Transformers has been a long time favorite franchise of mine. It was one of the main inspirations that led me to Mechanical Engineering. Today, I like to spend time in my free time modifying existing figures and designing my own. These particular projects have challanged my CAD skills by forcing me to explore ways to create unique geometries, and sometimes even how to design full transforming assemblies.

Optimus Prime Upgrade Parts (2007 Movie Version)

Hasbro's latest attempt at the version of Optimus Prime from the Michael Bay movies was not my favorite. The figure was small, truck mode looked awful and the transformation used a lot of fake parts, which I find terribly dissatisfying. I thought I could make this figure more my pace by designing parts to make the figure much more accurate to the CGI model, in exchange for dropping a trasnformation I already found to be poorly executed.

This figure was an interesting modeling experience because it forced me to be extra creative with my details and modelting techniques, due to movie designs having more intricate details and complex shapes.

Paint pending, I am happy with how this figure came out, as I think it really transforms this mediocre toy into a fun action figure.

Optimus Prime (2007) PHOTOS

IDW Wheeljack

My first fully transforming figure, IDW Wheeljack was a figure long time on my checklist. Originally, I intended for it to be an upgrade kit for an existing Wheeljack figure, however, I ended up replacing 90% of the parts, and decided to send it the remaining 10%.

Aside from being my first fully transforming 3D printed figure, the project provided a lot of experience for designing moving parts and how to account for the different dynamic movements of each piece.

IDW WHeeljack Photos

Custom g1 SOundwave

Soundwave is one of the most formidable bot on the Decepticon roster. But his alternative mode of a cassette player doesn't convey how serious of a threat he truly is. I always found an SUV to be a more appropriate alternative mode for him, as it perfectly encapsulated the more brutal vibe I wanted from the character. I repurposed an old military based transformer and designed an additonal transforming assembley to make the figure's cab resemble a full sized SUV, while compacting nicely in robot mode.

This was my first time incorporating an additional transforming component to a project, which took a lot of trial and error to iron out the tolerences.

Soundwave photos

IDW BLURR Kitbash

The IDW comic series is one of my favorite interpretations of the Transformers mythos. One of the amazing heros that spawned from this universe, is the speedster Blurr, who sacificed his life to evacuate innocent bots from world ending disasters. As a tribute, I recycled parts from a few old Gundam model kits, and included some 3D printed parts to tie the whole figure together

IDW Blurr PHOTOS

g1 Barricade mustang

"To punish and enslave" is the motto the Decepticop Barricade follows. In the 2007 Michael Bay movie, he turns into a Saleen Mustang, a fittingly menacing alt mode for the character. In order to replicate that look, I designed a custom bumper, lightbar and head to fit onto a pre existing figure. I finalized the custom with paint and stickers, creating my ideal representation of the villain.

Barricade photos

Rid2001 Sideburn Alt Mode Upgrade

RiD 2001 is a slept on chapter in the franchise's history, however one that is beloved within the community, One of the standouts of the show was the hero Sideburn, who turned into a stunning Dodge Viper. When fans heard the figure was recieving an update over 20 years later, they screamed in joy. When they found out the iconic altmode would not be featured, they screamed equally as loud in agony. I created a conversion kit that replaces parts of the vehicle shell so that it more closely resembles a Dodge Viper from the era.

This project was a unique experience due to the heavy demand for this kit by the Transformers community. I initially had planned to drop this idea, but after insistance and feedback from the community, I had decided to see the idea through, implementing ideas and improvements from forum users online. To this day, it is one of my more popular kits for sale.