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Skimming the search results it looks like the topic's been discussed extensively but I'm not looking to commit thread necromacny...

So I think I like the idea of the Aegis turret - it's not nearly as cool as the FW turret or some of the beefier conversions folks have done, but it's compact size fits the theme of my army which favors light equipment.

My questions stem from my lack of familiarity with the Chimera/Basilisk/Hellhound/deathstrike etc chassis:

1) I want a low-ish mount for the turret but the base Aegis is pretty tall. Just use the top portion of the turret, or find a way to drop the pedestal down into the hull of the base tank?

2) which of the chimera-chassis kits would be the best for the job? e.g. which have appropriate/convertable space in the back and/or turret mountings?

Notes: I'd rather scratch up a few bits from plasticard than spend twice as much for a Basilisk if I can do it with a Chimera IF it won't look like . On the other hand if the Basilisk (for example) is the best fit, and it leaves me with an extra Earthshaker in my bitz box for some later project...

Get a Chimera. I do all my conversions from Chimeras. The kit is flexible, uses the exact same base as all the other armour in the IG range, and it's the cheapest.

You can cleverly cut away part of the top section of the hull, that way you can glue the aegis turret to the bottom of the interior deck. The new chimera (iirc) even has a modelled interior, so it should look pretty sweet as-is. You can then go get some thick plasticard and finish it up. You should be done almost as soon as you've begun!

Defo get the Chimera - it has all the options for a Hydra (except the massive guns of course)

Actually, you don't need to cut anything.

Buy a regular chimera, assemble the two pieces that make up the front of the tank (the lower piece extends back quite a ways). Then assemble the sides and glue them to the main body. Glue in the little 45 degree angle thing at the back.

You will now have a blank chimera chassis that comes with mounting rails (because things like the basilisk slide into said rails). Cut a piece of plasticard that fits in the railings and then do whatever you want on the piece of plasticard, and it will slide right in.

You can see in this picture what I'm talking about



The vehicle in the upper left was destroyed, so I just slid the weapons system off the back and voila, gutted chimera-chassis-based-vehicle. The best part is that I can build a plethora of different gun platforms that can slide in so turning a manticore into a basilisk into a hydra is WAY easier and WAY cheaper than doing it pretty much any other way.

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

@Ailaros: that's pretty sweet. I like your paint scheme too.

Check out my Gallery. http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/images-46-4799_Does%20Size%20Really%20Matter%20%28ig%20Hydra%20Conversion%29%3F.html
Like A-man says, a chimera would work fine. i used the newest Hellhound kits myself.
i purchased bits here and there off of Feebay until i had what i needed.
i used magnets to switch out with a Manticore turret. after seeing the new kits, i only made 1 Manticore!
hope that helps!

so based on Ailaros' and alarmingrick's suggestions I've done my conversion and put up a short how-to with pics here.