Drop Ship (now with added pew pew)

[Brandlin]

I'm not sure how many of you might remember the following project from almost 5 years ago.



EDIT : Read all about it on the following thread on my blog - lots of pictures and more description. http://brandlin.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Dropship

This is a home resin cast and scratch built Dropship model that I made for my hasslefree Grymn.
I always wanted to have a hollow one to put Old Crow vehicles in for deployment.

So i have started to do this.



Intent is to laser cut the skeletal framework from ply/MDF and to wrap it in Styrene. A few additional components (such as the landing gear feet and vents and weapon mounts on the hull will be 3D printed (and possibly then resin cast).



It has an opening and extending rear door.




and now also has retractable landing gear - Down and Up.




Next job is to design and model the engine mounts to allow rotation and placement. And then to crack on with the cockpit.

[Mason]

Very nice!
I am sure that it should prove very popular should you release it as a kit.
 

[Daeothar]

Ooh; I recall that!

Very nice, and I'm sure that, should you release a kit, it would sell well. I'm guessing that the Infinity crowd specifically would be partial to such a model...

I'm still planning on making a scaled up version of the Chickenhawk paper model (about 140%) in plasticard, with an accessible interior. Your effort might make my plans obsolete...

[Brandlin]

Thank you Mason and Daeothar,

I don't think this will be that popular as a gaming piece as its going to end up being pretty complicated - I'm already up to 207 pieces and I have the cockpit, engines, and surface detailing to do. I think I might be pushing the limits of lasercutting too as some of the components end up being pretty small.

Also for those used to working with plastic molded components this is likely to feel a bit rough and will lack the fine detail of a resin cast. Its also unlikely to be cheap.

IF i do sell any it's likely to be to those who like a challenge and are interested in modelling and customising.

[ShortscaleDave]

By god that is fantastic design work, really impressive.  I third a kit if it's affordable for both you and the customer to do so!

[Brandlin]

A little posing - with the Main hull sat on its landing gear and rear door open...

[axiom]

I'd be perfectly happy with a kit of the solid bodied one

[Brandlin]

I'd be perfectly happy with a kit of the solid bodied one

At the moment its about 1kg of resin... and only a prototype, with a number of issues to fix. If i get through the rest of this design, I may see if someone like Fenris can make a hollow cast of the prototype hull. Depends on demand

Thank you for your positivity - much appreciated.

[The_Beast]

Totally missed the original project, but this has certainly reached bonkers stage.

Have to ask: was the original inspired by a Listerine container?

Doug

[YPU]

I remember and I'm curious to see what follows. 

[Brandlin]

Totally missed the original project, but this has certainly reached bonkers stage.

You don't know me well then. This is still looking possible. Bonkers is only just poking its head over the horizon!

Wait for the rotating and poseable engines, the weapon hard points, detachable cockpit (so the pilots can ditch all the grunts when the going gets tough) the removable roof with the detailed interior and the underbelly missile racks with opening belly doors.

Have to ask: was the original inspired by a Listerine container?

Yes it was.

Hence this is the RESILIENT class drop ship  (LISTERINE = RESILIENT anag.)

Try the following link to read all of the dropship history on my blog - lots more pictures and descriptions.http://brandlin.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Dropship

[The_Beast]

You don't know me well then. This is still looking possible. Bonkers is only just poking its head over the horizon!

The possible can still be bonkers.

Wait for the rotating and poseable engines, the weapon hard points, detachable cockpit (so the pilots can ditch all the grunts when the going gets tough) the removable roof with the detailed interior and the underbelly missile racks with opening belly doors.

Strangely enough, I'd already factored about three quarters of those into my estimations.

Yes it was.

Hence this is the RESILIENT class drop ship  (LISTERINE = RESILIENT anag.)

Try the following link to read all of the dropship history on my blog - lots more pictures and descriptions.http://brandlin.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Dropship

I've been thinking about several bottles for my Full Thrust in the Park game, but can never come up with something good for the front end. Will wander your blog laters.

Thanks!

Doug




[/quote]

[Elbows]

Very cool.  I have considered, occasionally, talking to my buddy (laser cut guy) about creating some modular "ship" components to allow people to purchase and assemble (non-mobile) ships for boarding actions and other sci-fi games.  Basically creating open-topped command sections, engine rooms, storage bays etc.  Make them stackable etc.

I think what you've proposed is a good idea and could sell as a kit --- possibly replace styrene with heavy card stock to keep costs down.  Looks great.

[Brandlin]

Very cool.  I have considered, occasionally, talking to my buddy (laser cut guy) about creating some modular "ship" components to allow people to purchase and assemble (non-mobile) ships for boarding actions and other sci-fi games.  Basically creating open-topped command sections, engine rooms, storage bays etc.  Make them stackable etc.

I think what you've proposed is a good idea and could sell as a kit --- possibly replace styrene with heavy card stock to keep costs down.  Looks great.

Thanks for the positive comments Elbows.

As to the card stock, that really isn't possible in many places as the styrene is pretty much structural. It could be done in some areas, but the saving would be small as the cost of the materials is dwarfed by the cost of the time spent on the laser cutter.

[Brandlin]

WIP Detail of the Engine Mounts, allowing the Engine nacelles to be attached by magnets and rotated to one of 12 positions for posing in flight or on the ground