Custom MechWarrior model figure

This is the story of a custom MechWarrior model figure.

In the early 1980s Revell offered a series of model kits based on the popular Robotech series. Most of these kits were inspired and manufactured by Japan-based companies. I was given one of these kits ("Nebo") for a birthday present.

A number of years later the kit was still unbuilt and I became very interested in the MechWarrior 2 series of computer games. I was inspired to change my Nebo into something a little bit different....

Structural Changes

Inspection of the model kit parts provided an inspiration: most of the basic leg and arm structures could be retained, but simply rearranged to achieve the new role. The main torso would require the most work, with extensive modification of many of the standard Nebo parts and a lot of epoxy glue to fill in the gaps. I also used a number of model parts from various sources, including a helicopter windshield, a motorcycle air filter housing, and a pair of feet from a Transformers toy.

Weapons

One of the most obvious features of MechWarriors are the weapons, and my model is no exception. The right arm mounts the original Nebo rifle, while the left arm has a twin gun taken from a Transformers toy. A machine gun is mounted on each side of the torso, and rockets from an airplane model are mounted on the shoulders.

Finishing touches

Although it can't be seen here, the cockpit was painted with lots of detail on the console. The model was disassembled, painted on the outside using light gray and olive drab green spray paints, then reassembled. Some WW2 tank decals were used to provide unit markings.

Rear View

I learned a lot from this project and it taught me not to be afraid to build "outside of the box".

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