| abstract | - Kitbashing involves combining or modifying parts from one or more kits to make a custom model. The term has been extended to apply to models and toys such as Transformers that are not sold as kits. Kitbashing is sometimes called customizing. The purpose of a kitbash is to obtain something that can't be bought, to improve something that can, or simply to engage in a refreshing exercise of creativity. Kitbashing is also frequently used in the toy industry by designers to develop "proof of concept" models to showcase an idea. Kitbashing may be as simple as repainting a small detail. It may also be quite extensive, resulting in a product that in no way resembles any of its original sources. The derived parts are frequently augmented by scratchbuilt ones, and any part from any source, whether it is a Lego brick, a plastic tank tread, or a Barbie doll head, can be part of a kitbash. As the Transformers brand expands, the customs market is becoming increasingly profitable for non-official companies. Reprolabels have been around for many years, starting off by selling replica G1 sticker sets. "Custom Transformers" will always provide a lot of fan-made projects for sale on ebay. Recently customs built from scratch of Cyclonus, Wheelie, and Quintessons have been available for sale from a number of retailers. The company Fans Project have designed upgrade kits for Classics Cliffjumper and Ultra Magnus.
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