The Energon Pub

Sonray wrote:

Geekee1 wrote:I have seen several kit bashes of Thundercracker that looked superb. But here's the problem. They're painted. Paint chips after multiple transformations no matter what you do. The originals are molded plastic, so you don't have this problem.

But if you can't or don't want to fork over the money for an original go ahead and repaint, at least you'll be able to line them up proudly.

Im working on one now, most of the paint has held up well as im not using lame acrylics but it has still chipped in very tiny, almost unnoticeable areas. I have been bitten by the bug though cos now i want all the seekers, even the cone head ones. Making thrust will be the biggest problem as i have no idea how to make those wings which is why a conversion kit would have come in handy.

Buying the botcon versions is just out of the question. Not only am i broke, but paying $150+ for a bagged classics thundercracker is just the biggest rip off ever.

The biggest problem that I foresee, as far as paint chipping goes, is where the lower leg slides over the upper leg. That's a lot of friction over a large surface area. Even a protective clearcoat is going to wear over time. But if you come up with a solution more power to you.

And as far as the cost of a classics Thundercracker being a "rip off" I don't quite agree with you, and here's why. I have no problem whatsoever with anyone not wanting to pay that much for a toy. That's a lot of scratch for a fig. But what I don't agree with is calling an exclusive, very rare figure a rip off.

The very idea of an exclusive is to make it highly sought after, therefore it is going to command a premium price.

Also I don't have a problem with people not liking that Thundercracker was made into an exclusive, that's pretty rough for anybody who can't afford it, and he is a very important piece for any G1 enthusiast. It just seems to me that people overlook the whole meaning of the word exclusive. It's exclusivity is why a $10 retail toy, sold originally for about $60 (if you part out the individual bots in the set).

Good luck on your repaints!

I think everyone who couldn't go to BotCon and also can't aford to go to ebay and buy one from people looking to recoupe the costs of their trip to BotCon have thought of it.

I have my Starcream for Thundercracker. An extra RamJet for Dirge, Thrust is a bitch though cause I need one of each and some random parts.

I wanna get them all together before I start painting though.

Liege Evilmus wrote: Thrust is a bitch though cause I need one of each and some random parts.

Why is this? I must not have looked closely enough, I didn't notice you'd need one of each. When I get around to it, I'm just going to repaint one of my extra Ramjets.

Liege Evilmus wrote:I think everyone who couldn't go to BotCon and also can't aford to go to ebay and buy one from people looking to recoupe the costs of their trip to BotCon have thought of it.

Sorry but scalpers "recouping" their costs to go to botcon is the last thing on their minds. All they want to do is rip people off and get as much money as possible.

Sonray wrote:

Liege Evilmus wrote:I think everyone who couldn't go to BotCon and also can't aford to go to ebay and buy one from people looking to recoupe the costs of their trip to BotCon have thought of it.

Sorry but scalpers "recouping" their costs to go to botcon is the last thing on their minds. All they want to do is rip people off and get as much money as possible.

Not true at all. I know a couple of people who sold their extra set on ebay definitely to recoup their costs. Now I'm sure that they made a pretty good profit on it, I couldn't tell you how much, I didn't ask, nor do I think that I should. But there was no malicious intent.

I'm sure there are plenty who do it out of greed, but I can tell you for sure that there are people out there who do want to help pay for their trip.

And to get back on topic, here's a link to some very well done Thundercracker bashes.

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=156151
http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=129002

Geekee1 wrote:And to get back on topic, here's a link to some very well done Thundercracker bashes.


http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=129002

This is the one I was talking about. Absolutely fantastic!

MagnusPrimal wrote:

Liege Evilmus wrote: Thrust is a bitch though cause I need one of each and some random parts.

Why is this? I must not have looked closely enough, I didn't notice you'd need one of each. When I get around to it, I'm just going to repaint one of my extra Ramjets.

It'll be easier to modify StarScream's wider wings which fold properly for thrust then to build off the filler nubs on RamJet.

On that same note though, RamJet has his wings coming off his ankles, which in the same respect gives you the same area to cut and build up for Trust's tail fins.

Granted the StarScream mold has the same pivits, but I find with plastic it's easier to cut down than build up. And hey if I screw it up, I'll still have a stand by set of legs.

What I'm realy thinking now, is what to make of the scraps, as well as where can I find some hover fans that'll fit screamers wings to scale.

I've been trying lot's of things(BW TM2 Megatron's are to big), but I'm getting close.

Liege Evilmus wrote:

MagnusPrimal wrote:

Liege Evilmus wrote: Thrust is a bitch though cause I need one of each and some random parts.

Why is this? I must not have looked closely enough, I didn't notice you'd need one of each. When I get around to it, I'm just going to repaint one of my extra Ramjets.

It'll be easier to modify StarScream's wider wings which fold properly for thrust then to build off the filler nubs on RamJet.

On that same note though, RamJet has his wings coming off his ankles, which in the same respect gives you the same area to cut and build up for Trust's tail fins.

Granted the StarScream mold has the same pivits, but I find with plastic it's easier to cut down than build up. And hey if I screw it up, I'll still have a stand by set of legs.

What I'm realy thinking now, is what to make of the scraps, as well as where can I find some hover fans that'll fit screamers wings to scale.

I've been trying lot's of things(BW TM2 Megatron's are to big), but I'm getting close.

