Subject: Electronic Blastcharge custom how-to
Date:  Sun, 22 Oct 2000 01:33:47 -0500 (CDT)
From:  samuel-troop@utulsa.edu 
To:  <perceptor@unicron.com

Well, I can't photograph it, but I can tell you how to make an electric blastcharge that you can post to your website, copied from my posts:

Custom figure, Electronic BlastCharge. Total cost: $12. 

Blastcharge is, quite possibly, the biggest sleeper hit of the line, he's an innovative design, has some neat as hell action features, and some of the coolest stylistic vehicle-face designs yet seen in TF. He also has a boon when it ocmes to this custom: His cab is big and hollow.

This is what you need: 
99 cent halloween light-up pendant from Big-lots.
A sharp box knife
Electrical tape, epoxy putty, or superglue
appropriate sized screwdrivers.
A Blastcharge.

The 99 cent pendant I got was in the shape of a skull, with a simple on-off switch. Turn it on, and it lights up, then starts blinking. Perfect for this simple yet cool custom. Open the device up and remove the electronic components carefully to avoid breaking any connections. Then carefully slice out the square battery-holder with the box knife. fit everything back together, and test it. 

Then take apart Blastcharge's cab. Take careful note of the position the spark is in, its not very easy to figure out if you haven't been paying attention (Said from experience).

Alright, BC's cab is internally divided into two compartments, the forward compartment, which houses the spark, and the back compartment, which is empty. First, make a relatively deep groove in the divider's top, this is so you can string the wires easily between the compartments. Glue/tape/epoxy the battery compartment into place in the forward compartment, making sure to prevent it from obstructing the reassembly of the cab. string the electronics through the groove, and now, things get interesting. 

First, you're going to have to get that switch ready. the easiest way to do this is by cutting the grate in the rear compartment's rear, so the switch can point down through it, but not fall. Epoxy/glue/tape into place, careful not to pinch the wiring or obstruct the switch's movement. Carefully nest the light above it, padding with electrical tape or epoxy on the bottom as 
need be. Carefully reassemble the cab, and make sure everything is positioned well, and nothing is obstructed. Now, screw the cab back together... When you flip the switch, the vehicle "eyes' and grill will 
light up in eerie green, and flash.

This successful transplant has me contemplating others. The problem is that the majority of TFs simply don't have the large chunk of space in them the electronics require. Airraptor, might have the potential for a light-up spark, though, and if small enough electronics could be found, they could be theoretically installed in the hind limbs of Mol and Dillo. The drop in prices on both Titan AE and Dinosaur electronic figs might 
result in a nice source for light-up and talking features for tfs. T-Wrecks may have enough empty space in the beasthead to give a nice Dinosaur soundchip and light effect to as well.

-Trent