News On i-Gear's Mini MP Optimus Prime Knock-offs

from the prices, I'm guessing it's real silver and gold used on these?

still, the silver one would make a nice RTOOP toy.

craggy wrote:from the prices, I'm guessing it's real silver and gold used on these?

still, the silver one would make a nice RTOOP toy.

more than likely, they used Electrum and heat-and-radiation-resistant alloy. Please see "The Golden Lagoon" an "The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2".

Blurrz wrote:I wouldn't touch these with a ten-foot pole. I'd just buy the real Masterpiece Prime for cheaper and paint it gold or silver myself.

As a long time model builder (15yrs approx), I can assure you there's no way to achieve this exact finish on your own. I'm sure they'll make for a real nice display piece, Golden Lagoon Optimus... mmmm.

Optimus Rigas wrote:

Blurrz wrote:I wouldn't touch these with a ten-foot pole. I'd just buy the real Masterpiece Prime for cheaper and paint it gold or silver myself.

As a long time model builder (15yrs approx), I can assure you there's no way to achieve this exact finish on your own. I'm sure they'll make for a real nice display piece, Golden Lagoon Optimus... mmmm.

As a long time painter, I'll agree to an extent.. but I'd still not get these, cause I know I could do better.

JRFitzpatrick7 wrote:

craggy wrote:from the prices, I'm guessing it's real silver and gold used on these?

still, the silver one would make a nice RTOOP toy.

more than likely, they used Electrum and heat-and-radiation-resistant alloy. Please see "The Golden Lagoon" an "The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2".

I always forget Golden Lagoon. Or, rather, I forget anyone but Beachcomber being in it.

Optimus Rigas wrote:

Blurrz wrote:I wouldn't touch these with a ten-foot pole. I'd just buy the real Masterpiece Prime for cheaper and paint it gold or silver myself.

As a long time model builder (15yrs approx), I can assure you there's no way to achieve this exact finish on your own. I'm sure they'll make for a real nice display piece, Golden Lagoon Optimus... mmmm.

No way? I don't know about that. I've seen chrome quality finish from Spaz Stix Mirror Chrome paint products.

It's one thing to know of a particular product/products. But it's not going to be a walk in the park trying to chrome a transformers action figure with an aerosol can, or airbrush for that matter. Good luck trying to get it right the first time, if ever.

Optimus Rigas wrote:It's one thing to know of a particular product/products. But it's not going to be a walk in the park trying to chrome a transformers action figure with an aerosol can, or airbrush for that matter. Good luck trying to get it right the first time, if ever.

Walk in the park? I don't recall difficulty of application ever being in this discussion. I was simply refuting the claim that such a finish can't be achieved on one's own.

As far as luck, none is needed, as evidenced by the successful results of those who've used the product. A simple web image search will show numerous results of Mirror Chrome from various people. This isn't magic in a can where results come about by happenstance. After all, the product does include instructions for usage.

My angle on this matter is that an actual chrome plated finish is always going to be superior to a sprayed on finish. Fourteen years in the autobody business, with hands on experience using some of the latest & greatest paint tinters from a variety of suppliers has taught me a thing or two. But yes of course, if your willing to put the work in, a good result can be achieved with a rattle can etc.

Chrome plating is certainly better than sprayed on paint but it isn't a practical option for the average person who doesn't have access to the equipment necessary for the process of chrome plating or have access to a business that is willing to chrome toy components. That's why something like commercial chrome paint such as Mirror Chrome is a more practical option for Blurrz's suggestion to buy a real MP OP figure for less money and painting it himself.

As long as one follows the proper method for using something like Mirror Chrome, the results should be very good. It's no different than speaking of painting a model kit. If one simply applies paint onto resin or plastic that hasn't been properly cleaned and primed for painting, the paint won't properly adhere and then what was initially a great looking display piece will become a mess when paint begins to peel.

Yes very well put, for these reasons the i-Gear gold chrome/chrome Optimus is worth the asking price. If you indeed want a proper chrome finish Optimus bad enough.