The Energon Pub

Heya guys.

This project was on hold for a while cos I couldn't find the damn paints I needed to do the detail. It's half finished now, just need to coat the veichle shell with white paint, and then just add some paint apps.
The figure was originally my Energon Towline figure. One day I found some modelling paints, and thought what the heck, let's make it into Ratchet.
I have used some kinda yellow, sky blue, white, blood red and several blacks and greys. As I have said, only the robot mode is 'finished', and I am cracking on with completing the veichle mode on Saturday, when I am home again. I know I have used the wrong sort of paint from the beginning, so the while it was originally smooth, botch-ups lead to repainting parts and so it's a lil lumpy. Still looks splendid from where I'm sitting, about 7 inches away. Either way, not bad for my first repaint.


I'll post images ASAP.

Originally, I didn't think it would be safe to transform, thinking the paint may be chipped. But that hasn't happened at all, even where the veichle shell clips onto the robot's legs. I forgot to apply a white undercoat to the front-most side windows, so the paint is kinda gel-like there. The front windows are smooth and shiny, which is excellent. Currently, I've given him Energon Hotshot's gun till I can find a smaller, more suitable pistol.

Constructive criticism and comments welcome. For me this is a learning experience, and I intend to acquire an air-brush kit before I paint another figure.

As I have said, pics will be up ASAP.

cool, lets see it then

Sounds good!

lol Just got home today, and I'm on my way through painting the 'trailer' section. I'll do me best to get pictures up by Friday this week. I know it's quite a wait, but I want to really do this one properly now. Shouldn't take long. It's mostly a white wash job. and then he's yours to see a comment on!

Well I finished most of the painting today; I just need to let the white and grey dry, and then I'll add the red and blue details to the veichle shell.

To be brutally honest, I think this project could have gone way better. Some of the white paint is lumpy and unlevelled, due to technique and the number of layers I added. But ah well, it went well enough for a first project. I can build on what I've learnt in future projects now.

The white annoys me, but nothing can be done.

The figure can be transformed from bot to alt and back fine, but where the joints and parts fit together tight the paint is chipped off. So I won't transform him fully. I plan to spray paint parts in future, so this shouldn't be such a problem as it was with this figure. Expect picturs soon.


Overall, I am pleased with how the project went. He looks good, but a little lumpy. I learnt a few things, and now I've got my own Classics Ratchet! So, all's well that ends well!

The Master Blaster wrote:Well I finished most of the painting today; I just need to let the white and grey dry, and then I'll add the red and blue details to the veichle shell.

To be brutally honest, I think this project could have gone way better. Some of the white paint is lumpy and unlevelled, due to technique and the number of layers I added. But ah well, it went well enough for a first project. I can build on what I've learnt in future projects now.

The white annoys me, but nothing can be done.

The figure can be transformed from bot to alt and back fine, but where the joints and parts fit together tight the paint is chipped off. So I won't transform him fully. I plan to spray paint parts in future, so this shouldn't be such a problem as it was with this figure. Expect picturs soon.


Overall, I am pleased with how the project went. He looks good, but a little lumpy. I learnt a few things, and now I've got my own Classics Ratchet! So, all's well that ends well!

Take some pics already then!

Sounds good, but yeah in future always use spray paint for large parts. Painting it on with a brush just doesnt work for large parts and you get a result like what youve gotten. Painting with a brush is only suited for tiny details IMO. A good can of spray paint will make your figure look shiney and smooth as long as the bodywork under it is in good condition.

Remember it isnt the paint thats most important when you are using spray paint, its the condition of the surface on which you want to spray the paint onto. If the surface is lumpy and rough then the paint will look lumpy and rough. Body work preperation is THE MOST important factor when it comes to painting with spray based paints.

You can be the best painter in the world but if your bodywork isnt up to snuff, your paint job aint gonna look to clever niether.

Sonray wrote:

The Master Blaster wrote:Well I finished most of the painting today; I just need to let the white and grey dry, and then I'll add the red and blue details to the veichle shell.

To be brutally honest, I think this project could have gone way better. Some of the white paint is lumpy and unlevelled, due to technique and the number of layers I added. But ah well, it went well enough for a first project. I can build on what I've learnt in future projects now.

The white annoys me, but nothing can be done.

The figure can be transformed from bot to alt and back fine, but where the joints and parts fit together tight the paint is chipped off. So I won't transform him fully. I plan to spray paint parts in future, so this shouldn't be such a problem as it was with this figure. Expect picturs soon.


Overall, I am pleased with how the project went. He looks good, but a little lumpy. I learnt a few things, and now I've got my own Classics Ratchet! So, all's well that ends well!

Take some pics already then!

Sounds good, but yeah in future always use spray paint for large parts. Painting it on with a brush just doesnt work for large parts and you get a result like what youve gotten. Painting with a brush is only suited for tiny details IMO. A good can of spray paint will make your figure look shiney and smooth as long as the bodywork under it is in good condition.

Remember it isnt the paint thats most important when you are using spray paint, its the condition of the surface on which you want to spray the paint onto. If the surface is lumpy and rough then the paint will look lumpy and rough. Body work preperation is THE MOST important factor when it comes to painting with spray based paints.

You can be the best painter in the world but if your bodywork isnt up to snuff, your paint job aint gonna look to clever niether.

