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This is a Forge World Tau Manta. The item has a bit of history to it, I believe for an item of this nature, this history needs to be fully disclosed.

This Tau Manta is the twin of Manta #081. During September 2013, the company I work for ordered a Tau Manta from Forge World for a client. The Manta was designated #081 by the documents Forge World gave us. Upon inspecting the delivered parts, it was discovered that Forge World had not sent us several pieces, it was missing ¼ of the parts needed for the model, as well as the included tanks and crisis suits. Forge World was contacted, and an entire new Manta was shipped out. When we received the new shipment, we discovered that not only had they shipped a complete Manta this time, but a few parts were extra. By the end we had a complete manta, and a second manta missing only 3 parts. This is that second Tau Manta. The twin of #081.

The missing parts are,
-The right wing
-lower bay border
-central crew cover

Luckily, they sent two left wings. I decided this twin Manta could be completed. I worked out a deal with the studio to obtain the beast. After 60+ hours of work, It was completed.

IMPORTANT! Details on its construction. Just as a note. I work as an assembler / converter. So building models is my full time job. As mentioned earlier it had two left wings. I took one of the left wings and sawed off the wing portion from the hull portion of the piece. I then carved up the hull portion so it would fit on the right side. The wing portion I heated in the oven till soft all the way through and bent it to mirror the original left wing. Making a left wing, into a right wing. The now right wing is anchored to the hull with 3x ¼ inch steel rods. The portions missing were filled in with wood sticks and Bondo. Bondo was also used to fill the gap between the nose and hull, as these components did not match up well due to terrible casting. The Manta was designed to have the lower back bay swing out from the hull. I felt this was a terrible design as it removed structural integrity the horribly heavy wings needed. So I glued the lower bay in place. Making the Manta more structurally sound. I felt this was fine, as the lower bay is significantly tall and can be easily accessed when locked in place. (unless for some reason you have unusually large hands and wrists.) All of the burst cannons have been replaced with plastic burst cannons from the current Tau line. As the resin burst cannons were thin and broke often. The central crew compartment is not accessible, and so the air caste pilots were never glued into their seats (when the model is finished you cant see that area any way). The guns racks for the passenger compartment are not glued in place. Neither are any of the crew or passengers. As I built this Manta for myself, some portions are a little unrefined (I was not concerned with perfection). Pictures will show these areas.

The Manta is based onto 3 wooden bases, the wooden bases have almost the same footprint as the Imperial Knight base. With ¼ steel rods propping the Manta up. It flys about 10 inches from the base, and is incredibly sturdy. The lower bay will magnetize closed. The upper bay locks in place without modification. The ramp works as designed. All 16 burst cannons swivel.

Sadly the Manta is a bit dusty, it hasn't had a chance to go out and play for several months. All left over components and documents will be included. The paint is chipped in some places due to the Manta actually being used.



DETAILS ABOUT SALE.
I am asking for $800 for the Manta. Plus $100 shipping. USA only please. PayPal encouraged, other payment considered.

Shipping details. For the estimate shipping, I calculated its dimensions and weight, shipping from Orem Utah, with Buffalo New York as its destination. I plan on taking 2 inch pink foam and using a heat knife to carve support ribs to brace the Manta. Taping bubble wrap to the burst cannons. With $1000 insurance (or more upon request). For the same cost as shipping, I will consider personally delivering the item, if the buyer lives within 200 miles of Orem Utah.

Please ask any questions you may ever have about this item before confirming a deal. I want the buyer to know exactly what they are getting in exchange for their hard earned money. Honesty is the best policy. =)


Construction





Photos of the Beast




THIS SECTION IS THE BONDO SECTION FROM THE CONSTRUCTION PICTURES


THE LEFT WING TURNED RIGHT WING



OTHER















unused parts and extras




Automatically Appended Next Post:
Oh, forgot to add, pics of use in game

Roberto?

twinner wrote:
Roberto?

Haha, yep its me. =)