Presenting: 1:24 Smokescreen feat. Datsun 280Z Rally

Well, it’s kind of obvious why I would want to own this. Smokescreen was my very first Transformer back in April 1988. Even though I was thrilled to see Smokescreen as the first Binaltech/Alternator released, and he was indeed the one who brought me back into collecting in late 2003, I was a bit disappointed that he wasn’t a Datsun. Oh, he could have been a Nissan 350Z, that would have been the perfect update too. But a Subaru was fine too. Anyway, once I learned that there were actually 1:24 car model kits made from the original Datsun, I started making plans. But it wasn’t until in May 2007 or so that I finally got a kit ordered and started working.

This figure is based on Alternator Ricochet, which I chose because of a lower price, a better head (not a big fan of Alt Smoke's buckethead) and the white thighs which saved me a lot of work. I reshelled it with a Datsun 280Z Rally plastic model kit. However, this figure won't transform since I couldn't cut up the model well enough, so it’s not an Alternator as such. With better tools it should still fit on the original Alternator skeleton for the more talented of you out there (indeed, some have already managed to do this). It was then spray painted and the car parts connected to the skeleton with green stuff.

Features: full posability of arms and legs, original dashboard and steering wheel visible on back, remolded bumper based on Subaru bumper (the model kit has the regular "Bluestreak" style bumper which I wasn't keen on using, so I built a new one).

Detailing: Reprolabels provided the "38" decals and the front bumper sticker, as well as the license plate. He also had Smokescreen's name on a transparent background so I used that for the door. The sponsor decals are from the original set. There were more, but I didn't want it to be too busy.

Snags along the way: minor splintering of the model kit (that thing was fragile like heck), paint bleeding (the front is a bit messy but works nicely with decals on).