Hi everyone! This is my take on the temporarily non-canon hawk-like Rahi, the powerful Kahu. Memorably featured in the MNOG, the Kahu was also introduced as the alternate build of the original Nui-Jaga set, though notably the MNOG Kahu featured several color variations from the physical set. I took inspiration from both sources, though more heavily focused on the aspects from the MNOG, such as the yellow talons and beak, translucent green highlights on the wings, and more heavily featured black color scheme. A few years ago, I got a bulk amount of diamond hinge pieces for something like $0.50, and haven’t been sure how to use them. Well, I finally found a use for them in giving this Kahu a feathered look. I was also slightly inspired by how the Native Americans would depict avian creatures, especially the mythical Thunderbird.
Kongu of course features here, as the brave Le-Matoran and leader of the Gukko Bird Force skillfully rode his Kahu into battle during the 2001 story. This design has gear-operated wings, allowing for more posing and strong stability. I used a lot of classic purple, which works very well with the black and various grey shades featured in the model. Hope you like it!
there is so much cool shaping and color blocking ! and the face overall looks very inquisitive / curious , like a bird I guess yeah
really like how it looks with the wings folded and the trans green feathers are so cool and a sweet callback to the animation
really great job capturing the mata nui island feel even with newer pieces
also love the dark green on Matau, I feel like if we got the turaga in metru colors it could add to the mystique of the turaga and why do they know so much (tho probably I would prefer just the brighter colors to be on their metru models)
@Freshbone Welcome! Thank you very much for your kind words. I have more detail on Matau here: Toa Lewa and the People of Le-Koro (3/6) I thought it was important to include his Metru colors in his design, as I did with each of the Turaga.
I’m glad I can still convey the classic feel with newer parts! I do make sure to include as much of the original G1 look in my entire project. You’re the first to comment on the translucent green being from the animation, so good catch! Again, thanks for the positive feedback.
oh sweet , just checked out all of the other ones and yeah I feel adding the metru colors makes them feel way more connected to what comes later (I always saw the change in colors made them unrecognisable)
Also I really like the attention to Lewas more monkey like quality,
I really like to see your take on the classic setting, feels like I get a way to look through someones childhood glasses and get to see the Island as you were growing up !
Makes me really inspired to get my bin out and build some stuff
Im excited to see more stuff ! really curious about how the tarakava and the manas
@Freshbone Glad you like the builds! I did lean into the monkey-ness of Lewa, a design element I think a lot of fans overlook when doing his revamp. I have just barely started the Tarakava, so look for those hopefully in January!
I was about to head to class when I saw this topic, and how could I not comment on the purple birdy? Though I think my favorite part is the head, with the little yellow beak and yellow eyes.
I can’t believe I never commented on this topic! I love the head design, and the feathers look so good, using geometric parts to sell the idea of a biomechanical bird. The rachet joints on the legs are the wrong color, but I wouldn’t blame you because I do the same thing when parts don’t come in the right colors. The talons are very nice too, and I like how you didn’t just use Onua claws as most people do.
In other news, I also should’ve left a comment when this was uploaded. I kinda wish there were more bright colors, but it’s not that bad because it matches the original construction’s feel. I like all the wild feathers; makes it look like a real bird instead of an overly groomed animal. The Kongu build is also fun! I like that it’s an even greater lime presence than the original.
I love this bird! I’m once again amazed at how you managed to carry across so many elements of the original, while also making it look so much better! So impressive!
