Shapeways: FOC Bruticus upgrade kit (more game-accurate)

[Echotransformer]

Hey guys,

I have a thread running over at TFW2005, but also wanted to share here...

After completing G1 Predaking, Hegemon and Hercules upgrade kits I decided to take on a much tougher challenge and attempt to improve the sculpt and proportions of FOC Bruticus (all versions) using Shapeways parts.

As always, I started with sketches:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/sketches_2_zps97acd63d.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/sketches_1_zpse70d92c7.jpg



Next, some Lego mockups:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/lego_mockup_zps3e23a537.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Lego_mockup_and_Game_Image_zps5fc246b8.jpg


Then I did the painstaking process of measuring and making CAD parts:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/CAD_Models2_zps442e7345.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/CAD_Models_zpse4cfe863.jpg

And then some "Digimockups" to confirm I was along the right path:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/FOC_Digimockup_1_zps83fb2c59.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/evolution--FOC_Bruticus_zps16b257d0.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/trailer_4_zps87e3e20e.jpg

Actual protoypes next...

[Echotransformer]

Next, parts arrived:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Gestalt_unpainted6_zps719bd336.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Gestalt_unpainted3_zps6efaee91.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Gestalt_unpainted8_zps38b86fc0.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/FOC_build1_zps3c5c84bc.jpg

And then Primed:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/FOC_build5_zps04a58652.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Fruiticus_Primed_zps3641fa34.jpg

And Painted (I ended up doing FRUITCUS):

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/FOCBruticusupdate5g_zps2d44a5ef.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Fruiticus3_zps7363c5d1.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/FOCBruticusupdate5e_zps851e89e7.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/FOCBruticusupdate5d_zpsc703c6e1.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/FOCBruticusupdate5a_zps792ddb04.jpg

[Echotransformer]

And now I'm in the process of contemplating the changes for V2.

First: Brawl's foot improvement (to eliminate the mini-cannon)

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Brawl_FOOT2_zps543ae417.jpg

Second, a nice large cannon for his back:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/updated_addonz_zps87ee3773.jpg

And third, a reshaped wing:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/FOC_build7_zps0c3b32c0.jpg

^^ This is a digibash...

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/new_chest_wing--update6_zps2929672b.png

^^ Actual CAD


And lots more to come....

Enjoy!

All the best,

Echo

[shockwave555]

i want to buy this so much and did you try the thigh swivel it could help the legs

P.S what g1 bruticus mod did you do and will this be uploaded to shapeways?

[razin]

Well, that's ridiculously awesome.

[venksta]

Wow dude!!!!!!! That makes such a huge improvement. I'm really impressed! Freaking amazing work. Looking forward to the modifications you do.

[Commandoclone87]

This is awesome, you should upload the final versions to shapeways.

[Bruticus82]

I've been following this at TFW and am definitely interested.

It looks great!

[racerguy76]

They say you can't polish a turd, but your proving them wrong.

[protoform_ironhide]

That looks pretty good!

[alternatorfan]

very promising!

[ethically1337]

This is the add-on that Bruticus deserves. We knew it would come from a 3rd party, but I don't think many people realized that such impressive work could come from one person.

[Echotransformer]

Many, many thanks for the positive feedback guys. :)

i want to buy this so much and did you try the thigh swivel it could help the legs

P.S what g1 bruticus mod did you do and will this be uploaded to shapeways?

The swiveled thighs don't seem to work with the crotch cover, but maybe I'm doing it wrong...I'll see if I can find a specific instruction for that transformation. At least the crotch plate is optional...

After the initial kit is done, I'll do a 'finishing kit' with special thighs and other beef-up parts that don't factor into the trailer and stuff.

Oh and I made a mistake in my initial post...I did a kit for G1 Predaking, not Bruticus (sorry). I did thighs and waist extensions for him.

This is awesome, you should upload the final versions to shapeways.

