Unicron.com Alterations Blog

Transformers ROTF: JetPrime Custom By Lord Megatron

noreply@blogger.com (Lord Megatron) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:50:00 +0000

After picking up the Leader Class Jetfire figure from a local Walmart, I couldn't help but notice that the figure was greatly lacking in his combined mode. I mean, the legs were immovable and there was lots of unnecessary kibble hanging about, clogging up the articulation that I knew the figure to have. So what did I do about this you ask? Why, I did what allTransformers customizationists do; CUSTOMIZE!

I started out having to remove the back bit of Jetfire's torso and chest area so that I could make room for more movement, which in its own fault, caused me to remove the electronics from Jetfire(no problem, Jetfire wasn't a Scotsman in the movie anyways) After doing this, I promptly proceeded to remove both hands as they were no longer necessary due to me having removed his robot mode.Also, I took the liberty of carving out two slots within Prime's abdominal region, you know, where the two red bits off of his chest plug in? Alright, just checkin' if you're following me! They now slide in easy as pie now that I've made my marks. I also took the liberty of swapping out the hands with much more articulate ones from the Movie '07 Prime figure. They can now swivel and point accordingly!

Finally he was ready! The only thing left to do now was to actually combine them to see how the pieces fit together once my modification had been completed.The results are absolutely fantastic! No longer will JetPrime be subjected to poor leg articulation, since his upgrade, he's undergone some extensive retooling...

I have to say that even though this project was a success, there are a few minor gripes that I'd like to point out. For one, he can no longer hold his gun quite as tightly as the original hands could. This isn't a huge complaint but I feel that I could have done better. With that said, I'd recommend this mod to pretty much anyone who'd like a good JetPrime figure. The mod is quick, simple and all in all, a more enjoyable figure than it's previous state.

-LM

Lukis Bro's TFA Ratchet: with Prototype Magnets

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Prototype Ratchet Magnets:

The items show in this album are a second round prototype for the magnets in our upcoming accessory pack #6! The final version will differ in a number of ways (for the better), but here's a close up look at an earlier stage of what is soon to come.

It's been a long time since we've shown off any our own alterations handywork. TFA Ratchet, along with pretty much every other TFA toy has an amazingly show accurate head sculpt, only it seems to lack the proper paint to back it up. I've repainted the head of this toy, sanded down the post on his forearm so his EMP generator will stay attached, and (last but not least) added show accurate magnets. I hope you like.

Classic/Energon Custom Omega Supreme

noreply@blogger.com (TriPredRavage) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:20:00 +0000

There is an ebay auction up featuring Thyvipera's own custom Omega Supreme. This figure is modeled off of the Energon Omega Supreme figure cusing the original G1 colorscheme. You can view this auction here.

TFMaster - A Celebration of Life, Art, and a love of Transformers

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 08:04:00 +0000

Here at Unicron.com we would like to celebrate the work of TFMaster (and the purchase of our new scanner) with some never before seen photos of his early work. Back in the day, TFMaster would send us 35mm photos to put in our Alterations section because he didn't have a digital camera or scanner. The times sure have changed. Now after replacing our long since broken scanner, we can debue a few more yet unseen photos of TFMaster's amazing early work.

REDLINE and other TFW2005 board members have put at a wonderful "December's Featured Radicon" commemoration of TFMaster and his work for this Dec, the month of his birth.

Bill Koshorek (aka TFmaster) saddly, passed away on March 11th 2007 at age 31, but has left all of us TF-fans with a legacy of amazing work. May Bill rest in Peace. He will not be forgotten.

How To Article Chapter 3: Energon Swindle

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:17:00 +0000

Thanks again to Shinobitron for another great chapter in our exclusive Alterations how-to Article series.

Step 1
As always you have to know what materials your gonna need for a project. This piece is fairly minor and is mostly a repaint with some sculpting.

Tools needed:

Sculpt, Screwdriver, Dremel, paints (and brushes), X-acto knife.

First thing first is to wash your figure with dish soap and water. This will remove the mold release and make paint stick much better.

I always like to start with the head (but of course area of starting is up to you). I like to disassemble so my piece is easier to work with, but again this is your choice.

Step 2
The best thing to do is get some reference pics to work with (like here on Unicron.com) so you know what you're shooting for. After looking at some Swindle pics I changed the Strongarm head into the one in pic 2 using Apoxy Sculpt. If it doesn't come out right or the areas are to high don't worry we'll take care of that later.

Step 3

Okay so now you have the main sculpt done, but he still has Strongarm's body. You have 2 choices now 1) Paint the entire body black then paint over the black with the appropriate color or 2) Paint the body white then use clear yellow to make him his right colors and fill with black later.I based the entire body black and will now start matching to Swindles G1 scheme.
Step 4

I took him apart to avoid getting paint spatter on different colored areas. You want to use multiple light coats. This will avoid paint stroking and give you a nice solid color. This is especially important when doing light colors over black. You want to avoid heavy coating also due to the fact you might end up filling areas that you wanted black lining to show.

