Switch Theme:

Oldraven's Little Projects Thread.  [RSS] Share on facebook Share on Twitter Submit to Reddit
»
Author Message
Advert


Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
  • No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
  • Times and dates in your local timezone.
  • Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
  • Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
  • Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.




Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina



Time for a brief update......


Nothing much to say, except I did a bit more work on the Armadillo today. But it's still a work in progress.........



Here are the pics:










That's all for now. More to come.......

Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Rogue Inquisitor with Xenos Bodyguards





Eastern edge

Man that looks good. Noticing the massive frontal overhang it has.

"Your mumblings are awakening the sleeping Dragon, be wary when meddling the affairs of Dragons, for thou art tasty and go good with either ketchup or chocolate. "
Dragons fear nothing, if it acts up, we breath magic fire that turns them into marshmallow peeps. We leaguers only cry rivets!



 
   
Made in us
Is 'Eavy Metal Calling?





Affton, MO. USA

If you wanted more authentic 40k vibe then you need to put an exposed gas tank on the front bumper for the heavy flamer. Otherwise it's coming along great.

LOL, Theo your mind is an amazing place, never change.-camkierhi 9/19/13
I cant believe theo is right.. damn. -comradepanda 9/26/13
None of the strange ideas we had about you involved your sexual orientation..........-Monkeytroll 12/10/13

I'd put you on ignore for that comment, if I could...Alpharius 2/11/14 
   
Made in gb
Gargantuan Great Squiggoth





Not where I should be

That does look good. Have to agree that nose does stick out a little, and the whole thing is very factory fresh right now.




 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina

shasolenzabi wrote:Man that looks good. Noticing the massive frontal overhang it has.


Theophony wrote:If you wanted more authentic 40k vibe then you need to put an exposed gas tank on the front bumper for the heavy flamer. Otherwise it's coming along great.


Camkierhi wrote:That does look good. Have to agree that nose does stick out a little, and the whole thing is very factory fresh right now.




Yeah, the overhang is part of the design. The original 1985 series gun-armed Armadillo had it, just as this one does. It will also get some weathering and desert environment nastiness added on later.


As for the fuel tank, I've never been a fan of exposed flamer tanks. That's why I prefer the Mars Pattern Hellhound over the Artemia Pattern and Malcador Infernus. Besides, the flamer is a defensive weapon. No need to risk a valuable and rare ADV (the Armadillo is a relic and isn't built anymore in my headcanon) over so simple a design flaw from a fluff perspective.

Also, there is a story behind this particular vehicle and it's commander. Will get to that later on.


Anyway, here is the long overdue update.....


I did some more work on the Type 61. It's still a work in progress. But any progress, however slow, is better than none at all.


Pics:











Also, I thought I would share a couple of upcoming projects....


First, is this baby. More details regarding the project coming later.









And this, an old G.I. Joe Battleforce 2000 Pulverizer.....








That's it for now, folks. More to come......



Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina



Quickie post for today. I started assembling the F-4J model. It's an inexpensive kit for it's time (late 1990's Revell-Monogram). But it had more flash than what I anticipated. So, plenty of sanding, filing, and cutting. And I'll still need to fill in some gaps.


I think I may do this one as part of an Imperial Navy diorama. I'm still not 100% decided on that though.


Pic:





More to come....

Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Rogue Inquisitor with Xenos Bodyguards





Eastern edge

Hmmm, #135 is looking good so far!

1/48 scale planes can be made to fit 40k armies

That seat on the pulverizer, definitely a armored structure over it needed with a normal Leman Russ scale hatch for the commander!

"Your mumblings are awakening the sleeping Dragon, be wary when meddling the affairs of Dragons, for thou art tasty and go good with either ketchup or chocolate. "
Dragons fear nothing, if it acts up, we breath magic fire that turns them into marshmallow peeps. We leaguers only cry rivets!



 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina

 shasolenzabi wrote:
Hmmm, #135 is looking good so far!

1/48 scale planes can be made to fit 40k armies

That seat on the pulverizer, definitely a armored structure over it needed with a normal Leman Russ scale hatch for the commander!




Thanks for the positive feedback.


You're absolutely correct about the Pulverizer. I've been brainstorming every since I pulled the toy out of storage, on what route I'll take with the homemade "cab" for the open spot. I might need heavier plasticard instead of cutting up plastic signs from the dollar store.

Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina




I managed to get a little more done today, since the weather outside isn't cooperating. Oh, and don't mind the ammo boxes. They are useful when improvising prop-ups when needed.


Pic:





That's it for now. More to come.

Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Is 'Eavy Metal Calling?





Affton, MO. USA

Ammo boxes are always useful , even when they are empty. Nice work so far on the mig.

LOL, Theo your mind is an amazing place, never change.-camkierhi 9/19/13
I cant believe theo is right.. damn. -comradepanda 9/26/13
None of the strange ideas we had about you involved your sexual orientation..........-Monkeytroll 12/10/13

I'd put you on ignore for that comment, if I could...Alpharius 2/11/14 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina

 Theophony wrote:
Ammo boxes are always useful , even when they are empty. Nice work so far on the mig.



Thanks.


And I've decided to go the diorama route with this one, just for something different.

Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Rogue Inquisitor with Xenos Bodyguards





Eastern edge

Can't wait to see what you do with the F4!

"Your mumblings are awakening the sleeping Dragon, be wary when meddling the affairs of Dragons, for thou art tasty and go good with either ketchup or chocolate. "
Dragons fear nothing, if it acts up, we breath magic fire that turns them into marshmallow peeps. We leaguers only cry rivets!



