Mythos' digital modeling shack (update 6/30/11).... Half-tracked Chimera Kit (pg4)

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**aka_mythos**

After some apparent success with some retro MKI rhino bits and some Predator front panels I did on comission, I've been asked to develope some concepts for some vehicle upgrades for Imperial Guard vehicles. http://www.dakkadakka.com/s/i/at/at2/2010/1/17/e1a33e2697d47769dc1dade7d9a15d5e_10273.jpg

http://www.dakkadakka.com/s/i/at/at2/2010/1/17/6873ddc525459d2ad097112ab80137e1_10273.jpg

I've seen on many occaisons people attempt conversions on chimeras to transform them into more of an armored fighting vehicle or armored car. This concept play heavily off of that.

This is my "High Mobility Chimera." Used by some of the heavier elements of the Elysian armies, the High Mobility Chimera can be flown in by heavy lift transports and deployed in staging areas. Once there it provides the additional support needed for protracted combat, garrison duty, and patrol.

The design will utilize the primary hull and turret of the (new chimera) while replacing the track assembly. The wheels styled similarly to the Tauros Ventus' wheels. The armor panels will be similar in detail to the pontoon armor on the outside of the track assembly. The bumper will likely have the addition of headlights to give it a more utility appearance. The front wheels will be mounted on joint so that they can be assembled at angles to make it appear to be turning. The view port will provide the driver with a larger more panoramic view. The part break down will be:

+Left Side
+Right Side
+Single wheel (left x3 and right x3)
+Driver Viewport
+Bumper

Some additonal bits maybe an alternate turret that makes the vehicle more "light weight" by replacing the heavy manned turret with a remote gun. It'd look similar to the Razorback's turret but with a prominent view port and mount a single "sentinel" style weapon.

This is a month or two off while I finish comissions on some combi-weapons and drop pod bits. I'm just trying to test waters and see if this is a worthwhile concept to pursue. I would appreciate any feed back, comments, and constructive criticism.

Thank you.

Update:
This is the first tire... its just over an inch in diameter.

Update:
Here's an update:

Just to let you guys know its still happening. Yellow is the pre-existing hull section.

**Malika2**

Ah, you've been watching Aliens haven't you?

Cool! So far so good man...curious to see where this is heading...

**murdog**

Looks cool, I'm attempting something similar. What are you going to use for wheels?

**aka_mythos**

I guess I didn't make it clear. This is going to be digitally modeled and printed as solid objects utilizing a 3D printer to produce the master. The 3D printer uses wax or plastic depending on the requirements on the master. The master can then be used to make resin castings. If this concept generates enough interest it will be available for purchase.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Malika2 wrote:Ah, you've been watching Aliens haven't you? Cool! So far so good man...curious to see where this is heading...

Yes and no. Aliens has a special place in my heart... so its influences were more subconcious. Now that you say it, that might be a fun way of approaching the turret.

Its my intention to design this to give chimeras a more realistic look while conveying a rapid deployment aesthetic. The biggest real world influences are the Stryker, Terrex, and other APC's (like M577).

http://weblogs.dailypress.com/news/local/military/blog/stryker_6.jpg
http://www.one35th.com/terrex/yavuz_01s.jpg
http://www.army-technology.com/contractor_images/timoney/terrex_infantry_fighting_vehicle_3.jpg
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/gpv/gpv1.html
http://www.automopedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/aliens-apc.jpg

**The Good Green**

Would there be any accompanying units? That is, is this going to be a dedicated transport or purely a support vehicle? Keep going!

**Malika2**

Are you planning on casting and selling the miniature yourself? You might want to check the TFM forums (see my sig) for advice on that, Ed (the guy running the show) is a very skilled caster.

**aka_mythos**

Well this is likely a commission from Chapterhouse. This is part of the project proposal process I have with them.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

The Good Green wrote:Would there be any accompanying units? That is, is this going to be a dedicated transport or purely a support vehicle? Keep going!

Its a Chimera... well rather it can work with any Chimera based kit. Wheeled hellhounds or wheeled basilisks become a reality.

Automatically Appended Next Post:
This is what I'm currently working on. This should give a better idea of how I'm starting:

**Heliodore**

I know some IG players who would love to change up their Chimeras. I think it fits in well with the spirit of the Elysians, and this looks to be a more intensive kit than either the mki rhino and pred armor kit you did. How much would Chapter House sell this kit for? While I am certainly a fan of Chapterhouse, they have kept their kits somewhat simple, can they go as far as to actually producing a kit like this? I like the combiweapon, is there a combiflamer in the works? Keep it up, it's always good to see the design stages for such things.

**aka_mythos**

I think he's shooting for a $25 kit. This wouldn't be difficult. The largest kit they do is the 16 piece salamander land raider upgrade kit. This is going to be 8-9 parts.

There is a combi-flamer and auxiliary grenade launcher as part of that set.

