How to customize TFA Earth Mode Prime?

[jjwankenobi]

I just bought a loose Deluxe class TFA Earth Mode Optimus Prime (the one you get in the "Battle Begins" DVD 2-pack with Cybertron Mode Megatron) for $17 USD on eBay.

Despite my impatience I'm still planning to buy the 2-pack if/when it comes out in June. This means I'll possibly have 2 deluxe-class Earth OP's.

Anyone have any cool customizing recommendations, aside from painting him all white and blue like Ultra Magnus or black and red like Nemesis Prime?

I've never customized anything before so I may source this one out. Anyone know who's the best to go to for this sort of thing?

[Nemesis Predaking]

Smog at TFW did a Digibash of Animated cyberton mode Prime into Kup. It could work for earth mode as well.

http://www.tfw2005.com/radicons-customs/digibashes-3/animated-kup-digibash-159432/

[jjwankenobi]

Digibashed, eh? Awesome. Makes Mr. Cranky bot Kup look actually cool for once!

I was thinking..what about flames on Prime, like in the movie.

[dak]

what about the all famous Nemesis Prime? he would look kick ass with that huge axe.

[zuffyprime]

you're right man, that kup looks all sorts of wicked:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/realmonkey/KUPdigibash2mode.jpg

[JaySmith]

That Kup is absolutely unreal! Such an homage to the original G1 toy.

[jjwankenobi]

Hey guys...I'm really up for modding my TFA Earth mode OP in to Kup now, but where do I start?

Should I contact Smog and ask him (her?) to do it for me? If so, what's a reasonable fee?

[Nemesis Predaking]

If you have any questions about kitbashing, there are alot of good bashers here on Cybertron. Dak (Botcon 08 custom winner), StarFire, TTT & myself as well as others.

you can post your questions here
http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=1807

Or if you would like you can PM me & I'll do my best to help you out.

Also TFW has a extentive How to section in the Radicons kitbashing forum. It's Cyberton.ca's sister site
http://www.tfw2005.com/radicons-customs/tutorials-and-how-tos-2/

[jjwankenobi]

Thanks Nemesis Predaking. I can't even draw stick men that well so the idea of modifying a toy that I can very possibly ruin seems daunting.

I've seen some of everyone's (yours, TTT, Dak's) work here on the forums and I must say you're all incredible artists/craftsmen.

[Nemesis Predaking]

Dude, I started Bashing about 6 months ago.
I was scared sh!tless to bash anything, Plowking talked me into after he completed My Nemesis Predaking.
I started by making My Nemesis Predacons, A tall order for a NooB basher.
Now I'm on my 10th bash and totally hooked on Plastic Crack.
The Animated line would be the best to start out on. they will be at mess retail soon.
If you mess up that bad, you can always get a new one.
Just remember, don't be afraid to make mistakes. it''s only a toy.

6 month ago I would have never dreamed I could do this

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/NemesisPredaking/th_ND.jpg (http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s101/NemesisPredaking/ND.jpg)

[jjwankenobi]

Thanks for the words of encouragement, man...

A part of me still hopes there won't be lot of the DVD 2-packs come June so that I'll have to settle for my lone eBay-bought OP. But I have a feeling there will be enough and I'll end up duplicating Prime but have just one Megatron, thereby neccessitating a bash.

Dunno about Kup anymore, though. How would I sculpt a face? Cybertron mode Prime doesn't have the mouth shield, but Earth mode does (and it's permanent, I think).

Maybe I'll stick to either the black Nemesis Prime or Movie-style with flames idea.

[dak]

that head sculpt you see in the digibash is from Armada Hoist. all it would be is to replace the head and repaint the body.

[jjwankenobi]

hmmm...you make it sound like a walk in the park.

You're right, they're just toys in the end. If I end up duplicating him I'll "Kup" him for sure!

[Nemesis Predaking]

I wouldn't call it a walk in the park, but it's not as hard as one would think, at least with repaints.
If you decide to try it on your own. Pick up some 99% Isopropanol Alcohol so you can remove
all the factory paint apps first & then if you mess up the paint you lay down just soak in the that
& it will come off super easy. You never know you might get hooked like all of us do. :D

I hope you give it a try. In the end it's up to you.
You have lots of resources at your disposal.

[jjwankenobi]

I'll definitely giver 'er a go if I end up duplicating Prime, and you'll be the first I'll PM for advice.

[Nemesis Predaking]

By all means, I'll help you any way I can.