 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina



Since I'm getting closer to finishing the MOBAT project, I decided it's time to start with the stories behind some of my projects.




Nightblade Superheavy Battle Tank (Koverra Pattern)



The Nightblade was born out of necessity. When Task Force Explorer "Storm" returned to Terra after several scheduled resupply rendezvous never arrived, and numerous Astropathic reports went unacknowledged, they found the Imperium in shambles. The region around the Imperial Palace was decimated, the Regent was dead, and the Emperor was interred upon the Golden Throne. Knight-Champion Rober Marius (the name he was using at the time) was in shock. The man who was leading Mankind's glorious rebirth as a galactic power, the man he befriended in a dusty little beer joint in New Mexico back in the late Second Millennium (and revealed who, and what, Rober truly was), no longer walked among them. After getting the story from (a grief stricken) Dorn and enraged Guilliman, shock turned into a thirst for vengeance. Marius took the remnants of his task force, and joined the pursuit of the traitor dogs, hounding them all the way to the Eye of Terror.


Task Force Explorer "Storm" was composed of some of the best troops the Imperial Army had to offer, including detachments from the Genos regiments and Solar Auxilia. However, thirty years into a deep range exploratory and reconnaissance mission took it's toll on the bulk of the group's equipment. Plus, the supply vessels being held up by the Heresy certainly didn't help matters any. One area in which the Task Force's equipment was hurting was that of superheavy armor.


"Storm" relied heavily on the Baneblades and Stormhammers in it's Table of Organization and Equipment. The assembled force also had a handful of Fellblades supplied to them, thanks to the influence of Malcador, who felt that the task group could use some extra high-tech machines to aid in their mission. However, the numbers of these tanks had been greatly reduced either through attrition, or being relegated to reserve stores until replacement parts could be requisitioned. Unfortunately, Horus's rebellion had disrupted normal supply channels and the steady, reliable production of replacement superheavies.


Prior to the beginning of his mission, Marius was bestowed the title of "Knight-Champion of the Imperium", and given a "land" grant of a cluster consisting of 19 worlds in the Segmentum Tempestus, as a reward for volunteering for such a hazardous mission into the unknown. The grant would be claimed once the assignment was complete, which was estimated by the Officio Militaris and Corps Logisticae to take four Standard decades.


Marius, fortunately, didn't allow his anger to cloud his judgement. He knew he needed a logistical base to support his forces, and knew that supply from the Imperium proper was going to be unreliable at best. With that in mind, he pressed his claim to Roboute Guilliman, who was (more or less) the de-facto comander of the punitive forces and was the only stable leader after the internment of the Emperor, collapse of the Council of Terra,and death of the Sigillite. Guilliman was reluctant at first, but relented since it was a promised reward bestowed by the Emperor.


Marius sent representatives to the single forge world withing his new "fief", Koverra. After intense, but short, negotiations, the Archos-Magos of Koverra agreed. With the promise of new technologies and STCs possessed by Marius, an agreement in perpetuity was signed between the two parties.


The first issue to be quickly addressed was the need for superheavy combat vehicles. In those days, the Mechanicus tended to be more efficient than the were in the 41st Millennium. It was decided that a new tank would be crafted from the initial STCs provided per agreement.


The STC design chosen was perfect for the current needs. It was known as the "Multi-Ordnance Battle Tank" (or MOBAT, for short). It was discovered that the design was part of the same series of STCs as the old Rhino, and vehicle designs discovered by Arkhan Land. Using old, but proven and easy to produce/maintain technologies, these vehicles were intended for hard scrabble colony worlds to utilize for exploration and defense, back in the Dark Age of Technology. The final product produced on Koverra wasn't a modified version, as in the case of so many other STC vehicles, but a straight up copy made directly from the plans.


The new tank was dubbed "Nightblade" as a thematic nod toward the Baneblade and Fellblade superheavy tanks. Unlike it's Baneblade cousin, it would be a "minimalist" tank closer to the Fellblade in principle. It wouldn't be a rolling fortress bristling with guns and missiles, but armed just enough to get the job done in order to speed up production. In that vein, the Nightblade would also lack some of the more advanced technologies present in the Fellblade, like flare shields and plasma reactors.


The Nighblade is powered by an impressive Koverra Pattern Light Weight, All-Environ Large Thermic Combustion Reactor. This engine, based on the powerplant of the newer Phobos Land Raiders, was larger than it's parent design, but made with lighter, more advanced materials. This powerful engine was capable of moving the massive vehicle at speeds up to an impressive 43 kph off-road. The powerplant was also the main generator for the tank's electrics, auspex systems, cogitators, and logic engine, with a short duration back-up batterty pack in case of engine failure. The engine was also equipped with an internal smoke generator that eliminated the need for vulnerable external smoke launchers.


While few in number, the armaments are powerful. The main gun is a turreted Koverra-Trent Pattern Multi-Ordnance Accelerator Cannon. Coming in between the Fellblade's fearsome (and massive) twin-linked, dual-munition heavy accelerator cannons, and the Sicaran's deadly Herakles Pattern Accelerator Autocannons, The Koverra-Trent weapon embodies the better attributes of both worlds. It fires at a slower rate than the Herakles, despite it's sophisticated autoloading system. However, it nearly rivals the Herakles in pinpoint accuracy, and hits with the authority of a single heavy accelerator cannon.


