DOTM LEADER CLASS IRONHIDE MK III by ZEBU 1 of n

Howdy!

Looooong waited DOTM LEADER CLASS IRONHIDE MK III (MK III from now on) work has begun.

Ironhide MK I WIP can be seen here: http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/448644-project-dotm-leader-class-ironhide-zebu-wip.html
Background stories and more photos of Ironhide MK II can be seen here: http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/458570-project-dotm-leader-class-ironhide-mk-ii-zebu.html

Introduction:

MK III will be my final rendition of Ironhide Character from the "Transformers" movie series.
MK III is basically the version of movie Ironhide with all possible upgrade notes made during MK I and MK II projects.

Pre-project notes:

1. This WILL be a 'TRANSFORMABLE' figure. While 'transformable' transformer sounds obvious, some of the most awesome custom transformers out there are not transformable. This is just a personal preference. I like mine to be transformable.
   
2. Articulated hands. Continuing the tradition of MK I and MK II, MK III will have fully articulated hands.
   
3. The Arm kibbles. Same as MK I and MK II, the arm kibbles will be repositioned to back of the figure in robot mode.
   
4. Foot mod. After nearly a month of bench tests, MK III will finally have 'transformable' side toes.
   
5. Weapons. First, MK III indeed will be a "weapons specialist" of Autobots. He will have massive amount of fire power (Almost an overkill amount). Second, all weapons will be held together in both robot and alt mode… no lose parts.
   
6. LEDs. LED replacement for the head (from stock green to blue) and LED additions to headlights (chest light), bumper grills, and weapons.
   
7. Smart integration of MechTech Ports. I like the idea of MechTech ports but I don't like the how they just have holes all over the figure. Perhaps there is smart way to address this?
   
8. Paint. The paint job will mainly focus on the playability. I certainly do like the hyper detail super shiny (and super sensitive) paint work for the display. However, MK III will be created with 'everyday play' in mind. This means not only the paint job will be durable, but also very efficient so that no unnecessary paints in the area to rub off during transformation and/or normal play.
   
9. Any else is a go!!
   

 

Stay tuned~ update 1 is coming soon.

 

Thank you

 

Zebu

 

 

 

 

 

Mechanical Hangar (Autobot Hangar) Part 4

More painting and detail updates....

1. Masked the floor to paint caution area.

2. Painted some plastic tubes to be added as the tanks and fuel holder for the hangar.

3. Here are some more updated photos. Detail update includes:
a. Painted plastic tubes installed to the back wall.
b. Weapon holder (made from Chain base parts) installed to the side wall.
c. Dribrushed scaffolding.
d. Installed hangar lift to side wall.
e. Installed utility power lines to back and side walls.

4. Let's end with few diorama shots (Optimus Prime was intruducted to this battle axe and gatling gun).

Thanks for reading~

Mechanical Hangar (Autobot Hangar) Part 3

A quick update on Autobot Hangar..... (mainly painting hangar floor)

1. Added some more details. Namely added straws to be served as utility pipings.

2. Applied surfacer.

3. Small amount of Mr. Color Black on the edges of panel lines to create shadow and gradient effects later.

4. First coat using Mr. Color Steel.

5. Close up after second coat.

6. After some detail painting, washing, and sponging.

7. On to the side and back wall!

Thanks for reading~ More to follow.

Zebu

Mechanical Hangar (Autobot Hangar) Part 2

Howdy!,

Here is quick update.

1. Soldered single LED and secured on to the Mechanical Chain #4 light fixture using epoxy.

2. Here are four work lights which, will luminate the hangar from the front/side. As you can see, they are quite exposed looking.

3. Next, using 2mm styrene strip, I've made protative guards and secured it using super glue. Here is finisned look after coloring it black.

4. A shot of hangar afer side/front work lights are installed.

5. Added more railing to the ceiling.

6. All lights are installed (total 20 bright white LEDs so far).

7. Final few shots. More to come! Thanks for reading.

-Zebu-

Mechanical Hangar (Autobot Hangar) Part 1

Howdy!

I’ve always wanted to make mechanical hangar for my models and kits. The purpose of this hangar would be used as a background for photo shoot as well as the quick diorama base (i.e. repairing or maintenance scene).

Finally, watching the movie "Transformer: Dark of the Moon" inspired me to get on with it.

Logistics

1. Kotobukiya Model Support Goods (MSG) Mechanical Chain Base #4 x 4
http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYMB-13
2. Kotobukiya Model Support Goods (MSG) Mechanical Chain Base #9 x 4
http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYMB-18
3. Epoxy
4. LED Flash light (I used the one can came with 21 LEDs).
5. N scale straight pier girders (Local model train store).
6. Computer IC sockets (old cell phone or used ‘and broken’ computers).

Procedures

1. I used 4 mechanical chain base #9 to form the back wall and 4 mechanical chain base #4 to form the sides (two on each side).

2. Next, I took apart the LED flash light (*quick background story… I bought this LED flash light from a local yard sale. It was suppose to be water proof; owever, the O-rings were broken and it was no longer functional. I saw it as potentially usable 21 LEDs for less than $2. Not only LEDs were fine, I was able to reuse the battery compartment, and switch. Normally, 21 bright LEDs, battery compartment and the switch can be expensive.... Lesson learned folks: Don’t always buy “new stuff that are specifically designed for model kits” take a look around and there are plenty of reusable things for your models). I took out all LED lights from its circuit and cut them in sets of 3, 2, and 1. It is important to save the circuit board because it will save your work to having to solder them again later.

3. Next, I soldered the wires on to the LEDs and arranged/scured them using epoxy as shown below. I’ve used four, 3 set LEDs on the back row and just two, 2 set LEDs on the front row to create the back-light effect.

4. Next, I built a battery holder to fit my flash light battery compartment using some plastic sheets. I’ve attached old IC sockets at the end of the wires to be served as the plug for easy battery and switch installations.

5. Test shots after the initial installation. I found it bit cheesy looking to see the LEDs directly exposed..... so on to the next steps.

6. Next, I used N scale straight pier girders to decorate the top (In front of the LED lights). These will be used to hang maintenance equipments and etc.

7. Here are the results so far.

More to come folks~ Thanks for reading.

Zebu