Very interesting stuff, buddy! I'm currently working on my first custom combiner (computron), myself. I'm still planning out how to make the connectors.
Good job on Swindle! I like how his colour looks more akin to the Alternator version (yellowish) rather than his G1 version (brownish). Don't get discouraged and keep up the good work.
I've been playing with the idea of a Bruticus, too, and thought of using Universe Onslaught as Onslaught (duh!), Universe Blaster as Blastoff, Blades as Vortex, Dropshot as Brawl, and the upcoming Cross-overs Captain America Hummer as Swindle. But it would be quite a good while before my wallet would let me take on a project
that big!