The secondary weapon is a sponson mounted Trent-Pattern light autocannon. This weapon is intended for anti-personnel and anti-light vehicle work. It's cyclic rate is decidedly average for it's class. But Trent's munitions plants produce a proprietary 24mm round that can still decimate mobs of lightly armored infantry that attempt to swarm the tank, in addition to knocking out supporting enemy light APCs and other thin-skinned vehicles. Covering the autocannon's blind arc is a standard Mars Pattern Storm Bolter that can be fired manually or remotely by the tank commander.


The tank lacks the IR/UV/LED head lamps found on many tanks in the Imperium today. However, the multi-purpose, multi-spectrum gun-mounted search light, that is tied into the vehicle's auspex targeter and logic engine, can provide such service if needed, in addition to it's primary purpose of night fighting.


The tank's armor, like it's main gun, is manufactured using techniques and arts lost to the current Imperium, but was common when the vehicle was first produced. Consisting of a unique plas-steel/ceramite alloy, with an adamantium plate sandwiched in the center of each plate, the tank is capable of surviving direct hits from all but the heaviest weapons. It has been chronicled during the tank's height of service, that only a full barrage from traitor Baneblades, or hits from Titan-scale weaponry, were capable of quickly putting a Nightblade out of action. The toughness of this beast has earned it the nickname of the "Crawling Brick" among the personnel of the Black Watch.


The center of the Nightblade's control systems is the Cyclops Mk. III Machine Spirit. While less advanced than the M32 Cyclops used by modern Land Raiders, it's still a capable and efficient piece of equipment. The Mark III is critical to the integration of the vehicle's various combat and operations systems. If the machine spirit is somehow knocked off-line, the crew can still carry out it's duties and remain combat effective. Just not with the same speed, coordination, and efficiency as the Mk. III.


On another note,the Mk III was, more or less, a compromise solution. With the shake-up on Mars in the immediate post-Heresy era, and the loss of Anvilus 9, negotiating for the M32 system would have been uncertain and time consuming. Which, of course, would have violated the agreement between Archos-Magos Wilke and Knight-Champion Marius for fast supply of badly needed equipment.


The standard crew complement for the Nightblade is a driver, commander, primary gunner, loading operator, systems operator, techpriest, and assistant driver/gunner. The small, seven man crew is possible thanks to the Cyclops Machine Spirit. But in the event of a shutdown of the Cyclops, the workload of the crew can be harrying. Thus, intensive, specialized training is mandated for crews assigned to a Nightblade. Because of this, the crews of these iron monsters tend to be the most coordinated and well-oiled in the Black Watch brigades.


The Nightblade was in steady production throughout the massive offensives carried out during the era known as The Scouring. Koverra was able to keep up with demand for most of the period. At one point, there was even a surplus of these vehicles sitting in Koverra's tank parks, waiting for delivery. When that happened, Marius requested that production surplus be supplied to the Imperial Army and Legiones Astartes units involved in pursuit and purging operations. Thus, some Nightblades were used by loyalist Legions and other Imperial Regiments during those troubled times.


When the Traitors were finally driven out of the Imperium, a "golden age" began in the domains of Man. With industry, trade, and production normalizing once again, Baneblades became available in numbers to Marius's forces once more, which was important boon when the surviving forces of "Storm" were reconstituted into the original three brigades of the Black Watch. However, the Nightblade remained in low-level production on Koverra, and was still listed as a standard vehicle on the TO&E of the Black Watch. Copies of the plans had been passed on to Mars as part of a technology sharing agreement with Koverra, and the Nightblade was produced for the ranks of the Mars Skitarii, where they still remain in limited use in the 41st Millennium.


Many of the Nightblades held by the Space Marine Legions, like most of the superheavy combat vehicles in Astartes use, were passed on to the newly minted Imperial Guard, after Guilliman's reforms. A few were retained in case a need arose for their use, however The surviving Nightblades in Imperial Army service were likewise passed on to their successors in the Guard.


After the chaos of the Age of Apostasy and Nova Terra Interregnum, the secrets of the Nightblade's mass production were slowly lost. The STCs still existed. But manufacture of the critical components were either slow (had to be built by hand) or impossible/impractical (in the case of the Nightblade's powerplant and main gun). With the availability of the Baneblade (and it's variants), and new superheavy tank programs on Forge World Koverra and industrial worlds in the Holdfast Imperialis to address the Baneblade shortages at the turn of the 42nd Millenium, efforts to recover the lost ability to mass-produce Nightblade's have become a low priority.


As of 999.M41, roughly 100 Nightblades remain in the Black Watch's armoriums, carefully preserved in stasis bays, and some spare parts produced by hand under the watchful eyes of the Forge Masters, and Savant Engiseers of Koverra. These vehicles are only parceled out to units that have earned the right to have one on their rosters, and even then, crewed by only the very best.


Remarkably, a few Nightblades remain in the hands of First Founding Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes. In particular, the Salamanders and Iron Hands Chapters, whose Master Artificers are capable of producing the means to keeping their tanks in operational condition.


As mentioned before, the Mechanicus of Mars still use the Nightblade in their Skitarii legions. In the past, there have been few ever deployed. However, as with the Space Marines who possess them, more and more relics are returning to the blood soaked battlefields of the present day. It's a troubling sign of the times that machines once considered precious beyond all measure are being risked with destruction, while being called to the Emperor's service once again. Whether the use of mostly forgotten, advanced technology units like the Nightblade or Fellblade can turn the Imperium's fortunes around remains to be seen.












Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Rogue Inquisitor with Xenos Bodyguards





Eastern edge

I like the fluff here.

