Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Custom Convertors Robat (Bird Robo Bat Robo)

  1. #1
    Join Date
    29th Jun 2011
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    2,606

    Default Custom Convertors Robat (Bird Robo Bat Robo)

    This is a custom that I'm very proud of. It came from left field, a request to make a custom of a 1980's Transformers-adjacent toy series I knew nothing about. The Japanese toy company Mark made a toyline in the 1980's called Bird Robo featuring the character Bat Robo, which was later co-opted by the US company Select for their Convertors line of toys under the moniker Robat (more information here: http://www.collectiondx.com/toy_revi...SiAQTxFoYY7U5Q).
    I was asked to recreate Robat using a Transformers TR Mindwipe with the added caveat: I need to make him an all-in-one model rather than a Headmaster.

    In short, I needed to scratch build like I never had before.

    Here's the finished result:















    For those interested in process,I started by finding an alternate head - A Transformers Prime Vehicon was the best candidate. I then carved out extra room in the body/chest cavity and removing the Headmaster port, and introducing a swinging plate that would both fit the cavity as well as supporting the new head, which I luckily found on a junker Transformers FOC Vortex. The pegs on that plate were used in the holes designed for the body cover that was already present, leading to a new problem - how to attach that and allow it to move without parts-forming. The solution (after a few false starts) was to re-sculpt that cover in resin and make a new mechanism in the bottom part of the body cavity. In a flash of inspiration, I used the original Headmaster body and legs (sans head, arms and face) to make a double hinge that was secure but moved freely. The pics in the gallery here show the transformation mechanism.No partsforming!








    I recast the soft wingtips (in bat mode) in resin and painted them (as well as a few other parts) in Alclad Chrome to match the original Robat. The custom was then painted head to toe with SMS lacquers, and the soft plastic pieces dyed with Rit synthetic dye.
    I then added custom stickers from various sets by Toyhax, chopped, trimmed, and cut to size to fit this model.
    As an added bonus, as well as the weapons that came with the base mould, I included a fully painted sword weapon (taken from a Transformers Happy Meal toy), with a blunt end to homage the blunt sword the original Robat wielded.

    Lastly, here are pictures of the original Robat, along with the custom, in his new home (in a first for me, a custom of mine now lives overseas! M-Bot has gone global!).

    Last edited by M-bot; 4th June 2020 at 10:21 PM.

    M-Bot's Customs logo by M-bot2011

    To follow M's Toy Customs of Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/MsToyCustoms
    While you're there, click the "LIKE" button!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    13th Nov 2008
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    1,733

    Default

    I saw this on your Facebook page and have to say it's a mighty effort you've put in there!

    I couldn't quite make out what you were saying about the robot back / bat chest until I saw the photos. That's amazing reverse engineering!

    Paintwork is amazing too, and has come together so well!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    28th Feb 2009
    Location
    Katoomba
    Posts
    2,510

    Default

    Great custom, looks amazing.

    BTW might want to edit the end of the link otherwise it won't work

  4. #4
    Join Date
    27th Mar 2020
    Location
    Victoria
    Posts
    259

    Default

    Very nice M-bot. Always enjoy the in-process pics too.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    29th Jun 2011
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    2,606

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Seraphim Prime View Post
    I saw this on your Facebook page and have to say it's a mighty effort you've put in there!

    I couldn't quite make out what you were saying about the robot back / bat chest until I saw the photos. That's amazing reverse engineering!
    The written description isn’t the easiest to follow, I’ll admit. And the changes probably make the most sense if you have Mindwipe in hand for comparison.

    Quote Originally Posted by SMHFConvoy View Post
    Great custom, looks amazing.

    BTW might want to edit the end of the link otherwise it won't work
    Not sure what happened there! Fixed now, thanks for the heads up!

    (Correct link is http://www.collectiondx.com/toy_revi...SiAQTxFoYY7U5Q )

    M-Bot's Customs logo by M-bot2011

    To follow M's Toy Customs of Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/MsToyCustoms
    While you're there, click the "LIKE" button!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    16th Jul 2008
    Location
    Melb
    Posts
    3,961

    Default

    Looks sick very good work

  7. #7
    Join Date
    9th Aug 2018
    Location
    Allendale North, SA
    Posts
    635

    Default

    An amazing update and well done on your engineering efforts to remove partsforming!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •