Introduction

Alphaplex is the future incarnation of Metroplex , who suffered 
almost-fatal  damage in one of the massive Decepticon attack. With the help
of advanced Cybertronian technology... he is upgrade to become a massive
spaceship and is bonded with a minion

Duobot, a robot that splits into a tank and an jet plane. No longer the
slow and plodding land-based Autobot , he now travels through space hopping from
one planet to another seeking and wiping out whatever Decepticons he found that
once collectively almost sent him to his doom.

About this project

I can't believe I started this build. Huge LEGOformers tend to be hard to
pose, and this is no exception. But it all started with me trying to utilize big
parts in my inventory, namely the wedges on the front and back of the spaceship.
There's an abundance of grey 1x1 corner tile bricks which I never able to
utilize before.. and now they're applied in full force in this MOC (Cue: observe
both sides of cockpit and robot chest ).

As usual, transformation doesn't require parts to be taken off (except the
optional plugged-in minion tower).

Trivia:

• Due to the fragile nature of the 'bot mode, half the photos snapped with
  him leaning against the wall.


• The minion-as-tower is an afterthought. After viewing the photos of the
  base for  a while... it just felt so incomplete without a tower.
  Luckily no retooling is required to secure the minion/jet plane to form this
  tower.


• The cockpit in the spaceship mode was meant to conceal a cannon or so,
  but I scrapped the idea in favor of a sleeker ramp underneath.


• The dark red stripes running across the side of spaceship mode is to pay
  homage to the original Metroplex.


• This project exhausted almost all my hinge plates. There are 8 black
  ones on the smooth spaceship platform and also 2 white ones on both its
  wings.


• Due to the huge robot kibble + huge shoulder.... the arm articulation
  are limited. He can't spread his arms to the side , and turning his waist
  around is a "chore" as well.


• After the photo reveal of upcoming Metroplex by its official
  manufacturers bout 2 weeks ago., I almost wanted to modify this MOC to
  follow its grey landing strips (with yellow arrows). But I change my mind
  because it's "not my style" at all. 

My "proudest achievements"

• I can't believe I can cram in a grapple arm + a cannon under each
  platform without hindering either one, although I must say I literally have
  to "pry" the grapple arms out using my fingernails from such a packed
  compartment.


• Obscuring the missile racks in the spaceship mode and have them clipped
  securely, too!


• Keeping myself sane.

Some "opps..."

• I broke a balljoint (and severely loosen a few others) during the course
  of construction. That's a bane in making LEGOformers :- you keep
  transforming them again and again in the midsts of building  (to ensure
  everything fits) , and taxing the joints to the max. 


• I updated the right shoulder with a part, but forgotten to apply it to
  the opposing one. If you looked long enuff.. you'll notice this anomaly.

When you're done enjoying all the photos below, visit my blog links below to
view more photos. (and of course... comments are highly appreciated as well!)

• 
  
  
  Complete Photo Sets


• 
  
  
  Photos of Transformation Sequence

^ I must admit I'm very proud of the "sculpting" on the ship's underside
panel.

^ With tank minion split to become a pair of cannons.

^ This is to zap the hell out of any enemies hot on its heels. Otherwise..
its just moonlighting as a pair of antenna.

^ Even with the hinged plate above , the wings still sag slightly. I just
can't win here.

^ Default base mode with grapple arms ready to perform maintenance on
minicars.

 

^ The minion jet plane forming the base tower

^ merging is complete after tank-cum-cannons are plugged on the tower.

^ The "tower" separates into a standalone weapons platform.

' Bot mode!!

^ I just love the versatility of the tank minion.  Now it enhances the
firepower of the bot mode.

^ I can't believe my spouse simply plonked this thingamagic there and I
willingly have them worship it! All hail the pink strawberry!

With big bot comes big strain. Above is what happened when I attempted to
pose him in a certain manner. The waist joint gave up and he bent backwards,
causing the knee joints follow suit.

Ending Notes

Even though I tried hard to handpick the best and most
interesting photos for this mocpages entry, but you just have to look at 'em
all to really appreciate my effort. Click below for more photos =)

http://alanyuppie.blogspot.com/2013/02/lego-alphaplex-neo-metroplex-triple.html