The Energon Pub

Not bad. The only problem I have with it is really no fault of your own, but rather poor design on the part of the original creators, and that being the broken caterpiller treads in robot mode. If he were real, they would fall off every time he transforms into robot mode, and he would need someone to re-attach them for him every time he changed back. Personally, I would have modified the design slightly giving him two pair of caterpillar tracks instead of just the two.
Other than that, He’s perfect.

The caterpillar tracks are the only problem.

But the work is impressive.

That's awesome!

I don't have a problem with the tracks seperating for transformation. I'm sure Cybertronian technology allows for all the apropriate locks, clamps and latches to allow it to work reliably.

The treads actually do interlock when in tank form. If you look closely at them on the arms just above the forearm, you can see the connecting holes.

The issue has nothing to do with technology, nor having clamps, the problem is simple physics. If you cut a continuous-loop belt, the belt is going to flop open and fall off. That is what happens when you cut a rubberband, when you break a fan-belt, when a tank throws a tread. Sure, you can reconnect the treads, since they are basically chains of metal plates linked by clamps, but it needs to be done manually. They can’t realign themselves. And the treads would not stay in place when the links are broken. They physically can’t. They would simply fall off.

That's staggeringly good work. What's it made of? (Edit: found the answer in the in-progress thread: 1/35 British Challenger 2 model, 2 Sideswipes, and Hound's arms. ) Tramp is right about what would happen with a real tank, but I'm with Greyryder in assuming that hey, on Cybertron they can figure out a way to make most anything work. Honestly, Hasbro should hire you.

No, Not even Cybertronian technology can overcome that. It is an inherent limitation of caterpillar treads and any other belt.

That is why I get so peeved when I see Hasbro/Takara come out with designs that break the treads.

He's gorgeous. I'm fine with the tread-splitting myself, although similarly if I were doing it, I'd try to avoid it if I could. The only thing that bothers me is the way the treads are flopping on the legs. Surely if they're splitting anyway, you might as well attach them to the wheels all the way up so they stay in place?

Still... *drools*

This is a GREAT custom. I wanted one the instant I saw the bot mode.

The thing about the treads is true, except I also side with the idea of Cybertronian technology going around this issue. Mainly because you can start making up BS about sending a current through the metals that locks them down, or micro-sized slidebolts that extend out into each 'chain' or connector plate to keep them in place, making the whole thing rigid. Something as simple as a series of nanites that make the treads almost like another limb, programmed to straighten in bot mode, but capable of going loose again once connected. Or something else entirely.

It's not anything against physics. It's that the millions of years of technology could probably overcome that on a level we simply can't maintain at the moment.

This kitbash is AWESOME! If my Brawl turns out half as good, i'll be happy!!!



Do you have plans to make it combine with other models...? I would LOVE to see you do a giant version of Bruticus - the style you've gone with for Brawl is excellent, he looks really bad-ass, which is what the Combaticons are all about! I think you would do a terrific job on the full combiner - I've got my fingers crossed!!

Well done!

P.S. I love his feet!!

I know he has some examples of his other three 'limbs' in the WIP section. I would assume there's a possibility for a full-on combiner, depending if he does Onslaught.

Just the same, if the other three turn out half as good as Brawl, they'll be great.

^^^ Heh, I actually saw those WIP's about 3 seconds after posting that reply..

I like it! I am just curious about the head. Is it sculpted, or just the red parts? You always did nice customs, mp-skyfire (my personal favorite), the stunticons, and now this. Keep it up!

Pun-3X wrote:This is a GREAT custom. I wanted one the instant I saw the bot mode.

The thing about the treads is true, except I also side with the idea of Cybertronian technology going around this issue. Mainly because you can start making up BS about sending a current through the metals that locks them down, or micro-sized slidebolts that extend out into each 'chain' or connector plate to keep them in place, making the whole thing rigid. Something as simple as a series of nanites that make the treads almost like another limb, programmed to straighten in bot mode, but capable of going loose again once connected. Or something else entirely.