Step 5

Allrighty almost done! If you didn't tear him apart you all set but if you did its time to put him back together and make sure your happy with his color scheme.

Step 6

Now that your happy with his main colors it's time to add the little details. These are all optional and depend on how much depth you want to add to your figure. You can paint different color lights (head and rear) the seats, fuel tanks, etc. In this step you can also do a little more detail work trimming the head detailing and creating sharp paint lines for face/eyes.

Step 7

OK time for some weaponry! Just because you are making a Transformers doesn't me you have to use 100% Transformer products for your figures. I use such items as GI Joe, Power Rangers, Gundam, and even KO pieces and Dollar Store figures. Swindles gun is made from a GI Joe missle and Gundam model part frame. The big gun is made from a Gi joe Gun and a Marvel Legends Showdown missle tip with a Gundam frame as the handle.

I had to fill the center of Swindles chest with sculpt then drill a hole that would fit the handle. I also drilled a hole in the large gun to fit the small gun so it would combine like the original. A hole will need to be drilled in Swindles arm to fit the large gun in bot mode.

Step 8

last but not least is application of the faction logo. I get all mine from Reprolables.com.

w00t you now have an update very poseable Swindle to add to your Decepticon legions!!!!

How To Article Chapter 2: Alternators Missile Launcher

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:47:00 +0000

Thanks again to Shinobitron for another great chapter in our exclusive Alterations how-to Article series. We'll let this tutorial speak for itself.

How To Article Chapter 1: Set up - Getting into gear

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:02:00 +0000

This is the first Chapter of an exclusive series of Alterations How To Articles. Thanks to alterations master Shinobitron for his dedication and time in putting this together for us all.

Chapter 1: How To Set up - Getting Into gear
Before you can start any alteration you need to have the right gear. Doing anything less would be like jumping into a Decepticon nest on one quart of energon and a single bullet (OK that might work if you're Grimlock, but I wouldn't take my chances).

Tools:
Be sure that you have the tools necessary for the job before beginning. For the most part you are going to need the following items Hobby (Exacto) Knife, Screwdrivers, Wire cutters, pliers, and a Dremel tool (small hobby drill as pictured). Not all projects are going to require all of these items but they all are very valuable to have around. Be sure to have a variety of Screwdriver sizes available as most TFs have various screw sizes.

Sculpt:
Sometimes the right piece is not available and you have to do it yourself. Many of my projects have resculpted heads to make them look more like their G1 counterparts. Their are many types of sculpt to choose from but for TFs with moving parts you need something that is going to last.
Aves apoxy sculpt and propoxy/ hercules sculpt is the best to use for ultra durability. Aves turns rock hard when fully cured and is very difficult to chip but takes a long time to cure. It can be purchased from aves website. The other is the Hercules / propoxy. This can be bought at local hardware stores and places like Home Depot and Lowes in the plumbing section. The main use for this is to fix leaks in pipes but has equally useful toy applications. The plus and minus with it is that it takes 5 minutes to cure steel hard.

Paints:
Finally comes paint. I use a wide variety of brands of paint in all my pieces. When choosing a paint however do not use the $.97 stuff from Walmart as this is more for Canvas painting and wood and tends to chip very easily. Their is an exception to the Wal Mart paint rule however and that the metallics. These are just as good as the expensive metallic paints. The best paint to use in my opinion are Citadel, Vallejo transparent, Reaper Master Series and Krylons. Krylons of course are a spray paint but make for a very effective base coat. Try to stay away from the Krylon gloss and use either the flat or Ultra flats as these make painting over top much smoother. The other paints, along with Tamiya can be ordered thru hobby/ comic shops and run about $3.00 a pot.

Now that you know what gear to get and you're all set up, our next lesson will be making an Energon Strongarm into everybodies favorite arms dealer Swindle!
Keep an eye our for our Alterations How To articles - Chapter Two.

New Alterations from Shinobitron

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Check out these new alterations by our friend Shinobitron!
He has taken TFA Lockdown and turned him into a sweet transforming robot batmobile.
Hotrod as a classic muscle car, G1 Deluxe Insecticon Chop Shop, Energon style autobot tape Steeljaw, and Deception Swindle made from Energon Longarm. (Keep your eyes out for a simple Swindle alteration tutorial coming soon!)

Jin Saotome: Transformers Animated Fix-Alterations

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:30:00 +0000

As a follow-up to Sabrblade's post asking about fan's experience with new Transformers: Animated figures, we thought we'd point out an excellent thread on Allspark.com where toy alterations guru Jin Saotome outlines a few very simple ways to correct issues people have mentioned. As he eloquently puts it, "...I agree that toys should come without problems right out of the box, but sometimes there are things that need to be worked out with a new series..." He also give instructions on contacting Hasbro and doing our part to let them know, when appropriate.