**Culial**

Loving the Chimera Mod concept, really fantastic!

And wow, those Combi-Weapons!

How soon until we can expect to see this stuff on sale?
Particularly the Combi-Weapons?

**johnstewartjohn**

Like the look of the tank particularly like the over under combi weapons. Be a good idea if they were available separately. Planning to make them able to fit on a space marine cupola?

**aka_mythos**

Thanks. I finished up the other combi-weapons and CH reviewed them. They've asked for a number of revisions that I'm working on.

I've started working on the Chimera. I've modeled a mock up of the basic hull of the chimera, so sometime in the next week or two I'll have the basics of the add on bits.

**Heliodore**

What kind of revisions, what exactly does CH expect from you? I'm kind of curious about the process really.

**aka_mythos**

Mostly just refining the look of the combi-flamer and aux. grenade launcher. They want the Grenade launcher to look more like an M203. http://www.longmountain.com/inventory/LMT203.jpg/image_preview
The flamer they wanted the pilot flame nozzle moved.

**inmygravenimage**

I freakin' love this. How about a lights in the style of the old MkI Rhino lights (the strip, rather than the triangular ones)? Also, I really like the look of the front cabin as is; maybe move the turret mount to the back? I know this would be popular with a lot of folk, though I appreciate it would impact cost (hopefully, would generate enough interet to offset that).

**CaptainRavenclaw**

I love the stryper style chimera. Why not mount the turret on the back of the Chimera? Can it still be built that way with the new cut plastic kit? You sacrifice the roof hatch, but it would look more inline with the Elysian Tauros with the rear mounted turret!

Looking forward to seeing more.

**aka_mythos**

I thought about making a little piece that inserts into the rear top hatch, that would allow the turret to be assembled at the rear. This would require another piece to fill the front. For now there is a general concern by CH that the number of parts would get out of control. So the rear turret bit might be left as a stand alone kit down the road.

This is mostly preliminary work at this stage, until the new chimera comes out. Playing with the new hellhound there are some obvious dimension differences for where the tracks and hull come together, so I want to be sure that's fully accounted for with this.

**Empchild**

Check out the Armys Strykers(drove one for years) also a Russian B.M.P those look similair to what your shooting towards.

**aka_mythos**

My second post, 4th from the top mentions the Styker. It is an obvious inspiration.

Empchild, coming from driving one, would you have an recommendations on the design or details?

**Jon Touchdown**

This looks really awesome, I would love a pdf on how to make one when you finish or even possibly a way to purchase one

**Terminus**

aka_mythos wrote:I guess I didn't make it clear. This is going to be digitally modeled and printed as solid objects utilizing a 3D printer to produce the master. The 3D printer uses wax or plastic depending on the requirements on the master. The master can then be used to make resin castings. If this concept generates enough interest it will be available for purchase.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Malika2 wrote:Ah, you've been watching Aliens haven't you? Cool! So far so good man...curious to see where this is heading...
Yes and no. Aliens has a special place in my heart... so its influences were more subconcious. Now that you say it, that might be a fun way of approaching the turret.

Its my intention to design this to give chimeras a more realistic look while conveying a rapid deployment aesthetic. The biggest real world influences are the Stryker, Terrex, and other APC's (like M577).

http://weblogs.dailypress.com/news/local/military/blog/stryker_6.jpg
http://www.one35th.com/terrex/yavuz_01s.jpg
http://www.army-technology.com/contractor_images/timoney/terrex_infantry_fighting_vehicle_3.jpg
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/gpv/gpv1.html
http://www.automopedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/aliens-apc.jpg

How much would this kit run? Sign me up for 10.

**aka_mythos**

Thanks. I don't know cost yet. This has to wait for a couple other projects to be finished up first.

**Ghost in the Darkness**

I would love to have so many of these.

**aka_mythos**

Get more people interested and we can make it a higher priority.

**Bodichi**

I am interested, Very Interested! In fact depending on the price of these kits 4 to 5 interested.

**Owain**

Such shininess! Depending on cost, I may very well be interested.

**Commissar Agro**

Count me as another person interested, looks good.

**aka_mythos**

This was on the back burner because GW was working on revising the chimera kit. Now that its out, I'll go get one to pull the dimensions off of it. GW was sneaky, the updated Demolisher, the profile of the hull sections was mildly different, such that you couldn't mix parts between the old and current model without some cutting. I was afraid GW would do the same with this. This will start rolling as soon as I can make down to my local gamestore.

I want people to feel free to recommend changes (doesn't mean I'll use them) but I'm catering this to IG fans, since I'm one, and no one else at Chapterhouse really plays them.

**Kanluwen**

Do you want some reference pictures of the AFV Club Stryker kit to inspire yours, Mythos?

**VikingScott**

Nice.
I'm liking this so far.
what would be tthe p&p from U.S for this? (to the uk)