A few years ago my then college roomate introduced me to the thought of Kitbashing. I started off simple, repainting Gundam models to resemble TF characters. The paints I used were cheapo Acrylic paints from Wal-Mart. They worked for Mage Knight, why not TFs or Gundams? Anyways, the customs!
The first was Optimus Prime. I forget what Gundam series this was, but the mecha was German made (in the anime storyline), and had forearm swords instead of guns. I can't reiterate the original name I gave him, but I'm sure you could guess. (I mean no harm, and I do apologize). He's since been dubbed "Optimus Prime: Made in Germany"
Next up to bat was Soundwave. I used Gundam Wing's original Heavy Arms model. I figured the opening chest plate would be a cool gimmick for Soundwave's chest. Plus the Gatling cannon for Heavy Arms would make a cool shoulder Microphone Cannon for Soundwave. It really pissed me off when the paint I was using was too heavy for the chest door joints, and ending up snapping the first time I tried to open/close the doors. I had to superglue the chest shut.
My 3rd attempt at a repaint involved cannibilizing a G1 Reissue. I wasn't a huge fan of the Seekers that were reissued, but I could get them cheap. Gundam Wing Endless Waltz Wing Zero was combined with G1R Skywarp. Even less pretty and less functional than Soundwave, I consider this one the worst. The wings took about a day to Super Glue to Wing Zero's backpack. This was when I learned that Hasbro has been coating their toys in Teflon.
The best for last. Getting sick and tired of the Gundam routine, it was time to repaint an actual Transformer. Armada was the line back when I did this one. I saw an awesome repaint of "Bendy" Prime on the popular Remy site TFkenkon. Prime was turned into his darker counterpart, Scourge. I decided to emulate the images on TFKenKon into my own Scourge. 5 coats later I finally finished this guy. I was convinced now that Hasbro f--king loves Teflon.
Well that's about it for my inital foray into kitbashing. Lemme know what yall think!
- Frapp