Ah, I see. That's why I never noticed anything, I just plan on doing a simple repaint. My customizing skills are not impressive.
Thanks!

MagnusPrimal wrote:

Liege Evilmus wrote:

MagnusPrimal wrote:

Liege Evilmus wrote: Thrust is a bitch though cause I need one of each and some random parts.

Why is this? I must not have looked closely enough, I didn't notice you'd need one of each. When I get around to it, I'm just going to repaint one of my extra Ramjets.

It'll be easier to modify StarScream's wider wings which fold properly for thrust then to build off the filler nubs on RamJet.

On that same note though, RamJet has his wings coming off his ankles, which in the same respect gives you the same area to cut and build up for Trust's tail fins.

Granted the StarScream mold has the same pivits, but I find with plastic it's easier to cut down than build up. And hey if I screw it up, I'll still have a stand by set of legs.

What I'm realy thinking now, is what to make of the scraps, as well as where can I find some hover fans that'll fit screamers wings to scale.

I've been trying lot's of things(BW TM2 Megatron's are to big), but I'm getting close.

Ah, I see. That's why I never noticed anything, I just plan on doing a simple repaint. My customizing skills are not impressive.
Thanks!

I don't alter figures often, but when I do I try to do it right. . I want THRUST, bot maroon Dirdge

If anyone can sugest a suitable way to copy Thrust'a wings, I'd be greatful. It seems everytime I think I have it, I don't.

I've no idea how to myself. But did you try PM'ing Cuters? He made a Thrust custom that, I thought, was very well-done. I posted this same link last page, but just for good measure:
http://seibertron.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=22735&sid=

These are my attempts. I think the slight wing mod on Dirge makes him.

Nice Dirge repaint.

Thanks, to tell you the truth... I wasn't really tuned in at the time of botcon, and I would certainly never pay the inflated post-botcon prices. This was really just a bit of fun. I wanted dirge as he was always my favorite seeker (my initials are drj). It was a great thing to do for a few weeks, I really got excited about it for a while.
I honestly don't like the botcon Dirge. I think it's lazy and just the worst likeness.

I have a WST Thrust in route as we speak, I got him for $6 off ebay and am hoping his parts sync up.

And hey if they dont, WST Thrust for $6

Liege Evilmus wrote:I have a WST Thrust in route as we speak, I got him for $6 off ebay and am hoping his parts sync up.

And hey if they dont, WST Thrust for $6

Yeah, you're definitely going to need to keep WST Thrust as is. His parts are too small to fit the classics.

But the good news is WST Thrust is all kinds of cool.

I'm figuring as much, but if I can even just cut the turbines off and glue them on a shaved down wing

Still, I will admit that I know next to nothing about the WST line, so it'll be an experience none the less.

I just thought that I would share this photo of Dirge in all his glory. Some of the paint has worn away from when he was first activated, I like it and think it adds character to him.

Heres my middle finger to Botcon exclusives:

Sonray wrote:Heres my middle finger to Botcon exclusives:

Sonray, did you do that repaint? If so, that is a fantastic job. I have no artistic talent whatsoever. Hence I shelled out for the Botcon set. But your repaint looks great and probably saved you hundreds of bucks! NICE!

You did a nice job Sonray. Looks like you actually used Botcon TC pics for the paintjob, as they look very close indeed!



Yeah. I don't own the botcon exclusives. I never will.

But my brother does, so all I have to do is walk down the corridor to his room!

Ultra Prime wrote:Sonray, did you do that repaint? If so, that is a fantastic job. I have no artistic talent whatsoever. Hence I shelled out for the Botcon set. But your repaint looks great and probably saved you hundreds of bucks! NICE!

Yes i did it. I am glad you like it so much, and yeah it saved me hundreds. However the TC repaint bug has bitten me, and now i want to do the rest of the seekers too, such as Dirge and Thrust. Thrust is the hardest to do because of those funky wings of his and i dont want to do just a straight repaint of ramjet in thrust colors.

Anyway thanks again. I was really proud of him and he looks great in my display cabinet next to the other seekers.

You don't reckon you could be talked into taking up comissions, do you Sonray?

I tried my hand at repainting and found out I suck. Botcon Exclusives for Botcons that have already come to pass are murder on the wallet, and so it seems I am left with but one obvious option...

EDIT: and I just read your signature.... Wow, my foot's in my mouth.

At any rate, keep your paint hand strong Sonray. After I'm settled in my new apartment, you may just get comissioned for a Thundercracker repaint.

DeathNoble wrote:You don't reckon you could be talked into taking up comissions, do you Sonray?

I tried my hand at repainting and found out I suck. Botcon Exclusives for Botcons that have already come to pass are murder on the wallet, and so it seems I am left with but one obvious option...

EDIT: and I just read your signature.... Wow, my foot's in my mouth.

At any rate, keep your paint hand strong Sonray. After I'm settled in my new apartment, you may just get comissioned for a Thundercracker repaint.

lol, as i was reading that i was thinking to myself "hasnt he read my sig?" and then i saw your edited part. lol.

Whenever you need me, just send a PM. I could get one out and done really quickly too as i have a spare classics screamer already in pieces and prepped to be turned into another TC, so if you did want to commission me there would be no need to send me an original figure, you'd only have to pay me for the one i have and obviously the standard commission rates. No waiting or fooling around with post to and from. I'll put my second TC project on hold for now then just for you ok? I have bigger fish to paint anyway.