what I feel is a major aesthetic problem with the mold.
Interesting idea, and I applaud you for making changes on a figure that just personally "bug you". I know the feeling. My thing about that mold is the way the head sits on that damn neck-block-part. It just looks so.....weird.
Yeah, same here. Ive painted so many Jazz's and SG characters out of this mold, and that part has ALWAYS bugged me. Looking forward to the final product. Good work
Hate to say I'm with the lot that sees this as little more than a waste of time and plastic, but... well I said it. I've never been really all that bothered by the empty space this mold's back on any given rendition of the figure, though I have always found the roof panel to be an awkward bit of engineering when trying to figure out what position to settle it in. When it's down it kind of fills in the space a bit, but then it's so low it gets in the way of the articulation. When it's up it's more aesthetically pleasing, but then it creates balance issues. Looking at this thing I'm not sure it wont just exasperate that problems. That's just my 2 cents though. You do what pleases yourself since it's your toy.
I applaud the effort and it looks like you are off to a good start. Missile slots and some mechanical detail would make this a successful side project. I suppose that you didnt try scratching it out of styrene because you want to commercially produce it?
I'm subscribing, I love the idea of perfecting figures Hoping this ends up in the shapeways store! D/L
Wait... is this supposed to be able to stay in place during transformation? I assumed no, but I'm not sure if I missed that bit. zmog
Well, after a few hours carefully modeling, and several weeks waiting for samples to arrive from Shapeways, I've finally brought this project to a point where I feel comfortable publishing it. You can order it from Shapeways here. * Conforms perfectly to Prowl/Silverstreak/Smokescreen's backbone and torso, pegs securely into the base of the toy's backbone. * Does not impede articulation. * Notch at base of the spine piece acts as a limiter for the roof piece, so that it rests squarely in the center of the back. * Slots carved out for missile storage. * Spine piece does not need to be removed for any purpose other than transformation; missiles/roof have enough clearance to pivot out. * Detailed with vents and other roboty parts. Lastly, I would like to mention that the material used to make the sample in the photos is Shapeway's "Black, Strong & Flexible". As you can see, it sacrifices detail for strength. I've sampled the finer "Black Detail", which does offer a much greater degree of detail, but at a premium. There are many other materials to choose from, but I cannot comment on how well they will perform. Overall, I think this helps to literally fill a void in an almost excellent mold, and makes the figure feel and appear much more robust.
Frankly, I don't think I could do a better and less expensive job than Shapeways. I think it serves its purpose just fine the way it is. Glad you like it!
yes u can and i can offer my help , not in casting it , but explaining u how to just take the product u got from shapeways and cast that one . a casting kit will cost ya 100$ and u can produce 20 -30 pieces from that makes sense ?
