BH Starscream to Airachnid conversion (WIP)

[CBratron]

Phone and internet went down when Sydney had our recent bout of heavy rain. After two weeks, 3 technicians and a new modem, I am no longer reliant on my mobile phone and I can post what I've been working on.

Inspired by Lancalot's custom work I've decided to try my hand a project or two. I'm working along the lines of JinSaotome's custom Airachnid (http://jincustom.com/custom-black-airachnid-transformers-prime-action-figure-jet-mold/).

After much trimming and greenstuffing.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/01_zps0fcc9893.jpghttp://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/02_zps83e2ed8b.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/03_zps0cbc5f54.jpghttp://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/04_zpsd10065bd.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/05_zps2279ba32.jpg

Also made these blasters for her from Bruticus Maximus hands (and I use the word hands in the loosest possible sense of the word). Not sure if I'll use them. They're definitely more suited to a Slipstream custom. JinSaotome also did a Slipstream custom from the same mold (http://www.angelfire.com/mech/jinsaotome/JinsDangerousToys/Slipstream.html).
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/06_zps5ce91b0c.jpg

And got to work on mounting points under the wings for weapons with 5mm pegs.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/07_zpsc4846bf9.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/08_zps5bc56c7b.jpg

Just making sure they look right.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/09_zps470486e5.jpg

Fitting a plug before adding reinforcing greenstuff.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/10_zpsd6504498.jpg

And that's it so far.

[Bidoofdude]

Very nice. It comes across as Airachnid well. :cool:

[lancalot]

Wow that coming along good man..... what that green stuff your using to fill in ?

[CBratron]

Wow that coming along good man..... what that green stuff your using to fill in ?
http://web.inetba.com/anyinc/images/Kneadatite-36in.jpg

When I used to do Games Workshop miniatures we called it Green Stuff but don't buy it from them. Buy it online or from hardware stores (edit: or hobby stores and maybe some art stores) under the name Kneadatite and you can get triple the amount for the same price.

It's an epoxy putty, usually yellow and blue ribbons which you mix, hence green stuff. Cut off the desired amount and knead it until it's a smooth green colour. I'll discard any hardened bits that form in the middle where the ribbons are joined before I mix the parts, otherwise you'll get lumps. Working time is about half an hour, maybe an hour. Feels like hard rubber when it fully sets in 24 hours. Sticks to almost anything including itself (so you can do half a sculpt one day and finish it the next day by throwing more on). Vaseline or oil (even skin oils) will stop it sticking to any sculpting tools.

There are other modelling putty formulas out there but green stuff is a very good starting point.

[Jinto]

Looks like she's coming along nicely.

[lancalot]

thanks for the info .... are you planing to do the legs as well?..

[CBratron]

The spider legs? As soon as I can get a Star Wars Spider Assassin Droid (or if I see anything better) I will. Saw one on ebay but I'm exploring all local options I can before I pay international shipping for such a small item.

[M-bot]

Hey that's really good! It's amazing how many parts on the figure need filling in - I only noticed when I started customising my FOC Grimlock, and now I'm noticing it on all my figures.

Looking forward to more WIP pics!:)

[GoktimusPrime]

Wow... this mould does work better as a female than a male; even moreso than the original TFP Deluxe Starscream mould. Hasbro really should use this to give us a TFP Slipstream (in mass retail thanx)

[CBratron]

Some progress has been made.
All 'primed' and ready to paint.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/11_zpsa613e4b4.jpg

Taped up any parts I didn't want sprayed. Also filled any ball sockets with blu-tack. Actually filled the sockets and peg holes before priming.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/12_zpsac93914c.jpg

After the shiny black sexiness is sprayed on.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/13_zpse683decf.jpg

Currently hand painting any other parts. Was delayed because all my old paints had solidified and was debating whether or not to buy a purple or mix one.
She's looking good so far

[UltraMarginal]

that is super shiny:cool:

[M-bot]

Coming along very nicely!:)

[CBratron]

After seeing Vert's Sunstreaker I decided to get off my arse and get some more photos up. Except for the spiderlegs (which are on their way) she's done.
Had to quickly use a tshirt for a background because black details get washed out on any other background.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/14_zps09008fb3.jpghttp://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/15_zps64c1efb2.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/16_zpscbfb9c34.jpg

[edit] Additional close-up of her face.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/Custom%20Airachnid%20repost/17_zpsf691fca1.jpg

[MayzaPrime]

Thats looks awesome!!!! Nice work

[lancalot]

Wow nice job man... i really like it... love the colour you have chosen , really fit her well ...

[Deonasis]

That is super super sweet :cool:

[UltraMarginal]

really nice work, those colours look spectacular on that mold.

[AJ_Prime]

Wow dude, that looks great! Brilliant work! I agree, those colours work very well!!

[CBratron]

Whoa! it's been over a year since I've worked on this but I finally got to work on the spider legs backpack. I have no idea what the orange piece used to be. I just picked it out of a tub of bits from the Granville Fair.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/IMAG0076_zpsozb1fq9j.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/IMAG0072_zpsu2pdxr9n.jpg

And this is what she looks like wearing it. Just about to spray it the same glossy black. Should have that done and picked out the details by brush by the end of the week.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/IMAG0068%202_zps6hj0izbu.jpg

[UltraMarginal]

Creeeepyy!
loving it!

[Hursticon]

Creeeepyy!
loving it!

Ditto, this is going to end up being one helluva cool looking custom, CBratron, you've given Airacnid more love and attention the Official guys ever did! :eek::cool:

[CBratron]

So much stuff eating up my spare time. Between work, the Battle Tactics event, BBTS arrival, new Borderlands DLC and a uni mini-reunion of sorts, I've been hard pressed to find time to finish her (or anything else, apologies to my League :p).

But, finally she's done. I don't know what was up with the lens to cause those light streaks.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/IMAG0095_zpsoq5dy0fa.jpghttp://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/IMAG0097_zpsalfnhmlk.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/bad941c6-bbe6-4685-80ef-483527ce6b75_zpsqynnfxp3.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/cbrate/IMAG0098_zpsjrkszb3m.jpg

[AJ_Prime]

Wow, that's an amazing custom dude! Very nice work!

[Jinto]

Brilliant work CBratron, she looks perfect! I love your fine gold detailing and the way you've painted those shoulder joints.

[UltraMarginal]

Excellent!

[Hursticon]

Hell yeah, CBratron, hell yeah! :eek::cool:

More pics! :D

[lancalot]

that nicely done....awesome bro