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Hey people!

So in my quest to build a massive IG army, I decided I want to build up some Mech power to round my force out (plus, this force had a slight Panzergrenadier theme...). However I am at a bit of a problem that I want to explore some solutions to.

I think the Chimera models are pretty ugly. I like them, but I don't think I could field so many of them as they are haha. Plus, they look a bit awkward with the models im using instead of Cadians. So I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge about alternate APC models I could use instead, without breaking dimensions too much and be called on for MFA. If nothings out there, I can deal with Chimeras but I think I would enjoy something a bit...different... Or maybe just some tips for things to make them look a bit more....half-trackish...

Oh, and my friend is looking for alternate tanks to use instead of the LRBT, so those could help too

Thanks yall!

They're still a few months away from production, but here is where you can find the WIP shots of the Eisenkern APC from Dreamforge Games, along with the variants.
http://dreamforge-games.blogspot.com/p/eisenkern-apc.html
It is going to be a bit bigger than a Chimera, though (I forget the proposed dimensions, but it is at least longer).

I've been following this line's WIP for a bit, surprised I didn't notice that.

I really like the look of them! Going on my "To Watch" list. Once they start production I will have to pick some up.

Just looks like an enclosed bodied FW Tauros Venator to me.

Probably going to end up a fair bit bigger though.

And why not just use 1/35 Stryker or M113 models? they would be about the right size.

an M113 would look too much like a rhino.

Find a 1/35 scale model of one of these bad boys



That there is the Bradley Infantry fighting vehicle, and makes for a damn better looking chimera then the BMP knockoff they use. And remember it's not a tank... it's an infantry fighting vehicle.

I just saw these and they'd fit great if they're about the same size. I really like the way the DUST stuff looks. http://store.fantasyflightgames.com/productdetails.cfm?SKU=DT059

There are aquite a few examples on these boards of Chimeras with the turret moved to the rear of the chassis that look quite good. Maybe try and do a galelry search for chimeras.

I rather like the way the Predator turret looks, so I dod my own Chimera and Russ variants with them:



I've also recently chopped up an Old Crow Claymore that results in:



I'm using it as a counts-as razorback, but you could easily use it as a chimera, and its almost exactly the same size.

Fattimus_maximus wrote:Find a 1/35 scale model of one of these bad boys

[/img]

That there is the Bradley Infantry fighting vehicle, and makes for a damn better looking chimera then the BMP knockoff they use. And remember it's not a tank... it's an infantry fighting vehicle.

I'd advise against going with 1/35 scale for this vehicle. I built a 1/35 scale bradley intending to use it as a Razorback. It is ALOT larger than a chimera or a Razorback. For the Bradley, 1/48 is a much better scale. It's still a bit long, but much closer.

This link here:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Scale_Model_Kits_for_40K
will give you an idea of how the dimensions of various scaled vehicles match up with 40k vehicles.

Here's another option, the GNU by Ramshackle

http://shop.ramshacklegames.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=382

I don't know about the height but the length and width are almost exactly the same as a Chimera. Not the cheapest option (even with free shipping it's about the same as a chimera), but it's a pretty cool model.

Converting setback chimeras is pretty easy then just throw in a turret swap and they look OK

Here is what i did with mine

Eilif wrote:

Fattimus_maximus wrote:Find a 1/35 scale model of one of these bad boys

[/img]

That there is the Bradley Infantry fighting vehicle, and makes for a damn better looking chimera then the BMP knockoff they use. And remember it's not a tank... it's an infantry fighting vehicle.

I'd advise against going with 1/35 scale for this vehicle. I built a 1/35 scale bradley intending to use it as a Razorback. It is ALOT larger than a chimera or a Razorback. For the Bradley, 1/48 is a much better scale. It's still a bit long, but much closer.

Tend to agree. One of the issues with GW vehicles is that they also tend to be chibi as well so that the figures don't look so goofy next to them. In most cases, it really breaks down to the GW vehicle being about twice as wide as a scale vehicle. 1/48 scale is the closest size and the easiest to correct. Pick up something that looks interesting (if you like the vehicle that Dreamforge is doing - it is more or less designed off the WWII German Half track). Cut it down the middle and then add an inch to an inch and a half of plasticard. Putty, sand, paint...Chibi scale vehicle. Likely swap out gun barrels with bits or tree trunks, whatever you happen to have handy.

