Customizing
From Transformers Wiki
Customizingis the process of modifying an existing toy to obtain something that can't be bought, to improve something that can, or simply to engage in a refreshing exercise of creativity. Customizing is also frequently used in the toy industry by designers to develop "proof of concept" models to showcase an idea. The termkitbashing,derived from customizers of model kits, is sometimes used.
Customizing may be as simple as repainting a small detail. It may also be quite extensive, resulting in a product that in no way resembles any of its original sources. The derived parts are frequently augmented byscratchbuiltones, and any part from any source, whether it is a Lego brick, a plastic tank tread, or a Barbie doll head, can be part of a customized figure.
Customizing may also be done to create a toy representation of a character without a toy, for exampleGenerationsMetroplexintoMetrotitan.
As the Transformers brand expands, the customs market is becoming increasingly profitable for non-official companies. Searching for "Custom Transformers" oneBaywill produce a variety of fan-created items, some of which have sold for thousands of dollars.Reprolabelshave been around for many years, starting off by selling replica G1 sticker sets. As advanced casting and mold-making technology becomes more readily available, as well as 3D printing services like Shapeways, a number of fans have turned to mass-producing their creations. These range from model kits of theQuintessonsto fully transformable model kits ofWheelieandCyclonusand "upgrade" kits to add extra parts toClassicsCliffjumperandUltra Magnus.As these are not officially licensed Hasbro/Takara product, they are generally beyond the purview of this Wiki, so we'll just leave it at "Yes, we know they exist and yes, they're neat."
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Customizing in official capacities
Customizing is actually used in official capacities.
Mock-ups
At times, Hasbro's design teams resort to customizing to show new possible concepts to their Boss es. Of note, some plannedGeneration 2redecos of theSeekerandSideswipemolds were found as hand-painted mock-ups and put up for sale on eBay. Also, atBotCon 2007,the "Not Gonna Happen" display featured mock-ups of a planned "military vehicles" line, which were actually military vehicle toys or models modified onto variousTransformersparts.[1][2]
Customizing class
Starting withBotCon 2006,Fun Publicationsoffered a customizing class to attendees that allowed them to assemble and paint their own exclusives. This event proved to be very popular, selling out within hours of being announced every year.
Canonizing
- Shattered GlassGalvatronis a redeco ofCybertronEvacwhich transforms into a gray and purple Eurocopter Dauphin rescue helicopter, inspired by a customized toy by Fun Publications'Jesse Wittenrich,who painted a Galvatron using theWar WithinSpringerhe didn't want.
Fiction
The Transformerscartoon
AfterOptimus Primewas captured by theDecepticons,theConstructiconsused his parts to build anAlligaticon.City of Steel
MarvelThe Transformerscomics
Time travellingback to1986,Hot Rod,Kup,andBlurrfound an oldSkywarplying around theArkand resprayed it into aStarscream.Target: 2006
Animatedcartoon
Wheeljackwas constantly making modifications to his65483-2483-321body, to the point wherePerceptorestimated that less than 15.71976% of the original body was left.The AllSpark Almanac II
See also
External links
- Kitbash Clearing House- A collection of links to many Transformers kitbash projects.
- Dave's Guide to Kitbashing- Dave Van Domelen explains the basics.
- TFW2005 Radicons,TFW2005's site whereDon Figueroais known to hang out
- Sector70 - A Kitbashing Resource
References
- ↑BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tourat TFW2005
- ↑BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tourat Seibertron