Pearls of wisdom if I ever saw any.
Luckily, I keep all my tfs in mint condition with clean smooth, undamaged surfaces, so that shouldn't be a problem at all.


It may take a lil longer than I thought. Because the ambulance sides are a lil lumpy, I'm gonna design sticker for his symbols rather than paint em on. It'd be a lot better.

I'm gonna wip some up right now, then I just need to get a label sheet to print them on.

Not long now gang!

Glad i could help. If you ever need painting tips or help with some projects lemme know.

I will. You're reasonably new to the boards, but you know more than most other kitbashers around here!

You're knowledge is as yet unparalleled. Every thread I read you have always left a helpful comment to help that basher improve their work. It's people like you that redeem the the fandom for the expanse of imbeciles it encompasses.

I salute you sir!

Have a cookie!

The Master Blaster wrote:I will. You're reasonably new to the boards, but you know more than most other kitbashers around here!

You're knowledge is as yet unparalleled. Every thread I read you have always left a helpful comment to help that basher improve their work. It's people like you that redeem the the fandom for the expanse of imbeciles it encompasses.

I salute you sir!

Have a cookie!

Hmmm, coooookie

Hehe, thanks for the compliments, if i didnt know better i would think you was trying to hit on me though.. lol

Anyways this sorta stuff isnt very hard to me. Alot of it just comes naturally i just make stuff up as i go along and things seem to work.

Lots of common sense, years of building model air planes and working on real cars and having a creative personality helps too i think but not much, its all just RAW skill...


Ahhh...ok time to put the ego back into its deep hole.

What can I say? I like good people. It makes a delightful change to all the assholes I have to deal with on a daily basis.

Well, a creative lifestyle is bound to help you expand your abilities. I'm stuck with my parents for now though, and they're not too keen on me painting things in the house

The Master Blaster wrote:What can I say? I like good people. It makes a delightful change to all the assholes I have to deal with on a daily basis.

Well, a creative lifestyle is bound to help you expand your abilities. I'm stuck with my parents for now though, and they're not too keen on me painting things in the house

I bet they arent. Dont you have a small garden or balcony you could use?

Assholes, yeah the world is full of em i know all too well. But there ya go thats life innit.

Im just messing about reconstructing the front end of my bumblebee alt mode, been kinda procastrinating (sp?) with it a bit though so its not going as fast as id like it to but i figured im so close to finsishing it why rush?

Im a bit anal when it comes to things so i think im starting to obsess over the quality of it too much and i keep wanthing to change things that dont actually need changing. Its my first kitbash so its bound to be a bit rough around the edges so i just gotta learn when to stop now. heh.

You wouldn't belive it, you really wouldn't. They're so anal it's unbelievable!

The Master Blaster wrote:You wouldn't belive it, you really wouldn't. They're so anal it's unbelievable!

So where are the pics then dude?

lol Patience mate. I need to make a run to staples to get some sticker sheets to print the symbols on, then I need to apply them to the bugger.

Don't expect anything right away. It's a busy week with exams, and my band are pushin to learn new stuff by the week's end.

Of course, finishin this project is high on my list. It'll be done before long.

so any updates on this?

BUMP!!!

I wanna see pics of this already!

all this talking and no pics??? I wanna see!

no doubt.. now where's the goddanged pics?

Yarr. I've got a Towline Ratchet on the back-burner myself - I wanna see what I'm aiming towards!

By the way, regarding the symbols - if you've got the cash, I'd thoroughly recommend the Reprolabels insignias. They're not that expensive, but the quality is top notch. I actually used to hand-paint my insignias, but they've saved me a ton of hassle! I use their rubsigns a fair bit, too.

no pics then

sdefedder wrote:no pics then

Evidentally not

lol Sorry bout that.

Due to a huge cloud of swamp gas colliding with intense UV rays, I went on holiday for a bit.


But now I'ma back, and I'll get right on getting pics up.

I need to reprint the sticker though. They got a bit damaged.

But this time, I will laminate them before application. That'll keep em clean.

I would use reprolabels, but I'm cheap and can't wait

Don't worry. I just need to buy some more white label sheets and then I can get it done.

I'm at work tomorrow, but I'll see if I can't get it done by Friday. Okay?

The Master Blaster wrote:lol Sorry bout that.

Due to a huge cloud of swamp gas colliding with intense UV rays, I went on holiday for a bit.


But now I'ma back, and I'll get right on getting pics up.

I need to reprint the sticker though. They got a bit damaged.

But this time, I will laminate them before application. That'll keep em clean.

I would use reprolabels, but I'm cheap and can't wait



Don't worry. I just need to buy some more white label sheets and then I can get it done.

I'm at work tomorrow, but I'll see if I can't get it done by Friday. Okay?

How does one print out their own symbols? I need a clear background autobot symbol for my bumblebee kitbash but i cant buy any from reprolabels yet as my credit cards are all messed up right now.

Sonray wrote:How does one print out their own symbols? I need a clear background autobot symbol for my bumblebee kitbash but i cant buy any from reprolabels yet as my credit cards are all messed up right now.

I'm not sure what the OP is using, but I've seen a customer decal package at Wal-Mart that you can use on the printer. I've not picked it up yet, so I have no idea for sure how it works, or how WELL it works. But it might be worth looking into. Runs about $7-8, if memory serves.