The Energon Pub

When I started this project, I plan to recreate an obscure diaclone triple changer* that was abandoned last minute by Hasbro as a official character in their G1 Transformers cartoon series back in the 80s. I used yellow parts to prototype it because it's been a while since I build something using this color.

*try google "diaclone triple changer" to see which toy I am referring to =)



After a while, I came to a realisation that difficult compromises must be made to ensure both vehicle modes (jet plane and helicopter) looks good. But the good thing is, my prototyping yielded something else.... instead of a jet, it looks potentially viable as a decent speedboat. So , there!





TRIVIA:

- I actually contemplating changing the color scheme to blue or white when this project almost reaches 90% completion, but changed my mind coz I had been building alot of blue LEGO creations lately (and I'm reserving white parts for another upcoming triple changer project)

- One of the most trivial thing I spent many,many hours on was making a weapon for this guy that can be integrated in both the vehicle modes.

- The retractable tyres on the back of the helicopter are quite weak. If I don't position them at the right angle (85 - 95 degrees), they fall down flat ,unable to hold the weight of the helicopter.

- 5 mini balljoints (introduced in LEGO LEGO Mixels) were used in this built... including one applied to the robot neck making it more articulated that ever.

- I initially used a pair of dark gray rudders for the speedboat mode, but I snapped broken the c-clip of one of the part and I don't have a replacement part. Ended up using black rudders instead.



^ the rifle is meant for the robot mode, now integrated into the vehicle as a non-weapon component


^ The cockpit can fit one minifig snugly.

TRANSFORMATION HIGHLITES (to speedboat)


^ tailfin split into half to become pontoons.


^ the dark gray stud on the side of the tailfin are connected to secure the poontoons formation.



TRANSFORMATION HIGHLITES (to robot)


^ As the nosecone unfolded, you can see how the minifig pilot is connected , via his feet to the light gray bracket part.


^ The yellow c-clip helps to secure the folded-up tailfin halves with a gap/hole to accomodate such c-clip. Without such mechanism.. they will be left dangling and disrupt the poseability of the legs.


^ Pilot ended up at the back of the robot mode after transformation complete, but his presence there prevents the waist from being rotated.


^ Thanks to the mini balljoints implemented on the shoulder, this guy can perform some serious kung fu stance.


... and not to mention, ability to hold the weapons with both hands.


My favorite photo of all from the whole lot.



To view more photos including detailed transformation sequence, do visit my blog entries below :

helicopter and speedboat mode:

Alanyuppie's LEGO Transformers: LEGO Triple Changer Stormracer Part 1 of 2: Vehicle Modes

robot mode:

Alanyuppie's LEGO Transformers: LEGO Triple Changer Stormracer Part 2 of 2: Robot Mode


Hope you enjoy my works. thanks guys! This year will be my "year of the (LEGO) Transformers Combiner" as well, so I'll focus on that more.

This is really great! I love Lego - have tons of'em; never put any thought into creating transforming transformers out of them tho'...usually do capital ships or dioramas.

I like how well all the alt modes look especially knowing this is done in Lego which can be a bit unforgiving when you try to be ultra dynamic with your designs...

Kudos!

donny1975 wrote:This is really great! I love Lego - have tons of'em; never put any thought into creating transforming transformers out of them tho'...usually do capital ships or dioramas.

I like how well all the alt modes look especially knowing this is done in Lego which can be a bit unforgiving when you try to be ultra dynamic with your designs...

Kudos!

Thanks. I'll be making shitloads of more LEGO TFs for sure coz its pretty therapeutic to my stressful work and life in general

Hey love the design! BTW i made a similar attempt at updating that diaclone with less spectacular results (http://istillfunction.deviantart.com/ar ... -170860463) , Im making an Aquatic Decepticon team that he is part of. Would it be alright if I used a your idea for the character (and the name as Skylander is now a game and not very good a name).

Seriously I'm both mad someone outdid my attempt at the character and absolutely amazed and impressed at the result, Kudos for knowing the diaclone eras most obscure triplechanger!!! Also bonus points cause I freaking love boats and believe we need more boat TFs, which you have made in spectacular fashion.

Fantastic! And the step-by-step photos are very informative.

WarzoneBeta wrote:Hey love the design! BTW i made a similar attempt at updating that diaclone with less spectacular results (http://istillfunction.deviantart.com/ar ... -170860463) , Im making an Aquatic Decepticon team that he is part of. Would it be alright if I used a your idea for the character (and the name as Skylander is now a game and not very good a name).

No problem! I'll be happy to see the outcome as well! I just took a look at your Syklander and it looks like good start as it's doable as first glance with minimal mass-shifting (compared to overstylized arts with impossible proportions).

WarzoneBeta wrote:

Seriously I'm both mad someone outdid my attempt at the character and absolutely amazed and impressed at the result, Kudos for knowing the diaclone eras most obscure triplechanger!!! Also bonus points cause I freaking love boats and believe we need more boat TFs, which you have made in spectacular fashion.

Actually I've been pondering of building LEGO TF inspired unused prototypes /blueprint from the early Transformers years, because they're just to cool to be left merely on papers. My favorite reference book "TF Deluxe Generations" has been very inspiring to me as well.

I agree with you regarding how aquatic/sea mode TFs are grossly underrepresented in TF universe. Many years ago I attempted LEGO Broadside but only the ship mode looks good. I might revisit this project again and improve it.