Seeing the 25th Vamp made me want to customize one into a Mark II. Thanks to Mysterious Stranger's advice on disassembly, the MkII began. Taking one apart is not a big deal. Where the "fun" came in is in the taping/masking.

Please note that no missile launcher is shown. I'm currently working on modding the gun into a 4 slot missile launcher. Super Glue is my friend.

Comments? Critiques?

_________________________________________

New Pics added:

The launcher has not turned out exactly like I wanted. I will be removing it, stripping the paint off and repainting. In talking with a couple of other customizers, I did not let the primer dry completely and that is causing the crackle look. But anyhow, enjoy the pics and let me know what you think! Jimmyboy

_________________

Lookin great JB.
I love that you went with the light tan Mail away color here. It really stands out and would look good next to the tan desert Awe. Can't wait to see this finished.

_________________

That's a good start. If Hasbro had released this I probably would have expected them to update the roof with something that actually opens and closes. Cna't wait to see what you do for the missile launcher.

_________________

I like the look of this. The body color is a great choice.

_________________

Man, that looks really, REALLY sharp. I love the look of the Vamp, even without weapons on the back, and that color rocks my socks off. I am, of course, excited to see what you do for the launcher though. You gonna dust up Clutch?

_________________

That looks great. If it were a production piece, it'd be mine. Any plans for a custom Clutch to go with it?

_________________

Nice start. The paint looks very crisp and it definitely has a "meatier" feel to it. My nit-pick is over the decals on the rear brake lights, are they curled a bit, or is that just a photo thing.

_________________

There are no decals on the brake lights. They are clear plastic with the red painted on the inside. Since they are superglued to the body when you pry them off to paint it the plastic can get stressed. What you're seeing are stressmarks from the removal process. I had the exact same thing happen to mine when I took it apart. Luckily though I'm painting my VAMP white so the stressmarks won't stick out (hopefully)

My opinion? WIN! I like how the roof and doors look here. The paint is good. Not sure how you pulled off painting the wheels and not getting much overspray on the tires since they are one piece but they look good. Can't wait to see it finished.

Glad I could be of help in the disassembly department.

_________________

very cool. I like how clean it looks, though I think it would look equally cool with a weathering to look like Clutch just took it mudding.

It definitely looks production JB. Where do we place our orders?

_________________

Bangin man, totally bangin. Cant wait to see your modded missle launcher.
now I kinda wish I had picked up that one I called you about that day. :p

_________________

hmm, are you updating the old missile pod to fit the gun mount or scratchbuilding?
either way, looks to be a good start.

_________________

Regarding the missile launcher: I am taking the gun off the 25th vamp and since it is a square boxy shape, modding it and scratchbuilding two other "launch bays" on to the gun to make the 4 bay launcher. Trying to make it fairly true to the original but it is a pain in the rear. My goal is to have it finished and pics up by or just after the weekend.

Regarding the spraying of the wheels: I used the famous blue painters tape. Wrapped the tire itself, then began putting lots of 1/4 inch or smaller pieces all around the wheel to make the round shape and mask it off. Then spray painted.

_________________

Wow...I'm gonna sound like a broken record here, but LOVE that color. That with the roof and doors make it seem bigger and tougher. Great mods!. Excellent job painting and can't wait to see the modded launcher!

_________________

New pics added to first post

Launcher paint job is giving me fits, but eventually I'll get it right

_________________

once the "putty dries", and give it another good sanding and repaint, that thing will be sweet.

_________________