Farmers’ latest crop — Transformers!
Print Edition
A GROUP of Chinese farmers has been inspired by the “Transformers” films, toys and TV series to build giant robots out of old car parts.
The original toys, a huge hit with children in the 1980s, could be turned from cars into robots and back again and their popularity spawned a hit TV show, and more recently, movies.
In east China’s Shandong Province, the farmers are making a range of towering creations, including some in the red and blue colors of Optimus Prime, leader of the benevolent Autobots. Others are in bright yellow — like the famous Bumblebee character adored by young fans. Some are crafted from the grey metal of the evil Deceptions.
“It’s a personal hobby; I watched the movie and learnt the models online, so I wanted to make it on my own,” said Wang Shizun, one of the group.
“We’ve installed lights in their eyes, and some of their arms and legs can move,” he said.
He and his partner oversee a team of 11 farmers and OFweek, a website covering China’s high-tech industry, said models sell for up to 100,000 yuan (US$16,000) each.
The tallest are 12 meters high, but flight and the ability to convert back into cars remain elusive.
“We’re thinking about making them transform,” Wang said, “but it’s hard to make them transform into cars at this stage.”
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