Yes, for sure the final kit will be on Shapeways...unfortunately that's the only way I can distribute it. Many people on TFW want me to go into production with it, but I don't have the industry contacts (yet). We are doing some collaborative work over there...Wulongti is making some rockin' articulated hands in case you want more than the basic 'posed' hands I'm including with this base kit.

Wow dude!!!!!!! That makes such a huge improvement. I'm really impressed! Freaking amazing work. Looking forward to the modifications you do.

Many thanks, Venksta. You know I'm a huge fan of what you do so those words mean a lot to me.

[shockwave555]

this looks amazing so your working for thigh upgrade? awesome! you should try to fix the head i feel its a little small with the upgrades

[Trans4mers]

Looking good there! Way to improve on Fruiticus!

[Stapler]

This is amazing work! Keep it up! :)

[Rodimus Prime1]

Fruticus... Awesome... :rofl:

Looks Fantastic who would have thought a couple of bits of plastic could have improved this that much. Really nice job, must be hard to go from sketch to cad with scalinig dimensions off the model. Cant imangiane how long that must take, as we use ACAD at work.

Look like I'm going to have to start putting aside more money for another 3rd party company :) Yours...

After visiting your site there is quite a few piceces I want now.

Anyways looks awesome great work cannot say enough.. KUDOS. :bow:

PS glad you replaced FOC back cannon.

[ARCTrooperAlpha]

excellent !!!!

[brr-icy]

so much better, but i still don't want to buy him lol

[thebobkat]

Fantastic! Those parts give the Bruticus much better proportions. Though I wish a third party company would make them pre-coloured, only cuz I can't paint worth a damn :P

[Steve B]

This realy looks amazing!

[Robimus]

Really cool stuff. I want it :)

[chans formers]

wow echo.....night and day...night and day.
i like how it's all still usable in alt modes,and onslaught's trailer turned out great!!

[Jazz227]

That just made me jump for joy :) this is a must have!!!

[Echotransformer]

Wow, thanks for all the positive feedback and encouragement, guys!!!


this looks amazing so your working for thigh upgrade? awesome! you should try to fix the head i feel its a little small with the upgrades

Yes, that's a possibility in the future 2.0 kit. It would be a more combiner-only kit with beefy thighs, new head, etc.

Fruticus... Awesome... :rofl:

Looks Fantastic who would have thought a couple of bits of plastic could have improved this that much. Really nice job, must be hard to go from sketch to cad with scalinig dimensions off the model. Cant imangiane how long that must take, as we use ACAD at work.

Look like I'm going to have to start putting aside more money for another 3rd party company :) Yours...

After visiting your site there is quite a few piceces I want now.

Anyways looks awesome great work cannot say enough.. KUDOS. :bow:

PS glad you replaced FOC back cannon.

Thanks! I have used AutoCAD before (and it's awesome) but this task a solid modeling program is best because it's very 3d...but yeah I use calipers to measure and some parts can take upwards of two hours to measure reference geometry alone....plus sculpting, plus mechanical / analysis plus tolerancing. Some parts have 10-20 hours invested!

But it is fun and once the hard work is done, it's really rewarding to get the part in hand from Shapeways.

Fantastic! Those parts give the Bruticus much better proportions. Though I wish a third party company would make them pre-coloured, only cuz I can't paint worth a damn :P

This is the most common feedback I get. I'd love to go to production with this...am looking for trustworthy contacts but in the meantime I will release on Shapeways to at least get it out there.

I'm also hoping some people will help by commissioning painted sets...we'll see.

[jourdo]

I need this set!

I hope you are able to get some contacts to get a production run. Otherwise I will be all over the Shapeways version.

[Breakdown]

Why not team up with Venksta?

[BoNKerS]

Great work Echo! wow!! I would be so in for a set!!!

[shockwave555]

yo have to tell us when it comes to shapeways so i can order it!

[Foxw]

I'm also hoping some people will help by commissioning painted sets...we'll see.

i might have a solution. gonna try to pm you when i get home and am not using my phone.

