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I'm assembling my first Predator. I want to set it up with the autocannon and two HB sponsons, however, I also want the ability to switch to lascannons for both the main gun an sponsons. I have magnets, but I was wondering if anyone has figured out a good way to be able to switch out weaponry? GW has done a good job of making it very hard to do.

Also, if you have done it, can you post pics?

Thanks

hmm, i just have two preds that allow me to swap out turrets and sponsons... the 2nd chassis normally rolls as a Rhino, using magnets to hold on to all hatches, so i can switch it all out...if you really want i guess you can magnetize the heck out of the two weapons pulling like 2-4magnets on each weapon half, being careful that they attract and not oppose each other. So that you can just pop the heavy bolter off the sponson attachment and pop on the lascannon...as for the turret...cut and drill out the hinge pins and replace with magnets at hinge points or make a mounting plate to inside of turret and back of weapons to place magnets to swap out the auto cannon and lascannons

I did one for a commission a while back.

I replaced the normal sponsons with Land Raider sponsons, trimmed down to fit the Pred. Has the added bonus of being easier to attach magnets, and is stronger than that ridiculous single peg that the Predator normally has.

Whacked a magnet in the middle of the sponson post, and on the inner side of the sponson weapon, with the inner sides of the weapons trimmed so that the sponson post sits in at the same point where the normal Predator post would have.

For the turret, I took off the curved piece on the weapon that normally fits into the turret, shaved the back of the weapon down flat, and added a magnet. Then added a flat plate inside the turret with another magnet.

I don't have any pics of the actual magnet set up, but the tank looks like this:

That Pred looks great! I'm nowhere near the skill level as you in modeling, but if its been done before I'm sure I'll be able to figure out something.

looks great try gluing a magnet in the turret then one in each gun

I did a magnetized version too. I magnetized a whole bunch of spots on it. All the magnets are internal (can't see them from the outside).

1) The front "bumper" - can attach a dozer or spikes
2) All 4 cornerson the sides - can attach scratch-built extra armor
3) Both side doors - can attach rhinor doors, or sponsons
4) top hatch - can attach rhino hatch or turret ring
5) Top 4 corners - for searchlights, hunter-killer, smoke,etc
6) Back 2 sloping/tops - for same as #5
7) Top 2 front hatches - can swap out weapon mount, closed hatch, open hatch w/marine and extra weapon.

When it came to turret/sponson swaps, I found it easier to just buy the extra bits online (at any one of a bunch of retailers - or ebay), and make those separate. So I have pairs of sponson HB/LC, and 2 turrets (AC/TLC). I also have a whirlwind turret.

All in all, I actually found it to be more trouble than its worth. I think I'd rather trade the time I spent on it, and buy 2 more kits.