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Two questions I'd like to see answered and discussed regarding the design of rank and file futuristic infantry.

#1: What is the purpose of having a little box on the back of your infantryman's armour? The two I am thinking of are Imperial Stormtroopers (Star Wars) and Cadians. They have little boxes (possibly made of ticky-tacky) on their backs. It doesn't look bad, but does it really add to them? Would they look better or worse without them?

#2: Do you prefer your troops to have fabric bulging out of their armour, as if they were wearing baggy clothing underneath (Cadians), or do you like them to look more like they're wearing spandex or something tight underneath, like Stormtroopers?

#1:Manbags have been deemed heretical by the Inquisition.
Ticky-tacky boxes are now mankind's only hope.

#2:Spandex and no armour would be my 1st choice.

Screw the tight spandex, I'd want as much padding and protection as possible (but not too much).

Not sure what the ticky-tacky boxes are for.

Military uniforms come in two sizes, too large and too small. I would not respect an army that looked like Sigfried and Roy.

captain.gordino wrote:Two questions I'd like to see answered and discussed regarding the design of rank and file futuristic infantry.

#1: What is the purpose of having a little box on the back of your infantryman's armour? The two I am thinking of are Imperial Stormtroopers (Star Wars) and Cadians. They have little boxes (possibly made of ticky-tacky) on their backs. It doesn't look bad, but does it really add to them? Would they look better or worse without them?

In the Star Wars Stormtrooper case, I think it's some sort of life support/battery pack/supplies/etc. It looks weird, whatever it is.

#2: Do you prefer your troops to have fabric bulging out of their armour, as if they were wearing baggy clothing underneath (Cadians), or do you like them to look more like they're wearing spandex or something tight underneath, like Stormtroopers?

Depends. Lightweight, form-fitting solid-color fabrics are already in use for parts of the body that are covered by armor; it really helps with the body's temperature regulation as well as overall comfort. Loose, durable camouflage material makes sense for unarmored areas.

I suppose I was more wondering what people liked the look of on models better, rather than what they'd want to wear if they were in the military. Appreciate the opinions thus far though.

For me it depends on the explanation.

Take Tau. They wear a tight fitting bodysuit with loose fitting clothes on top, then hardshell armour and a big backpack.

I have always rationalised this as multi-layer environmental protection. The body suit helps with temperature regulation and wound control. The loose suit is for camouflage and physical protection. The backpack contains a power supply needed to run electronics and life support.

All this fits with the Tau high-tech background.

captain.gordino wrote:I suppose I was more wondering what people liked the look of on models better, rather than what they'd want to wear if they were in the military. Appreciate the opinions thus far though.

Well honestly I kinda like the look of models like fire warriors and shock troops as they are. The fire warrior helmets are kind of "eh", and I guess the guns do look a tad ridiculous, but all in all I like them.

I really like the Elysian models, too. The armor looks kinda strange but it's not a bad look altogether.

captain.gordino wrote:Two questions I'd like to see answered and discussed regarding the design of rank and file futuristic infantry.

#1: What is the purpose of having a little box on the back of your infantryman's armour? The two I am thinking of are Imperial Stormtroopers (Star Wars) and Cadians. They have little boxes (possibly made of ticky-tacky) on their backs. It doesn't look bad, but does it really add to them? Would they look better or worse without them?

Im guessing like GPS stuff , small sized computer , rechargeable battery for lights ,or something

The little boxes hold the processing gear and coolant systems for the suits (if talking Star Wars stormtroopers).

IG ST have the packs for their hellguns/plasma/melta guns (as their guns are cabled to them).

As to the armour/fabric. In Sw, the undersuit is a fabric sandwich that is part of the cooling system (draws sweat away from your skin to cool) as well as offering some padding.

Having worn flak armour and loose clothing in an aussie summer, I'd have preferred a skinsuit that wicked moisture away from my skin.

captain.gordino wrote:Two questions I'd like to see answered and discussed regarding the design of rank and file futuristic infantry.

#1: What is the purpose of having a little box on the back of your infantryman's armour? The two I am thinking of are Imperial Stormtroopers (Star Wars) and Cadians. They have little boxes (possibly made of ticky-tacky) on their backs. It doesn't look bad, but does it really add to them? Would they look better or worse without them?

In the case of Imperial Stormtroopers, I think it's been explained as the electronics and such for the armors environmental components. For the Cadians, maybe it's the Imperium Approved storage space for the Infantryman's Uplifting Primer. Pity: if they put it around front they might be able to count as wearing carapace.

captain.gordino wrote:
#2: Do you prefer your troops to have fabric bulging out of their armour, as if they were wearing baggy clothing underneath (Cadians), or do you like them to look more like they're wearing spandex or something tight underneath, like Stormtroopers?

I like my troops to be dressed comfortably and in appropriate garb for the environment they'll be fighting in. I like the enemy to be itchy and uncomfortable. The goal of all Imperial designers is to make the enemy chafe for their country!

I thought the little box on the back of the Cadian's infantry armour was just an umbilical to attach packs and grav-chutes without the need for complicated webbing. Like the similar knob on the back of power armour, a plug for attachment to an independent power supply, a vehicle, or extra equipment like a Servo-harness or Jump Pack.

Yeah, but does the little thing add to the look, in y'all's opinions? I'm really just trying to figure out what looks best because I'm trying to sculpt some infantry. I guess I should have stated that.

So what looks best, fabric hanging out or no fabric hanging out?

Boxes on backs, or no little boxes?

Well, the Spartans from Halo or the Clone Troopers and the like are rather good examples of the cloth fitting tightly, and pretty much anything else is good for the cloth fitting loosley. I personally prefer the cloth fitting loosely as I like the look of loose pants over military boots. (the little muffintops thing is cool in ma opinion) but really, if you the one designing these things why don't you decide?

The box? It's their lunch. Bologna and mustard on white bread. Small bag of chips. Juice box.

What about vegemite? Don't the Aussies get to be clone troopers too?

Anyway, Ratbarf (did I read that right?), I just like to know what other people think. My preference is tight fitting clothing, but I wanted to know others' opinions as well. As for the box thing, I totally can't decide.

Death By Monkeys wrote:The box? It's their lunch. Bologna and mustard on white bread. Small bag of chips. Juice box.

There is no point putting Chips in your lunchbox. They'll be stone cold by lunchtime. Silly Colonist. Perhaps your Fatherland can instead reccomend a packet of Crisps? Much like Chips, they are made from potato, are meant to be eaten cold, and have the added advantage of coming in a variety of flavours beyond 'Lard'

Yes, yes, vegemite for the Aussie clone troopers (none of that nasty marmite!) And yes, bloody crisps if you will. You know, I will say the UK has vastly exceeded the US in your crisp flavors. Curry, prawn, and my own favorite - ketchup-flavored (or tomato sauce for our Aussie mates). Yes, they all go in the lunchbox on the back. Gotta keep your energy up somehow. Carrying around all that armor is hard work!

I've recently made a point of tasting all the Walker's Test Varieties, including Chilli and Chocolate (nasty) Fish and Chips (Scampi and Lemon Niknaks are better), Hoisin Duck (good after taste) Onion Bhaji (by far the best!), Builders Breakfast (Eggy after taste is too strong) and the slightly bizarre Cajun Squirrel (which doesn't have a terribly distinctive taste).

However my favourites are the classics, Ready Salted, Salt and Vinegar, Prawn Cocktail, and Nice N Spicey Niknaks.

British snack foods for the win!

I like Storm troopers they’re a classic design that defines the archetype and I also like Cadians, they're similar to the Colonial Marines from Aliens and also have a WWII British Soldier in space armour look about them. Fortunately their weakest element, their heads, is the most easily replaced part.

Anyway, Ratbarf (did I read that right?), I just like to know what other people think. My preference is tight fitting clothing, but I wanted to know others' opinions as well. As for the box thing, I totally can't decide.

Yah you read it right, my interenet name usually gets that kind of reaction lol.

Anyways, for backpacks, (as I forgot to comment on that) I think troops always look better if they have a pack of some sort. (as long as they are gun infantry, not so much medieval and the like) Plus it fits better as they alsmost always do have a pack on their back that they ocassionly will shed when they come under fire if they have time but often fight with it on.

During WW2 the German army issued some troops with A-Frames that were worn on the back and attached to the Y-straps that supported the equipment on the soldiers back. The A-frame had a small bag attached that contained various small kit items that included an emergency iron ration pack. The bag on the A-frame was designed in such a way that it was impossible for a soldier to remove anything from it without either assistance from another soldier or by completely removing their kit. The iron ration was to be eaten only upon the orders of the unit commander. By placing it in the middle of the soldiers back where they could not access it, it helped ensure that the soldier did not eat the emergency ration without being ordered to.

Perhaps the Cadian box contains emergency rations?

captain.gordino wrote:I suppose I was more wondering what people liked the look of on models better, rather than what they'd want to wear if they were in the military. Appreciate the opinions thus far though.

Form follows function; I take a "harder-SF" approach than most when judging miniatures and settings (one of the reasons I haven't played much 40k lately). If I look at a figure and can't imagine anyone charging into combat with such ridiculous kit, it's unlikely I'll buy the fig. If they mostly wear torso armor they'll look fine with baggy uniforms like the Cadians. In fact, they'd look a bit strange otherwise (i.e. wearing full spandex suits for no reason). The rest is aesthetics: I generally prefer figs in simple uniforms, with sleek armor, and practical decorations/accessories like grenades, magazines, comm gear, etc.


Take a look at the infantry for Infinity, particularly Yu Jing and Pan Oceania: they combine some neat concepts (interesting armor styles, cybernetics) with TERRIBLE execution (ugly poses, ginormous ugly weapons).

Death By Monkeys wrote:Yes, yes, vegemite for the Aussie clone troopers (none of that nasty marmite!) And yes, bloody crisps if you will. You know, I will say the UK has vastly exceeded the US in your crisp flavors. Curry, prawn, and my own favorite - ketchup-flavored (or tomato sauce for our Aussie mates). Yes, they all go in the lunchbox on the back. Gotta keep your energy up somehow. Carrying around all that armor is hard work!

Locally we have chips (American meaning) with Old Bay on them. Got those?

(Actually, I think it's better on fries (American). Which I guess are chips(UK).)

prawn

Prawn? As in pr0n? That would be a very interesting thing to keep in ones lunchbox...

The T'au are one of my favorites when it comes to the armour that GW puts out. The only thing I could see the Fire Warriors not having is the giant antenna thing sticking out of the side of their head though it doesn't detract from it enough to make the models ugly.

I really think it depends on the look and fluff of the dudes you are sculpting.

Stormtroopers and the like are the empire's elite and thus will have some kind of high tech form fitting temp control suit under their armour.
While the poor little Guardsmen's equipment was mass produced and one size fits all. (I guess they expected a lot of fat guys)

So if its high tech go for form fitting, if its ghetto and cheap go for loose fitting.

Best of luck to you in your sculpting

Thank you all very much. This thread has actually given me some insight, and I look forward to posting some results, hopefully at some point in the next few weeks.

Backpacks are good, but it's better to be festooned with lots and lots of little pouches, Liefeld-style.

Baggy pants are a must, but I guess they can wear anything as underwear.

Death By Monkeys wrote:Yes, yes, vegemite for the Aussie clone troopers (none of that nasty marmite!) And yes, bloody crisps if you will. You know, I will say the UK has vastly exceeded the US in your crisp flavors. Curry, prawn, and my own favorite - ketchup-flavored (or tomato sauce for our Aussie mates). Yes, they all go in the lunchbox on the back. Gotta keep your energy up somehow. Carrying around all that armor is hard work!

In canada we have had Ketchup chips since the early 80's, and plus they are my favorite flavor too.

Those boxes on the back are the housing for their armour's power (power for helmet mounted squad vox and other attachments such as helmet mounted lights or targeting systems), they also serve as the interface between their armour and more advanced systems, such as the meltagun / plasma gun ammo supplies and Kasrkin commando equipment worn in one handy backpack package.