COBRA Night Terror

[Lantern_Lad]

So...

I think we're all familiar with the opening to G.I. Joe the 1987 movie... I always wanted the COBRA Ship seen in two short scenes before it's blown to bits by Duke. Here's a reminder of what it looked like.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/ScreenShot2012-07-29at42406PM.png

and...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/ScreenShot2012-07-29at42439PM.png

Well, I decided to make one, using a Avengers Helicarrier and a Skystriker. I'm not one for work-in-progress photos... so I'll start with this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5630.jpg

... and then I'll jump right to the conclusion.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5649.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5648.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5647.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5646.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5645.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5643.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5642.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5641.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5640.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5639.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5637.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5636.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5635.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5632.jpg

But then there's the downside... it looks great... until you add the figures.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5650.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5651.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5652.jpg


So what do you guys/gals think? Lemme know!

[luigi]

let's see a rattler or a fang on there

[Jinx723]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/Custom%20figures/IMG_5651.jpg


I think this is gonna end up AWESOME!!!
I can picture Cobra Commander already,
"Dammit Destro, what are you Hasbro? I want a full size up to scale operating Night Terror! Damn you and your cutbacks, Destro!"

[war009]

sweet

[c_money_collins]

I love that. If the helicarrier looked like that, I would have been on HTS F5ing to get one of those and not Jinx. I'd like to see a Rattler or Trubble Bubbles on it too. The Skystirker wings and figures give us idea of the scale, but it would be super cool to see that.

[Sniper Viper]

That looks really cool. The airship I had in mind would (hopefully) somewhat resemble the rejected concept design (see pic). Would probably add another takeoff/landing deck up top.

[hahoo3]

It looks way better in Black! Nice work, but it is a bit on the small side like everyone's been saying. Would be awesome if they made a 7ft one like the FLAGG! hmmm

[rglass2]

Very nice

[CobraOfficer999]

Holy crud, dude, nice mod.

[Cobraoner]

pretty nice man!!!

[Lantern_Lad]

It looks way better in Black! Nice work, but it is a bit on the small side like everyone's been saying. Would be awesome if they made a 7ft one like the FLAGG! hmmm

That would be awesome! However, I just don't see that happening anytime soon. Plus, the fact that I have a Flagg would make getting another 7ft behemoth impossible. As it is, I have no idea where I'm going to hang this thing!

[ponygt]

Great job on the mod! Your CC looks cool as well and for scale with a wide shot how about the new micro Halo figs?

[Lantern_Lad]

Great job on the mod! Your CC looks cool as well and for scale with a wide shot how about the new micro Halo figs?

Hadn't thought of that... thanks!

[DarkHorse]

Awesome stuff! Looks way better as the Night Terror than it does as the Helicarrier!

[Jacklefttown]

OMG, GREAT WORK! The T-Bag Viper below approves!!!!!

http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy51/emurpus/cobra-drop.gif

.

[shakka85]

Very nicely done! It's too bad that Hasbro didn't make the Helicarrier bigger, but I understand their thinking... Anyway, you've done a great job converting it to the Cobra airship!

-Todd

[Kungfuguy]

Buy 2 of them and glue them together.

[Dolemite]

Sweet, sweet mod!

But I want to know more about your Cobra Commander...obviously that's the V6 HISS CC head, but what did you use to make the rest of him, and would you be willing to take on a commission to make another for me? :)

[Topside]

rock on brother

[Jones boys]

That is awesome!!! So sweet! I would love to know your process. Paint used and technique! Just a great custom!! Please take some pics with a trouble bubble or claw or fang!!! Totally awesome!!!

[Lantern_Lad]

Buy 2 of them and glue them together.

Ah, if only I were made of money and had unlimited display space... and that still doesn't help with the lackluster command module.

Sweet, sweet mod!

But I want to know more about your Cobra Commander...obviously that's the V6 HISS CC head, but what did you use to make the rest of him, and would you be willing to take on a commission to make another for me? :)

Thanks! Cobra Commander is:

Retaliation Zartan hands
ROC Storm Shadow Torso & skirt.
ROC Motor Viper legs.

