UPDATE, Sept. 24th, 2012
The kit is done and available on Shapeways for order!!!
http://www.shapeways.com/model/68162...-kit-v2-1.html
Here are some pictures:
As you can see I've also finished my Hercules kit, more info in another thread...
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Old info:
Okay--didn't know whether to put this under "Scratchbuilds" or "Minor Mods"...from a work standpoint this project was pretty hefty but the end result is pretty minor so...minor mods it is.
For those interested in a detailed, step-by-step account of how I did this project--read along. For everyone else, just skip to the pics below.
The Story:
Unlike many in the fandom, I loved the CrazyDevy kit for Devastator (especially the thighs), so when they started on Predaking I purchased every single over-priced and potentially toy-damaging part. That silhouette was just too epic to not get on board early, wallet be damned.
And I waited for the thighs.
And waited.
And waited.
And then I start seeing Hercules upgrades...hmm...will Predaking ever be finished?
WTF, no upgraded thighs CrazyDevy? No leg rotation? No improved height and stance? Sheesh!
So I made some myself!!!!
The Design:
I decided to do my first Shapeways project. As I knew this was going to pricey, I wanted to do as much design in advance.
First, I started with some concept sketches:
Next, I did a very rough mockup in Lego. The big thing I wanted to make sure is that I wasn't going to make any huge mistakes...this way, I could prove the design would at least work in theory:
With the lego mockup looking good, I started doing the CAD design...but my wife said "Sheesh, his waist it too short". And you know what, I agreed. I thought "There's no way Crazydevy is going to do a waist, so I'll do that and at least be somewhat novel should they every make some thighs".
SO...Back to the sketchboard:
After taking Razorclaw apart, I realized it wasn't as simple as just sliding a piece in there...I needed to somehow keep the ratcheting mechaism. I designed a plunger that would activate the spring and still put pressure on the ratchet, while also locking to the top half.
Something I was aiming for was no screws...I'm not as familiar with how tapping screws work with Shapeways resins, so I decided to do friction fits instead.
As one last check, I did a digital mockup using CAD and pictures...
After much computer time, I uploaded the parts to Shapeways:
Coming up next: The parts arrive and I assemble the beast!!!