My weaknesses as a customizer are impatience & impulsivity. When I get an idea, I immediately pursue it even if I lack the necessary parts to accomplish it. I find a substitute and sometimes end up ruining a beloved toy. I also don’t review the idea enough times in my head to ensure that all potential problems, obstacles, & miscalculations are resolved. I learned from these mistakes while remaking Enforcer.

I was very intent on replacing Enforcer’s plastic wheels with rubber wheels. At KB, I found an RC car with similar sized wheels. My instinct told me the wheels weren’t 100% suitable; they were slightly larger. However, I was overzealous on upgrading Enforcer’s wheels so I made the purchase. The entire project failed miserably; it was doomed from the start. I should have listened to my instinct. I felt heartbroken not because of the $20 wasted but because my favorite custom lay in pieces beyond repair. Now it only existed in my memory and in the pictures previously posted in this forum.

Fortunately, I had an unopened Street Fighter Crimson Cruiser. I doubted my ability to make a new Enforcer. But I had to prove it to myself that I could do it again. I had to prove to myself that the first Enforcer wasn’t out of luck but skill.

The rollcage section and net material which holds the gasoline canister are the only parts I didn't remake. They were taken from the original Enforcer.

And with my confidence restored, here is the new and improved Enforcer:

Gasoline storage allows gas canister to fit 100% secure


Gaps on both sides were concealed via plastic fusion, thus vehicle looks more realistic


Cardboard basket holds supplementary supplies such as food and clothing. Metal basket will replace temporary cardboard basket.


Rear wheel suspension is new and thus no longer clashes with custom rear bumper


The rollcage section has been the most challenging and difficult custom piece.

Crowbar storage (made from paperclips)






Many of the upgrades the new Enforcer has were made using pieces from the original.

There are still lots of pending upgrades:
-All-terrain rubber wheels (this time around they’ll be the right circumference, size & fit)
-Rear or side exhaust pipe(s)
-Rear antenna(e)
-Electronic headlights & possible roof lights

Sketches of Breaker:




Breaker is based on the GIJOE Cobra Scorpion vehicle:


Breaker’s purpose is that of a troop/weaponry carrier. Unlike Rage and Enforcer, Breaker’s headlights are non-functional. Nevertheless, the marauders made use of it by driving carving out wooden spears and driving them through the broken headlights.

Breaker has a super long list of pending modifications/upgrades/rectifications:
-Floor panels for driver
-Plastic box will replace cardboard chainsaw storage box
-Rubber wheels will replace plastic wheels
-Paint seat and gunner’s gun
-Add new gasoline canister
-Add makeshift gasoline storage
-Smaller steering wheel; position of steering wheel may slightly change
-More battle damage
-Reduce green areas and brown stripes on hood will be painted over

Like Rage, Breaker also marks the first time I’ll be dyeing plastic. The steering wheel, hood, front bumper, & handheld weapons (stored in the back) will all be dyed.

Some people see their toys as no more than objects; I respect that. For me, toys mean something more especially these post apocalyptic customs. They’re a dream in progress. Let me explain.

1) I’ve written stories based on my ideas but I have always wished being able to draw my ideas on paper. Sure I can take drawing classes but when they are expensive. I can visualize my ideas but unfortunately cannot draw them as they appear in my mind. Customizing has allowed me in some way to manifest those ideas physically.

2) These post apocalyptic vehicles are part of a spin-off stop motion animation series based on The Road Warrior. I want to complete this series within the next 6 years. That will require taking night classes in Photoshop, special effects, stop motion animation, editing, etc. Of course, this won’t be a one-man task.

In the meantime, I am developing as much of the storyline, characters, vehicles, and storyboards as possible. Immense progress is achieved daily. My next step is to master the art of sewing 1:18 scale clothes; my mother will pass her knowledge of sewing to me in the coming weeks.

Great work, my friend: in Mad Max style!

__________________
My collection:

http://www.joedios.com/dioramas/bro...r&imageuser=444

Good stuff. Would like to see your stop-motion project.

Thank you for posting all these in a post as opposed to using up space in the Fotos section. I know, it's a pain, but this way, you can shoot all your angles and we can really see what's up.

They ARE great customs. No doubt. Very nice. I like your Marauders. Seems kinda like how I see the Dreadnoks.