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Yeah, my momma didn't raise no fool. I ain't buying no $300 Botcon set for the rest of the Seekers when I can make my own. Dirge and Thundercracker don't present any problems - straight repaints of Starscream and Ramjet will work fine. The tricky one is Thrust.

I've hacked the wings off an Armada Thrust and used his engines to make the VTOLs as a preliminary attempt. I sprayed on a coat of red and used sticky-tack to attach the wings for the moment to get an idea, and it looks like this:

Jet
Jet 2
Robot

The question I present to you all: does it look alright without square wings? Thrust is stupid and is the only toy ever to use square wings, and I can't find a pair of G1 Thrust wings on ebay at the moment. I think it'll look fine, but you never know... I thought MP Starscream looked nifty in green, but people are ornery about some things.

The other problem will be replacing the mounts for the weapons on the undersides of the wings, but I'll worry about that after I decide which wings to work with. I may use bigger VTOLs if I can a better substitute.

I definitely think different wing turbines would be a good idea. They're clearly jet engines, and don't work as turbines. The zig-zag edge looks right off. But I think the wings look okay. If you're happy with not having a 100% G1-accurate fig (and it sounds like you're very okay with it), then I think the swept-wing will be fine.

I think it looks alright but have to agree with Ramrider, I think you need big VTOLs. I kinda had the same problem you have so I started looking through some old jet models I have and found a couple turbines that should do. I even considered using some "fancy" hubcaps from some sports car models I saw on sale.

You might try using a TM Megatron if you have one. But I actually think you're off to a good start. If it were me though I'd try and give him a bit more "classics" wings.

I dunno, wouldn't Megs' turbines be way too big?

Yeah, I'm thinking I'll use something else for the turbines. On the one hand, I want it to be good and look like Thrust, but on the other hand, this project is a matter of thriftiness.

I wonder if the wheels from an Alternator, cut down, would look alright. I've certainly got some junkers I can use...

it depends what you want to do. since you're saying it needs to be affordable, I'm guessing you'll be making compromises anyways. but if you can overcome most of those to get something close to G1, maybe you'll want to stick with that.
I personally like both close homages as well as inspired original homages. the thruster ends you used do look a little strange, but if you're going for an original look they might be alright.
I think if I did Thrust, I would use thrusters instead of turbines, and just have them be able to tilt 90 degrees while the wings stay stationary. I'd also give mine some practical vertical fins. oh well, Ramjet and Dirge have pretty small vertical fins.