technabob » van

wicked evolution jr: half van, half monster robot, half-assed transformation

lambert v. — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:48:28 +0000

According to the list of Autobots at Wikipedia there are at least 8 Autobots that transform into vans or SUVs, including the popular ambulance Ratchet and the gutsy Ironhide. Unfortunately 0 out of those 8 Autobots are real (I think). This custom-built 750 lb.RC van – called Wicked Evolution Jr – on the other hand is very real and could pass off as a Mini-Con. Its robot mode however, is… well… see for yourself:

So yeah, it basically sits on its ass, spreads its doors in a weird way and then breathes fire. It’s not much of a transformation, but its just so chunky that the fact that it can even sit up like that is a feat in itself. Plus there’s the fire-breathing bit. Here’s the van in vehicle mode:

Man, that grill is fierce. It’s not that obvious from the pics, but when Wicked Evolution Jr does a wheelie “transforms” via hydraulics and actuators, so it’s not actually as simple as it looks. Here’s the van in action:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

You can actually rent the big little fella for your parties and events, just contact its creator, Skylar, at (570)820-5327 (US number) for more details. Check out Skylar’s website for more pics and info, including the making of the RC van (Skylar’s sketch was real close to the final version), as well as Wicked Evolution Jr’s big daddy, Wicked Evolution, an ambulance-turned-show car.

[via Botropolis]

aperture science van tooling around, scaring the hell out of people [portal]

alisha k. — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:17:13 +0000

Somewhere out there, one dedicated Valve devotee is driving around in a sinister white Aperture Laboratories van, thrilling and terrifying random people. Imagine: you’re just walking your dog, minding your own, and suddenly, this van.

I can’t decide if I would run the hell away or start high-fiving random people. Each reaction is equally likely at seeing an Aperture Science van, especially one that looks so official. Portal: the game that really sticks with you. Or follows you around, watching your every move.

[via Offworld]

super mario is really a plumber, really.

technabob — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:40:34 +0000

I’m not too sure what the trademark police will have to say about this one, but this UK plumbing firm shares more than just a profession with Nintendo’s popular mascot.

I’m not sure if SuperMario Plumbing & Heating thinks they can avoid the wrath of the Big “N” by removing the space from the name, or if the fact that Luigi doesn’t work there is is enough to differentiate them. (Although I do wonder if Princess Peach is their receptionist).

I don’t know about you guys, but if I lived in Edinburgh, I’d definitely want guys who have experience tossing Koopa shells, jumping over flaming barrels, and eating 1-up mushrooms fixing my toilet.

[via Flickr]