Beast Machines
Cheetor
(Slight modification)
(Note: right click on any image, then choose view image to see a larger version of each picture.)
Well, this project is more along
the lines of a Lucas brothers slight modification, than the normal repaints
I do. Although it didn't take as
much work as they usually put into a project. Anyway, I made a couple
of changes to the Beast Machines
Cheetor, mostly just flaws that were bugging me slightly.
First, there was the lack of the
nice looking scimitars that he uses on the show. Why they didn't include
these with the toys, I'll never
know, but there you are. Anyway, to fill this gap, I took a spare pair
of
original Optimus Primal swords
and shaved off the top sections.
This gives them the curved look, even if they are a little thinner than the ones from the show. Needless to say after that I painted them gold, (I couldn't quite seem to match Cheetor's yellow color, so I compromised) and filed down the rough edges. I then cut a round section out of the upper part of the blade, finishing the look.
Next I decided to give them the the ability to attach together for the cyber wing, and boomerang modes that Cheetor has used them in. Really simply, I drilled a small hole in the base of each one. (Really small considering the swords size.) Then I inserted a smallish peg into one, that could be fitted into the other to hold them together. This also allowed the flexibility to put it in either mode.
Cyberwing mode
Boomerang mode
Swords
Next, I had bought two Cheetors, one for my collection,
and one for a later repaint, while I do like the figure, the slashing arm
feature bugged me. Not only did it limit the posability of the figure,
(like his skinny legs didn't do that enough.) but it also ruined (in my
opinion) the symmetry of the robot and beast mode shoulders. I almost considered
gluing it in place, but then I came on a better idea. I partially disassembled
both figures, I discovered that an identical screw held both the ball joint
for the normal arm, and held the slashing arm to the body. By removing
this screw, (which took a bit of work with a screw driver that works at
an angle.) I moved one arm from each to the other, so they both have identical
arm types.
Of course, this gives one Cheetor two sparks, and the
other none at all. I don't really care myself, I always considered them
to be just faction symbols anyway, and the other one still has one of those
on
his leg. Well, that's about it until I do an actual repaint,
let me know what you think, or email me with any questions at: triad35@bellsouth.net