THE BEGINNING:

The whole idea of Longreach didn't really hit me at first. I suppose it began when I picked up a huge lot of G1 stuff off an auction. There was a near complete Starscream and Thundercracker. Starscream's parts were used to fix up my old Starscream while I was left with a near complete Thundercracker, who I also had anyway. The trouble with Thundercracker though was he was suffering from swinging head syndrome that affects seeker jets from time to time.

So I decided that rather than making some quick money off him that I would repaint him. I'd pretty much just finished my Ultra Magnus repaint project so was looking for another one to start. But what could I do to make this seeker jet different, painting him black as I like to do things wouldn't work because of the black Starscream on the market.

And then it hit me: there were six Decepticon jets. The Autobots needed to counter that. Make him an Autobot!

THE NAME:

It was also around this time that I needed a name for this guy. I decided that as an Australian that Australia would heavily influence the story and construction of Longreach. I spoke to Stephen (Supreme TAAU Overlord hehehe) and many ideas were tossed around from asking on the TAAU Boards to even having it as one of TAAU's monthly competitions. In the end I decided on ‘Longreach’ as it was very symbollic to Australia as the city were QANTAS, Australia's leading airline was founded originally. Plus the name it's self fitted that of a jet type Transformer.

THE FUTURE:

I've had a number of ideas of where to go with Longreach in the future. I am considering a Phase four, what that is I can't tell. Though I have taken the first few steps towards it. (Remember, I do have three targetmaster companions), but for now, i'll continue to work on other repaints.