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Void Generator Housings part 3

Yeah I know lots of pictures of virtually the same thing but anyone interested in copying this construction will probably appreciate the step by step process.

The rest of you will just have to bear with the redundancy.

I made a tracing of the inboard generator housing profile and squared off the corners. Due to the flexibility of the construction I took a guess and a gamble at the placement of the two dimensional pieces as it was impossible to glue, align and clamp at the same time. Actually having a helper at this time would be well er helpful.

Fortunately the alignment of the pieces were spot on so no need to cut the glue joint and redo.

Note in the profile image below the generators are parallel with the forward carapace but about a millimeter or two lower. This is as it should be to allow for the surface sheet styrene pieces which will be applied after the counterbalance filler material is installed.

http://i.imgur.com/mB3tHwT.jpg


Here we see in this quarter view the slight step down of the housings compared to the main carapace; this is intentional.

Note also that the housing profile pieces appear to converge toward the front, that is because the center section is still not installed. I've decided to make a Lucius center piece and glue it in place rather than use the one that came with the kit for both versions.

http://i.imgur.com/xFB7zG0.jpg


In this above shot you can see the construction is pretty much symmetrical even though at this stage the components are relatively flimsy.

http://i.imgur.com/bn2B3OK.jpg


Heres a view of the bottom that I neglected to show in the previous post showing the aligning channels that keep the Generators centered on the model.

http://i.imgur.com/6pn1koL.jpg

Ventilator Unit:

Between the Void Generators there is the Ventilator Unit. Since I want the generator assembly in one piece I need to make a second set of vent housings.

The build is pretty straightforward with a bit of Lucius angles to keep things interesting.

http://i.imgur.com/3dcwZRI.jpg



http://i.imgur.com/jMKE9PZ.jpg

So many platings!! We need to see a dry fit of everything together soon!

Ventilator Unit 2

The major hull components assembled without gluing showing the well thought out FW engineering. Ya gotta give these guys credit.

http://i.imgur.com/6GuNLUw.jpg


Note the wire wrapped tubing in the foreground. That will be changed to styrene rods.

http://i.imgur.com/pfhRR7m.jpg

Central Ventilator Continues:

This is not a very popular thread judging by the number of hits it has received. This goes along with my personal opinion of the Reaver Titan in general; that it is not that popular of a model and that were FW to have produced a Warlord instead it would have been better received.

In spite of this I shall persevere in this endeavor to the bitter end.

Work continues on the Central Ventilator console with the securing the spiral conduit to the base construction. Unfortunately I have exhausted my local hobby stores of material; "Jeez Blackadder what are you doing with all that plasticard?" is the usual query. To which I say, "You don't check your incoming emails do You?"

http://i.imgur.com/NWfJR1j.jpg


Not much to say about the images posted all should be self-explanatory Although I welcome any questions.

http://i.imgur.com/bjlwrGx


http://i.imgur.com/BqC3eqc.jpg


http://i.imgur.com/jTgzqoO.jpg

Love the work sir, please comtinue. I am really interested in seeing you interpretation/execution of the Lucius pattern. Although regarded as ugly by some, I find Lucius patterns a complement to Space Marine Forces.

Oh I have no intention to stop posting updates besides I have a promised obligation to pursue this model modification although we may be all longer in the tooth before it is completed as I made no commitment as to the amount of time in the production . Since FW sights 18 months in preproduction and they are past masters in model-makers and given that I am an 'anal' perfectionist 18 months may be a conservative estimate.

"At least Blackadder you admit you are an a**."

Don't be too disheartened by the lack of comments. I keep coming back, but just don't type "Awesome" each time I see an update. Really, I've run out of words for your craftsmanship. Must be because modern English speakers only have a 3,000 word working vocabulary. If we were Shakespeare with 54,000 words in our operating vocabulary, then I could write more .

 Theophony wrote:
Don't be too disheartened by the lack of comments. I keep coming back, but just don't type "Awesome" each time I see an update. Really, I've run out of words for your craftsmanship. Must be because modern English speakers only have a 3,000 word working vocabulary. If we were Shakespeare with 54,000 words in our operating vocabulary, then I could write more .

his right, I too always come back whenever an update appears

It's not the responses but the lack of interest in general that I was commenting on which I attribute to the model (but that may be a reflection of my personal tastes.)

