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I am trying to get focused enough to actually make some progress on my IG but due my circumstances and some other issues I don't get much hobby time and I cannot spray anything that I want to paint.

So in the mean time I am trying to do a few bits and pieces that will go towards fleshing out my army (although I haven't settled on an overall theme yet). I love the Chimera as a model except for the incredibly small turret, so I want to scratch build a larger alternative that fits the overall design. As much as I like the various builds that use the Predator turrret, I want to avoid the SM look and also the hassle/cost of getting them.

As I haven't attempted to get my head around any PC based design programs and my drawing skills leave a lot to be desired, I have stuck with my usual method of hands on trial and error using whatever I have available.

With that in mind I was hoping for some feedback on this very rough turret made using foamboard. After several attempts I am quite happy with the overall shape and size but second (and third etc..) opinions are always welcome and I can use the feedback to improve it. I plan to make the final turret out of plasticard and use more accurate measurements so I can repeat the design.

Sizewise, I agree yours is a lot more believable than the GW version. But the problem with yours is that it overhangs the hull, which looks weird. Possibly a solution would be to copy WW2 Soviet tanks and have a smaller round section that meets the hull, and a larger overhanging section on top of that - in modelling terms, that might be as simple as putting an upside-down round base on the underside of your turret. That will increase the turret height though, so you might need to reduce the height slightly to compensate - a 'too high' turret would look as bad as a 'too low' turret.

Thanks for your reply Clang, I know what you mean about the overhang and it is a result of placing the turret on the existing turrent ring. I have been thinking of mounting it in a central position as it looks more balanced (see pics below).

I planned on making the mounting collar a bit higher to give better clearance or perhaps even creating an inward slope on the lower half but that would make it too much like the Pedator turret (also creates a visible weakpoint in the armour IMO).

The centre mount is definitely better for the size of it.

If I get the chance today I might 'plate' the sides with thin card and make a mock-up of the gun in-situ (or cut apart my one and only proper turret and nick the M-Las from that).

If it still looks too wide or overhangs I can make another one but trim a few millimetres or so off each side.

Well, if the inward armour slope is good enough for marines, I'm sure it's good enough for the IG

I agree the moved turret ring looks better.

The shape is fine.

0.25mm plasticard will give you nice smooth sides and make it easy to stick on some rivets if you want them, or accessories like smoke grenade dischargers.

I did do some more work on the turret yesterday using thin card to plate the sides (smallest size plasticard I have to hand is .75mm) and I scratch built a rough multilaser to help finalise the look. It was a bit too dark to take any decent pics though.

Unfortunately my son was ill today and we had to take him to hospital for tests including a swab for swine flu. He is quite chirpy and they didn't want to admit him until the results come back tomorrow. Hopefully he just has a seasonal virus or the like.

I will post more sometime in the next couple of days if he only has to stay at home on antibiotics.

Managed to take some pics this morning. First pic is with the M-laser and cuppola (sp?) position on the centre line and the the second has them offset. I am leaning in favour of the offset position as it would allow the possibilty of fitting a heavy stubber along side the M-laser instead of on the pintle mount.

Please excuse the crude fit of the gun as it is just a mock up and doesn't have a proper assembly for elevation.

That looks great. The centered position makes a big difference in my opinion.

Looking good.

I prefer the cupola off-centre.

I agree you should put in a co-ax MG. A mantlet to protect the gun mount would also look good.

I hope your son is getting better soon.

Flachzange - Thanks, I am pleased with the balanced look with the turret in that position. I will have to take a couple of shots for the top and rear too.

Kilkrazy - Thankfully my son is doing ok. No word on any results yet but I expect it's a bit early in the day. I will dig out a spare Heavy Stubber and try it out. I think you could be right about a mantlet so I will have a go at making one later.

both my daughters were sick for Halloween. fortunately it was a 48 hr bug. regardless, i hope your son gets to feeling better! and i second (third?) the cuppola suggestion.

Looking good. The offset weapon mount is better in my opinion - mount a small magnet in there and you can swap between stubbers and anything else that takes your fancy. (Hmm, arguably you should magnetise the multilaser too...?)

Just a quick update of sorts. I haven't managed to get anything done today but I hope to have some done for pics tomorrow.

The good news is all my son's tests for MRSA, Swine Flu etc have come back clear so it looks like it's just a seasonal virus or re-occurance of a previous chest problem to blame.

Thanks for all the kind words and also the feedback so far.

looks good so far, definitely a better size than the regular turret.

Not sure I like the idea of having the HS beside the m-laser though - it might look too crowded. I'd say keep the pintle mount.

The only problem with having the HS co-axial is that it has such a long barrel, it will detract from the multi-laser. The purpose of this project was to make things a bit more believable, so think of the size of a co-axial MG on a regular MBT compared to the main gun. Good job on the centre-line turret mount though, it suits the new turret a lot.

Hi all,

Sorry for the lack of updates but things are a bit hectic at home. My son is in hospital as he suffering from a nasty chest infection and possibly something viral on top of that. To add to that, my house is currently in chaos due to an extension being built for him and that will also involve the entire central heating system being replaced in the next two weeks.

If I can't update anything shortly after that I may leave things until I can start a Project Log.

I will still be lurking if I get the chance but I may not be very active (that won't be much of a difference I expect).

Dave

Sorry to hear about your son, I hope he gets better soon. Good luck with things over the next few weeks, hope they work out so you can get back to the hobby.