36: SS-27 Clunker Bumblebee
- Robot Mode -
In robot mode, I wanted to review all of the CG renders and screen footage we have of Bumblebee in this mode to try and catch details that I missed on SS-01. I still had a general framework of what I wanted to do based on SS-01, but I changed up several things after reviewing the footage, such as the gold rings on the outside of the feet and the stripes on the outside of the shins. From there, I used silver and copper detailing to highlight various details, and then moved ahead with weathering. I used model wash over the whole figure, then used a sponge brush to add rust spots.
Finally, I wanted to repaint the chest area above the grill to be more accurate. SS-01 put stripes in this location, but that's actually not accurate. I used black paint and some thin lines to make this area look more like the on-screen model's chest area, a result that I'm happy with.
- Vehicle Mode -
In vehicle mode, I had more of an opportunity to diverge from SS-01, since I was furthering the weathered look. Using several reference pictures (some of which I took myself! I got to see one of the screen-used 76 Camaros at a car museum in Tennessee a long time ago), I updated the rust spots and other weathering details. I repainted the gray areas where the paint has worn through, and smeared flat gray over the stripes to make them look faded (yes,
custom faded! xD). I added a few small details like on SS-01, with the black border on the bumper, silver for the headlights, orange for the small side lights, and silver on part of the taillights, and white for the license plate. I also fixed the stripes on the rear of the car, which were partially absent on this release.
One small detail that I'm really happy with is the silver trim around the front and rear windshields, something I messed on SS-01 that I was happy to integrate here.
Finally, I made some model wash with acrylic thinner and black paint to make the car look more worn, and gave it a final flat coat to complete the look.
Paint used:
Testor’s enamels:
- Gloss red
- Gloss tangerine
- Metallic silver
- Metallic gold
- Metallic copper
- Flat yellow
- Flat gunmetal
- Flat gray
Decoart acrylics:
- Gunmetal
- Lamp black (also used with thinner to make model wash)
Other:
-Krylon spray gloss coat
- Krylon spray flat coat
- Folkart metallic blue sapphire