[Megatrons Cannon]

I'm also hoping some people will help by commissioning painted sets...we'll see.

As I posted in your Herc upgrade thread, I am willing to paint these sets for those willing to pick this up but not want to paint. PM me for details.

[Echotransformer]

Hey guys,

I've updated the trailer design--instead of needing a frame, I now 'part form' the entire trailer using the Gestalt parts.

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Trailer_1_zps51e64f71.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Trailer_2_zps5dc6dd7c.jpg

And you can see the big back cannon and wheels now in combined mode:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Gestalt_2_zpsc06c00ac.jpg

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Gestalt_FIXED--MARCH_zpse6503095.jpg

Almost ready to order "Alpha 2"!

:)

Echo

[jourdo]

I threw my money at the screen and nothing happened. :(

[CBII]

Friggen sweet!

Makes it look better for sure.

[Rodimus Prime1]

:siren: :eek: :siren:

I've checked this thread a dozen times where is the BUY IT NOW link???? Insert <DROOLING>

[shockwave555]

what paints did you use and when will they be available

[Echotransformer]

Digital paint ;)--pics above are CAD/Photo digi-mockups and the parts aren't ordered just yet....still tweaking.

On the original kit I used Tamiya X15 and X16 which were near perfect matches for the purple and green...for the other colors I did base coats in spray paint and thin coats to cover and match. Oh and I dyed some parts black.

My release date all depends on how well the next build goes...I'm vaguely saying "Sometime in Spring" for now. ;)

[Echotransformer]

Hey guys,

Some updates...

First, here are some shots of the latest kit painted up:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/trio_shot_zps40d0f90b.png

(The Fruiticus is still the original version, G2 and SDCC are the new version with improved Blastoff cover, improved feet and new backpack trailer)

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/tailer_1_zpsb3b24c2b.jpg

Closeup of Mini-Shockwave (G2 version is to look like Energon Six-Shot, great suggestion from TFW member)

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/Shocky_zpsb8b562e5.png

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/echotransformer/tailer_3_zps9df10f32.jpg

More Alt-mode pics...



And finally, a video that describes everything in detail:

http://youtu.be/Ra1n6J0IvbI

Cheers,
Echo

[venksta]

Once again, amazing. The new changes rock. I like how the addons become the trailer, including the top bed part of it.

[Pascal]

10 thumbs up!

[Vain]

I'm very impressed!

[Chap69Poo]

so is this available for purchase or just personal project?
cuz i really want one for my platnium brurticus and one for my fruticus!!!

[nicoath]

Yup, definitely a major improvement to this lanky combiner. Praised you over the weekend about it. It looks amazing especially in person.

[Echotransformer]

so is this available for purchase or just personal project?
cuz i really want one for my platnium brurticus and one for my fruticus!!!

It started as a Shapeways project but We announced at TF Con it's going to full production...hopefully we'll have more details to announce soon.

Yup, definitely a major improvement to this lanky combiner. Praised you over the weekend about it. It looks amazing especially in person.

Thanks!

[STI 2NV]

It started as a Shapeways project but We announced at TF Con it's going to full production...hopefully we'll have more details to announce soon.



Thanks!

Can't wait!!!!

[thebobkat]

It started as a Shapeways project but We announced at TF Con it's going to full production...hopefully we'll have more details to announce soon.

Any chance that a version will be made in the Takara-Tomy version colours? :)

[Echotransformer]

^^ We will do our best to...

[thebobkat]

^^ We will do our best to...

Thanks :) Either way I'll be picking up a set for the G2 version I think, but if you do the Takara colours, I'm in for one of those as well.

Again, this kit is fantastic.

[Shepp]

Awesomsauce. Now all we need is some other kit to make Onslaught's robot shoulders more articulated. As is, he's got about as much arm use as a T-Rex.