I was speaking of the relative interest in this project on all the forums I post; 19 currently. I use basically the same post for all the forums and then custom tailor my responses to the individual replies.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Gamera Lookalike:

I finally realized why my animus toward the Reaver model well one of the reasons.

Anyway my instincts regarding the head were correct the Mars head won't work with the Lucius Design.

http://i.imgur.com/3Mi8Ixo.jpg


Top view not much better.

http://i.imgur.com/m0KUTLG.jpg


Too much like a certain turtle with a flatus problem.

http://i.imgur.com/JUzx2CA.jpg

The Integral Generators:

The generators are ostensibly one plug in unit now and all that is left is to apply the skin to the housings. Then the detail goes on.

http://i.imgur.com/dPfvcj6.jpg


The clothespins won't be necessary once the generators are weighted.

http://i.imgur.com/eZefzJN.jpg


The inner lining is just about ready for the interior detail.

http://i.imgur.com/Jv92cWi.jpg


There is room for about a pound of weight in each housing.

http://i.imgur.com/07Caocg.jpg

Plug in Void Generator Assembly:

Rather than attempt to build a flimsy structure directly on the resin hull I figured building an entire Void Generator substructure that would just plug into the existing hull locking in place with magnets and/or tabs. This very durable alternative I believe is a a simpler way to attack the problem.

Here we see a side by side comparison of the FW housing compared to my rendering (Not detailed as yet) Note the rear hull ceiling spacing.


http://i.imgur.com/OHwOEw5.jpg



There are symmetry flaws in the FW model that must be compensated for; the right side being 1,0 to 1,5 mm different from the left...........

Here we see the Assembly poised to be placed on the hull recess:

http://i.imgur.com/RqW8xb6.jpg



And the assembly in place interlocking with the resin hull and abutting the rear of the hull carapace:

http://i.imgur.com/Mw7KgFD.jpg

Step by steps are great, really interesting to see your progress and understand the design process you have going here. I will now though forever refer to this Titan as the 'Turtle'

Thanks,

The Under Carapace Inlets:

Time to add some detail, the under carapace inlets would be nicely represented by Evergreen Clapboard siding something I wish I knew was available when I built Lucie but everything is a learning experience and profiting from your mistakes is the best you can do....

The spacing of the clapboard is 0.050 inch and on the resin model its 0.060 so close enough I'm not going to lose sleep over a quarter of a millimeter. What does irk me is the manufactured spacing of the clapboard varies and care must be taken to get the size right and not rely on the number of boards. See the above reference about learning by your mistakes................ :(

http://i.imgur.com/MuNII0P.jpg


The framing appears a bit cumbersome until the 4.0 MM thick carapace armour is completed.

http://i.imgur.com/8caYz91.jpg


Note how the lower frame of the vent locks behind the resin hull pertrubance the same as the FW model. This will help hold the assembly in position once the model is completed.

http://i.imgur.com/9vL7hwh.jpg

The Shoulder Carapace:

Time to consider the shoulder mounted APOC missile system..........

Fortunately the weapon arm mounts seem as if they were custom made for this modification I assure you such was not the case. Pure and simple serendipity is at work here.

First I reinforced the main carapace with lateral stringers to re-enforce the shoulder carapace substructure. In the foreground are the bases for the rotating APOC missile batteries. These will be retractable when not required to give a clean line to the Reaver carapace.

http://i.imgur.com/DCMkaZd.jpg


This side view with the gun mounts applied shows the size, length and width of the shoulder carapace underside structure...........

http://i.imgur.com/JIK9xbi.jpg


Front view with the APOC missile bases glued in place. (The internal thin ring on the left side is a shim. I made the hole too big on the first attempt.)

http://i.imgur.com/qWLkmJL.jpg


Showing the Mars shoulder armour relative to the size of the Lucius armour and the amount of space I can afford to work my APOC batteries and still keep the Reaver proportions; Lots of room for the retractable missiles.

http://i.imgur.com/Sae5seD.jpg

Horse Before the Cart This Time:

My usual method of building is regrettably to build from the outside in so I find myself working it extremely cramped quarters retro fitting interior items into already built hulls etc.

This time I am playing it smart (Er Smarter) and building the interior item first

In the image below you see the components of my APOC Rocket Battery redesign.