It's not anything against physics. It's that the millions of years of technology could probably overcome that on a level we simply can't maintain at the moment.

You can’t “program” linked solid metal plates. There is no circuitry or such to program. There is no machinery, nothing. Caterpillar treads are just a belt of metal plates. If you separate the links, it just opens up and falls off. No “Technology”, no matter how advanced, is going to change that simple fact. The rest is just BS as you put it, and that just does not work.

Tramp wrote:

Pun-3X wrote:This is a GREAT custom. I wanted one the instant I saw the bot mode.

The thing about the treads is true, except I also side with the idea of Cybertronian technology going around this issue. Mainly because you can start making up BS about sending a current through the metals that locks them down, or micro-sized slidebolts that extend out into each 'chain' or connector plate to keep them in place, making the whole thing rigid. Something as simple as a series of nanites that make the treads almost like another limb, programmed to straighten in bot mode, but capable of going loose again once connected. Or something else entirely.

It's not anything against physics. It's that the millions of years of technology could probably overcome that on a level we simply can't maintain at the moment.

You can’t “program” linked solid metal plates. There is no circuitry or such to program. There is no machinery, nothing. Caterpillar treads are just a belt of metal plates. If you separate the links, it just opens up and falls off. No “Technology”, no matter how advanced, is going to change that simple fact. The rest is just BS as you put it, and that just does not work.

psssssttttttttt tramp.... transformers arent REAL!!!!!! .. therefore their technology doesnt need to go along with what we know.. so technically it could work...

gawd6sic6 wrote:

Tramp wrote:

Pun-3X wrote:This is a GREAT custom. I wanted one the instant I saw the bot mode.

The thing about the treads is true, except I also side with the idea of Cybertronian technology going around this issue. Mainly because you can start making up BS about sending a current through the metals that locks them down, or micro-sized slidebolts that extend out into each 'chain' or connector plate to keep them in place, making the whole thing rigid. Something as simple as a series of nanites that make the treads almost like another limb, programmed to straighten in bot mode, but capable of going loose again once connected. Or something else entirely.

It's not anything against physics. It's that the millions of years of technology could probably overcome that on a level we simply can't maintain at the moment.

You can’t “program” linked solid metal plates. There is no circuitry or such to program. There is no machinery, nothing. Caterpillar treads are just a belt of metal plates. If you separate the links, it just opens up and falls off. No “Technology”, no matter how advanced, is going to change that simple fact. The rest is just BS as you put it, and that just does not work.

psssssttttttttt tramp.... transformers arent REAL!!!!!! .. therefore their technology doesnt need to go along with what we know.. so technically it could work...

No, it can’t. Even science fiction has to have some basis in logical reality, otherwise it breaks the suspension of disbelief. So no, “technically” it could not work.

ya know .. i give up.. stop over thinking everything man.. just leave some things be.... for christs sake... its a damn cartoon. they are toys. this guy did an awesome job on this thing.. leave the treads be.. and it doesnt need to have any roots in anything real... its fake... it can be made to do what ever it wants.... not everything has to be able to be described or scientifically explained... seriously man...

Totally agree.

Physics states that what the Transformers are and can do is impractical. Yet we have them.

And my last word. We have tanks, cars, planes, shuttles, you name it, and they all transform into working robots.

Yet, we can't have treads that can "transform" into solid, panels in robot form. Remember, the "treads" are simply part of the illusion. It's all more than meets the eye.

I still want an MP Brawl.

think NANOBOTS thats both a pheasible ang easy way to solve this debate

That Brawl kicks ass dude, theres' no denying that. But as long as we're on the subject of Transformers and physics and all that happy crap, just because I'm curious, how many of you see the basic concept of Transformers as physically possible keeping in mind the fact that all they really are is highly advanced forms of artificial intelligence?

not to be rude.. but lets get the topic back on brawl... start an other thread about the question... because this mofo has been derailed BAD

Good call. Is there a functional suspension for each wheel inside the treads, or are they just sorta resting inside brackets that enable them to move up and down? That image of 'em crushing Sideswipe is a good 'un.