I actually got the recipe from another tanker. I have NO parts left to make another... but it was a pretty easy figure to make with those parts. Hardest part was the red paint on the inside of the skirt (something that not many customizers have noticed in the source images).

rock on brother

:D

That is awesome!!! So sweet! I would love to know your process. Paint used and technique! Just a great custom!! Please take some pics with a trouble bubble or claw or fang!!! Totally awesome!!!

Process:
Flat Black primer spray paint applied lightly in 2 coats.
Acrylic paint sealer
30th Skystriker wings bolted on.
Lots of stickers :D

Once I have this thing hung in place over my Flagg, I'll hang a Trubble Bubble, couple of Fangs & Claws from it. I think if I keep figures off the deck I can maintain the illusion that it's much bigger.

[Lantern_Lad]

Other photos of the Commander in question:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/IMG_5416.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/IMG_5411.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Lantern_Lad/IMG_5413.jpg

I left a little blue on his legs to give him a little more character... sometimes straight black can be a little too boring.

[IIIzoeIII]

son of a bitch
that is cool

[predator64]

definitely pretty cool im gonna steal this from you i just need cobra stickers

[CG23]

Looks great!

[DARKWIND]

Sweet!
The color change gives it an aggressive feel!!!

[turner]

Great idea! Expensive custom!

[kingross]

My compliments to the chef on this one. What a beautiful custom! The opening to G.I.Joe: the Movie is TIMELESS and always wanted a ship like this. Makes me want to call Heston to order a Helicarrier!

[ziarenek]

The Night Terror looks just too cool! Very clean, very crisp. And your Commander? Take notes Hasbro!

[Lantern_Lad]

Great idea! Expensive custom!

Thank you! It was indeed...

So many people 'elsewhere' have been giving me shit for not buying 2 of them and splicing... or not buying the Super Carrier... Seriously? Do you people have that much money lying around? Are you adopting 37 year old geeks? Are you passing out grants?

[offroadfrenzy]

Love it bro. i really like the color scheme. 2 thumbs up

[Lantern_Lad]

Love it bro. i really like the color scheme. 2 thumbs up

Thanks man...

Shouldn't you be at work? And you still need to stop by the house and pick up your Jinx.

[pig iron grenadier]

That looks so awesome.......Considering the size. Maybe you could make it a trouble bubble/Claw carrier/landing platform. That way you wouldn't have to worry about the size quite as much....


looks spectacular though....

[Dealer Destro]

I think the scale is way off. Your work is good though. I think you did the best with what you had. Still too small IMO.

[Lantern_Lad]

I think the scale is way off. Your work is good though. I think you did the best with what you had. Still too small IMO.

Yep... pretty sure I brought that up in the initial post.

[junkins]

The Hellicarrier is crap. You at least made it look cooler with the black. What kind of paint did you use?

[Lantern_Lad]

The Hellicarrier is crap. You at least made it look cooler with the black. What kind of paint did you use?

Ummm... thanks? Warhammer Flat black primer spray paint. 2 coats.

[VideoViper]

Now all you need at about 12 TF powerglides painted as Rattlers. :^)

Looks good.

[Lantern_Lad]

Now all you need at about 12 TF powerglides painted as Rattlers. :^)

Looks good.

That's one of the best bits of constructive criticism I've heard on this regarding the size yet! LOL.

I may go Powerglide hunting!!!

[iDzBowl]

Once I have this thing hung in place over my Flagg, I'll hang a Trubble Bubble, couple of Fangs & Claws from it. I think if I keep figures off the deck I can maintain the illusion that it's much bigger.

Yeah, just hang it off in the distance like it's coming in towards the Flagg. Have the Trouble Bubbles and Fangs half way inbetween looking like they're coming from it towards the Flagg. It's awesome man, great painting and modding!

[Lantern_Lad]

Yeah, that's the plan... forced perspective can (sometimes) work miracles!

:D

[arthurdent]

A long time back I made this, a GI Joe Landing craft, using the long sturdy cardboard box my weedwhacker came in. The box could also be used to make the airship as well: With the addition of lift fans(maybe surplus mini-vent fans), weapons(a good use of the spring-loaded ROC weapons), and a tower made of foamboard. The top of the box would be more than large enough to place trouble bubbles or a rattler.

