Project: Monster Mater

[Michael.mt2k]

I really like this Zip Zap!
It's kinda screaming to be "Monsterized" by putting it's body on a ZZ Monster truck chassis.

LINK

What's even better is that I broke down and bought a REAL digital camera, so the pics will be better than previous projects.

I'll pick up the stuff while I'm out today and post the pics when I complete it.

[Namuna]

You might want to call around to some RadioShacks in your area and find out what they've got in stock.

...They've had a bunch of ZZs, ZZ-SEs, ZZ-MTs on clearance for some time AND (ending today) there's an additional 25% off clearance items.

Great opportunity to stock up on the cheap!

[Michael.mt2k]

I am a Radio Shack employee.

I (just now) grabbed a "Mater" ZZ, a "Samson" MT and the rest of the MT accessory packs (1 motor kit and 2 tire/wheel kits) since the Samson and the upgrade kits were deeply clearanced.

To give you an idea, the Samson MT was 8.97 on clearance!

Add my 30% employee discount and we're talking new MT project on the cheap!

The way things are going, this might be among the last of the MT projects like this, at least for me.
We'll worry about that in the future.

For now, I have a project to think about!

It's all OTS (off the shelf) but I plan on replacing the antenna and of course I'll consider a 4-gear crawler mod on something like a tow truck.

We'll see!

[Michael.mt2k]

So I pull down all my ZZ MT stuff and I realized I already have the PERFECT chassis for this project already built!: XL-1 (minus the Lego wheelset)
Please see that thread for specs and chassis pics.

I tried to keep the feel of the original ZZ in that I mismatched the wheels.
The body has plenty of clearance for the additional battery pack as well.

I'm still learning my new camera. Sorry about the quality of the shots.

Monster Mater:

[Namuna]

Man! I LIKE the way that Mater looks on the MT!

...Can't say I much care for the cartoony eyes and mouth though. For myself, I'd have to take the dremel to the grill and paint over the eyes on the windshield.

What digicam do you have? Looks like one of the biggest suggestions I can make off the bat is that you take a step BACK before taking the picture!

Unless your camera has a macro mode, you're in too close on the subject and it can't properly focus before taking the shot.

[Michael.mt2k]

Originally posted by Namuna
Man! I LIKE the way that Mater looks on the MT!

...Can't say I much care for the cartoony eyes and mouth though. For myself, I'd have to take the dremel to the grill and paint over the eyes on the windshield.

What digicam do you have? Looks like one of the biggest suggestions I can make off the bat is that you take a step BACK before taking the picture!

Unless your camera has a macro mode, you're in too close on the subject and it can't properly focus before taking the shot.

Thanks! I don't mind the "cartoony-nes" of it since it's a specialty thing, although buying another to modify isn't a bad idea at all!

Ugh, don't get me started with the camera. I have to find my mini-tripod and I had my finger blocking the flash since it was on.
In other words I need to browse the _MANUAL_!!!

I also noticed that the Mater body has only one working light in the form of the single headlight, although it appears to have a standard lighting board installed.

Since the rear of the truck is so broad and flat, it makes me think that adding say, a set of dual tail lights might be a nice addition to a "de-tooned" modified version.

[Namuna]

If you're looking for a sweet little tripod for your cam, check out the Gorillapod...
http://www.joby.com/index.html

I just received mine yesterday and the thing is SWEET! Highly recommended.

[Michael.mt2k]

I'm going to keep an eye out for the gorillapod. Thanks!!

I also like the idea of doing a makover on the Mater body.
I'll keep one stock of course, but "de-tooned" it could be really be something cool and different.

I already have a name thought up too, but it won't be spoken unless the project comes about.