TFA Earth Mode Wasp Project

[Doubledealer]

It's another rainy day here in Brisbane so earlier on I plonked myself down on a comfy chair and started flicking through the good ol' Transformers Animated Almanac. I reached page 49 and there he was, my favourite TFA character, Wasp! "Hmm, I wonder if Hasbro will ever release an activator Earth mode Wasp." I thought. Then I remembered, I have a spare activator Bumblebee in the shed (the one that came bundled with purple Shockwave). Hmmm...*strokes imaginary beard* Half an hour later I came back from the nearest hobby shop & Woolworths armed with (hopefully) enough kit to make one of my own. :D

Note: I realise that eventually we will see a Fugitive Waspinator (yes, not Wasp due to a trademark issue) but I'm not too fond of the deluxe Bumblebee mould and prefer the scale of the activator (not to mention Fugitive Waspinator won't even have a new head and features some non-cartoon accurate colours eg. purple headlights and windows).

So, as you can see below, here is all the kit I'll be needing (I think).

We have:

-Biodegradable rubber gloves (to keep oil from hands off the paint and plastic, and also so fingerprints don't show on the epoxy parts)
-Masking tape (to cover the wheels & a few other parts before spraying the primer)
-Washing detergent (with warm water to thoroughly clean the plastic)
-Medium Toothbrush (to help with the above)
-Tamiya Modeling Brush HF Standard set (3 brushes of varying sizes)
-Tamiya X-20 Enamel Thinner (for washing the brushes and if needing to thin out any of the paints)
-Tamiya X-1 Black Enamel Paint
-Tamiya X-15 Light Green Enamel Paint
-Tamiya X-16 Purple Enamel Paint
-Revell Color SM365 Enamel Paint (main colour of Wasp's body)
-Mr White Surfacer 1000 (primer)
-Tamiya Epoxy Putty - Smooth Surface - 25g
-Tamiya P400, P600, P1000 Finishing Abrasives (I'll just be using the P1000 sandpaper all over the toy prior to spraying the primer - so it grips the paint nicely)
-Small screwdriver set
-Modelling knife (to lop off activator Bumblebee's horns and 'mohawke')
-Scissors (for cutting the masking tape to size)
-Transformers Animated Activator Bumblebee

I'll be updating the thread with pictures as I go, should be a fun little project! :D

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/WaspProject1.jpg

[loophole]

looking forward to the end result of this one, i was planning on doing the exact same thing with my extra bumblebee from the shockwave pack ;) looks like your gonna beat me to it

[Doubledealer]

And the head is done! Well, the hard part anyway. :) Hardly used any of the epoxy putty leaving quite a bit for possible future projects (unmasked Wasp head and gun perhaps?). Not sure why but the added moulded details looks a bit dodgey in these photo's, in real life they're smooth as silk! Really pleased with the results I achieved here. The last photo is of his new head but showing close to how he'll look when painted.

Steps taken last night:
1. Chop off Bumblebee's horns and mohawke
2. Thoroughly wash Bumblebee's head in soapy water
3. Sand entire head with P1000 sandpaper
4. Using epoxy putty, sculpt antenna thingies by rolling a small section out in a sausage shape, position on Bumblebee's head then gently blend the edges into the plastic using a gateaux fork
5. Leave putty to set overnight

Steps taken this morning:
1. Make antenna thingies symmetrical using P400 sandpaper (don't have a file unfortunately) then smooth it all down with P1000 sandpaper.
2. Take a 0.5cm2 ball of epoxy putty and fashion it into the shape of Wasp's unique jaw
3. Leave for 6 hours until the putty has set then sandpaper as above.

Note: For those wanting to try out the epoxy putty, keep a jar/glass of water nearby as you'll need to occassionally dip your fingers in it get the moulding as smooth as possible - that and it's just too damn sticky to handle if you don't!

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspfront.jpg

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/WaspIsometric.jpg

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspback.jpg

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspproto.jpg

[Doubledealer]

Primer applied to head:
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Waspwhite.jpg

[loophole]

thats looking sweet mate!!

[kgb2005]

Ohh sweet! good job there. Just curious this may sound like a stupid question but what is primer?

[Doubledealer]

Thanks for the kind words guys. :) kgb2005, primer is just another word for undercoat (so it's what goes on before applying the 'real' paint).

Just applied the black paint around his face, come on paint...Dry damn you!

[kgb2005]

Ohh okay lol, so umm what is it you guys use to stop the paint from scratching then :confused: Because I have been looking at some of my old toys that I found and was thinking man this would look cool with racing stripes on it or what not and well I would love to repaint them but I don't want to damage the hard work that I put into them.

