Energon Ultra Magnus

(Defining a character where there should have been anyway)

Hello All!  Every once in a while I decide to break out my paints.  So, I set my sights on Checkpoint as Ultra Magnus.  I "borrowed" a couple pieces from "Battle in a Box" Armada Magnus (I don't think he minded....).  Below are the fruits of my labor.  I think I did a fairly decent job.  Although you can see some obvious problems (namely some of the lines left over from Checkpoint that will simply not be painted over completely).  But anyway....

I decided that Magnus needed some shiny parts to help him stand out, and not be so bland.  Previous Magnus' always seemed to play second fiddle to Optimus Prime (borrowing his mold).  In fact, Prime was heard saying, "Remember Magnus, much like a bride's maid is to a bride you are never to outshine me.  Is that perfectly clear?"  To which Magnus responded, "......."  Prime didn't bother throwing the bouquet.  So, Magnus decided to extract petty vengeance.  "See how ya like this FATIMUS!"

TruK mode:

I managed to find some clear red paint.  It works very well on Checkpoints orange weapon.

Also, I decide to import Overrun from Armada Magnus.  Magnus MUST have more firepower!

Also, even though Overrun is slightly off center he can be used as a booster and a gun at the same time.

I can't decide if this looks cool or not.  You be the judge.

New edition:  A little more paint.

Single Robot Mode:

I honestly think this is an Easter Egg left over by the designers.  If you flip up Checkpoint's lower torso, you get something that resembles windows for a chest, plus a "grill" in the crotch area.  Why would they add these details if they're not part of the transformation, and not normally seen in any mode?  Answer:  fodder for amateur kit bashers like me! :0)  Another G1 homage....

Let the posing begin!

I used several layers of clear coat for the "windows."  Then I applied a layer of clear blue.  Then another couple of layers of clear.  I was hoping to preserve some of the details inside the windows, but unfortunately, the clear blue was too dark.

We can't forget Overrun, now can we?

Ready for battle!  You can see in this shot that I added some steel paint to the sides of Manus' head to further differentiate him from Prime.

Magnus (duo bot mode):

This isn't yet what makes Magnus, Ultra Magnus.  That will be on page 2 (along with bios).  I colored his shoulder blasters like his old G1 shoulder missiles.  Then, of course there's the chest and arms.  I decided to add some gold as a small nod to his RID self too.

I debated on trying to give Magnus an alternate head in duo-bot mode, but everything I tried looked too big.  However, that problem is solved on page 2.  The steel paint to the sides of Magnus' head is in reminiscence of the pipes on the old G1 larger head.  The eyes stayed yellow because of RID Magnus, and comic book Ultra Magnus.

As requested, here's Magnus with Prowl pants, and a little more paint on the shoulders to accommodate the newly painted exhaust ports from vehicle mode.

All of this for not being thrown the bouquet tsk, tsk, tsk....

And now Page 2!