This is a project almost 3 years in the making!
PROLOGUE
I started building my first Optimus Prime using LEGO bricks when I was a child back in the early 1990s. And since then, I've been constantly making newer version of Primes as the years gone by as an adult. To get started, please visit a special blog post I made to commemorate my Prime journey (link below)
Done? (please do!). Great. let's continue.
So, my favorite version of Prime is the Powermaster version, also known as Super Ginrai in Japanese Transformer Super God Masterforce cartoon series.
About 10 years ago, I built one LEGO Powermaster Prime and applied alot of creative license there, leading to over-engineering especially on the trailer-turned-base mode (video below).
And few years ago, I built a custom Optimus Prime design that ended up becoming a product for 3rd party building blocks brand Pangu/Educiro.
I also made a Powermaster trailer for this Prime above but it was unused for the final product above. What a pity.
ABOUT THIS PROJECT / OPTIMUS PRIME VERSION 5
In this version 5 , I have decided to try my best to recreate Powermaster Prime in all his cartoon glory, such as transformation style, where his robot chest is a faux cab windshield. And the trailer that turned into a base with similar cartoon accuracy (but not an exact replica).
Not forgetting, the bloke (Hi-Q) that turns into Powermaster engine block to be attached to Prime's cab grill. This guy was built just last month and the cab front was modified to allow the connection be made. In Japanese Masterforce series... this bloke is called Ginrai.
INTERMISSION: OFFICIAL MPG SUPER GINRAI
About a year ago, announcement of (then) upcoming MPG Super Ginrai caught me by surprise! Many years ago in a poll for a new Masterpiece figure.... Super Ginrai lost to Star Saber, which the latter I eventually built using LEGO as well.
Upon hearing the news above, I was very tempted to quickly complete this project (Powermaster Optimus Prime/Super Ginrai) as well. But my procrastination got the better of me once again!!
Despite being a huge fan of Powermaster Prime, I simply couldn't afford the official toy above. Unless someone would be kind enough to gift me one!! That'll made my year!
BACK TO THIS PROJECT
The release of MPG Super Ginrai did impact my project to some extent. Now I have a new and real toy to compare against with. But I still stand my ground to have certain things my way.
The official MPG version has the chromed stripe lining halfway through at the side of the cab, while my white equivalent goes all the way to the back.
And of course... I still insisted the cab to have 6 wheels instead of just 4 in the original toy.
GUN MOUNTED
With version 4 , the Prime I built that eventually ended up as an actual building block product called Pangu 13014.
A new version deserved a new design even for the legs. Improvement over previous version is not just aesthetics, but more flexible ball joints for the knees.
With my LEGO Optimus Prime from "The Last Knight" movie, which I built about 6 years ago!
With 3rd Party The Last Knight Optimus Prime aka Challenger.
With Takaratomy Masterpiece Hotrod
TRANSFORM!
Note the head antennas are tilted slightly to the front for it to tuck in nicely inside the vehicle mode.
ROBOT MODE
Original Powermaster Prime/Ginrai has blue forearms, and I still prefers red !
Transparent blue curved slope piece was officially available a couple of years ago. I tried to apply them on his chest, but the result was not that good . So I reverted to solid azure color instead.
Matrix of leadership tucked nicely inside his chest.
MORE ACTION POSES
A picture tells a thousand words, so I guess I won't be doing much describing from here onwards!
WITH GUN
With Takaratomy Masterpiece Ironhide
With Takaratomy Masterpiece Grimlock at Studio Series 86 Blurr at the front.
"Stay away from my trailer... you two!!"
I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING!
Yes...... this is not the end. Drop by again a week or so later to see Part 2: Trailer / Super Ginrai mode!
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