Bee-hold! LEGO Bumblebee takes flight.. again!
RECAP
The past few months , I published a VF-1 Valkyrie creation using LEGO set 31152: Space Astronaut. And due to the phenomenal response, I proceeded to built another VF-1 using set 31129 (video below)
Well, the above didn't get similar support like the first VF-1 I made using set 31152. I told myself to try again using other LEGO sets in the future.
ABOUT LEGO 10338: Bumblebee
As the year is slowly coming to an end, I've decided to focus more on Bumblebee set. So far , 5 custom Transformers had been made using this set, with the most recent one being Scrapper the Excavator (video below)
After Excavator Scrapper was completed and published, I actually planned to build an bigfood/monster truck Transformer using Bumblebee set. However.. I changed my mind and go for VF-1 instead . Why? Keep reading...
ABOUT THIS PROJECT (VF-1 )
VF-1 valkyrie is one of the iconic transforming mech in animes and was featured in Macross/Robotech anime series. And the toy version ended up becoming Jetfirm, a character from G1 Transformers cartoon series as well !
Original VF-1 in the anime was usually shown in white with black stripes (inset).
The reason this project was started is due to the earlier VF-1 I made using LEGO set 31129: Majestic Tiger. This Tiger VF-1 is due to be dismantled for yet another new project, but before that... I must build another VF-1 (aka this project) so that i can snap photos of them side by side first.
If I were to choose my favorite part of the design process... it's probably the translucent windshield with some black rims to replicate the original VF-1 in the anime!
The least favorite part of my design? Hmm.... the stabilizers probably, coz I was left without much wedge parts to build a sleek one.
WITH GUN MOUNTED
WITH WING FOLDED IN
TRANSFORM TO GERWALK
Observe how the pegholes are unfolded out to be connected to form the arms.
GERWALK MODE
TRANSFORM TO BATTROID MODE
Battroid is the official term to describe the bipedal robot mode for VF-1 Valkyrie, something I learned just recently!
Note the exact position where the jet nosecone is connected to the rest of the body.
And finally..... raise the antennas up to complete transformation.
BATTROID MODE
MORE ACTION POSES
HOLDING THE GUN
The shoulder joint is too weak for the arm to hold the gun and aim it forward. To solve this issue, a spur (circled in white) can be unfolded out of the shoulder to rest against the body to provide additional support.
CONFESSION!
As you can see, I tried to replicate the aesthetics to follow the original VF-1 from the anime/toy, and implemented antennas on the mech head and hinged vents on the thighs. They’re stable when left alone. And the head (with retracted antennas) is a snug fit inside the jet mode.
But during transformation, these components might buckle and dislodge, so do be gentle when performing the transformation. Or perhaps you can remove them altogether, especially the vent panels.
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