"Your mumblings are awakening the sleeping Dragon, be wary when meddling the affairs of Dragons, for thou art tasty and go good with either ketchup or chocolate. "
Dragons fear nothing, if it acts up, we breath magic fire that turns them into marshmallow peeps. We leaguers only cry rivets!



 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina

 shasolenzabi wrote:
I like the fluff here.




Thanks. I pondered on this for a while. But since the P&M side has been slow during the last few weeks (had minimum time to work on the Phantom- and that's it), I decided to post some quick general fluff. Later on will be the back stories of individual vehicles and notable personnel.



For today, I'll throw out some more back story. This time on the outrageously huge Equalizer ADV.




Koverra Pattern "Equalizer" Air Defense Vehicle, Model 1, Mark II.



The Equalizer ADV was born out of a need for planetary defense assets during the early years of the post- Great Scouring era. During that time, the Knight-Champion and his trusted advisors began the long process of "settling in" within the borders of the Holdfast. Some of the worlds were highly prosperous, while the rest were either simply "economically viable" or outright impoverished. Any of them could be a target, especially in regards to hostile xenos. It was noted that this would become even more likely as the region grows and begins to prosper by forming trade routes, both within the Holdfast Imperialis and with the Imperium of Man proper.


As other projects were well under way, some focus could be shifted to the on-planet defenses for the fief's nineteen worlds. The first step was setting standards of training and equipment for the PDFs, including those that were already established. The next was lobbying for the desired amount of (the newborn) Imperial Navy presence within the Holdfast. The third step was strategic planetary defenses. It was with this last one that the problems were glaringly obvious.


It would be decades before the Navy could be firmly established with outposts and bases within the territory. And it would be decades before powerful defense-force networks, with capital-scale ground-based weaponry installations, could be completed. The push for higher standards among PDF units would alleviate the problem some. But it was an established fact that a good defense consisted of a powerful first line, if the enemy got past the Navy pickets/patrols within a given system.


In the early years, defense was handled mostly by system defense monitors deployed by the Navy, and frontline interceptor squadrons rotated on each world by the Navy's Segmentum H.Q. at Bakka. Ground based anti-air defenses were towed Earthshaker artillery pieces utilizing special munitions, Hydra ADVs, and Hydra fixed platforms (mostly operated by local PDF troops). It was obvious that aerospace defense had to be shored up.


One method was supplementing semi-mobile and fixed defenses with new weapons systems. The first was the deadly Trent Pattern 75 Surface to Air Missile (SAM), a cheap and effective system that could be mass produced and quickly deployed for low-altitude defense. The next route taken was with mobile SAM systems for high level air defense, able to engage dropships, transports, and gunships at higher altitudes. The Forge World of Koverra responded with the new Pattern 25-12 Mobile Surface to Air Missile Battery, a system that in later centuries would earn a fearsome reputation among the Orks and Dark Eldar. Also deployed (though at a slower rate) were heavy mobile launchers such as the Nante Pattern 18 truck mounted missile, and the Koverra Pattern 76 heavy cruise missile that could deploy vortex or thermonuclear warheads at sub-orbital altitudes.


The panel responsible for planning planetary defenses also wanted a superheavy mobile AA gun system to be the "anchor" for Hydra ADV units. The tech-savants of Koverra scoured through the STC printouts provided per agreement, and after a period of time, found the perfect candidate.


Within the STCs available, were technical readouts and engineer's schematics for a "budget" (for the time-the Dark Age of Technology) mobile air defense system, that combined small SAMs and AAA on one tracked superheavy platform. After much meditation, prayer, and ritual, it was decided that this new system would be put into production.


The vehicle, dubbed the "Equalizer", is an impressive machine, both in size and capability. Larger and heavier (at 406 tonnes) than the Baneblade, the Equalizer is well armored, and has the structural integrity to take heavy enemy fire. The armor is of the same advanced type used on the proven Nightblade superheavt tank. However, the massive tread units were also made out of the same material, making it difficult for opposing infantry to immobilize the vehicle by destroying a track. Armor protection is critical, since the only close-in anti-personnel defense is a single pintel mounted weapon (a heavy stubber is the most common in the current day). Because of this issue, most Equalizers still operational are often provided escorts, often in the form of Punishers or Devil Dogs.


The vehicle is powered by two Koverra-Phaeton Pattern Adaptable Thermic Combustion Reactors. Based on the powerplant developed on Forge World Phaeton, for the new Mars Pattern Hellhammer support variant of the mighty Baneblade, these engines lack the Gravis Pattern Thaumic Resonance Crystal Generation Unit. But this doesn't limit the impressive performance of the engines, capable of pushing this crawling fortress to a top speed comparable to the much lighter Baneblade.


The powerplant is also responsible to keeping the large back-up battery banks fully charged in case they are needed. The back-ups are not capable of providing power to move the vehicle. But they provide plenty of power to run critical systems, both combat and non-combat, if the engine is shut down or out of commission.


The combat capabilities are no less impressive. The Equalizer's primary armaments are two Nante Pattern 54 High-Speed, Multi-Ordnance Accelerator Autocannons. The main role of these weapons is to bring down (or drive off) a foe's air support or troop droppers. These augury targeted guns proved themselves especially deadly to drop pods, as a traitor warband discovered to their dismay during a raid on the Agri-World of Novo Mulan in 686.M38. Supplementing the guns is six launchers for the Pattern 767 "Skyguard" SAM system. The missiles are initially tied in to the Equalizer's search-scan augury and targeting auspex system. When the system gets a lock, data is fed into the missile's cogitators. When launched, the missile is a self-guided instrument of the Emperor's wrath against those who exercise ill will toward Mankind and His domains.