In the foreground center note the turntable (Upside down in this image) and the center pivot. The turntable will house the retracting scissor assembly and the I hope elevation piston (Yet to be designed). The rocket tubes 8 on each side as opposed to 10 on the APOC pod on the Mars Reaver:

http://i.imgur.com/PNmDHoI.jpg


Next the Turntable in place on the Arms shoulder:

http://i.imgur.com/rbmfzTv.jpg


And the Rocket Calliope in the stowed position, yes the rockets will stow lateral to the vehicle axis to save space and allow for deployment and retraction.

http://i.imgur.com/gLxteGW.jpg

APOC Rocket Battery:

The retract mechanism shown in partial assembly mode because once assembled the parts will not be easily seen:

http://i.imgur.com/MJ2c8Ty.jpg


Side view: incidentally I left the tubes long so it is easier to see that the alignment is square as a deflection of a degree or two is more apparent at the end of a 12 inch long tube than a 6 millimeter long tube. Don'cha love how I keep mixing my system of measurements?

http://i.imgur.com/SPIyAHo.jpg


Partially retracted, it seems this may work after all:

http://i.imgur.com/U96Oj7w.jpg


Tubes in fully retracted mode. I need only cement the front hinge/cylinder in place.

http://i.imgur.com/Gr74WLN.jpg


After the basic monkey motion is completed a little 40K decoration will be in order

Whoa, now that's quite impressive

Extension/Elevation Mechanism in Place:

Well the elevation piston and retractable rocket module works pretty good. The overall look need to be made more massive right now its just the 'bones'

In the image below the array is stowed sideways, I maybe be able to stow it fore and aft instead I'll have to see once I have the carapace framed out. The sideways stowing serves the purpose of allowing the launcher to be replenished with rockets by the auto-loader situated in the carapace.

http://i.imgur.com/J9dnh1G.jpg


The next image shouldbe elevated but the turntable rotates to the firing position

http://i.imgur.com/sCQF3oJ.jpg


The next shows the launcher in position for line of sight targets.

http://i.imgur.com/hngTACN.jpg


And elevated for Ballistic and Surface to Air launchings.

http://i.imgur.com/ZcBkZO7.jpg


That should just about cover it.

Fitting Out In Triplicate:

Quite possibly the last update this weekend but hopefully I'll have the rocket turrets finished this weekend.

The image below shows the three remaining batteries in various stages of completion:

http://i.imgur.com/klYkhqI.jpg


and I hope when they are skinned out they will look something like the Rocket pod on the FW Rocket Tank someone so graciously provided and that I was unaware of (Honestly) as seen below

I remember mentioning the MLRS Crassus in your Warlord titan thread. This will look great - I really like that you've thought out the mechanics of reloading and stowage. I've never been a fan of the enormous APOC launchers.

Sorry I did not remember your mention but rapidly encroaching premature senility will serve as an excuse.

Reaver Shoulder Carapace:

Coincidentally I am working on the Reaver shoulders as I prepare for shoulder surgery this coming Friday. My big concern is to not make the appendages too much like the Warhound shoulders but still maintain a Lucius appeal.

http://i.imgur.com/lCesYTR.jpg


I cut down the battery of the APOC rocket array to six tubes wide and will attempt to add instead four lower and four upper tubes to the array which I think will be more business like.

http://i.imgur.com/uUehAsb.jpg


The whole assemblies will be sheathed in armour as with the Praetor Armoured Assault Launcher.
PRAETOR



Automatically Appended Next Post:
How NOT to Design a Reaver:

This is starting to be fun. Since I started this project all I had was a vague idea of how I wanted it to look. So far I haven't made too many mistakes and had to rebuild virtually nothing. Now we are getting down to the nitty-gritty and fleshing out the carapace.

http://i.imgur.com/1tH5qek.jpg


Right now I am exploring the fascia panel angle.

http://i.imgur.com/WM6AI9z.jpg


I know that I am posting a lot of small steps but this is how I work and by plugging away bit by bit eventually before you realize it you have a Titan..........


The thing that bugs me is that now I am on a roll and in two days I'll have my right arm in a sling............ostensibly immovable for up to six weeks.

