Hi Guys, I was kinda disappointed when TFP Smokescreen came out. His molds suits him but when he goes head to head with Knock Out it's like fighting his Shattered Glass version (Yes... I play with them... Don't we all?). So I decided to make some modifications. - First, I used TFP RID Rachet's legs and removing the roof and windshield. For some reason his legs does resembles Smokescreens. Am planning to remove the wheels and maybe trim the back part to make it less Ratchet. - Second, I placed his Arms Microns on his back, removing his arms and wings to make it look like his back part. - Now, I am looking for a pair of arms and doors. I am thinking of using TFP Deluxe Megatron (if I can still find one in the market) for arms and maybe either TFP RID Bumblebee or Hot Shot for the doors. I don't want to use his own parts so in case I want to put it back on. Also once I am done with the modification and paint, he can no longer transform. UPDATES Sorry if it took a while to upload the updates. You know how it is, balancing your family, work, and your hobby... Hehehe! Anyhow here are the updates - Instead of using doors from PRID Bumblebee, I used Ratchet's foreamrs. You know the one that folds. I used the pegs and insert it between the spacing of each of the Arms Micron legs. It does look nice and it's not that big either. I might secure it using small pins. Hey, he already stolen Racthet's legs, why not his arms too, right? - Also remove the wheels from Smokescreen. - Next I am using PRID Hot Shot's arms. I already remove the wheels on the back. Now the only question, how am I going to attached it to him? Any tips would be great. After I figure that out, I will work on the paint next. I am not really a big fan of decals/stickers. So I might used some magic to paint the number 38 on the wings (crossing fingers). Or should I still put the numbers? Hmmmm... Sorry for the pictures. I am using a cellphone camera. TIP By the way I have a tip for the owners of Smokescreen and Knock out (well I don't know if you guys already knows about this). You know the middle chest part they have right, you can push it outwards so it will cover half of their faces (as shown in the images below). Well You can leave Knock Out's chest piece as it is, but you can do this to Smokescreen. It does works well with him. It gives him this big shoulder pad kinda armor and make him less Knock out-y. Updates I have added my updates, sorry it took a while. So here it goes. - First I used parts from a Gundam called Calamity Gundam Scale 1/144. Instead of building it I just used it for spare parts. I used some of the parts when I build my first mod for TFG Springer. I used his parts to create the back part of Smokescreen. Yup, you heard it right... instead of using his Arms Microns which was my first idea I want this way instead. - I glued up couple of parts including the wings which came from Ratchet's forearms (encircled are the ones which are glued). Then I used pegs from old broken toys. All of this parts are inserted to the holes on Smokescreen's back. - For the arms, I used Knock Out's shoulder peg up to his biceps (encircled). In order to remove it from Knock Out's entire arm from the doors, I heated it up some if the pins using a soldering gun. Don't worry Knock Out still have his arms, I just gave Smokescreen's to his... Hehehe! - With this mod his entire arms mode freely. Now I haven't find the right shoulder pads for him yet. I was thinking using Hot Shot's however when I dismantle it, you only get half front to cover is shoulders and its kinda big for him. I am still searching for his pads, maybe I can find something or create one using the Gundam parts. - With the legs, I remove the wheel like I mentioned before. I am now planning how to place the wheels on the back of his legs just like on the series, giving him an accurate look. I don't know how to though so any tips will be great. I will be removing the pegs and covering the holes maybe with potty from the legs then off with the paint. Just like TIMESYNCH mentioned, Smokescreen is painted pearl off white and seems to be kinda marble looking plastic, so it will be hard to find a paint that matches his current one. So that means I will have to sacrifice his current color and find something identical.
Try prid bumblebee, any variant will do (and clear some pegs at the store) they match the shoulder pretty well, and will give him door wings to boot.
looking good so far i was disapointed to about him being a repaint it kind of makes me wonder why couldnt they have just done some cheating to give him a proper toy
Thank you for the tip. I was actually thinking of the same thing. I'll just need to think of a way place the doors. And the paint... why do you have to be all white?!
If you're going to use PRID Bumblebee for the doors, I think they'll just fit right in the holes on Smokescreen's shoulders after you pop the wheels out. I'll be interested to see how this turns out though; I'd love to compare how our final products look since we're using different parts.
Thanks for the tip! Well I was thinking of using TFP FE Bumblebee for the doors but it's kinda big. If I am going to use the PRID then I have to cut the windows and just leave the doors. For the arms, I am thinking built if from diferent parts (foreamrs, hands) and maybe use Gundam parts for the shoulder pads.
I like the mods you are trying.It is a real shame that Hasbro has gone cheap with these guys and just making repaints instead of maybe a simliar mold but with subtle differences to give the toy it's own unique look.
I like this. If hasbro can remold the FOC Jazz mold into Sideswipe then they could have made a better Smokescreen.
Thank you. Yeah I do not know why Hasbro/Takara never gave him his own mold or do an extesive retooling.
Looking good! I too am customizing smokescreen. I used hinges from classics mirage for his doors so their now on his back, kinda straight back haha. I was going to use ratchets legs too, I even took them apart but ended up using the front part of is feet and just modified and attached to as existing legs. At this point he can still transform to vehicle. Now like you I'm looking for suitable arms and then its the paint shop!
Thank you! Can you show me some pixs of your progress? I still finding some options for the leg and same goes with the transformation. I am really interested with your progress.
Thought I'd add my own input on this project as I as well was working on this character. Never thought to use Ratchet legs. They work so well. Arms are indeed a problem. For the wings. I cut out prid hotshots door panels and carefully carved out the U shape that the door already had. If done carefully and slowly, it will give you the standard wings on the back. Came up with a few ideas for the arms and shoulders. I did gut my hotshots shoulders so they can be either glued or cut into other existing shoulders. I did take hotshots forearms off the ratchet type joint they had to the upper arm. Had an idea of using Ratchets complete arms up to the elbow. Cut the lower forearm off and somehow work in hotshots forearms. Then, I would need to worry about the shoulders. Just some brainstorming.
