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Remember those “teeth” I cut off the boosters? Well, that wasn’t the end of them- I dotted a few around the crown of my Volcano Cannon turret to simulate the battlements on the miniature. I know they aren’t exactly like the mini and part of me is a teeny bit bummed about that but I think once it’s painted it may not look so bad…

I was considering making the turret rotate, but I decided against it- it is, after all, a model not a toy, right? Oh… that’s not the last of those “teeth” either!

Brilliant build so far Capt. I'm really enjoying seeing the use of different materials in this. Keep it up dude

@ Ruglud Thanks a lot- I hope it continue to stays interesting for you.


Landing gear is a question that was asked of Heliodore when he built his Thunderhawk- his answer, I think, was inspired! So, taking his suggestion I procured landing struts from Star Wars’ Millennium Falcon! They are perfect. I cut mine a little lower than he did- thinking about the front door lowering and having tanks roll out, I needed my Thunderhawk lower to the ground. I also added a “cradle” as it were from GW cavalry bases so they fit firmly onto the underside of the hull.


The lading struts weren’t the only thing from the Falcon I found… the engine panels that run round the ship became part of the interior of the Thunderhawk. After undercoating and drybrushing these were mounted on the inside near the door. It strengthens the nose, adds extra support for walls and roof and when the door is open it looks pretty good!... well, I think it does!

Wow, that interior stuff is looking pretty intense! Very curious to see this thing put together and painted up.

That's a nice bunch of greebles you've coughed up on the interior there. Cool..

The front door/ hatch of the Thunderhawk was always going to be a feature! Looking at the mini it had features not unlike that of the landraider… well- after being a little wobbly on the turret I decided to concentrate on making this as accurate as possible to the mini, so the front door of the landing craft was given an extra panel that fit with the ship… this was in turn adorned with strips of plasticard topped with original 1980’s Rhino sprues cut to shape… and to cap it off? There are those “teeth” again!

The door closes onto the hull properly- the use of the moulded parts on the edges of the door enable it to clamp onto the walls of the ship and stay there! It means the Thunderhawk has a working door and, once painted, I’m sure will work even better!

You know, I was asked what colour I would paint this- and my first answer was green as the army and the armour is green, but part of me is considering aluminium... or even white...

Here’s a view of the painted interior… with the “engine wall” attached! I’ll fix the roof on next… and everything will suddenly get a lot harder to see! Lol.

Looking good! In regards to paint, I would do green or white. Grey feels too bland for such an awesome scratch build

truly epic and inspiring Good work!

@ jreilly89 Thanks- It's a decision that I'll probably make when it's completely finished but I do appreciate your view.

@Slipknotzim Thanks I'm pleased with it myself (and that doesn't always happen)!


Back to the build...

Some of you will have already spotted them, but I figured I’d mention them all the same… Although not actually on the original mini I thought a ship this large- which uses feet instead of wheels- would probably have some difficulty lifting off and landing. I decided it could probably use some thrusters to assist… Yes, you guessed it… LEGO!!!

Using parts from the 1970’s Lego space kits, after cutting them down and removing the word Lego, I added two forward and two aft thrusters to the main hull and I have another four waiting for the wings… I know they aren’t “official” but I really like them!

Thunderhawk Gunship… so far… forward roof section, wings and heavy ordinance still to come!

Sorry for the delay chaps, yesterday was my birthday so I was away for the duration! I'll get back to this shortly- I anticipate it will probably be finished in another 10-14days... probably

I'll post a proper update soon...

Okay… back to it…

Already happy with the armaments she has, I wanted the stupidly oversized Deathstrike missiles for the wings. Heliodore pointed out there wasn’t much detail on the underside of the mini, but they did include 6 large missiles. Now, Heliodore opted for 6 bombs instead- and I don’t blame him! Tracking down the right thing was a real pain- but worth it when I found what I was looking for in Plymouth, Michigan. Uncle Mike’s Rocket Shack came up trumps just when I was beginning to wonder if I would ever find what I was after!

I acquired 3x 18 inch rocket tubes- which I promptly cut in half, then added 6 nose cones enabling me to get my 6 identical 9 inch long Deathstrike missiles! Now all that’s left to do is install them and attach the wings! (I’ll probably have to shorten them a bit… maybe by an inch)

Those look awesome. Definitely a bit comical in size

Hey @ jreilly89! I thought you'd gotten bored!

