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I have seen multiple ways on how to build twin linked auto cannon bits, and have an idea on how to make them as life-like as possible (in regards to minimal modding for maximal benefit)

I got this idea which started out from this site: http://gonetoground2.blogspot.com/2010/10/diy-twin-linked-autocannon-arms-for.html

my idea was why create the arms from scratch when one could simply heat unused plastic into a workable mold and simply glue it all together.

here is my idea (note that it is un-tested, would like comments on how it sounds)

First Approach: (a little more expensive, but a whole lot easier)

S.1: start with any applicable dread arm you have (for simplicity sake, we will use the missile-launcher arm)

S.2: file down the missile pods into a workable flat surface

S.3: Order autocannon bitz online (priced about 12$$ per three)

S.4: cut the barrels of the autocannons off, making the barrels slightly longer than that of the lascannon arm

S.5: apply stability connectors to let the auto-cannons support on eachother (this will prevent wear-and tear)

S.6: glue the barrels onto the arms, where the shaven missile pods are

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Second Approach (more work, but is about 50$$ cheaper if you can pull it off)

S.1/2: same as above approach

S.3: using the sprues you have lying around, glue four together to make a large square, this will be the base for your whittling efforts, cut them into roughly 4" cuts.

S.4: whittle the sprues into autocannon barrels, this will be difficult but all the sweat (and bloodshed on my part, gah I suck with an exacto knife!) will be worth it as you can say that you truly MADE these bitz.

S.5 / S.6: same as above approach

I have thought of this because so many autocannon mods look some-what lack luster and this seems fairly cheap and cost efficient, I know the sprue add-ons are not large enough to represent an auto-cannon barrel in its entirety so I suggest whittling down 4 sprue lines into a fourth of the barrel each.

the option for whittling and such is obviously for the more experienced modders, but is HIGHLY cost efficient.

The prices I worked out (working off of games-workshop prices, and getting bitz from the warstore) is as follows. (note, this is INCLUDING Shipping, and tax)

2x packaged dreadnoughts (98$$)
1x dreadnought hull (no arms, or weapons) (24$$)
12x autocannon bitz (56$$)
total: 178$$ (only 20$$ more than buying 3 dreads at GW)
total (if making autocannon barrels): 122 (this is actually cheaper than buying 3 dreads from GW)

I believe this will produce very life-like TL autocannon pieces, just think of the lascannon bit but a little longer in muzzle and there you go.

I know many people have come up with ways to make these, but this seems the easiest way I can imagine with what is on hand (admittably, you will need to use SOME plasticard to modify the dreadnought ccw hand)

this honestly is the cheapest I can make these conversions, any ideas on how to make it more affordable, please post here.

I did this with the Cadian Autocannon bits and the Venerable Kit. They look great in my opinion and do the job.



Painted Up:

Nice work, Seanzor - the only downside is the left and right sides not visually matching, which somehow doesn't seem very Marine-ish to me. But call it a battlefield modification and you're fine

DrexMartell: sprue whittling? Seriously? Unless you can work up some sort of mini-lathe (which would need to run at really slow speed to prevent plastic melting), I really can't see that being practical for making any kind of gun barrels. But for making boxy replacement shoulder 'pods' however, it could work very well.

thanks guys, I was HOPING that some one already did this and seeing as some one did, am looking forward to making my mods later in the year (a bit strapped for cash ATM, but really like how it worked out from the pics shown) props to ya sean

I agree with Clang, anyone'd be hard-pressed to come up with a whittled-sprue autocannon that looked very presentable.

Check out the Old Crow gun barrels. The 40-50 mm ones would probably work pretty well as a middle-ground option between your two price points.