MECHS
ONE WEEK OF KITBASHING
Mechs of May:
One Week of Kitbashing
Year: 2019
What is Kitbashing?
Kitbashing is a rapid prototyping technique widely used in concept art and design. By repurposing parts from existing model kits and scraps, designers can quickly explore form language and structural concepts without starting from scratch. This approach allows for the efficient creation of 3D models that embody unique ideas while maintaining visual cohesion.
In the process, individual components are rearranged and combined based on a rough goal or shape. Once assembled, the models are spray-painted—often in gray or another neutral tone—to unify the appearance and emphasize the design’s form and details.
Kitbashing serves as a valuable tool for brainstorming, refining design principles, and visualizing concepts in 3D.
This showcase features four selected mechs from the week, highlighting the versatility and creativity of kitbashing.
Why Use Kitbashing in Concept Design?
- Exploring Form Language: Kitbashing helps refine the shapes, proportions, and relationships between elements, creating a cohesive and functional aesthetic.
- Rapid Iteration: Quickly test ideas without committing to fully developed models, saving time during the design phase.
- Worldbuilding and Storytelling: The models generated through kitbashing often inspire and enrich visual narratives for games, films, and other media.
Breakdown of Designs
Spidercomm: Tree-Climbing Communication Mech
Description
The “Spidercomm” is a manned, unarmed mech designed for seamless mobility through dense foliage, undergrowth, and tree canopies. Inspired by tree-dwelling spiders, it supports advanced communication equipment for remote connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.
Key Features
- Purpose: Lightweight and mobile communication mech.
- Design Inspiration: Tree-climbing spiders for natural maneuverability.
- Functionality: Antenna arrays and modular components for adaptability.
Initial Components
Repurposed model kit parts and household plactic scraps for lightweight legs and durable body.
Assembly
Articulated joints for spider-like movement; hollow dome as cockpit core. Added antenna arrays and exposed wiring for functionality.
Base Painting
After assembly, the model was spray-painted gray to unify the look and accentuate the intricate forms and surface details.
Purpose and Vision
The Spidercomm mech exemplifies the potential of kitbashing in concept design. Its functional form language demonstrates how mobility-focused designs can achieve aesthetic cohesion while addressing real-world challenges like remote communication.
Gallery: Spidercomm in Action
Explore a gallery showcasing the mech in natural environments, emphasizing its tree-climbing capabilities.
Click through the gallery:
Sterntail Explorer
Description
The “SternTail Explorer” is a lightweight aerial scout vessel designed for short-range reconnaissance and exploration. Inspired by the structure of flying insects, its streamlined frame and open cockpit prioritize agility and visibility. This single-pilot craft combines functionality and elegance, ideal for low-altitude aerial navigation and observation missions in densely forested or challenging terrains.
Key Features
- Purpose: Agile and lightweight reconnaissance craft for complex environments.
- Design Inspiration: Modeled after insect anatomy for optimized maneuverability.
- Functionality: Open cockpit for maximum visibility; lightweight frame for enhanced speed
Gallery: The ‘SternTail Explorer’ in Action
Explore the visuals showcasing the flying ship in various settings, highlighting its aerial precision and unique insect-inspired design.
Click through the gallery:
Scout-Flapper
Description
The Scout-Flapper is a nimble aerial reconnaissance mech designed for short-range observation and exploration. Modeled after the fluttering motion of insect wings, its lightweight frame and dynamic stabilizers enable precise movement in dense forest canopies and open terrains. With its naturalistic design, this single-pilot craft excels at silent scouting missions.
Key Features
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- Purpose: Compact, agile flyer for reconnaissance and environmental scanning.
- Design Inspiration: Insect wing motion and organic structures for optimal fluttering movement.
- Functionality: Flexible stabilizers for maneuverability; lightweight body for stealth and speed.
Gallery: The ‘Scout-Flapper’ in Action
See the Scout-Flapper in its element, navigating through lush foliage and showcasing its unique flutter-based design.
Click through the gallery:
STORPY – Short-Range Tactical Operations Mech
The STORPY is a tactical mech designed for rugged terrains and dense forests. Its adaptable frontal mount supports interchangeable tools like branch saws and payloads, making it essential for reconnaissance, cargo transport, and clearing obstacles.enables short-distance hops, while its long legs ensure stability and agility in uneven landscapes. Built for forestry, disaster response, and scouting, the STORPY combines efficiency and precision for any mission.
Key Features
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- Purpose: Tactical mech for rugged environments, tool-based precision, and cargo transport.
- Design Inspiration: Industrial loaders meet the agility of predatory birds.
- Functionality: Interchangeable tools, payload attachment, hopping capability, and terrain-adaptive movement.
Gallery: The ‘STORPY’ in Action
Explore STORPY’s agility and versatility as it navigates rugged terrains with precision.
Click through the gallery:
Workshops and Services
Book me for kitbashing workshops to learn rapid prototyping and concept design hands-on. I’m also available for freelance collaborations to create bespoke concept models and visual assets for your projects.
Liked what you see? Let’s bring your vision to life!
…and thats it for this page.