Dude I love conversions. This is definitely on my subs because I want to see the finished product

The wings I decided long ago would be made from modelling foam. It should be light enough not to cause too much of a weight issue but also strong enough that it can take the manipulation of craft tools and still maintain its strength and appearance…

I bought a board 12 x 24 x 2 inches and set about cutting it down. Using hot wire tools, I started with shortening it, for the wingspan, from 24 down to 17inches before cutting a trench into it for the hull of the Thunderhawk to sit! That task was actually easier in my head!!

The cradle for the wing turrets were next. I figured it would be best to put all these details in before I cut down the foam into the shape I needed for the wings. The turret housings were simple enough- just cut out a circle using a hot wire knife! Of course anyone who’s used one of these things knows they are awfully messy! The “trench” had to be sanded down to allow the hull sit smoothly in the space provided… That was even messier than using the bloody hot knife!!

Here’s a few pictures with the wing turrets installed- with battlements- and everything in its place. The missile carriage will be done next, I think, then it’s just a case of cutting the wings to shape and adding the fine details like feet, aft boosters and wing tip thrusters. (Really must sort out the forward roof section!)

Although I appreciate the “Exalting” of my blog (I’m honoured) I would really like to hear/ read some feedback from you guys on what you think.

Looking really cool so far, will the wings be strong enough to hold the missiles?

You mentioned it being dark inside, maybe a bit late but you could add some interior lighting inside to trigger when the ramp opens.

Looking great. How are you going to trim the wings down? Also, do you plan on playing it?

This is the second build I've seen of this. I've wanted to try one once I get my hobby room built. Looks awesome.

10 / 10 so far.

@GirraffeX I had thought about putting a light on the inside- even looked at doll house accessories in an attempt to make it ornate, but my skills aren't of a level that I could make it switch on as I opened the front ramp. Unfortunately. You have given me an idea though- I need to visit Radio Shack to see if it's feasible so I'll update in due time.


@jreilly89 I'll trim the wings down using a hot wire tool initially and then sand them if needed before coating them in PVA glue. I must admit a fair degree of trepidation about this as I only have one shot at getting the slope on the wings right. If it goes wrong, I'll have to start all over again.
I hadn't considered playing it- it will certainly sit with the army as an option, I suppose, but I hadn't thought that far ahead. why?


@jabbakahut Thank you, I regret not chronicling the build from when I started it- but I never have. I've converted over 50 tanks and various other models and never made a journal! I suppose if I had it might be a more thorough blog to help you or indeed others if they decide to do as Heliodore and I have done and attempt this ship. As it happens I hope you continue to enjoy the build.


@daddyorchips Thank you. It's always nice to get feedback.

OH, !!!!!!
Dammit all!
I just noticed a massive error! I can't believe I missed it before- although I know why I did- I'm so annoyed at myself right now!

The aftcastle should be 2 windows wide not 1.

I don't know what to do... Part of me wants to stop this build... part of me wants to try and rectify it but the process would be fiddly, time consuming and awkward. the wing section would be a to put right.

for sake!!

my partner says I should just carry on... I'm just disappointed in myself.

I wouldnt worry too much about it. In your defense those two windows are the only windows that arent spaced evenly so it is understandable how you looked over it

man i think its fine its such a small thing dont worry about it

Sorry guys, I couldn't stop staring at it! I went hunting to see if I had any components left over from the original construction... when I found I did actually have some remnants left, I tore it apart!

The rebuild has already begun- and I feel happier about it. not least of which is because the wing turret roof will actually fit against the ship's hull instead of sticking out! Of course this also allows me to show you more construction detail... still, it does throw my estimated completion date out a bit!

Now, a progress update:

Shucks, I hate it when that sort of thing happens. Sometimes you have to carry on, sometimes you got to do what you got to do! Kudos for going back and doing it up to your desired specifications!

Well, that took a couple of days out of my normal schedule but I'm happier with my corrected Thunderhawk aftcastle. I know a number of you suggested that I carry on and work through it and finish it but I just couldn't. I do feel happier with the build now though.

Here's a few shots

What do you think?