1:18th Transformers Devastator: From WIP to completion

[Keenan]

Transformers Devastator: From WIP to completion (Started 2008)....

This is inspired by the 2005 Botcon version- basically the same thing as what I'm doing. When finished he should be over 5 feet tall.

In case you don't know the character . . .

WIP Transformers Devastator pics . . .

Here's a very early WIP of my newest endeavor..

The project still has a LONG way to go, but I felt enough was finished, that it was worth sharing.

 

[Keenan]

Here's a small update. (Met up with DaveAnthony at a local Hobby store, and he helped pick out some bits to start detailing this sucker.)

(Didn't realize this pic turned out so blurry- sorry)

Shot of the back . . .

I replaced the dump with one I could mount more vertical . . .

. . .Again, please keep in mind, this project is a long way from being finished.

 

[Keenan]

I painted the left leg one color so the parts blend better. I also added a back panel, and painted that as well.

I base painted the lower half (I needed to see some color on him)

 

[Keenan]

Also added the upper arms.

 

[Keenan]

Here's a quick pic with the upper body painted . . .

(To the top of the crane, he measures 5'6".)

Here are some more shots- now with both upper ams on, and some minor additions and paint aps (about 4 hours worth of work) . . .

 

[Keenan]

Finished up the lower arms 9:00PM- so these shots were all in the dark basically. Now the only major items missing are the head and hands. I'm going to attempt to get him home over the weekend so I can start painting the details on him.

 

[Keenan]

Here are some more pics. I added extensions on the front of the waist- this allows for "play areas" where figures can be posed.
I also managed to get him home, so I can start painting some more details.
Below: before the tech pieces were added . . .

After (I actually think this looks a lot better in person). . .

Here is a size comparison pic . . .

Here's the new waist section in use. . .

 

[Keenan]

I'm going to have to go to a sports store and check out the kids sized gloves. I think the adult ones would be too large.

Here are some pics of him at home. You can see I shortened the extensions. I'm much happier with this look.

Another shot of Hunter and Taylor with Devastator . . .

 

[Keenan]

Here's an unexpected surprise- I found my kids playing with Devastator. I thought it was really cool.

 

[Keenan]

I added some 1:18th scale ladders to the vehicles, to give both playability and a sense or realism . . .

And here's a VERY early look at the hands . . .

 

[Keenan]

Added more "tech pieces" to cover over some of the open areas on the trucks. Here's a shot from the back...

A close up of the left leg . . .

I also used textured paint to add "dirt" to various areas . . .

Here's a look at the hydraulic system I added to the digger . . .

 

[Keenan]

A few other pics I forgot to add . . .

I have him some added detail to help distract from the stance (also this addition can be seen the the reference picture) . . .

Mid, I tried to add some tech to hide the PVC, but it didn't work. So I added some more bits . . .

Here's a look at the paint aps on the dozer . . .

 

[Keenan]

Got the artists hands in today (these things rock, and allow for total articulation- like an actual human hand) and modded the gloves to fit them. I hope to have them mounted on the custom tomorrow.

Here's a look at more of the paint aps . . .

And one more look at the hydraulics for the digger arm . . .

 

[Keenan]

Added some accessories and Decepticon stickers . . .

 

[Keenan]

I swapped out the vinyl stickers for these silver and black etched ones. I think they're a better overall fit. Plus they're a touch smaller . . .

 

[Keenan]

Here's a look at the unprimed, unpainted head . . .

Yeah, it's wood. Also, it looks better in person (Even my wife commented on that.)
Just primed it.

 

[Keenan]

Here it is painted up . . .

 

[Keenan]

These aren't the final pics. I've got a few things to touch up.

 

[Keenan]

Here are the final pics! Altogether the project took just under five months to complete. I wish I had kept track of the money and time I spent on him. Devastator stands at 5'6" to the top of the crane (5'4" to the top of the head) and he weighs in at 59 pounds.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this custom come to life!

 

[Keenan]

Below: Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes battle in the hand of Devastator!

 

[Keenan]

In April of 2010 we had some severe rain. At the time I had Devastator around the back side of the house, standing at the edge of my kids sand pit- an 11'X11' area of just sand. The rain washed out the sand from under Devastator's right foot and he fell. I didn't realize but the plastic knee joint broke apart. So I moved him under the overhang on the side of the house. Over the next year he slowly began to lean forward- as the knee joint gave out. Finally this past July I addressed the problem and replaced the plastic joint with a metal bracket. Now he stands up straighter than ever!

Here he is with his legs removed.

The old, broken, joint

You can see the new bracket here

I also sanded off the rust and chipped paint

Still need to replace a few parts that had fallen off in the storm, but here he is repainted and ready for another three years outside. :-D

 

[SR_501]

You sir are either the Craziest SOB every or the most awesome!

That is pretty damn awesome!

 

[K-Tiger]

That's pretty damn impressive.



I think he'd look awsome as a rusted hulk, if he were all-metal.

 

[ThunderDan19]

Wow, Keenan! That's a phenominal piece of custom work!

 

[Keenan]

Thanks, gents. I kept forgetting to post this one here.

 

[Meddatron]

Holy cow bro, he is awesome. lots of work, lots of great details. Very ambitious but you certainly nailed it. Love the use of the old Cpu video cards.

 

[G.I.*EDDIE]

thats so flip'n cool...i remember seeing the WIP before, but i never saw the finished product...very cool...i love all the little added details, like ladders and tanks and such...how articulated is he?

man your kids must have a blast with him...i wanted Devy so badly when i little...i woulda died and went to heaven had my dad made this for me...

i have thought of doing this exact same thing many times, but with Bruder construction vehicles...my problem was finding a sutable dump truck to stand in for Long Haul that would mesh well with the style of the Bruder trucks...

 

[Keenan]

Appreciate it. My kids do enjoy it. The arms are articulated like an original SW figure. That's about it. I"m hoping to bring him to Maryland in March for the Slayer Con.
As for parts I got all the trucks from my father, who collects toys also.

 

[K-Tiger]

I wouldn't bother with Bruder seeing how easily aquired both vintage and new Tonka Trucks are.

 

[G.I.*EDDIE]

yeah, but the weight difference would be huge!...plus plastic is much easier to work with...they've also got better details

 

[K-Tiger]

You want some weight to it.

Then again you are a limp-wristed fairy so maybe Bruder is a better option.

 

[Fled74]

Then again you are a limp-wristed fairy so maybe Bruder is a better option.

OH SNAP.

Keenan, that is one of the most epic TF customs I've ever seen.
I thought I was a cool dad until you shared these pics.

Well done, sir. Well done.

 

[Keenan]

Thanks, Fled. And I think any parent that customizes and allows their kids play with their creations is cool. I mean if kids can't enjoy them, what's the point?

 

[fogger1138]

Like others, I remember seeing the WIP back in the day, but the finished product is impressive. Very cool that you store him outside!

 

[Midget]

Looks great man!

 

[G.I.*EDDIE]

Then again you are a limp-wristed fairy so maybe Bruder is a better option.

ehh, gotta deal with the cards life gives you...