1/35 really is only useful for vehicles if you are looking at doing a Super Heavy.

When you do the turret to the rear where do you measure for embarked crew firepoints?

 Sean_OBrien wrote:

Eilif wrote:
For the Bradley, 1/48 is a much better scale. It's still a bit long, but much closer.

Tend to agree. One of the issues with GW vehicles is that they also tend to be chibi as well so that the figures don't look so goofy next to them. In most cases, it really breaks down to the GW vehicle being about twice as wide as a scale vehicle. 1/48 scale is the closest size and the easiest to correct....
...Cut it down the middle and then add an inch to an inch and a half of plasticard. Putty, sand, paint...Chibi scale vehicle. Likely swap out gun barrels with bits or tree trunks, whatever you happen to have handy.

Wow, that's some dedication to size, you have my respect sir!
I just find something that's within an cm or two of the correct dimensions and use it mostly as-is.
I do switch out weapons, hatches and stowage where necessary. GW or GW size weapons, hatches and stowageare just about the fastest way to make something look like it fits in the 40k universe.

Eilif wrote:

 Sean_OBrien wrote:

Eilif wrote:
For the Bradley, 1/48 is a much better scale. It's still a bit long, but much closer.

Tend to agree. One of the issues with GW vehicles is that they also tend to be chibi as well so that the figures don't look so goofy next to them. In most cases, it really breaks down to the GW vehicle being about twice as wide as a scale vehicle. 1/48 scale is the closest size and the easiest to correct....
...Cut it down the middle and then add an inch to an inch and a half of plasticard. Putty, sand, paint...Chibi scale vehicle. Likely swap out gun barrels with bits or tree trunks, whatever you happen to have handy.

Wow, that's some dedication to size, you have my respect sir!
I just find something that's within an cm or two of the correct dimensions and use it mostly as-is.
I do switch out weapons, hatches and stowage where necessary. GW or GW size weapons, hatches and stowageare just about the fastest way to make something look like it fits in the 40k universe.

Most armored stuff is easy. I have a jig that holds my razor saw straight - so I just set the vehicle in the middle and then cut it in half. Since that area of armored models is pretty flat - you can normally just patch in a chunk or three of plasticard and then blend any details that may need fixing across the new area. I did a bunch of 1/48 Marder tanks that way and once I had finished the last one, it was only taking about 45 minutes each to do from start to finish.

 Fattimus_maximus wrote:


That there is the Bradley Infantry fighting vehicle, and makes for a damn better looking chimera then the BMP knockoff they use.

THATS why I hate the Chimera, I really hate the design of the BMP hahaha.


So after doing a bit of reading this thread (Oh, and great ideas everyone! Im liking all the opportunities.) I have decided I want to go with a scale Bradley IFV as it has some significance to my family (My uncle was a driver of one).

And just to give you an idea, im more in this for the building and displaying aspect than the playing one, so if the size isn't too bad im okay with it. When I do play it's with friends and they are all cool with proxies and size differences.

That or something like a Stryker. I like the look of those haha.



Anyone have any models that they like the look of that might fit the bill for that (or close to it. It's sci-fi so I don't expect a 21st century vehicle perfectly haha)

Imprint do a variety of modern armor (Post WWII till present):

http://www.imprintmodels.co.uk/Shop.aspx

They are actually 1:50 scale, but the M2 ends up being 13 cm long, 6 cm tall and 6 cm wide. Compare that to the GW Chimera which is 13, 6 and 9 cm respectively. They also have Strikers, LAVs, M113s and a bunch of others which might be useful.

There are a variety of toys which are workable too. Forces of Valor I think was one of the brands which did a selection of roughly 1:48 scale armored vehicles. Those are sort of hit and miss though and you really have to have them in hand in order to compare the size and quality. Many of those are made from old knock offs of injection molds that are floating around China and sold from time to time under different names.

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to let you all know, I am still up for options. I will be using the UAMC models, so if that gives theme ideas...

Thanks for all the suggestions though! Once I get actual models all painted and assembled I will post some pictures, help others will scale and things