Just for the lulz, any chance of making some FOC to PCC adapters? Bruticus' limb sockets are just ever so slightly larger than PCC connectors. Bombshock needs some real limbs to go against Heavytread and the Iron Army. :rofl:

[Echotransformer]

No, I wouldn't be doing PCC but maybe Scramblecore at TFW would?

Yeah Onslaughts arms aren't great but the kit is meant to be simple add-ons, no disassembly required...

Thanks for the support and interest!

[joshimus]

Is this available on Shapeways now? I wouldn't mind getting a set so long as it is available. Though I don't have FOC Bruticus but would certainly consider getting him IF this set is available.

[Rodimus Prime1]

Is this available on Shapeways now? I wouldn't mind getting a set so long as it is available. Though I don't have FOC Bruticus but would certainly consider getting him IF this set is available.


No, it will be released through 3rd party, 3 color variations, I was hoping for a metallic Takara coluor, but sadly no.

[joshimus]

Darn. I was hoping for a clear white set I could paint myself.

[Echotransformer]

Is this available on Shapeways now? I wouldn't mind getting a set so long as it is available. Though I don't have FOC Bruticus but would certainly consider getting him IF this set is available.

Yeah sorry the title is a bit confusing---originally it was going to be Shapeways, but demand went thru the roof so we're working with X-Transbots / KFC to bring this to market.


No, it will be released through 3rd party, 3 color variations, I was hoping for a metallic Takara coluor, but sadly no.

Where did you get this information? It's not true...although plans aren't firm yet, we recognize the interest in the Takara version and want to bring it to market just like the other colors...we will do our best.

[Abraxys]

Sign me up for a takara metallic kit! Nicely done guys, the minute i saw this i said "where can i buy this!" Cant wait.

[Rodimus Prime1]

Where did you get this information? It's not true...although plans aren't firm yet, we recognize the interest in the Takara version and want to bring it to market just like the other colors...we will do our best.

Sorry didn't mean to ruffle any feathers, I was merely answering his shapeways question.

The last I read on your post on TFW2005 after you did your poll was you were doing only 3 color versions, but if you make a metallic Takara version that's great, as that is the version I own.

I was going to buy the shapeways one and then SDCC version when you announced that you were going third party and just paint either myself, but wasn't really looking forward to trying to matching the metallic.

So if you do come out with the Takara version great, I didn't think there would be that much interest in that one, and I understood if it wasn't made due to costs.

Either way I'm still patiently waiting to buy one and have watched your design process since the beginning.


I have rechecked your TFW post in the mean time and it also looks like your thinking about a possible Ruination set ??

[Shepp]

With 3 different coloured sets in the works, is there a 3rd deco for the Shockwave gun planned?

[Echotransformer]

^^ Oh I'm going to need to clarify that all-around--the Shockwave gun will not be part of the kit (even a mistake in the TF Con announcement). Don't poke the bear, right?

You can, however, get it on my Shapeways store. Available now.

http://shpws.me/oNE9

[joshimus]

In all honesty, your kit is the only reason I want to get Foc Bruticus now. It's THAT MUCH of an improvement. You took a shit combiner and made awesome.

[Echotransformer]

Thanks man! :)

[CobraCommander]

I first saw this at TFCON, I had no idea you made that... I'm speechless! Great work man! :clapping:

[CBII]

Now that I have a fruiticus I'm super interested in this set.

I'm sorry if my questions have been answered before...

ETA?
Cost?
Who's selling it?

Your work to improve an imperfect toy made me search it out again.

[Echotransformer]

Now that I have a fruiticus I'm super interested in this set.

I'm sorry if my questions have been answered before...

ETA?
Cost?
Who's selling it?

Your work to improve an imperfect toy made me search it out again.


Many thanks guys! As for your questions...

1. Don't know yet.
2. Don't know yet
3. Don't know yet, but my guess is most online retailers will pick it up

The latest info and updates will be on my Facebook page: Echo.TF.Toys

[CBII]

LOL fair enough.

I sit and wait!

[Jeem]

Preorders are up at BBTS!

