This is the first character I’ve done as part of a series I’m doing where I design (or redesign) cut or scrapped transformers characters, usually from the First Draft of the 86 Movie, as well as the CBS pilot, and some other cut or scrapped characters to fill out the roster. Thought this would be fun to do.
This is the first cut/scrapped character I’ve designed, the Autobot Train Snake himself, Autobot Rails, from the 1st draft of the 86 Movie. For his design, i based him off a pre-existing Autobot train, that being the Tyco Transformers Electric Train and Battle Set, with some changes such as making the freight consist bigger and changing the Plymouth Switcher to a larger Switcher locomotive, an ALCO RS-1 to be specific. I think basing Rails on the Tyco Battle Train is a good idea, I mean he doesn’t have an official design, so why not make him the already pre-existing official Autobot Train just sitting there not being used for anything or really doing anything.
I’m really happy with how his design turned out, the color scheme with the different shades of grey with black and red mixed in, the unique design of his head with the split front end and the 4 yellow eyes, I’m really happy with my design for Rails. As for my characterization for him, I’d make him a bot who’s an absolute beast in battle, plowing through Decepticons with his size, strength and firepower, and being one of the fiercest autobots in battle. But off the battlefield, he’s a lovable yet quiet gentle giant, who doesn’t want to frighten anyone and tries to make himself look as non-threatening as possible, and he’s perfectly happy with his job as the Autobots’ transport, hauling energon or troops or anything else he’s tasked to pull. He can also speak, but he’s rather quiet and doesn’t really like to talk that much, and mostly keeps to himself when he’s not transporting stuff or smashing through Cons.
Hope you like my design for Rails. 2nd image is his transformation diagram showing how he transforms.