Transformer statue almost complete

By Bo Ford

It has been almost two year since the statue of Optimus Prime was started, but now with the structure standing at 11 feet, it only needs a few more finishing touches.

Chris Ruprecht, started the project as a Halloween costume and he quickly turned it into a process which has taken him about two years to complete.

What started out as a cardboard costume has turned into an 11-foot wooden metal transforming Transformer, and now is about 75 per cent finished.

The Prime statue is as realistic as you can find anywhere. Ruprecht said he has seen a few others but none as realistic as his.

“The arms are fully functional. He has blue LED lights for his eyes, he actually transformers into a semi truck.”

Prime is known as the leader of the Autobots in the franchise series Transformers. He is depicted as a brave powerful, wise and compassionate leader, using his talent to improve the universe.

Ruprecht said he wanted it to be as close to the real thing as he could get it. As for its value Ruprecht said it will have some value for the right person.

“For the right person it will have value, to me I know how much money I put into it and my time.”

The 31-year-old grew up with Transformers and was always into building things, and it sparked his interest to build Prime.

“Every kid likes a car or truck, and this was like a puzzle. I figured why not build a big puzzle for myself, I liked to be challenged,” said Ruprecht.

Ruprecht said he only used a limited amount of tools, drill press, handsaw, jigsaw and a vice. With Prime almost finished his plan is to build another Transformer.

“I’m not sure which one, but it’s all going to be scaled to the size of Prime, compared to the other characters.”

Ruptecht one day plans to show his collection of statues to the public but until then he hopes to rent them out to people.

“I’d like to rent them out to kids parties, or charities or something like that.”