call me a nitpicker but that isn`t a vanette
This is a prototype. I used a more common VW van kit because I have only found one Vanette 1/24 scale kit and it cost me BOOKOO DINERO. So rather than screw it up figuring out how to make this TF the best it can be, I just decided to do multiple versions that may not be as G1 accurate until I got the desired effect.
It's also interesting to note that the vanette kit is considerable smaller than the VW van. So I think the Skids arms will look more proportioned on that. Even so I'm thinking about ways to bulk them up without affecting their articulation/transformability
I probably would have attached the arms to the front doors and created a hinge mechanism from there. (If that were even possible--you may have discovered there was no chance of stability doing it that way)
I'm working on another way to move the arms forward (been trying to make a stable mechanism that for some time). It's just a matter of crafting the right type of swiveling hinge that maintains a tight enough joint to stay in place. None of these van kits have opening front doors. I actually think it makes them more G1 accurate so the hinges I use will have to rest over the existing front doors and still be stable. We'll see...
As for the MP status...didn't have G-1 Ironhide have a yellow stripe on his side?
Yes he did, it was actually GOLD on the real vanette. I used waterslide decals so the color got lost since my printer doesnt do metallic colors. I could have made a yellow stripe over the decal but didn't think it made a huge difference at this point. There actually is a yellowish color on the stripe but it's hardly visible due to the transparent decal film
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Anyway, thanks for the great comments and feedback everyone. I'll post pics of some of the other protos I made using Gundam parts soon.