Being a model builder for quite some time (typically Gundam kits) I've always wanted some kind of assembly-required Transformer kit, preferably customizable with paint and stickers, and these little guys do not disappoint.
I've decided to start with the original G1 Convoy, both because it's old-school Optimus Prime, and it's the first set, numerically.
The parts runners come connected together in the bag by pegs and holes, which is cool, but laid out they look like this:
The plastic is of a significantly higher grade than I was anticipating, from my previous experience with TF candy toys I was expecting softer, rubbery plastic. I was pleasantly surprised to see this was not the case.
Originally I had planned to paint the thing completely without using any of the included stickers, except maybe the Autobot logos, though I could also use reprolabels for those. Upon examination, however, I realized that many details shown on the stickers are not molded into the plastic itself.
Wow, this thing is tiny!
Prime's head here is missing it's eyes, they're added by sticker detail, as are the vents on his forehead. The same can be said for his leg details (on the silver part) and his wheels. Because of this I decided instead to use the stickers, but paint the areas beforehand to extend the detail, as the stickers only cover so much.
All the parts clipped form the runners, laid out in their general positions.
Trimming the leftover parts of the runners sometimes leaves this unsightly mark on parts...
Allow a little Gundam marker into the gaps in the plastic that create the white mark...
and the appearance of the mark is greatly reduced! I did this for most of the model...
Once trimming and repair work were completed, a test assemble to make sure everything fits right!
Vehicle mode
Rear showing rifle storage
Robot mode
Disassemble everything again and start the painting work:
The grill/bumper is the only part that has the detail of the stickers molded into the plastic, so it just gets paint.
Other parts getting the silver treatment
While paint dries, I begin applying some of the stickers using a toothpick to ensure even placement.
Once the silver is dry, time to add black for the wheels, blue for the hands and (not shown) black for the rifle.
Once the paint finishes drying, final assembly and stickers to complete the kit:
Robot mode. Though not really visible, I mixed the black with a touch of silver for the rifle to add an extra sparkle to it. (partially as a reference to MP Convoy's/20th Prime's rifle... some are silver, some are black... mine's both!)
Vehicle mode, a bit unfortunate that the blue of his hands shows through the side of the truck, but whaddaya gonna do?
Now for the fun part: Photoshoot with special guest G1 Optimus Prime!
Size comparison with G1 Prime
A bit small to pull the trailer, though I suppose Huffer did do it once.
"If anyone needs me I'll be in my trailer..."
Roller's been replaced!
GO! ->
The repair platform shrunk Optimus in the wash?
Final shot, Group Photo!
So there we have our first part. I would call this one a success, and I've still got two others to do! Expect part two possibly tomorrow as I'll be working on it tonight and probably posting it in the morning.
Part 2 will be Henkei Convoy (set #3) because I want to save the best for last: Star Saber!
- Sam
