This is my 3rd Metroplex made using LEGO sets!
PROLOGUE
LEGO set 10338: Bumblebee was released around middle of 2024, and the retail price was too much for me. However, I planned to buy the set when it goes on sale.
So, finally I snagged the set at 30% few months later, and the first custom Transformer I built using the set was Misfire (video below)
ABOUT METROPLEX
Metroplex is one of the biggest Transformer to come out of G1 Transformers cartoon series in the 1980s. He turned into a mobile battle station and also a base. He usually is accompanied by sixgun.. a Transformer that is formed by Metroplex's weaponry.
As a fan of base mode Transformers especially from G1 era, I actually had built a few Metroplexes, and prior to this one...2 of them using official LEGO sets!
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Sometime back, I discovered a custom-built Autobot City in bright orange color. Well, in the G1 cartoon, Metroplex is part of Autobot City , blended right in. A light bulb kinda lighted up. Looks like LEGO 10338 is up to the task, I thought ! So there!
So... As I was preparing this blog entry, I actually discovered Metroplex retained his original white color in Autobot city. Must be my Mandela Effect all along !
Limited number of rounded pieces makes it a challenge to built faux wheels/tracks/
I usually put aside specialised Technic pieces assuming they will be of little use. Suprisingly this time around, I managed to use them as tracks on the back of the vehicle mode.
TRANSFORM TO BASE
Note the bottom of the 2 halves of the platform. Those rounded pegs to secure this mobile battle station mode.
Part of Sixgun forming the tower for the base mode. Unlike G1 Metroplex , this "tower" would eventually will serve other functions as well in my project.
BASE MODE
I tried to conserve classic yellow LEGO parts for exterior of this creation, and ended up placing non yellow parts in the interior. And since those parts are hinged , I might as well turn it into grapple arms.... a much needed feature in base with repair bay to fix fellow bots.
Show below are DEFCON 0 mode. All is good! No enemies in sight.
DEFCON 5 MODE: WEAPONS DEPLOYED
TRANSFORM TO ROBOT
ROBOT MODE
I think I still have suitable parts left from set 10338 to build the pointy cannons on his shoulders, but I decided to give that a pass. This is because this design will hinder articulations and those pointy cannons might easily popped out too.
Guns are pegged onto the hands via his thumbs with studs. The initial idea would be having them pegged to the side of the forearms instead (notice the studs) . I still preserve this feature though.
The back kibble contains dark gray technic bricks will holes on them. The shoulder guns can be mounted there as well.
ATTACK MODE
Since blocky arms is a feature for Metroplex as they're forming towers in base mode, applying articulations to them is quite a challenge. Note how the blocky shoulder flaps rise up to accomodate arm raising poses.
Note that due to weight ot the guns, aiming the gun straight ahead will be almost an impossible task!
Oppssie... looks like his back kibble accidentally sagged down in the photo above.
HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT
SIXGUN!
In the original G1 Transformers series, Metroplex's six guns merged with one of his tower component to form Sixgun. Here... I sort of "cheated" by only building 4 guns to merge with . Well... what's my justification? The other 2 guns is part of the tower itself!
This is my initial configuration of the merge. Let's call it Mode A
Then I fiddled around and produce Mode B configuration above. Which one is you favorite?
SIXGUN FLIGHT MODE
In the G1 cartoon.... Sixgun did not have any alternate mode other than a robot merged from Metroplex's guns.
However, in the past 10 years...... newer Metroplex toy was released... and soon after... a new Sixgun toy was released separately too. And this time..... he turns into a futuristic space cruiser.
The story didn't just end there.
Years before Hasbro officially produced and endorsed Sixgun's space cruiser mode..... I built my custom LEGO Metroplex and the Sixgun I built turned into a space cruiser mode too! (video below). So I wondered if Hasbro designers actually was inspired by my creations or not.
If only the arms are strong enough.... Sixgun cruiser mode can be picked up and wielded as a shield by Metroplex.
VIDEO!
Building instructions for these two fine specimens is located in rebrickable.com (link below). Support me by making your purchase!
Thank you!
- More free building instructions using LEGO Creator sets
- Buiiding instructions using LEGO set 10338: Bumblebee
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