Another advantage enjoyed is that the augury system is a dual mode, search-scan and target system, using two "antennae". If one is damaged, the other can take over it's functions at a reduced rate of efficiency. Still, any is better than none at all.


The Equalizer has a crew complement of: Commander, Driver, Assistant Driver, Systems Operator, Two Gunnery Specialists, Ordnance Specialist, Techpriest, and Vox Specialist. On board is also stowage and a small arms locker for crew usage, which is true for all tanks in the Emperor's service.


The Equalizer had a rear lamp set for use when acting as lead vehicle in a convoy. However, it relies primarily on it's auspex night fighting systems when forward viewing is needed for moving at night. Because the vehicle is designed for planetary defense garrison duty, this wasn't seen as a major issue.


The vehicle's Machine Spirit is a Cyclops M32, which is a proven design used in the modern Phobos Pattern Land Raider. Because of the Equalizer's role and system requirements, the expense and intense negotiations for the privilege to use this advanced model of the Cyclops was considered well worth the effort.


The Model 1 is the only major model of the Equalizer ever produced by Koverra. The Mark II was developed when a flaw in the road wheel bearing system was discovered to cause rapid wear, and frequent maintenance on the drive system, for the older Mark I. Over time, all Mark Is were upgraded to Mark II standard when time for overhauls came to pass. Neither Mark was ever exported or shared with other Forge Worlds, mostly because of a lack of need or interest.


In the early days of the Equalizer's service, it was crewed by personnel from it's host planet's PDF. However, due to it's status as a relic at the end of the 41st Millennium, only Black Watch, or specially trained Imperial Navy teams, are allowed to operate this advanced war engine.


In the present day, as mentioned above, the Equalizer is a relic of a more prosperous and hopeful time, when it's advanced weapons, materials, and systems were better understood. Most of the examples produced are still in service, mostly thanks to it's role as part of planetary defense force networks in the Holdfast. However, due to the increasingly advanced nature of Mankind's enemies, Equalizers are being deployed in warzones outside of the fiefdom of Knight-Champion Marius, by the Black Watch. The Equalizer has proven to be a nasty surprise to Man's enemies that have no experience in combating it. The Tau, in particular, were shocked during Operation MUSE WINTER, when they had become overconfident of their countermeasures and tactics against the Manticores and Hydras, and encountered the Equalizer ADV. Dozens of Tau Air Caste operators met their end on the snowy, ice-covered hellworld of Planta IV, at the hands of skilled Imperial patriots, and the Pattern 54 guns and Skyguard SAM system. The foul xenos space socialists were driven off of Holy soil after a grueling 13 month campaign, ending in 178909.M41.


End of File.

Thought For The Day: Ask not "Why kill the alien?", instead ask "Why not?"




This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2016/07/09 03:59:00


Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina



Quick update....


Managed to find the time to work a little more on the Phantom project. I hope to have the weapons hardpoints assembled and painted within the next day or two.. I also plan to have the cockpit area painted as well.


I'm wanting to add some more ordnance to the plane. I hope to be able to get some Forge World Hellstrikes in by the first of next month, to add to the already existing stock weapons.


As far as painting goes, it looks like it's going to all be the old fashioned way (by hand) or not at all. It's currently too humid to use rattle can paint for basing.


Anyway, here is a pic of the work so far. I'm going to order some more Tamiya putty, because the fit of the parts isn't the best in the world. So, there are gaps. But it's an old, cheap kit, so I was expecting it.


Pic:






More to come folks. Stay tuned.

Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina



Update time.....



First off, I have some more supplies coming in. So, I can do a bit more work on some older projects nearing completion. Also, I got this in the other day:








It's going to be a while before I start it. I want to wrap up what I have going on now, before starting other stuff.



On to the Phantom project.....



On the undercarriage, I canted the landing gear struts a bit. The plan is to have the plane lifted in the rear, and throw together some ground crew personnel in the process of working on them (a bit of last minute stuff before a training mission for the plane's aircrew).






The first weapons cluster is completed and ready for painting. It's a slow process, since I have to wait for the glue on each individual part to dry good, before moving on to the next.


Here is a couple of (admittedly lousy, I'm no photographer) shots of the first cluster with the Phantom's aircrew:








Started on the second cluster. Don't mind the old Buddy L jeep. It's just a future project serving as a prop-up for drying glued parts for now.






I also managed to get the first base coat on the cockpit interior (once again, sorry for the poor picture quality).






Well that's it for now. More to come.

Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Is 'Eavy Metal Calling?





Affton, MO. USA


So close to a Dr. strangelove tribute

LOL, Theo your mind is an amazing place, never change.-camkierhi 9/19/13
I cant believe theo is right.. damn. -comradepanda 9/26/13
None of the strange ideas we had about you involved your sexual orientation..........-Monkeytroll 12/10/13

I'd put you on ignore for that comment, if I could...Alpharius 2/11/14 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina

 Theophony wrote:

So close to a Dr. strangelove tribute



I guess the NBC detection vehicle and choice of Cold War-era jet kinda leans it that way, huh?



Anyway, update time!



Small supply drop:







I went with the Testors putty this time because it was cheaper than the Tamiya stuff, and I used it back in my scale aircraft modeling days with half-way decent results.