[Doubledealer]

Ohh okay lol, so umm what is it you guys use to stop the paint from scratching then :confused: Because I have been looking at some of my old toys that I found and was thinking man this would look cool with racing stripes on it or what not and well I would love to repaint them but I don't want to damage the hard work that I put into them.

The preparation (washing, sanding, priming), multiple layers of paint and clear coat all help to prevent chipping. :)

[kgb2005]

washing? Wait you mean like scrubbing the figure in water, won't that make the screws rust?

[Doubledealer]

washing? Wait you mean like scrubbing the figure in water, won't that make the screws rust?

I hope not. :p

[5FDP]

Looking good there Doubledealer. Can't wait to see the finished toy.

[Tabias Prime]

Ohh okay lol, so umm what is it you guys use to stop the paint from scratching then :confused: Because I have been looking at some of my old toys that I found and was thinking man this would look cool with racing stripes on it or what not and well I would love to repaint them but I don't want to damage the hard work that I put into them.

If your thinking racing strips, how about going down to the local car store ie supercheap, and getting some of those pin-stipping rolls..

[Doubledealer]

Some paint inbetween his antenna thingies and a few more thinned out coats of paint to even out the surface and the head shall be complete!

Nearly there...
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspalmostpainted.jpg

[optimus1]

Excellent work so far! I was planning on doing something similar, but looks like u have it all worked out as it should be. Good luck on the final Wasp :)

[kgb2005]

WOW :eek: that's just amazing the head it brilliant! I eventually would like to do the deluxe size as I prefer the movement as I just recently got one of these guys the deluxe version that is. I picked him up at k-mart last one on the shelf and it looked like he had been there for a long time because there was crease marks on him and what not.

[Firestorm]

Some paint inbetween his antenna thingies and a few more thinned out coats of paint to even out the surface and the head shall be complete!

Nearly there...
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspalmostpainted.jpg

That looks fantastic Doubledealer!

i was planning on doing the same thing to my Activators Bumblebee, i hope when i do make mine it'll turn out as good as yours is gonna be

[kup]

Primer applied to head:
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Waspwhite.jpg

Wow! That looks awesome! Very well sculpted!

[Doubledealer]

Thanks for all the positive remarks guys. :) Will try to finish off the head after work tonight!

[1AZRAEL1]

Even though I am no fan of animated, I have to say, wow. Looks sweet.

[Sleeve]

Looks fantastic, mate. Again makes me jealous I have no customising skills. You'll have to be sure to bring it along to the Brissie meet.

[Deceptic_Optic]

group order? :p

[chuttla]

very impressive!!!:D

[i_amtrunks]

Nice sculpt work, and I love that you always sandpaper everything, I get so lazy when sand-papering and give up not long after I start, and go straight into painting! :p

[Deonasis]

Great work! That looks awesome.

[Doubledealer]

Bit of an update for you all. :) The main body is almost done now (just needs a few touch-ups)! It sure wasn't easy painting the insides what with all the activator gimmickry in the way, but I've managed to get into every nook and cranny and I've now started working on the limbs (which are a LOT easier to paint!).

Note I added a black line around the windows to give Wasp more of a cel-shaded kind of look. It's not something Activator Bumblebee or Cliffjumper feature but I think it makes him look way better. Anyway, enjoy the pics.

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/waspbodyangled.jpg

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspbody.jpg

[Hursticon]

Doubledealer..., I've gotta say that the accuracy of the head and face is sooo close it's not funny. The colours that you've chosen are spot-on as well.
I loved watching Wasp/Waspinator on Animated it was a good homeage to Beastwars Waspinator, within the context of Animated, and your homeage is astounding.

Keep up the good work mate. I, like everyone else, am really lokking forward to the finished product. :D

[Doubledealer]

Doubledealer..., I've gotta say that the accuracy of the head and face is sooo close it's not funny. The colours that you've chosen are spot-on as well.
I loved watching Wasp/Waspinator on Animated it was a good homeage to Beastwars Waspinator, within the context of Animated, and your homeage is astounding.

Keep up the good work mate. I, like everyone else, am really lokking forward to the finished product. :D

Thanks matey. :) I've never painted with enamels before so it's been quite the learning curve with this project. Things I've learnt so far:

-Stir the paint for 5 minutes prior to use to properly mix and make for a shorter cure time.
-Apply lots of really thin coats (sometimes use thinner but I don't bother most of the time :p). The first layer looks like utter crap but after 3 coats it'll look spot on.
-Applying a thick coat takes an incredibly long time to cure (over 24 hours), if at all!) and will give an 'oranging' affect.
-Lighter colours (eg. the lime green) are a royal PITA to paint with!

[1orion2many]

:)Very nice job DD, you must have a nice steady hand to be able to sculpt the head that cleanly;)

[5FDP]

Fantastic work there! You've definitely got skills.


you must have a nice steady hand to be able to sculpt the head that cleanly;)

A good reason why I couldn't do this. You can almost see evidence of my shaking hands in my typing. Thank god for keyboards.

