Any ideas for a Hinterland robot?

[Mancha]

Hi All,

I’ve sort of been toying with the idea of taking Hinterland a little further into VSF with a robot of some sort.  It was actually Skrapwelder’s Eldar conversion that got me thinking about it:



I see the robot as being similar; somewhat taller than a human, recognizably humanesque, with uniform elements as its “skin”, rivets, and lugging a Maxim with ammo feeds built in.  It’s definitely WWI-era technology.  I see it with sort of a skull-like head (although gaunt might be a better word than skull-like), a single “monacle” eye, and a hussar busby at a cocky angle.  It might even have a hussar jacket over one shoulder.  However,  Skrapwelder’s Eldar are a little too elegant, and despite the robot’s uniform touches, I see it as utilitarian, painted field grey, and sort of beat up.  It’s a bodyguard for the command group; more of a “mule” than a “unicorn”, albeit dressed up by those it guards.

I’ve been scanning the Internet for something like what I have in mind, but no luck.  And so I turn to you.  Anyone here share my vision and able to translate it into a drawing?  I can’t pay you much of anything for the artwork, but if I use your image I’ll definitely give you a few free models.  For that matter, anyone is welcome to share robot and/or walker images, but I’m only going to be seriously interested in them if they’re low-tech.

                          Jason/Mancha

[Heldrak]

Some kind of giant robotic "Nutcracker Soldier" immediately springs to mind:



It would fit in nicely with the eastern/middle-European theme of the other Hinterland figures.

Alternatively, if you wanted to stick with the all-female theme, some kind of nested Russian doll (available in a variety of sizes) might be suitable. On the battlefield, every time you destroyed a big one, you would have to contend with a smaller one that popped out of the wreckage...  



*Edit* They're called "Matryoshka"

[OSHIROmodels]

How about something like Robby the Robot

http://100megsfree3.com/glaw/robby/

But give him a skirt instead of legs 

cheers

James

[Der Feldmarschall]

First off Jason, since I finally got around to joining this forum, let me say that I have long admired your miniature line.  When time and money allow I will finally place an order, or two, or... Seriously, I visit your web store a lot and can't wait for an opportunity to paint some up.  

The ancient relic I use for a computer is not cooperating tonight with my Google image searches, but the first thing that came to mind was the iron suits/robots(?) from The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003) that were part of Moriarty's army towards the end.  The other thought was the steam powered zombie soldiers from that first WWIish trench battle from Sucker Punch (2011).

Other than that, I know you have the whole hussar thing going, but iron plated robots say "cuirassier" to me more than "hussar."  Also, since you've just introduced the sailor girls, maybe steam powered deep sea diving suit type robot for another idea to throw out there.

My first design thoughts would probably parallel yours very closely, but I also think with Germans traditionally being fine toy makers, a more elegant clockwork toy soldier type robot would not be out of place.

Just my 2 1/2 cents for now.  

Jason

[Elprez]

Like the idea of a Hinterland robot,  .
And I second the idea of a "skirt".
With a maxim belt-fed from a prominent bumbag-style box at the back? More of a bumbox, if you will?
(Does my bum look big in this configuration?"), 

[Froggy the Great]

I suggest taking inspiration from the Clockwork Robots in the Doctor Who episode "Girl in the Fireplace", but making them less ornate and changing the costume.

I also suggest trawling the archives of the comic "Girl Genius" for ideas - the Foglios have a lot ov delightful clanks in there that could inspire.

[Andym]

What about basing the mechanics of it on 1900's steam trains and maybe adding all the bits that make up the style/uniform of your troops like the pointy hats, gas masks and stuff? Like this....



Theres a ton of pictures out there on steam trains...



BTW that's supposed to be headlights between the legs as opposed to 'buffers'.

[Geudens]

Like the idea of a Hinterland robot,  .
And I second the idea of a "skirt".

It must indeed be "female" and have a giant rolling pin attached to its backpack! (I'm being serious, for once...).  I imagine an old style female robot, wearing a cloth uniform - hussar's pelisse on one shoulder - in the style of the Hinterland figures.  A female head, please,  no skull since this might give it too much of a Warhammer-look

[Mr Evil]

this came to mind from your description, i just cant recall who makes them



grrr cant get it to work .. direct link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45642553@N08/4186830702/

[chantyam]

How about somthing like the clockwork war pants from Eureka? Ok maybe not trousers perhaps war dress/skirt swap the headgear

[FramFramson]

How about something like Boilerplate?

[dadlamassu]

Something like this in an Uhlan or Cuirassier style uniform?





Or ...

[ErikB]

I really like this line of Pulp robots.  May or may not be what you're looking for.  They're more 1950s sci-fi and not at all like robotic nutcrackers.

http://www.hydraminiatures.com/gallery.shtml

Scroll toward the bottom.  There are some colored and some metallic examples.

[Mancha]

Hi All,

First: Thanks for all the ideas.  I appreciate your brainstorming help.  I hope we can continue.  I’ll be looking over some of your suggested sources, such as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Sucker Punch, Doctor Who, and Girl Genius.

Second:  I’m afraid I definitely see this as a male.  My vision of the Hinterland world is that the ladies are the fighters, and they’re backed-up by males in usually noncombat, definitely servile roles.  Thus males serve champaign, shoe the horses, drive the carts, serve as the dumb weapons platforms (as in the proposed robot), and generally accede to the warrior princesses’ every whim, leaving the women free to kick ass.

Third: Andym, that is some nice artwork.  Closest to what I’m thinking of so far.  However, I see my robot as being somewhat more elegant; somewhat less clunky.  I also see my robot as having arms, so it can do a lot more than just hold a Maxim.  You’re definitely on the right track though.

Fourth: Yes, I’ve considered the Eureka Walking Pants, but it looks too cartoony to me.  I don’t want something that comes from the Pax Limpopo world.  I want something more sinister; like World War Robot, but WWI technology and ethos, with WWI being an unpleasant bridge between the elegance and chivalry of the Napoleonic wars and the stark realization of what war would be from now on.  For this reason, the nutcracker idea and nesting dolls idea don’t much interest me either; nor does Robby the Robot.  That rifle-toting robot (which is from Parroom Station, if I recall right) is closer to what I was thinking though.  Boilerplate is also close, although he may be TOO low-tech.

                    Jason

[gorgarrak]

What about Tic-toc from Return to Oz, lots of inspiration there?