This is the big one - my first extensive modification. I wasn't sure if this qualified for a Heavy Mod, though, so I'm posting it here in Customs. This took probably three months to do, part of that waiting for labels from Reprolabels to seal the deal. Of course, they would issue the set
after I put everything on Leadfoot, but that's water under the bridge now. I also burned up every bit I had in my Dremel kit for this, but it was worth it. On a side note, I'd like to thank the guy who outbid me on eBay for another armored Leadfoot for giving me the incentive (i. e. rage) to try this.
To start off, I considered Barbecue, as G.I. Joe's resident firefighter, to be a perfect partner to a member of the Wreckers. Not only does he have the right color scheme, but he has the right personality and background. He was a member of Sgt. Slaughter's "Slaughter's Marauders." He's a party animal. And he became an army firefighter because he thrives on loud chaotic environments and loves breaking things with his axe. On the money!
I really wanted something to set him apart from the Snow Serpent repaint, so I decided to take advantage of the peg hole in his back to add his foam tanks. He has to lean forward just a bit to stand, but he can manage pretty well.
Now, for the main event. Just for background's sake, I fabricated or cannibalized parts from the following for this: HA Icepick, HA Whirl, HA Crosshairs, HA Pinpointer, Armored Avenger War Machine, Deluxe Topspin, Starscream's Orbital Assault Carrier, Energon Rodimus, ROTF Fearswoop, Alternators Sunstreaker, a Gillette razor case, some Q-Tips, some foam rubber I "borrowed" from work, and a bunch of cardstock and epoxy.
My hand shook at the last second as I was supergluing the middle jet to the rear window, so the struts were subsequently off center. Not a big thing, I guess, but it still gripes me. Everything on the trunk is mounted to the rear window; I wanted the rear hinge to still be able to bend for transformation.
To be continued momentarily . . .