Tags: Custom Figure Reviews, Custom Transformers, Custom Transformers Action Figures, Fortress Maximus, G1, Generation 1, Transformers

When the Cybertron Metoplex hit stores, this gave Transformers customizers a reason to create on the largest Generation 1 Transformers: Fortress Maximus. Being that this is Corvus’ first custom, I am simply amazed at his work and his craftsmanship. Using the Cybertron Metroplex as a base, Corvus not only made a Fortress Maximus in robot mode, he took it to the next level and created the Base Mode!Background and Concept
The conception of Corvus’ Fortress Maximus began when he admired the work of others who had tackled the giant beast of a Transformers. As he explains, “This custom/kitbash was one I had really wanted to do since I first saw it done on the Japanese boards, and another by Viagra Prime: Cybertron Metoplex into Fortress Maximus. I let the desire simmer for a couple of years, and when Cybertron Metroplex recently hit Dollar General stores at $19.99, I decided the time was now, and soon I’d gotten started on my first custom Transformer.” What a great story!

From Concept to Reality
It is one thing to have a vision but actually making that dream into a reality takes a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and imagination. Having a great base to start with, Corvus also used many other parts from various toy lines to make this Fortress Maximus come to fruition. Here is a list of what he used to create this bohemoth:

• Superion Head as the base for Max’s head
• Ball-joint for the neck courtesy of a Xevoz Alpha Centurion
• G1 Battletrap guns for the forearm cannons
• G1 Drag-Strip cannons stand in for Fort’s leg-mounted mortars
• The Rifle is made from a KO Abominus rifle and an Optimal Optimus Missile
• Waist-cannons were made using the guns from an Energon/Universe Windrazor
• Dual-barrel Laser Gun was made from a G1 Streetwise cannon and parts of Energon Arcee’s weapon
• Some mini-con ports from Energon Perceptor were also incorporated
• Rifle-scope is made partly from an old, empty technical pen, and even a few pieces of a toothpick and twisty-ties
• Left-over sticker sheet materials from the sheets for God-Ginrai and Optimus Prime
• Junk parts he had kept around from old models, GI Joe toys, and even model sprue, which he used to make various items, especially the repair arms
• He even made use of Marvel-Legends blister-plastic, and an old G1 Tech-Specs decoder

The Ingredients
Creativity is what makes this Fortress Maximus so special and no, Corvus did not use sugar or flour to create this custom. Corvus made extensive use of sheet, tube, and rod styrene, as well as Aves Fixit Sculpt for the alterations and original parts. Here is an example of how he made the autobot symbol on the tower in base mode:

“I made the autobot symbol on the tower by printing out a copy of the insignia, gluing it to a sheet of styrene with rubber cement, then carefully cutting out each piece with my x-acto knife. Once the cutting was done, I soaked the pieces in water to remove the cardstock and cement. Then I glued the pieces onto another sheet of styrene.”

Behold: Fortress Maximus by Corvus
Mix around 50 hours of work, a bunch of parts from various toy lines, a ton of imagination, natural skill and craftsmanship, and you have a recipe you have the masterpiece that is Fortress Maximus! Corvus also runs a website and a board called CorvusChatter so go over and check out his other talents from this burgeoning customizer and artist. Corvus has a bright future in customization as his first attempt scores a 9.5 out of 10 in my book! For now check out some more pictures of his Custom Fortress Maximus.

Robot Mode

Base Mode