Modular Armour:

I am trying a new method of building on this project because the armour must be interchangeable with the Mars armour. All the pieces must interlock virtually seamlessly but still must be removable so as I work I continually disassemble the module components to maintain that flexibility.

http://i.imgur.com/UN1jr22.jpg


The angles on the carapace skirt are more important than the size of the pieces of styrene used so I am continually adding over-sized pieces that will be trimmed later after the structure has sufficient structural integrity.

http://i.imgur.com/sNG9LYV.jpg


I have to add about 0.5 KG/1.0 LBs to each of the void generator housings; into the box framed recesses so that area cannot be skinned as yet but I do need the angles so the rear skirt intersects properly with the housings.

http://i.imgur.com/g3gyS2v.jpg

Gonna be awesome, Blackadder! Even if we have to wait through a six week hiatus.

A Last Flurry of Building:

It seems I'm in a panic to complete all my projects in the past few days as ridiculous as that sounds but closer I get to the deadline the faster I am working.

Now that the glue is dried the hull carapace components are readily removable. All the resin pieces are held in place by the styrene frame and everything fits nice and close. I have to duplicate all this on the other Reaver hull but that will take place next week I hope.

Here is the complete hull armour removed. It is held in place on the resin hull with a single styrene spring tab. By triggering the tab the armour comes off in one piece.

http://i.imgur.com/hdxAKTE.jpg


At the very top center of the image below you can see the tab; the rectangular opening above the tab fits around the resin vent frame above the neck. This tab will be hidden from view when the head is attached and accessible when the head is removed.

This underside view shows the front and back armour sections interlocked together:

http://i.imgur.com/6LPos1h.jpg


This last image shows the front and rear armour separated. Although the armour is just single sheets of styrene at the moment the shape is maintained even without the resin substructure. This will give me a solid base to add the internal armour skin. The armour when finished will be about 5 millimeters thick but hollow between the internal and external sheets.

http://i.imgur.com/PeEwbto.jpg

Reaver Rocket Pod 2.0

He's back, finally after a seemingly interminable hiatus I have finally got enough movement back in my shoulder to actually cut plastic again......(Jeez Blackadder what a wuss!) The biggest problem was the immobilizing sling that kept my upper arm clamped across my chest. that came off last week and it took me a week just to get my motor skills back. Enough about me..........

One of the things I thought about doing was a total revamp of the Reaver Apoc Rocket pods I can't believe I was satisfied with such a tawdry effort. Some of the work may be salvageable but the "Magic Flute" look must go. Below is imaged the beginning of new rocket array middle row which I will use to build on for a more militaristic retractable pod assembly.

Reaver Rocket Pod 2.0
http://i.imgur.com/RVxExcY.jpg


Ah, I love the smell of toluene and oil of mustard in the morning.................

E. Blackadder

I contacted DISCARD the Department of Idiotic Silly Cutesy Acronyms and Redundancy Department for a suitable DOD long winded acronym for my rotating rocket pod and this is what they came up with..............the:

Self-Loading, Automated, Computerized, Kinematic, Ballistic, Line of sight, Auto-Detect & Direct, Elevating & Rotating Missile Platform.

It is now known officially as the:

SLACKBLADDER MP

This? This is what has you up at 3 in the morning Blackadder? You have really got to get a life!

:(

 The_Blackadder wrote:
I contacted DISCARD the Department of Idiotic Silly Cutesy Acronyms and Redundancy Department for a suitable DOD long winded acronym for my rotating rocket pod and this is what they came up with..............the:

Self-Loading, Automated, Computerized, Kinematic, Ballistic, Line of sight, Auto-Detect & Direct, Elevating & Rotating Missile Platform.

It is now known officially as the:

SLACKBLADDER MP

This? This is what has you up at 3 in the morning Blackadder? You have really got to get a life!

:(

Oh my. dude Thats positively pythonesque.

I'm in heady company then, thanks for the compliment.

Apoc (Slackbladder) Missile System:

There are a few questions where I am going with this? Simply put the concept was established but I had yet to worked out the details.

Almost from the beginning I disliked the "Pan's Pipes" whimpiness of the flat array but laziness amoungst other considerations lulled me into complacency hence the self-deprecating "Slackbladder" admonition.

Last week saw me shake loose my torpor and I embarked on a more military looking rocket launch system.

http://i.imgur.com/rHUBuNp.jpg


I also had it in mind that the Reaver concept that I had (in my mind) looked too much like just an over-sized Warhound; I had to change that similarity.

http://i.imgur.com/HwnQeeb.jpg


So here we have the beginning of a more compact, more powerful looking rocket pod system.