[2 / 0 / ?]
Quoted By:
AUTO-BOTS
Inspired by Transformers, Chinese farmers use car parts to make their own models
TRANSFORMING JUNK: Some of the robots are crafted from the grey metal of the evil Decepticons while others are in the red and blue colours of Optimus Prime, the leader of the benevolent Autobots.
A group of farmers in rural China has brought to life the Transformers films, toys and TV series. They have built giant robots out of old car parts.
The original toys, which were a huge hit with children in the 1980s, could be turned from cars into robots and back again.
Their popularity spawned a hit television show and a movie franchise.
In the eastern province of Shandong, they have inspired a range of towering creations, including some in the red and blue colours of Optimus Prime, the leader of the benevolent Autobots.
Other are in bright yellow, like the famous Bumblebee character adored by young fans.
Some of the robots are crafted from the grey metal of the evil Decepticons.
Mr Wang Shizun, one of the farmers, told AFP by phone yesterday: "I watched the movie and learnt (how to make) the models online. So I wanted to make it on my own.
"We've installed lights in their eyes and some of their arms and legs can move."
The tallest of creations are 12m high, but flight and the ability to convert themselves back into cars remain elusive.
Mr Wang and his partner have a staff of 11 farmers, reports said, and OFweek, a website covering China's high-tech industry, said the models fetch from 10,000 to 100,000 yuan apiece.
NOT AT THIS STAGE
Said Mr Wang: "We're thinking about making them transform, but it's hard to make transform into cars at this stage".
The group has also made other models which seem to take inspiration from various movies and characters, including Aliens, Predator and Star Wars' C-3PO.
The makers have exercised creative licence, adding their own designs or traditional Chinese elements such as masks.
Inspired by Transformers, Chinese farmers use car parts to make their own models
TRANSFORMING JUNK: Some of the robots are crafted from the grey metal of the evil Decepticons while others are in the red and blue colours of Optimus Prime, the leader of the benevolent Autobots.
A group of farmers in rural China has brought to life the Transformers films, toys and TV series. They have built giant robots out of old car parts.
The original toys, which were a huge hit with children in the 1980s, could be turned from cars into robots and back again.
Their popularity spawned a hit television show and a movie franchise.
In the eastern province of Shandong, they have inspired a range of towering creations, including some in the red and blue colours of Optimus Prime, the leader of the benevolent Autobots.
Other are in bright yellow, like the famous Bumblebee character adored by young fans.
Some of the robots are crafted from the grey metal of the evil Decepticons.
Mr Wang Shizun, one of the farmers, told AFP by phone yesterday: "I watched the movie and learnt (how to make) the models online. So I wanted to make it on my own.
"We've installed lights in their eyes and some of their arms and legs can move."
The tallest of creations are 12m high, but flight and the ability to convert themselves back into cars remain elusive.
Mr Wang and his partner have a staff of 11 farmers, reports said, and OFweek, a website covering China's high-tech industry, said the models fetch from 10,000 to 100,000 yuan apiece.
NOT AT THIS STAGE
Said Mr Wang: "We're thinking about making them transform, but it's hard to make transform into cars at this stage".
The group has also made other models which seem to take inspiration from various movies and characters, including Aliens, Predator and Star Wars' C-3PO.
The makers have exercised creative licence, adding their own designs or traditional Chinese elements such as masks.