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=XTR10008&mode=retail

Now we wait for the SDCC and Platinum colors...

[Echotransformer]

^^ Thanks man, you beat me to it, lolzzz

[max99d]

Will this be available outside of BBTS?

Thx

[thebobkat]

Will this be available outside of BBTS?

Thx

Currently also up on TFSource as well:

http://tfsource.com/xtransbots/boosticus/

[Cheers Ian]

Coolness.

I'm holding off for the G2 version though!

[thebobkat]

Coolness.

I'm holding off for the G2 version though!

Same, I don't have the Fruiticus myself. G2 and Takara...hope to see kits for both :)

[joshimus]

Yeah, I bought the Platinum version Bruticus for your upgrade set so I REALLY hope that colourway makes it.

[joshimus]

Any new news about this being made for the Platinum version?

[Echotransformer]

Hopefully there will be news very soon. It's very likely SDCC and Platinum will be the same kit because the colors are so close...

Cheers,

Echo

[Rodimus Prime1]

Do I hold out for a Takara metallic version, or should I pick up the FOC one and repaint?

[Echotransformer]

^^ I would wait a bit...demand for Takara is reasonably high and no official decision has been made.

[Jeem]

Hot Damn! Takara and Platinum colors are out for preorder!!!
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=XTR10013&mode=retail

G2 Colors
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=XTR10012&mode=retail

[thebobkat]

Hot Damn! Takara and Platinum colors are out for preorder!!!
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=XTR10013&mode=retail

G2 Colors
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=XTR10012&mode=retail

I think you mean SDCC and Platinum :) I'm definitely getting the G2 and I'm crossing my fingers for an eventual Takara/Tomy version.

[joshimus]

Platinum for me. Thanks for the info. Pre-ordering.

[CBII]

Echotransformer...on the "TransMissions" podcast there was mention of a possible upgrade for the Ruination version of this mold as well.

Would it be the same set just recolored or would it be redone to fit the different arm leg combination?

[Echotransformer]

^^ I am starting design of a new mold set for the Ruination limb configuration, (hints of the design are on my Facebook page) however there also seems to be good demand for the original kit in those colors...we are gauging demand to see which is best (or both)

[max99d]

What is your Facebook page?

Thx

[CBII]

What is your Facebook page?

Thx


https://www.facebook.com/echo.tf.toys

There you go!

[CBII]

^^ I am starting design of a new mold set for the Ruination limb configuration, (hints of the design are on my Facebook page) however there also seems to be good demand for the original kit in those colors...we are gauging demand to see which is best (or both)


I eagerly await. I'd personally prefer a kit for the current ruination configuration. That way I can have bruticus with your set next to ruination with a new set so they stay two separate stand alone figures.

But I do see the draw of another repaint.

[Echotransformer]

^^ yeah I agree, plus my design so far is to make it have a "more Autobot" look for exactly the scenarios you describe!

As awful as the Ruination limb setup seems to look, it doesn't take much to make it cool, from my mockups so far. (IMHO)

[CBII]

^^ yeah I agree, plus my design so far is to make it have a "more Autobot" look for exactly the scenarios you describe!

As awful as the Ruination limb setup seems to look, it doesn't take much to make it cool, from my mockups so far. (IMHO)


Excellent

:bow:

[thebobkat]

Echotransformer, just curious if there's still any plans to do the kit in the Takara-Tomy metallic colours?

[Echotransformer]

Yes, the colors are spec'd, hopefully we will see pre orders after the retail, SDCC and G2 ship.

--Echo

[thebobkat]

Yes, the colors are spec'd, hopefully we will see pre orders after the retail, SDCC and G2 ship.

--Echo

Great, thanks for the info :)

[thebobkat]

Yes, the colors are spec'd, hopefully we will see pre orders after the retail, SDCC and G2 ship.

--Echo


Preorder for the Takara version of Boosticus is up at TFsource :)

http://tfsource.com/xtransbots/takara-boosticus/