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How can I scratch build a Manta. I know that one does not simply just do it, but could I get some help? Thanks.

Buy a hot foam cutter.

Get a set of pictures of the Manta, with a top down reference and scale it to the appropriate size. Trace the outline onto a sheet of insulation foam. Not sure of thickness but I would assume at least 2".

Cut out the outline with the hot foam cutter. Then start the detail work, adding bits, a flying base, etc...

It's gonna be a massive, and very long project to do properly. Good luck.

Not everyone has access to a foam cutter.Another possible way would be to use R/C plane building technique's. Build internal ribs,then overlay balsa sheet's on top of rib's .Final covering would involve thin plastic sheet's.This would make it light" aka ""transportable.And cost effective with a price tag under $100.I too would not want to pay "gasp,choke ,cough" $1100+ dollars for an overpriced dust collector.If anyone is interested I would be happy to post a thread on the tutorial for more details.

Do a search - there are even several on here.

Look up "scratchbuilt tau manta" on google.
(I literally found four threads on it in a few seconds).

You will find several on google, including one done by a dakka users who does amazing painting as well ( I think he also did a scratch built tiegershark).

This is a HUGE project by the way....I REALLY suggest you proxy one in a game to see if you want to undertake it (based upon your manta questions in another thread).

They are almost just too big to work with (I play a lot of apoc, and have sized a manta before).

However, if you really decide you want to make one, I think thats just a very cool project!!

Make sure to make it out of light materials, as this will help in storage and transport.

best of luck!!!

Could try old fashion scale model building.

exceptionally slow and methodical method of making the skeleton and warping it with a skin of plasticard.


Or my favorite method. call and order a large pizza,
put it on the table and call it a manta

claim that anyone can have a slice if they take off a hull point.
no one should complain you brought it.

 Desubot wrote:
Could try old fashion scale model building.

exceptionally slow and methodical method of making the skeleton and warping it with a skin of plasticard.


Or my favorite method. call and order a large pizza,
put it on the table and call it a manta

claim that anyone can have a slice if they take off a hull point.
no one should complain you brought it.

Ok, this last one is funny.......

Ironically, the manta is much larger than a pizza ...

I think it is almost 24" long, and has a wingspan of about 34" .....

Ok fine two pizzas. and stand them on 2 liters so people dont go thirsty

eldar 1 wrote:
Not everyone has access to a foam cutter.Another possible way would be to use R/C plane building technique's. Build internal ribs,then overlay balsa sheet's on top of rib's .Final covering would involve thin plastic sheet's.This would make it light" aka ""transportable.And cost effective with a price tag under $100.I too would not want to pay "gasp,choke ,cough" $1100+ dollars for an overpriced dust collector.If anyone is interested I would be happy to post a thread on the tutorial for more details.

A tutorial would be really great! please do

I think that tying it out (pizza boxes or not) would be a good idea. I like building and modeling (that's the main reason I play this game) so it would be tough and fun!

More ideas on how I could actually make it would be helpful, especially because most likely I am up for the challenge.

More ideas on how I could actually make it would be helpful, especially because most likely I am up for the challenge.

I hate to ask, but did you do the search? The first part of being up to a challenge is doing the research....

Not trying to be rude here, so I apologize if it sounds like it - I am trying to be a bit practical and sincerely...there are already SEVERAL good manta scratch build threads out there - some here, some on warseer and some on advanced tau tactia.

A lot of people took the time to document their work - and just 30 seconds in google turns up many of them...

From the very very simple:
http://gravengames.co.uk/scratchbuilt-tau-manta/

to the very complex:
http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?158810-Scratchbulding-a-40K-manta-vs-thunderhawk-diorama

to one even right here, on dakka with amazing paintjobs.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/254689.page

All three of these feature very different design approaches - and none of them are "better" than the others - you will have to do research on them, and then assess your;
* design
Is it going to be solid? Will the top open? The bottom? The ramp come out?
Will your gun turrets rotate? does that matter to you? Will it be one piece, or maybe two for transport? What kind of a stand do you want?
Do you have to transport it short distances where it can sit in a trunk (a very big trunk) or rest it on its side in a back seat? (it won't fit in the front seat of most vehicles - literally).
Whats the max weight you want to comfortably lift by yourself (I just finished a thunderhawk a while ago - the guy I made it for - he is scared to carry it as he has a damaged wrist) - depending on what method you choose it could be very heavy.

* access to materials
For example, do you like working with foam and foam board? Can you get it cheaply in your area. How thick? (they don't sell thick insulation foam at many places in warmer climates for example).
Can you use bondo or filler? Do you have a place to sand it? Can you find oven bake clay in your area? Do you have an oven to bake it in that won't get you in trouble?
Would you buy bits to make the sixteen long barrelled burst cannons? Or would you try to scratch build them?

* skills in crafting different said materials
Have you used foam before? Do you have a respirator for sanding fine materials? Do you have an area with really good ventilation so you don't need one?
Are you decent at sculpting and working with oven bake clay? Do you have the patience for it? (I don't).

* your tools and work area?
Do you have a dedicated project area where you can leave out a HUGE model for possibly a month or more?
(i.e. not a dining room table).
Proper tools (cutters, sanders, straight edges, epoxy putty, large quantities of gesso for priming, etc.) and other supplies?

My comments here are NOT meant to discourage you, or anyway negative - these are just some of the things you will have to answer - above and beyond how to build it - regarding the types of decisions you will have to make.

I think your enthusiasm for tau and scratchbuilding is great - I honestly do - I LOVE crafting stuff - the manta is a very ambitious project.

Finally, play a game with a proxy of the correct size (cut out a shape in cardboard) - see if you even think you want one after that - if you do, go for it!!!

Take a look at those threads and others - and then once your start your manta build, create a thread (or a blog) so others can see your progress on your design.

best of luck and keep us posted!

I really appreciate your help. I will put in the time now to do some research and then I will post something when I decide what to do. I will also keep posting pics on my progress.

No sense of doing a tutorial on this subject .davethepak has made it quite clear that other people have scratch built this subject.

Yup your right. I have gotten the ball rolling as of today. Thanks for all of your support. I will keep you posted on my progress.