The Energon Pub

Hey guys,

I was in my local collectibles shop today, looking for some "loose transformers" to buy so my friend's kid would have something to play with when he comes over that isn't one of *my* toys. I stumbled upon the two figures Armada and Energon Optimus Prime, the little ones (no trailer or electric features).

Seibertron Galleries (for reference):

Armada:
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/armada/optimus-prime/298/

Energon:
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/cybertron/optimus-prime/957/

In addition to having zero accessories (no Mini-cons/Planet keys or "smoke stack guns") both were missing body parts. Armada Prime was missing an arm, and Energon Prime a leg. I got them both for $5, and decided I would combine them to make one complete toy so that my own Armada Prime (with all his accessories) could stay out of harm's way on my shelf.

So after getting home and breaking out my precision screwdriver set, I had a complete OP toy, consisting of the Armada Prime from the waist down, and Energon Prime from the waist up. However, there are two parts that I would like some feedback on the selection of. I can use either head, and either chest plate. Here are some pictures:

First, some shots of "FrankenPrime's" body:

Front


Back


Top


Now, the parts I have to choose from:

Heads


Chests


And finally, the leftovers:


So, before you tell me what parts you think I should choose, allow me to explain why it's even an issue. Also, considering I'm just using this as a play-toy for my friend's kid, I guess it doesn't really matter. However, the perfectionist in me demands that I do a good job.

Heads: My gut is to go with the blue one. It matches with the legs, and it has the iconic blue head of Optimus Prime. However, the grey head does look kinda cool, and it does match the gauntlets. It gives the toy a slighty different feel, I can't say what I like about it but it just intruiges me.

Chests: It's dead even for me here as well. I think that the blackened one looks better with the headlights being also blackened (which is funny because it's the parts from another toy) but the red-rimmed one matches the plastic colour of the chest behind it and the red matches the truck's red...

I'm going to try them both out and see what I like, but I'm also very open to suggestions! Thanks!

My apologies... I guess this should have gone to the Kitbashes section. If a Mod would please move it, I would be very grateful!

I know the Transformers connoisseur in you probably likes the smoky gray & black (& sharp yellow head crest) of the grayer head & chest... I like those too! However, if it's for a younger child, I think the brighter primary blue might be better, as it's readily identifiable with the iconic colors of Optimus Prime. Just my two cents.

Another idea might be to ask the kid which one they like better? Unless it's meant as a surprise. Or, since it's on a ball-joint, maybe give him an extra head as a swappable part? Unless you were planning on kitbashing a second Prime out of the leftover parts!

Cool gift idea for your friend's kid!

Autobot Strider wrote:My apologies... I guess this should have gone to the Kitbashes section. If a Mod would please move it, I would be very grateful!

You've been moved

Depending on the age of the kid, extra parts might be a bad idea - they will probably just get lost.

I say go with the blue head and red chest. If the other ones intrigue you, save them for another project of your own.

Thanks for the advice guys,

Ultimately, I've decided to go with the blue head (iconic Prime) and the burnt chestplate. I like the red/grey one but it bothers me that in truck mode the chestplate is so clean when the headlights are blackened. I'll post up pictures today or tomorrow.

Thanks again! I guess I'll just have the save the grey head for myself in case I find another prime lying around, waiting to be fixed...

Autobot Strider wrote:Thanks for the advice guys,

Ultimately, I've decided to go with the blue head (iconic Prime) and the burnt chestplate. I like the red/grey one but it bothers me that in truck mode the chestplate is so clean when the headlights are blackened.

Ah, I didn't look close enough at the truck pics. I agree with your choice.

Mykltron wrote:Ah, I didn't look close enough at the truck pics. I agree with your choice.

Thanks! Here are the promised pics of the completed toy (with my regular Armada Prime for comparison:

The front (Robot Mode):


The back:


The front (Truck Mode):


The top:


Thanks again for the help!