[Bernit69]

cool...that would be a great scaled ship if you add those micro vehicles that came out in the 80's.

[kevuno]

Hard core work! Respect!

[Lantern_Lad]

cool...that would be a great scaled ship if you add those micro vehicles that came out in the 80's.

Hard core work! Respect!

Thanks guys! I appreciate the comments!

[The Game]

love it!

[Lantern_Lad]

Thank ye, sir...

[Asphalt]

That came out looking very sharp. Nice work.

[Lantern_Lad]

I appreciate the comment!

[vermillion21]

Awesome job Scott!!!

[Lantern_Lad]

Thanks Derek! It was a fun project! (and due to some store credit, and 2 coupons, the Helicarrier only cost me $11... I saw your other post about the cost and I couldn't agree more)

[fireflyguy]

That looks awesome!

[deadfish]

that is amazing love the black and red. excellent work.

[Lantern_Lad]

Thanks guys!

[GILTYONE]

Wow that is sweet!

[Mr Hebime]

Since when were gi joe vehicles in scale to begin with? You did a great job with this custom. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

[rdodger]

That's a super nice carrier. I want to do the same thing. Go Cobra!

[Malcolm]

Love it, I just wish the original toy, was 30% larger or more.

[Zie]

While it's not the biggest thing out there, it's still a nifty vehicle and it just looks massively better when painted up and covered in decals like this. I'm kinda kickin myself for passing on the Supercarrier (that extra foot of deck does help a little) but the normal carrier will work just as well for Trouble Bubbles or Jet packs or fangs/claws/what have you.

Just curious where you got the decals you used on this thing? I plan to re-purpose one for my own cobra forces eventually and would love to try and do something similar.

[Lantern_Lad]

Wow that is sweet!

Thank you sir!

Since when were gi joe vehicles in scale to begin with? You did a great job with this custom. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

Oh, but everyone so wants to tell me just how disappointing it is in scale. I just got tired of arguing and say 'yep, deal with it'.

Thank you though!

That's a super nice carrier. I want to do the same thing. Go Cobra!

COBRAAAAA! :D

Love it, I just wish the original toy, was 30% larger or more.

Yep.

While it's not the biggest thing out there, it's still a nifty vehicle and it just looks massively better when painted up and covered in decals like this. I'm kinda kickin myself for passing on the Supercarrier (that extra foot of deck does help a little) but the normal carrier will work just as well for Trouble Bubbles or Jet packs or fangs/claws/what have you.

Just curious where you got the decals you used on this thing? I plan to re-purpose one for my own cobra forces eventually and would love to try and do something similar.

The Supercarrier was cool too, but just so expensive.

The decals I had accumulated over the years... some came from Hiss Tanks, some came from the Skystriker.

[Sgt Humpty]

Nice job!

[Lantern_Lad]

Thank you sarge!

[Hedcase]

That is pretty cool, That'll make one more helicarrier I'll have to pick up when they actually hit retail up here. Now if Zellers will just admit they are closing the near by store and clearance their "Sky Fighter's" I'll happily cop your design

[SDawg]

nice paint job but still think its too small

[deadfish]

Amazing work LL!!!

[soundwave84]

that is so very slick! imo anyway,well done!

[SierraSerpent]

Pretty neat! The colors are great!

[C130IM]

This is a good custom! The Helicarrier offers so many options for customs. Cool!

[PA1911]

Awesome Helicarrier mods. The size issues makes me think of the Stone Henge prop in This is Spinal Tap where their design drawing mixed up feet and inches:)

Loved that intro .gif with all the paratroopers, too.

(At what point do you think that trooper realized he'd jumped without his rifle?)

[dman345]

i was thinking.. for size, what about a shell from the defiant crawler? maybe glue 2 of em end to end?

[miscreant]

You've gone a good way to redeeming a pretty awful toy.

[Lifeline_MD]

Very nice!!

[AMF]

imagine seeing this hovering over the pit. awesomeeee work

[ucsf]

Pretty sharp custom, I like the cobra emblem on the rear part.