I finally got one. Now, how am I going to do this?

[philp]

You may have seen my past posts looking for a Grasshopper model or toy.  Or you may not.

Anyway, when I finally found out that the Hawk kit was called "Pancho" the Grasshopper, instead of "Pedro" the Grasshopper, I finally found some online.
A quick bid on evilbay for $15.01 and several days left so sure I wouldn't get it but, I did.  Described as partially assembled with some glue blobs it still should work for my evil plan. 

Kit made it today and the head and body are glued together and more than a fair share of glue smeared over a large amount of the build.  But wait, the glue comes off pretty easy.  In fact, looks like the build was done with Elmer's white glue and I was able to clean him up and disassemble him with no issues.  One of the hind legs is broken right at the top (the builder tried using tape to hold the bits together, you gotta love it) but that doesn't look too hard to fix.

So, what do I want a Grasshopper model for anyway?

First off, I currently reside in the great State of Utah, land of the Seagull as the State Bird.

Second, I love humor builds and this idea just popped into my head one day many years ago.

Third, I admit, I am a Trekker with STTNG as my favorite version of the series.

Have you figured it out yet...

[philp]

Locust of Borg 

So how many got it right?  Show of hands please.  Hmm, not too many.

Now comes the fun part.  I have just over a month till the US Nats and would love to get this done in time for the Humor Category.

But, other than a red LED in the right eye, I am not sure how much I want to Borgafy it.  Do I replace the rear legs with some hydraulic looking jobs?  Replace the wings with some metal versions?  Just do one of the front legs to include one of those funky grabby, drilly thingies (love the tech terms)?  Maybe the mandibles need some enhancements?

Color scheme is pretty obvious, black.  While the Mormon Cricket (yeah, I know, not even really a grasshopper) comes in many shades and black is one of them.  And the Borg seemed pretty much set on black clothing to go along with their pasty complexions.





Anyone got any suggestions?

<Borg voice on>"We are the Borg, all Seagulls will be assimilated."<Borg voice off>

[The Rat]

This has every indication of becoming a classic in the annals of craziness, hit the bench! 

[Taiidantomcat]

I would say just add armor and lots of obvious tubes and you are on the way 

[frank2056]

Replace the broken leg with one with shiny steel and brass to contrast with the black body. I would paint the whole thing in glossy back, then some of Hawkeye's SnJ polishing powders to give it a metallic sheen. I would leave some body parts in flat black for contrast, though. A red LED would be cool; a red laser would be cooler. Depending on how big the critter is, you could fit a red laser pointer in it. If you go with the laser pointer, let me know - I took apart and remounted 25 laser pointers for a project at my old job.

[philp]

The back legs would be the logical choice (are the Borg logical?) as that would increase the jumping ability.  Wings would also make sense but I kind of like the semi clear kit parts (they will be folded).

Hadn't thought of a laser pointer.  The body is about 6" long so if I found one small enough, it could work.  I am no electrician so anything easier works for me.  Was thinking watch battery for power and long live but I may be able to route the wires through the legs (lots of wires/tubes on the Borg) and put the batteries in the base.

[raafif]

Hmm, souds very interesting ...

I've done several of the old Heller insects & of course that Giant Mantis by AMT -- will add several WarHammer Orcs teasing, taming & riding them to make a dio 

Can you post a pics of the box & wip soon ?

[puddingwrestler]

If you are going with TNG TV borg, then don't go too far. They basically have black suits on, and some facial detail and hand detail. First Contact Borg on the other hand go a lot further. I'd keep it fairly subtle and just have some bionic eye and face detail.
Also; Borg are always more pale than non borg of that species, so the grasshopper needs to be paleand sickly looking.
You will need much guitar string for tubing!
And you might wanna try this out: creating your own air duct tutorial

[noxioux]

Cool idea philip.  You may want to take a drive out by Eureka for some extra inspiration, although I haven't heard if the crickets are very bad this year. For anyone who's seen that, Locust of Borg is pretty darn apt (even though I didn't get it!).

[Scooterman]

What ever you do, make it asymmetrical.  Replace only one back leg.  Perhaps a solar panel-esque wing?  And yes, some sort of those funky grabby, drilly thingies in front. 

Can't wait to see this, dude.  Git'r'done!!

[philp]

Think the back legs would have to go as a pair.  Otherwise he would hop funny with one enhanced leg and one regular.

There will just be one drilly, grabby arm thingy.

[Taiidantomcat]

Make sure you use lots of blacks, off blacks, and dark grays to offset a monochromatic look

[Roger the Cabin Boy]

I am looking forward to seeing this weird hybrid in Phoenix.  And the model too.   

Be certain to include no resin whatsoever, for it shall surely melt in the extreme Venusian/AZ heat.   

[philp]

The way things are going it won't be ready for Phoenix.  Work has been killing me with 12 hour days and I am in on Saturday and debating whether to work tomorrow or not.  Once I can get this project done I am hoping to take a few days off and get some building done but will probably concentrate on trying to finish up some of my started projects to help flesh out the tables.

Played with a laser pointer yesterday and think I will go with the red LED instead.  That way people can at least see the red light on the model without burning out their eyes.  Did like the idea and if I had him mounted in a smoke filled box, the laser would be awesome.

Been toying with base ideas also.  First thought of mounting him on a plant (fake, of course).  Then thought of going with gravel like the picture up above.  But think I will be going with some type of Starship floor as my final choice.  Now gotta see if there are any good Borg floor shots around.

[Roger the Cabin Boy]

  Now gotta see if there are any good Borg floor shots around.

Wasn't it a grille?  Like a metallic squared lattice or something like that?  Or maybe I was thinking of Alien, or the super-realistic Red Dwarf.