Custom Fortress Maximus

[^o^CORVUS^o^]

Well, I'm in the early stages of getting this thing started. I've ordered most of my paints, glue, styrene and other materials. So, here's a preview of my first custom Transformer!






This version of Fort Max won't be a headmaster since I didn't get Drill Bit when I picked up this used Metroplex. So, I've used an extra G1 Superion Head as the base for Fort's noggin. The additions to the head are a temporary test, made with super-sculpey and fantastic plastic. These will be removed and I'll be using Fixit Sculpt for the actual alterations.


I'm using G1 Battletrap guns for the forearm cannons.


G1 Drag-Strip cannons stand in for Fort's leg-mounted mortars.



I'll be making Fort's rifle from a KO Abominus rifle. His waist-cannons will be made using the guns from an Energon/Universe Windrazor. His shoulder wings/ramps will be made using sheet-styrene, as will the majority of his master-sword.

Anyway, hope you like the sneak-peek. I'll keep posting WIP pics as this custom project unfolds.

[MrBlud]

Looks like a solid start Corvus.

Can't wait to see it finished.

[^o^CORVUS^o^]

Thanks blud!

I'm not too worried about the painting because I've painted quite a few models in my day and know how to do washes and dry-brushing and all of that. The sculpting makes me a little nervous because I want to get it smooth and flat and sharp-looking.

I was hoping the Superion head would work, and it really seems to do the trick after you dremel off the "antennas" and sculpt on the Fort Max style details. And the mini-con pegs really make mounting weapons onto him rather easy.

[Ducktimus]

Very nice. The Superion head works really well. Heck, $25 at the dollar store ($20 for Metro and $5 for a KO Supes) is a pretty good deal for a starting point for a custom like this.


Now all I need is $25. Oh, and some work space. And some "spare time". And for all my modeling supplies not to be buried in storage. So, yeah, take plenty of pics cuz I won't be able to start on my own anytime soon.

[^o^CORVUS^o^]

Aww, I'm sorry Duck, but thanks! I will take plenty of pics.

Actually, I own one of the KO Superion sets, and I found that the Supes head is about 10-15% smaller than the real deal. However, its possible that may vary from KO to KO. I just went ahead and got a spare Supes head from eBay, and it was just $4, which isn't bad at all.

[^o^CORVUS^o^]

Okay, my paints arrived today. Still waiting on the Styrene, Glue, Tools, and Fixit Sculpt.

I've removed the old peg and pin for Metro's head, and prepped a ball-joint from a Xevoz Alpha Ranger. This will serve as a ball-joint for Fort's head, and will allow a full range of movement.

I've already disassembled the parts that needed sanding, and have sanded them. I've also washed the toy to remove any mold release that remains.

Here in about an hour he should be ready for some paint.

[^o^CORVUS^o^]

Most of the painting is now done:









I still have to do the treads on his arms and feet, some dry-brushing, washes, and detail-touches, but the bulk is out of the way. Tomorrow I'll be using the fixit-sculpt to do the permanent alterations to the head, and also to the forearm cannons.

[MrBlud]

That's looking really goo Corvus.

The washes and such should make it look even better.

[^o^CORVUS^o^]

Thanks Blud!

Oh, and because of all the ratcheting joints, he's a BITCH to put back together, particularly the shoulders. *lol*

[Ducktimus]

Lookin' good!


On a side note, I wasn't seriously complaining. My modeling stuff is just on vacation for the time being due to the limited space in our apartment. It's all good.

[^o^CORVUS^o^]

No prob

And now, new pics!























As you can see, the head is complete. For the eyes I mixed the Aluminum-color with some red and orange. For the "horns", Aluminum mixed with the dark blue. I forget most of the real paint names, so bear with me *lol*

Most of the washes and dry-brushing, and detail paints are now done. I still have to do something about the red on the sides of Max's legs, and I think I'm going to go with blue on one side and perhaps red on the other, or maybe blue on both.

I've started work on Max's hand-weapons as well. I drilled out the Abominus rifle so that the Optimal Optimus missile can fit in there. I've also removed most of the barrels from the Streetwise cannon, and will be adding Arcee's weapon-barrels. I'm going to try to incorporate Windrzor's cannons as Max's torso-guns. I also need to start work on the Track sections for the back of his shoulders, and also his God-Sword.

Whew. Still a lot of work ahead. I hope everyone likes what I've done thus far

[Spike]

He does look incredible.

[MrBlud]

Indeed, quite nice.

[^o^CORVUS^o^]

Thank you both

[^o^CORVUS^o^]

The latest:















The torso-cannons and Master-sword are complete. And I've added a visor over Max's eyes. I've started work on the track sections and also the double-laser.

More to come this weekend!