I also got some more Citadel paint and 'Ardcoat in for the tanks waiting for more attention:









The Phantom received my attention with the limited hobby time I've had of late. I finished assembling the final weapons cluster:








I then started sealing up a few gaps on the plane with the Testors:








I decided to try an experiment with the camo for the Phantom. I broke out the old masking tape:









And started cutting it into the pattern I wanted. It wasn't perfect. But any clean-up and touch-ups, I will do free-handed:








Next was the base coating of the primary hull color. I also took the time to paint what I wanted detail-wise in the cockpit:








I then added the pilot's area canopy pieces:









Next up, the second primary color base coat:








I removed the masking tape. Like I said, not perfect. But I expected to still have some free-hand work to do on it.










Here, I finished the canopy and starting a little painting of the gray areas of the camo pattern. I also based the vertical stabilizer and rudder in gray:








I worked on the paint for the canopy area and nose a bit, and other little odds and ends. I plan on painting another base coat on the skin and stabilizer next, with some more work on the canopy. As you can see, I DO NOT have a steady hand.


The work so far...........







Anyway, folks, that is it for now. There will be more to come......

Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in pt
Pious Palatine






Looking good so far!

EDC
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina

 evildrcheese wrote:
Looking good so far!

EDC




Thanks for the kind feedback. It's much appreciated.




Update time.........



Did some more work on the MOBAT/Nighblade project. I'm getting closer to what I consider "finished". I painted up the IR spotlight, periscope viewports around the commander's hatch, commander's helmet visor, and commander's face. I also wrapped the base of the autocannon with a piece of camo netting I had left over from earlier.


I plan on drybrushing with some Necron Compound, and I'm still waiting on the pigments for the tracks from Forge World. Then, I'll call it good.








I also painted the lenses/viewports on the Type 61, in addition to the main headlights. Looking at the picture closely, more detail is needed with the black headlamp mounts. I'll probably need a brush for fine details, though.








On the Phantom project..........



I slapped another coat of Russ Grey and Administratum Grey on the upper airframe. The progress so far:







I also got in some Tamiya XF-2 Flat White for the bottom of the Phantom from Hobbylinc. As with the pigments for the MOBAT, I'm still waiting on my Hellstrike missile set from Forge World.








Well, it's not much progress. But any is better than none. More on the Phantom will be posted within the next few days. But the next update will be more fluff. This time the Wolverine and Type 61 will get some background.



And as always, comments, advice, and feedback are more than welcome.



More to come......

Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Rogue Inquisitor with Xenos Bodyguards





Eastern edge

Good to see you catching up, looks good to me!

"Your mumblings are awakening the sleeping Dragon, be wary when meddling the affairs of Dragons, for thou art tasty and go good with either ketchup or chocolate. "
Dragons fear nothing, if it acts up, we breath magic fire that turns them into marshmallow peeps. We leaguers only cry rivets!



 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina

 shasolenzabi wrote:
Good to see you catching up, looks good to me!




Thanks for the positive feedback.




First off, the Forge World order finally came in today........









The Hellstrikes:








The unpacking:










A comparison between the Forge World Hellstrike sets, and the Revell-Monogram Sidewinders and Mk 82s that came with the kit:








And the soaking in warm, soapy water to clean the resin pieces. Will scrub them clean in a little bit.









And now on to some background for one of the projects: The Wolverine. But first off, some pics of the preliminary decal work that I did some time back, and didn't think to post. The transfers are from an old Testors/Italeri MiG-37B Ferret-E concept stealth fighter kit I had.


The photos:












The Koverra-Nante Pattern "Wolverine" Tactical Missile Carrier Vehicle (T-MCV).




In the late 36th Millennium, there were complaints by Black Watch Team Commanders about the lack of high-mobility, close-in missile fire support. Manticores were, more or less, mobile artillery units, and not well suited for close support of Black Watch Stormtroopers and powered armored Heavy Support Troops (HSTs). The various Patterns of Hunter-Killer missiles were seen as defensive OSK weapons. Once fired, they were gone. And man-portable systems, while ubiquitous, were not always the ideal solution in heavy fire scenarios.


When the 37th Millennium rolled around, increasing encounters with Ork forces close to the Holdfast galvanized Holdfast Strategic Defense Command into action at long last. After fact-finding discussions with analysts at Segmentum Command and the Departmento Munitorum, the SDC petitioned the Knight-Champion to open negotiations with the Forge World of Koverra for a new tactical missile support vehicle.


While the rabid orthodoxy that settled in on other Forge Worlds, especially Mars, hadn't permeated Koverra on every level of it's resident priesthood, ritual and religious contemplation had long become an ingrained part of Koverra's sect of the Machine Cult. Thus, negotiations were, at best, slow in going. Even with a respected man like the Knight-Champion, who tread the same ground as the Omnissiah, pushing the case for the Black Watch's top brass.


Negotiations were completed on favorable terms for both parties, and the long process of scouring Koverra's collection of STC printouts began. Finally, around 333.M37, a design was settled upon. The vehicle, dubbed "Wolverine" after an ancient, extinct Terran animal known for it's ferocity and bad temper, was based upon a cost-effective "militia tank" from the early centuries of the Dark Age of Technology. The vehicle, based on the few fragmentary records remaining regarding it's history, apparently remained in some use amongst the Federation's backwater worlds until the Men of Iron uprising and Fall of Man in the 25th Millennium.


It took an additional century and a half before production began, and the first examples were shipped out to Black Watch units from Koverra's vehicle parks. The first battle reports were promising and production was increased. Eventually, the Wolverine T-MCV was exported to Imperial Guard units in the Segmentum Tempestus and across the Galaxy to Cadia. To keep up with demand and possible future exports in the wider Imperium, the Archos-Magos at the time, Jan Korrd, authorized the Industrial World of Nante to begin production in it's tank factories in the mid-37th Millennium.


The Wolverine is classified as a heavy vehicle in current Imperial nomenclature, as mandated by the Departmento Munitorum. Weighing in at 89 tonnes, it possesses a sturdy, rugged superstructure, which adds to it's survivability on the modern battlefield. The heavy tracked vehicle's two-part hull design is protected by armor consisting of plas-steel, with underlying ferro-steel ballistic plating around the crew compartment and critical systems. The tread units and bogey wheels are made out of cast adamantium, with the front and rear drive bogeys being more durable than the four road wheels.


The T-MCV is powered by a large HL-ITN-440 V16 Multi-Fuel powerplant. This mighty engine is capable of burning most forms of combustible Prometheum fuels available in the Imperium, simplifying it's logistical footprint to a degree. It's capable of producing a maximum off-road speed of 25 kilometers per hour, and 38 kilometers per hour on smoother terrain like roads and tarmacs. Also, as a standard feature, the Wolverine has a bank of reserve batteries for use when the tank's powerplant is shutdown for whatever reason.


The Wolverine is armed with a turret mounted, dual rack Pattern 87M tactical missile launch system. Each "rack" (or "box", as some troops call them) contains six short-mid range missiles, each in it's own self-contained launch chamber. The missiles are Pattern 115 multi-purpose, solid-fueled missile units. The warhead type can vary according to mission needs. But the most common types are Krak, anti-personnel fragmentation, and penetrator warheads for bunker-busting. The launch system is tied in with the Wolverine's cogitator-array and auspex systems. Both provide targeting data to the vehicle's primary logic engine, which allows the gunner to evaluate and prioritize targets. The system is also capable of multi-targeting and volley fire if necessary.


The vehicle lacks any fixed secondary weapons. However, there is a mount near the commander's coupla for a heavy stubber, storm bolter, or a relic pintel mounted multi-laser. And the vehicle is designed for the addition of a Hunter-Killer Missile launch rail if desired or necessary.


Another feature of this combat vehicle in an emergency escape hatch on the bottom of the hull. It can also double as a maintenance access egress.


There are various access points and fuel/fluid vents and filling points on the tank's hull, and a sturdy engine access covering. In an unusual bit of foresight, the catches of these coverings are reinforced, staying closed even when the vehicle takes a direct hit from a heavy weapon. This is part of a safety system that prevents fires from getting to the self-sealing fuel tank bladders and fluid reservoirs.


The Wolverine has a generous external stowage capacity. Tents, packs, and tools are commonly carried into the field. The generous sized tool compartment and aid kit stowage allow for numerous extras for the crew, and any supporting infantry. One bit of stowage that always attracts curiosity from onlookers is the oversized tools on the hull. These are for use by combat and support walkers, or personnel in large powered armor suits. The large towing cleats on the fore and aft also allow the crew to carry spare tow lines, chains, or large hemp ropes. The tank is equipped with a cast tow hitch that is essentially part of the upper hull. It's proven sturdy and rigid enough to stand up to the strain of pulling Macharius Heavy Tanks, or in vehicle pairs, a single Baneblade.



For night fighting and security, the Wolverine comes standard with the ubiquitous Mars Pattern searchlight near the top hatch. Mounted near the external vox aerial, the light unit can be operated manually, or from inside the turret by a crew member.


The Wolverine T-MCV is operated by a four man crew: Commander, driver, gunner, and systems specialist. In the interests of flexibility, the crew is trained in aiding in the reloading of the missile launch units (which have to be loaded externally), and can do basic/emergency repairs. There is an internal access port to the engine compartment for use in an emergency and/or the crew can't exit the vehicle (hostile environment, enemy fire, etc).


The Wolverine has made a name for itself in the numerous campaigns and battles across the Imperium (and beyond) in the millennia since it's introduction. Still in production on both Koverra and Nante, most are found among the Black Watch brigades, and among some PDF forces in the Holdfast Imperialis. However, it's still fairly common among the Tallarn, Brimlock, Cadian, and Krieg regiments in numerous warzones across known space. While demand from the Munitorum quartermasters and pencil pushers has dipped somewhat in the last three centuries, it's still a treasured and useful unit among Guard regiments lucky enough to have them in their ranks. The most notable use among the Black Watch was during the Fan Long Insurgency that lasted from 505.M40 to 573.M40. Toward the end of the nearly seven decades of bloodshed, the Black Watch launched Operation PEACE GOLD under the command of the Knight-Champion himself. In that action, the Stormtroopers and vehicle units (including numerous Wolverines) of the Black Watch, supported by the flyers of the Imperial Navy's Holdfast Battlegroup, initiated "shock and awe" assaults in support of the XXXV, LIX, and CCII Catachan to end the uprising once and for all. Wolverines proved highly effective against the traitors' ad-hoc (but ingenious) fortified positions and hide-outs, using their deadly payloads to blast the enemy out of cover to be mowed down by lasgun and autogun fire from loyal forces. The intervention by PEACE GOLD forces, and superbly effective units like the Wolverine missile tank, is credited by Imperial savants for bringing a fast end to the traitorous rebellion against the rightful authority of the Emperor.


Thought for the Day: "To Question is to Doubt".




That's all for now. More to come.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2016/08/14 00:44:49


Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in gb
Gargantuan Great Squiggoth





Not where I should be

Well nice to see some action, Phantom is looking great, and the weapon load out will look brilliant I think.

These tanks are pretty awesome, git some old stuff kicking about, got me itching. Great stuff.

Thanks for the fluffy bit too.




 
   
Made in us
Rogue Inquisitor with Xenos Bodyguards





Eastern edge

Always good to have fluff for stuff

"Your mumblings are awakening the sleeping Dragon, be wary when meddling the affairs of Dragons, for thou art tasty and go good with either ketchup or chocolate. "
Dragons fear nothing, if it acts up, we breath magic fire that turns them into marshmallow peeps. We leaguers only cry rivets!



 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina

Camkierhi wrote:Well nice to see some action, Phantom is looking great, and the weapon load out will look brilliant I think.

These tanks are pretty awesome, git some old stuff kicking about, got me itching. Great stuff.

Thanks for the fluffy bit too.


shasolenzabi wrote:Always good to have fluff for stuff





Thanks, guys. It's always appreciated.




Quick update time......



The Phantom got some more attention. Did some touching up and started on the jet exhaust nozzles.









The Hellstrike Missiles assembled and ready for painting.







I started painting the weapons pylons and drop tanks. I can already see that I'm going to need more layers with this Tamiya paint than I would with Citadel.








The same with the Hellstrike Missiles/pylons.







MOBAT time, folks........




I used the Forge World Ash Grey weathering powder to attempt (key word here) to simulate volcanic ash and dust along the bottom of the vehicle. I concentrated on the bottom of the side armor skirts, motive system, bottom of the rear grill, and lower hull on the front. Here are the shots of the results.























Anyway, that's it for now. More to come........

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/08/25 01:58:09


Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in gb
Pious Palatine






Looks awesome.

EDC
   
Made in us
Rogue Inquisitor with Xenos Bodyguards





Eastern edge

F-4 Phantom is coming along nicely.

Tank is looking mean and ready for battle!

"Your mumblings are awakening the sleeping Dragon, be wary when meddling the affairs of Dragons, for thou art tasty and go good with either ketchup or chocolate. "
Dragons fear nothing, if it acts up, we breath magic fire that turns them into marshmallow peeps. We leaguers only cry rivets!



 
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut





North Carolina

evildrcheese wrote:Looks awesome.

EDC


shasolenzabi wrote:F-4 Phantom is coming along nicely.

Tank is looking mean and ready for battle!






Thanks guys. It's always, as usual, much appreciated.



Today's post is a little different. Instead of "update time", it's gonna be "opinion time".



I've been seeing people using HALO Warthogs for their armies in the gallery. The ones that looked the best, size-wise, were the McFarlane HALO 3, Series 1 toys. These examples are from a user going by the username of Ike. They look outstanding. The high-tech look of the M12 Warthog would fit in nicely with my Orders Eternia that I'm planning on building up, in addition to the Black Watch and various Holdfast PDF forces.


Here is a link to Ike's gallery of Warthogs:


http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/images-58466-30275_Warthog.html



Anyway, I ordered one through Amazon to evaluate. Payed 10.99 plus shipping. Got it in today.





Unpacked:







The first thing I noticed was the measurements I saw on Amazon's product description were pretty close to correct. This damned thing is tiny. Here is some size comparisons with current and future projects that are on the small side......



Top comparison: Timmie Toys armored car, Timmie M47/M48 toy tank, Takara 1/48 Crusher Joe Galleon, McFarlane Warthog, and Tamiya 1/35 Panzer II.






Top shot comparison: Armadillo and Warthog.






Some front comparisons:








I don't have any spare GeeDubs minis to test the crew areas of the Warthog. So, I used the next best thing: the figures from the 1/48 Revell-Monogram Phantom kit I'm working on.


Sorry for the craptastic photos. Passenger side:







Even with the bad pics, you can see that the Revell-Monogram figure doesn't sit flush. And they are slightly taller and slimmer than the 28mm "Heroic" Citadel minis, as seen in this shot with the aircrew standing figure, and my GW tank commander, in the Armadillo.





Here is the standing figure in the gun mount of the Warthog:






Personally, I think the GW/Citadel minis would actually work, even with the small size of these Warthog toys. But before I invest in more of these little jeeps, I wanted the opinions of others. What say you, Dakkanauts?


On another note, with the really nice detail, factory mud splatter, and paint job/weathering, if I use them, I'm keeping them stock except adding some Imperial insignia/heraldry and appropriate climate related details. They are just too damned nice to paint over, especially considering their low costs.


Looking forward to any responses, opinions, and advice. Much thanks in advance.


That's all for now. More to come.........

Proud Purveyor Of The Unconventional In 40k 
   
Made in us
Rogue Inquisitor with Xenos Bodyguards





Eastern edge

Warthogs make for some nice IG fast attack cars, forgeworld makes similar cars, and a slightly bigger version.

Elysian Tauros


Elysian Tauros Venator


So the Warthog fits the Tauros well.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
In fact, methionks GW also liked the Warthog and made the Tauros like the SM Talon-GS resembles the Orca from Command and Conquer

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/08/30 00:52:23


"Your mumblings are awakening the sleeping Dragon, be wary when meddling the affairs of Dragons, for thou art tasty and go good with either ketchup or chocolate. "
Dragons fear nothing, if it acts up, we breath magic fire that turns them into marshmallow peeps. We leaguers only cry rivets!



 
   
 
Forum Index » Dakka P&M Blogs
Go to: