Introduction

So the 3rd instalment of Transformers Live Action movie (DOTM: Dark of the Moon )
will premier in about a month's time. So I've decided to "hop on the bandwagon"
and try something related: to create a Transformer with earth mode aesthetics,
and robot mode similar to those from the live action movie. From my observation,
this means:

• Chicken feet - for maximum stability rather than one big toe for each
  foot from the original G1 cartoon.


• Unnecessary transformation sequence to make the robot looks more "busy"
  with shards and parts protruding out like a porcupine.


• Insect-like : I hate insects, so I skipped this one.

Why Ultra Magnus

Seems like I have the knack of justifying my choice of MOC. This is no
exception. Well it all started waaaaay back before Revenge of the Fallen movie
was shown: A "fake"  script "leaked" / circulated over the internet,
mentioned Ultra Magnus, with a few Autobot cars in tow in the final battle.
Anyway, I was kinda dissapointed it never materialize.  Back to the
present,  Sentinel Prime is slated to appear in this upcoming DOTM movie
and his artist rendering does do his justice considering his status in the
Transformer lore (the cape-like kibble and all) . It inspire me to do Ultra
Magnus, with similar cape-like kibble,albeit shorter. 

What "could have been"

During the design, I was forced to drop a few ideas, namely:

• Drones cars carried by his that can transform into his weapon.Scrapped
  because he's already top-heavy and cannot handling anymore weight above the
  torso.


• Magnus Hammer instead of rifle: Scrapped because unable to conceal a
  decent sized hammer underneath his truck/trailer mode.


• Longer cape-kibble for a more regal look: Scrapped because of top-heavy
  concerns.


• Intend to "force" a 3rd base mode for this guy , but the position of
  the ramps are very chaotic and the whole structure not stable.

"Unavoidable" Design flaws

• A few parts touching the ground, causing the vehicle unable to be rolled
  forward and back without scratching the parts underneath (eg. Magnus' chin)


• Weak shoulder joints, rotating his arm for posing must be done "slowly"
  or else the whole shoulder will collapse.


• The truck permanently stuck to the trailer , so making a U-turn will be
  impossible.


• No way the cars can get up to the upper deck without a crane to hoist
  them. Ah well, since Ultra Magnus only carries Autobot cars, these
  "passenger" can climb up by themselves and make themselves comfy.

Ok... enough write ups. Let's get to the photos. Enjoy!

Vehicle Mode

^ This one's for G1-ers: Side
rockets/weapons not forgotten!

^ Concealed cannons inside the cab. All I need is a spring to
make it a mechtech!

Since the minifig can't enter the cab, the best I can do is to
let him hitchhike by literally hitching onto the ladder!

Sacrificing a spot for one car (sorry Bee!), a pair of cannons
can pops out to watch over Magnus' ass eer booty and his "passengers"

Transformation Sequence

Due to the "busy-ness" of the MOC, I've decided to cross-sectionise it and
show only relevant transformation on one side of the limbs. The opposite limbs
will have similar transformations as well.

 'Bot Mode

As you can see, the cab rooftop cannon ends up on the right-hand of Ultra
Magnus.

For even more photos, visit my brickshelf gallery at:

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=474138