[Doubledealer]

And the alt mode is complete!

Should hopefully have photo's of the bot mode (which I'm really thrilled with so far :D) up by this weekend. Just need to add the lime green to his limbs and he's a goer. Also lightened the purple on his eyes to make him more cartoon accurate!

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspalt4.jpg
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspalt1.jpg

[Stompy]

Wow. Looking awesome. Can't wait to see the bot mode when complete!

[loophole]

that is a SUPERB job there mate, it looks so good cant wait to see the bot mode

[5FDP]

I'm very impressed. You've done a great job.

Are you planning on keeping or selling it? I reckon it would fetch a nice sum if you decided to sell it.

[rampagesss]

wow i never saw TF animated but this looks great, youve done a incredable job!

[Hursticon]

Well done Doubledealer, that is a really top job on his alternate mode.
Like everyone, I'm really looking forward to seeing Wasp's finished Robot mode.

[Doubledealer]

Thanks fella's, glad you like him. :D 5FDP, this one is definitely a keeper although I may just make some more in the future...I'd love to get an airbrush and make another one for that perfect coat of paint too.

Oh by the way, does anyone happen to have any medium sized silver Autobot stickers (reprolabel ones)? I ran out of the mediums so I'd have to buy another set from those guys if no one else here can perchance help a fellow bot? :p

[Doubledealer]

Well guys/gals, the moment you have been waiting for has arrived! I present to you the completed Wasp. :)

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspnfriends.jpg

[loophole]

awesome he fits right in as though he was bought like that, very impressed!!

[BigPenney]

:eek:
Amazing job.

[Doubledealer]

Thanks chaps. :) Sadly, it doesn't look like he's going to get his silver Autobot symbol anytime soon as some dolt at Reprolabels denies ever having produced them (despite them being given away as a promotion a few months ago). :/

[rampagesss]

Oh, your after the silver logos that they were giving away a while ago, how many are you after?
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t152/Rampage_017/Transformers/100_1380.jpg

[Doubledealer]

Oh, your after the silver logos that they were giving away a while ago, how many are you after?

:eek: That's them! rampagesss, if you could spare me but one medium sized Autobot logo for my Wasp (one of the ones on the bottom row) I would be eternally grateful!

[1orion2many]

:)He looks awesome DD, can't tell it's a custom, Oh yes you can, better quality head sculpt and paint apps;):)

[Doubledealer]

:)He looks awesome DD, can't tell it's a custom, Oh yes you can, better quality head sculpt and paint apps;):)

Haha, you're too kind! That's exactly what I was going for though, so to hear you say that is great. If it looked the least bit out of place I wouldn't have been a happy bunny. :p

[SMHFConvoy]

Epic Win!

[Hursticon]

:eek: Damn,
A job very, very well done. :D

[Doubledealer]

Thanks to rampagesss I was able to fully complete my TFA Wasp. :)

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspbot.jpg

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

Thanks to rampagesss I was able to fully complete my TFA Wasp. :)

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspbot.jpg

That's a good practice run. Now how about a deluxw version :p jj

Seriously awesome though

[5FDP]

Wow... simply, wow!

You have done an awesome job. Well done mate.

[liegeprime]

NOw I want one bad!:(

[Doubledealer]

Thanks for the kind words my fine feathered friends. :) I hope this project has inspired others to yoink their spare Activator Bumblebee out of the Purple-wave two pack and give it a go themselves!

[rampagesss]

Thanks to rampagesss I was able to fully complete my TFA Wasp. :)

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspbot.jpg

No worrys mate, looks incredable! even hasbro couldn't have done him better!

[Stompy]

You have outdone yourself DD. Now where's my one? :p

[GoktimusPrime]

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/th_Waspbot.jpg
*fapfapfapfapfapfapfapfap* HasTak needs to make this! :D

[klystron]

Very impressive custom!!

[autobreadticon]

woah thats frekin impressive !!!! one please:D

[BigPenney]

Thanks to rampagesss I was able to fully complete my TFA Wasp. :)

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/Transformers/TFA%20Wasp%20Project/Waspbot.jpg

:eek:
Like I said before, Awesome job.
You have really inspired me to start my deluxe wasp mod.

[Doubledealer]

Thank you all once again for the compliments on Waspy, he sends his thanks too. :) If anyone would like any tips or advice if wanting to make their own let me know!

[Deceptic_Optic]

Thank you all once again for the compliments on Waspy, he sends his thanks too. :) If anyone would like any tips or advice if wanting to make their own let me know!

Grand Master Double D excellent work as always very well created custom and a skilled photographer lethal combination! *bows down* pure awesomenessssss :cool: