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.

I was thinking using thin pipe for the main parts, plasticard for the armour, film containers or thin pipe for the joints, and match sticks for the hydraulics. any other ideas?

Check out my scratch build of a Titan or one of the others on dakka everyone seems to do it a little different,
I followed the plans you can easily find online but then added bits to embellish my model

Never finished mine, but I was also following the ubiquitous plans (jsv_ironfurnace, was it?). Personally, I don't think there's a better way to go about it than his - building box sections (same material as armor, ideally styrene sheet) for the "main part" with PVC pipe joints (stronger than a slice of a film container, and available in a more suitable diameter).

Since the hydraulics aren't load-bearing, you can do them however you like. I wouldn't use matchsticks, though, as their profile is generally square. Round toothpicks and/or bamboo skewers would serve you better, if you want a cheap option. Styrene rod and tube is even better - easy to cut, easy to glue, and can be bought in sizes that will nest together neatly for quick and clean construction.