Next Project: TFormers S.N.A.K.E.

[amaro]

It's done!
Check it out. I have a ton more pictures on my site.
Follow the link.

http://www.joeamaro.net/SNAKE.html

Plus you can download a desktop of the Cobra/Decepticon logo I made.

What do you think?

[Obiwanjacoby]

:rubbing hands together:

Ooo! This I gotta see!

Sorry, I'm not much of a Gundam builder, but seeing as how the pic looks like it has two "faces", you could check into the Sigma 6 heads and incorporate it as part of the project. That is, if they fit the scale.

Looking forward to seeing it.

-PJ

[Phorpus]

Just out of curiosity, how did Cobra Commander force Megatron into helping him?

And it looks pretty cool, I love watching these customs being created.

[topnotch97]

the closest resemblance i see would be the Zakus

http://www.apc.net/mechworks/galonduty/ff_zaku_front2.jpg

[Shogi]

I'd say use one of the VvV mechs then build Gundam parts on top of that

[amaro]

How did Cobra Commander force Megatron into helping him? In my world...
When Destro found the "alien robots" they were in bad shape. It took him a couple of months to reverse engineer their technology, but when he did he used Aqua Dots based Energon. Which made them easier to control but also made them sick. Cobra Commander has an "antidote" that he promised Megratron he would give him as soon as he helped him Destroy the Joes. But as soon as Megatron is well enough he will have his revenge...


Zakus, that's what I was thinking. The only draw back is that the scale I would need is 1/60 which is expensive. I'm gonna look around.

[amaro]

Work in progress shot 1.

I am still working out the proportions, so I started with the cockpit. That will help determine the size. I think in the end it will stand around 11-12 inches.

I found some parts, but if I really want this to look right I will have to build most of the parts.

So what do think so far?

[tkprime]

If done correctly this could be a great project, I must say that I admire your skill, I can't wait to see how it turns out.

[DESTRO]

I was looking at the parts you could use from other toys. I would look into Zoids and Power Rangers. Both are cheap to pick up and good for what you need.

[Shogi]

Dude! If the rest of the bot is as good as the small part you're holding, that thing is gonna rock!

[amaro]

Thanks!
Zoids is a great idea, especially their add-on packs. I have boxes of stuff that I can use. I'm working on the plans for the arms and legs now.

In the end I hope to have his ams articulated and his legs. Currently the chest lifts up to sit a 25th Cobra figure.

Hopefully over the holidays I will have some time to work on it.

[M.E.A.T. VIPER]

Series 2 Manga Spawn is something you may want to look at for arms and legs. Don't know how large it needs to be but thats what I had in mind at one point. Was gonna keep it simple and just pop off Spawn head under helmet and put on Joes head and still utilize helmet.

[amaro]

Interesting idea.
Great way to make a smaller version!!!

However, I already made the body so a Joe can fit inside. So it will be big 12" tall or so. Not sure if they made Manga Span in the larger scale?

Manga Spawn is very organic which cool. My robot is very angular which I think adds to the fact that it looks "Man-Made" rather superior alien technology. Like Cobra is making a crude version of a Transformer.

Thoughts?

Gota tell you these are great points, it always help to get different feedback and ideas, thanks for the comments. Keep them coming.

[M.E.A.T. VIPER]

Often Target, TRU and Walmart put out the "bargain" toys under an odd name Cool Toys or what have you. You can often find larger scale robots that may have light and sound features also that you mat be able to build around.

[Mindbender M.D.]

Joe, that looks awesome! I cant wait to see some more. Drop me a PM so we can talk when you have time.


-R

[CaptainDinobot]

The guns on thier arms in that picture look like Gundam Heavyarms or MS-07B Gouf Custom could easily supply the right look for that gun.

[Derek2783]

another idea is the super-cheap Gundam knockoffs at Big Lots.

[amaro]

I have been looking in the "Private Label" isles in the stores. I have rummaged through Big Lots as well.
We're on the same page.

The best thing I found for the joints was the Darth Vader Transformer, it's 12" scale with decent articulation. That is what I am using. Plus various parts I have found to glue on as detail.

I'll post some more pictures on Monday, thanks again for all the help!

[Razerwire]

Work in progress shot 1.

I am still working out the proportions, so I started with the cockpit. That will help determine the size. I think in the end it will stand around 11-12 inches.

I found some parts, but if I really want this to look right I will have to build most of the parts.

So what do think so far?That's a pretty solid beginning to the custom.

[amaro]

Here are more pictures.
From these you can see the scale and how a driver fits inside.

I couldn't wait so I started working on the gun for his right arm.

You think I should make a custom driver?
Or should it be the 25th Stinger Driver?

[C.I.A.D.]

Wow man, that looks great so far!

As for the Driver...ANY cobra would look good in there ;)

[sharke]

that looks amazing dude

[amaro]

Over the holiday I was able to work some more on it.
I made plans for the legs and finished the torso and belt.
I am getting close now.

Here is the back and one foot in progress.

[bmc]

wow, can't wait to see this

[Xerofall]

Since you're making these custom... you'll need a custom pilot-driver.

You should repaint a cobra soldier white and add some bits of armor or whatever...

Looks amazing! Good job!

[amaro]

I'm working on the pilot now!

[C.I.A.D.]

Sweet! Can't wait to see him :D

[amaro]

So I finished sculpting the robot last night. Shot him with some primer and will start painting him tonight.

I'll finish up the driver tonight and I'll post picture tomorrow.

So for the logo I went ahead and based it on Josh Blaylock's logo from comic. I redesigned it and incorporated the two logos a little better. I think they look like the belong together more now.

Plus as a treat I PhotoShoped my new logo to match the new G.I. Joe logo and turned it into a desktop.

Once I have the S.N.A.K.E. V2 on my site I'll have the desktop available for download.

Let me know your thoughts.

[G.I.Eddie]

MAN!...the way you're work'n that styrene, makes my custom repaints feel like kindergarten macaroni art...Touché amaro!

[amaro]

It's done!
Check it out. I have a ton more pictures on my site.
Follow the link.

http://www.joeamaro.net/SNAKE.html

Plus you can download a desktop of the Cobra/Decepticon logo I made.

What do you think?

[swafus]

Bbaaaaadd Assssssss!!!!

[tkprime]

HOLY CRAP!!!! I knew you had gold when you first stated you were going to make this, now if you only can make the joe versions and storm shadow version, (any chance you could share your crets with us here on the boards Like a Blueprint on building this monster)?

[shadowdude82]

thats probably among the coolest customwork i`ve ever seen-GREAT WORK.

[ceraurus]

Holy poop, that's awesome!

[G.I.Eddie]

awesome that you made the ladder, it really completes it and gives it more of sense of immense scale...now all you need to do is army build that thing!

[C.I.A.D.]

That right there is friggin' reDONKulous!!!!

Seriously...mail it to me and no one gets banned! :D

[Nemesis_Enforcer]

Awesome job. BTW, is that a flux capacitor on the back of the seat?

[jignacio_2k]

Damn man, just like CIAD said..thats ReDONKulous! Thats some serious custom snake there. WOW!

[sharke]

totally badass dude!!!

[Razerwire]

I think this wins the custom of the year.

[G.I.Eddie]

Awesome job. BTW, is that a flux capacitor on the back of the seat?

GREAT SCOTT!!!

[amaro]

Thanks!
I'm really glad you like it!!!

I have plans for some of the parts. However for most of the main body I do not. When I started I was just eying it, cutting things out and them gluing them on. Later on I realized that it would be better to make patterns in PhotoShop, print them out, and then trace them on the Styrene sheets. Plus in PhotoShop I could kinda work out the angles. They look like the graphic attached, this is for the shoulder pads.

And yes it is a Flux Capacitor!
Glad you caught that.

[flash70]

Very nice work!

A+++

[jjsvipers]

want to make me one $? this is awesome, what comic series is this from?
thanks

[roboticplanet]

just freaking wow! That's very sharp and professional looking. My old SNAKE armor hangs it's head in shame. Now you need to do a blue, red and gray one to complete the set. :D

[Shogi]

This is how cool that custom is. I just logged on and saw that there were pics up for Wild Weasel and Ace! Then I saw your finished pic!.....I still haven't seen WW and Ace :)

That is some amazing work there man!

[C.I.A.D.]

Seriously man, you should mass produce these. I'd buy 2 off of you in a heartbeat!

[amaro]

Thanks for all the comments.

I wish I could mass produce them!
Can you imagine the cost to tool one?
We pay around $10000 for an action figure.

I'm not even sure if I could build another one?

Did you guys like the desktop?
How cool does that logo look all chromed out in the 25th Ann style?

It's from the first series of G.I. Joe vs Transformers by Devils Due.
You can buy it them from their web site:
http://devilsdue.net/

[Blackdragon]

That Snake came out great. I love the detail you put in all your work. Especially with that kickass Castle Grayskull. That thing is insane! I'd love to see you do some Cobra bases or even a Joe pit.

[DESTRO]

Thats killer nice work.....

[sound~wave]

thats so ridiculous, its amazing great job. lol

[xhairs]

man that rocks.

[C.I.A.D.]

I wish I could mass produce them!
Can you imagine the cost to tool one?
We pay around $10000 for an action figure.



So what you're saying is....you'll draw up the plans, 5 of us will invest $2K a piece and we'll sell them, at let's say, $24.99 per unit w/ Figure plus all applicable sales tax?

We'd of course have to get a Tax ID #. That's no problem though.

Sounds like a plan. We can do all 3 different colors, maybe an all black convention exclusive?

....does it sound like I want one? :D

As for the desktop, top notch :cool:

[Hicks_Royel]

Most impressive... The SNAKE certainly needed an upgrade.

[Mech-Viper]

i like to have a couple of them, man that is one hell of a job

[TTT]

That's hella cool, smothered in awesome sauce !

[amaro]

Fellow fans have been asking if I could make them a S.N.A.K.E.
Unfortunately I think it would be too expensive.

So I will try to make plans for the S.N.A.K.E. and post them on my site.
They are going to rough because I'm not like my dad was, an architect. But you can at least print them out trace them on the styrene (or any material) and it will give you base from where to start. It will work like a paper model, have you guys done any of those?

Give me some time, I'll start after the holidays.

[AirborneRigger]

If you don't mind me asking, how much is the cost of materials? Also, where are the best places to get the styrene(Sp)?

Can't wait to get the plans b/c I'm definitely gonna make one!

[Xerofall]

Your work is AMAZING!!!!!

[amaro]

You can buy Styrene at any hobby store that sells model trains.
They come in several thicknesses, I used thicker sheets for parts that need to be sturdy, like the legs and chest. The parts that were rounded, like the should pads I used a thinner sheet. It glues together with Super Glue.

I estimated my cost on materials at $200.00+. But a lot of that was trial and error. So if you stream line it may be less? 3 sheets (8 x 10) of Styrene cost me around $10.00.

I used Tamiya paints, because they are the best. They spray on so thin and smooth. But for a small can it's like $5.00. I used 3 cans to paint it. Plus 2 cans of Tamiya Primer. I highly recommend Tamiya paints plus they come in all sorts of colors.

[C.I.A.D.]

Amaro...can I be your best friend? :D

[AirborneRigger]

You can buy Styrene at any hobby store that sells model trains.
They come in several thicknesses, I used thicker sheets for parts that need to be sturdy, like the legs and chest. The parts that were rounded, like the should pads I used a thinner sheet. It glues together with Super Glue.

I estimated my cost on materials at $200.00+. But a lot of that was trial and error. So if you stream line it may be less? 3 sheets (8 x 10) of Styrene cost me around $10.00.

I used Tamiya paints, because they are the best. They spray on so thin and smooth. But for a small can it's like $5.00. I used 3 cans to paint it. Plus 2 cans of Tamiya Primer. I highly recommend Tamiya paints plus they come in all sorts of colors.

About how many sheets would "streamline" be?

[amaro]

Amaro...can I be your best friend? :D

Are you saying we're not?

[amaro]

About how many sheets would "streamline" be?

not sure?...11 sheets.
Again it will be a trial and error, maybe you can use found parts and save some money?

[DaViper]

wow, there is no words to describe that thing....it's a freakin work of art! I'm assuming this beast is bigger than Masterpiece Optimus Prime!

[G.I.Eddie]

every single time i log on i have to see this awesomeness that i will never ever own...it's worse than everyone rubbing their wave 5 balls in my face...damn you amaro for making something so crazy cool!

[Xerofall]

not sure?...11 sheets.
Again it will be a trial and error, maybe you can use found parts and save some money?


Has anyone seen the Sigma 6 toy called Metal Mayhem?

http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/ProductsByBrand.htm?BR=520&ID=20159

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e213/Surlon/GI%20Joe/82889135c481_main400.jpg

I'm sure you could adapt the SNAKE head onto that somehow and save yourself a lot of fab work. All that would need to happen is a repaint and some stickers.

Now I realize that amaro's SNAKE is wicked cool and has the driver inside and that toy has the figure on the outside, but it could be a jumping off point if someone wants to make their own without fabricating one in it's entirety.

I dunno... where there's a will, there's a way.

[GILTYONE]

That Is Sweet Beyond Sweetness! Lol

[amaro]

Xerofall that's a good idea!
The more parts you can narnie the better, less to make!

--Narnie was coined by Digital Domain. It means to to use parts from one thing to make another. I almost worked on that movie when I was like 18. But I'd have to move to L.A. and I decide to go college instead.

[AirborneRigger]

amaro, any news on the blueprints for your S.N.A.K.E.??

[Shogi]

Has anyone seen the Sigma 6 toy called Metal Mayhem?

http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/ProductsByBrand.htm?BR=520&ID=20159

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e213/Surlon/GI%20Joe/82889135c481_main400.jpg

I'm sure you could adapt the SNAKE head onto that somehow and save yourself a lot of fab work. All that would need to happen is a repaint and some stickers.

Now I realize that amaro's SNAKE is wicked cool and has the driver inside and that toy has the figure on the outside, but it could be a jumping off point if someone wants to make their own without fabricating one in it's entirety.

I dunno... where there's a will, there's a way.


Now if you used it for 3 3/4" figures, the joes could easily sit INSIDE that thing. I may have to find one on clearance and try my hand at it :)

[Xerofall]

^^ It's at Walmart.com for $18.74 with free site to store shipping.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5994932

[jersey alley viper]

with out a thought it is the best custom i have ever seen you sir are a genious if you ever make more i will give you 50 dollars a pcs.no joking i cant belive how hot that custom came out pure art bro my hats off to you

[amaro]

Thanks!
I'll get you guys plans soon.

...And speaking of hats, my wife had this made for me for Christmas, how awesome is that?!

[AirborneRigger]

with out a thought it is the best custom i have ever seen you sir are a genious if you ever make more i will give you 50 dollars a pcs.no joking i cant belive how hot that custom came out pure art bro my hats off to you
I doubt $50 would even cover the cost of parts to build it. Styrene is expensive.

[Tankster]

def. need to bump this!!