More of Shinobitron's Killer Alterations

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:29:00 +0000

Shinobitron is back with all kinds of amazing Transformer alterations. This time he's got Movie Beachcomber, Bombshell, Cosmos, Movie Junkion, Overbite, Energon Ravage. Don't miss out on these works of art.

LordMegatron new alterations

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:24:00 +0000

LordMegatron has sent us a few shots of his classics Starscream repaint and a his vision of what a Dawn of Future's Past Inferno mold would be. "I mean just look at their similarities!" Let's see that in red LordMegaton. What a good alteration idea.

Tramp's Awesome Alterations

noreply@blogger.com (Jason) — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:16:00 +0000

Tramp dropped us a line with some totally sweet new alterations! Check out his completely chromed Botcon Alphatrion, custom Classics Ultramagnus trailer/transformable armor, and completely custom built Moonracer.

Movie Brawn & War Within Skywarp

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:39:00 +0000

Warmachine has created one a very cool Movie inspired Brawn figure as an alteration of Movie Stockade. He has sold his alterations on ebay, and has done some pretty impressive work, particularly with this figure. Also featered in this gallery is Warmachine's Titanium War Within Skywarp alteration and very altered Starwars TF figure as War Within Sideswipe.

Jin Saotome's Custom TF Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:24:00 +0000

Jin Saotome has got to be one of my favorite TF customizers out there. He does some totally amazing work, and he does A LOT of it. I highly recommend checking out his archive of Transformers Customs. You'll have to scroll down past the Marvel customs, but it TOTALLY worth it. This guy even incorporates custom electronics into his custom transformers creations! We wouldn't normally do this, but seeing as he created a custom live action style UNICRON figure from scratch, se we figured we better at least showcase that figure here! Definitely go visit his site. It's awesome!

Byrerprime's Classics Megatron (how he should be)

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:17:00 +0000

Unicron.com's own Byrerprime has done a great alteration of Classics Megatron to look how he really should. Check out his great Classics Megatron repaint.

TF movie customs by Shinobitron

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 01:48:00 +0000

Ever wonder what Headmaster Highbrow would look like as a TF movie character? How about Beachcomber? Well wonder no longer and check out these two great Transformers Alterations by Shinobitron.
While you're at it, take a look at some of his previous work: G1 Rampage, Movie Wreckgar, and G1 Hoist. Also, you can see G1 Galvatron, Grimlock, and Green Lantern Optimus Prime (an interesting combo) at Shinobitron's own website.

TF Animated Battle Damage Optimus Prime and Bulkhead

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 04:21:00 +0000

TheTransTorture has re-decoded Transformers Animated Optimus Prime and Bulkhead even before they've hit the shelves! Check out his awesome battle damage Animated Optimus Prime and Bulkhead alterations. He's given these two very animated style toys a very realistic battle damage treatment and the outcome is surprisingly cool.

Frenzy.Rumble's Custom TF Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:33:00 +0000

This guy's a totally pro. He makes some of the most impressive customs I've ever seen. Check out Frenzy.Rumble's Blog of amazing custom action figures
You won't be disappointed.

Movie Megatron

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:01:00 +0000

Starscreamsghost420 has created a very nice looking Movie Megatron Alteration to make his toy more movie accurate.

Lord Megatron

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 03:55:00 +0000

LordMegatron, has send us pictures of his Transformers custom figure, presumably of his own screen name Lord Megatron. Check out his custom gallery here.

Two Custom Transformer from Bryan Oliver

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 03:44:00 +0000

Bryan Oliver sent us pictures of two of his custom Transformers. Check them out here

TFMaster's Alterations

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:45:00 +0000

update: Bill Koshorek (aka TFmaster) saddly, passed away on March 11th 2007 at age 31, but has left all of us TF-fans a legacy of amazing work. Thank you. We pray that Bill is at Peace.

TFMaster's own Alts Page at Transtopia. W/ much of his very nice work. Check it out here along w/ these links to his other stuff

Here are some links to his custom work: G1 Devastator1 pic2, pic3 , RID gestault Pic1, Pic2
G1 alterations: Galvatron, Megatron, Ratchet, Rodimus Prime, Sharkticon & Starscream BMach alts: Jetstorm, McDonalds toy recolors, Megatron, Mirage, Nightscream, Obsidian, Optimus Primal, super beast mode Primal, Silverbolt, Thrust His own original creations: BW Bombshell, Bonecrusher, Centorr, Grimlock, Grimlock pic 2, Ratbat (CD!), Slag, BW Starscream\

Custom Botanica figure

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:20:00 +0000

Joseph Barajas sent us a cool pic of a Botanica figure he made.

Beast Wars Megatron

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:19:00 +0000

Peter van Beek sent us a nice pic of the 1st BW Megatron. (well, 2nd really!)

TM2 Dinobot

noreply@blogger.com (Unicron.com) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:06:00 +0000

Allan Baker altered his TM2 Dinobot! Cool!