Posted: 23 August 2008 at 4:41pm | IP Logged

As many of you are aware, im a regular kitbasher, but have been quiet as of late. My last kitbashes included Alt Onslaught and Classics Impactor, Roadbuster and Rack'N'Ruin.

Now, with the new Universe/Classics line coming about, and the Henkei series, i had an idea, which led me to ask questions regarding such thnigs as the original crew of the Ark and Nemesis etc. That idea has been put aside for now, for something that you guys may think im crazy to attempt.

To get to the point, after some research etc, my current and only project now, is to re-do the US toy line from 1984 to 1987 in a 'Classics/universe' variation.

Thats 80 autobots and 60 odd Decepticons.

Now, not only will this be time consuming and fairly expensive but challenging too. with this in mind, i have set some guidelines for myself, which are as follows:

• Any official Classics/Universe toy officially released counts.
• Any exclusives made into updated characters count. ( botcon Huffer )
• To term 'Classics' is for the toy to have a good standard of articulation.
• If toys exist already of characters which suit the project, they count as long as they are given more 'life/articulation
• Repaints and upgrades do not count (target/masters etc )
• I will try to remain faithfull to the original character concepts as possible, unless i infd a fittin alternative.

Thats pretty much it for now. As i aid, this is going to be something pretty spectacular if i pull it off how ive planned. My goal is to get this done and completed ready for AA next year, where im hoping to display it.

If any of you guys, girls, and fudgecrumpets have any suggestions, ideas, critisisms or concerns for my mental health, please dont be shy, post a comment below, and let the madness begin!

Posted: 24 August 2008 at 9:55am | IP Logged

I plan full on bashes for those characters that do not have toys, along with modifications to some existing toys as well. Pretty much every toy will be modified somehow.

I have just begun my base for Wheeljack, im just waiting on a few bits to arrive to finish him off.

I saw the Brawn you posted up, and while i really liked it ( i had thought of using that head myself ), the TFA Soundwave toy doesnt fit in with the style i am looking for.

My biggest resource will be the Classis toys, Cybertron/Galaxy Force, Energon, RID and G1.

Have you tried kitbashing yourself?

Posted: 24 August 2008 at 9:31pm | IP Logged

ironpyrite303 wrote: i've done nothing more than repainting, just simple stuff like armada hotshot into smokescreen

Well, thats a start mate.

Try to think of a character that you would like to see updated in toy form, or have some modifications to, and see what molds are available to do so with. I will help you if you need anything.

Posted: 24 August 2008 at 9:53pm | IP Logged

Swoop wrote: Classics Dinobots come to mind. Including Grimlock, the wellington boot/T-rex head as robot feet looked like arse. Lots of room for improvement!

I totally agree. The Dinobots will be a group i will leave for the time being, i have a few ideas, but have other ideas already being worked on, such as Grapple and Wheeljack.

I need to find me some plasticard, but am finding it hard to track down in stores, so if anyone knows of where to get some, please let me know.

Posted: 25 August 2008 at 11:05am | IP Logged

 You crazy cat! Here's a site that sells styrene sheets (I've never actually completed a custom in my life, but the thought of making ones from styrene sheets sounds damn fun!)

http://www.alwayshobbies.com/Store/Craft-Materials/Plastruct /White-Plastic-Styrene-Sheet

 Good luck with your ambitious goal feline.

Posted: 25 August 2008 at 12:02pm | IP Logged

Cheers for the linkage Sloth monster, some cool stuff in there! Helpfull too!

I hope to have some pictures up by the end of the week of some WIP shots of Wheejack and Grapple

Posted: 27 August 2008 at 1:00pm | IP Logged

Wreck and Rule wrote: Awesome idea. How far back are you willing to go for molds? G2 threw up some pretty nifty, probably usable ones (like the wonderful, wonderful cyberjets).

Funny you should say that, as i know we have discussed the cyberjets before, so i cant see why i wouldnt use them. I did want to rety and keep a sense of scale between characters, but this is proving difficult, so im having to ammend a few things.

One idea i am toying with, is kitbashing Revoltech toys, and making Hook, Line and Sinker.

Posted: 27 August 2008 at 2:03pm | IP Logged

Perceptor wrote: How are you going to handle the triple changers? Give them just the one mode or go all out?

Well, they will prove a big challenge. I can do this 1 of two ways.

Go all out, and make my own, id love to do that. Or, update the existing triple changers. To be honest, the only triple changer that im really bothered about is Blitzwing. I never liked any of the Bot triple changers.

I have an idea for Blitzwing, i just need to draw up some plans.

Posted: 27 August 2008 at 8:36pm | IP Logged

Sixshot wrote:  What about the Six changers.

Thankfully i only have 1 to wory about................................bugger.

Posted: 02 September 2008 at 9:48pm | IP Logged

ironpyrite303 wrote: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7834016@N02/sets/ i link to try and provide inspiration and motivation stumbled across these the other day

Those KB's are vry interesting, and look really good. Personally, they are not to my taste, although some molds that he used, i have similar ideas for!

Posted: 13 October 2008 at 9:18am | IP Logged

Well, 2 months down the line, and i have 2 of the original 1984 Bots left to get to complete the 1984 collection, not bad huh!

Looking at the 1985 lot, they should be easier and cheaper to get going. Also, i get to make my first big guy....Omega Supreme!