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Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Merlon on February 04, 2024, 04:33:51 PM

Title: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on February 04, 2024, 04:33:51 PM
Long term lurker on the forum, thought it time to make a contribution.
I have always want a SF shuttle which could carry more than half a dozen people and a few tea chests.
Found one on Etsy, but the delivered item fell well below par, so decided to have ago at my own.
The case this drill bit came in piqued my interest
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-040224162221-615621050.jpeg)
A bit of work with some styrene sheet turned it into a passable cockpit.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-040224162221-61575117.jpeg)
The wife working away for a few days meant I could create chaos in the back bedroom, her office, glue fumes were quite intense.
Hull core built, had a think about the exterior look of the shuttle and went with big wedge for overall shape.
Passenger module on port side with exits fore and aft. Cargo module on starboard capable of holding 6.1 metre (20 ft) ISO container or small vehicle.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-040224162221-615761586.jpeg)
After destroying several cereal boxes for templates, was able to get a decent fit for the upper parts of the shell.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-040224162221-61577401.jpeg)
Model will now probably  fester for a few months, whilst I contemplate how much detail to put under the shell.
Title: Re: Merlon's SF thread
Post by: OSHIROmodels on February 04, 2024, 05:05:27 PM
That's looking great  :)
Title: Re: Merlon's SF thread
Post by: LouieN on February 04, 2024, 05:22:13 PM
Welcome and a nice start
Title: Re: Merlon's SF thread
Post by: Kourtchatovium104 on February 05, 2024, 02:02:01 PM
Good idea!  :)
Title: Re: Merlon's SF thread
Post by: Merlon on February 09, 2024, 02:57:40 PM
Thank you all.

Steadily adding bits to the shuttle, long way to go.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-090224145416-61672554.jpeg)

Most of the work cannot be seen from above, but should be visible low angle from across the table.
Establishing height of undercarriage to allow roll on/roll off of ISO container.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-090224145416-616752074.jpeg)

In a complete change of pace, for an SF staple, sculpted some mushrooms to add to terrain eventually
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-090224145416-61676413.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's SF thread
Post by: Metternich on February 13, 2024, 09:12:18 PM
  Edible?  If so this planet has a real future in fancy grocery exports.
Title: Re: Merlon's SF thread
Post by: Merlon on February 15, 2024, 02:27:45 PM
  Edible?  If so this planet has a real future in fancy grocery exports.
lol lol lol lol

In the rich world of fungi, who knows
Might be edible, might have lethal toxins, might be useful chemical source, the spores might clog your lungs. Worst of all they might be like Ophiocordyceps unilateralis the "Zombie Ant Fungus" (genuine article)
Title: Re: Merlon's SF thread
Post by: Merlon on February 15, 2024, 02:31:23 PM
Sometimes the fiddly bits take an inordinate amount of time.
Cargo bay door now is hinged, latches to do next.
Intakes for the engines sorted, resin copies made. One spare in case Capt Co*kup comes to call. Knew that Metal Thunderhawk would come useful one day.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-150224142101-61719529.jpeg)

The structural skin is complete apart from the belly. Once that is done time for the cosmetic overlay and surface detail.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-150224142102-617211514.jpeg)

Quite pleased with the over all shape.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-150224142102-617221317.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: hubbabubba on February 16, 2024, 02:00:44 PM
It's looking very promising.
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on February 17, 2024, 02:18:09 PM
Thank you.
I must admit it has been a long time since I did any scratch building and I am enjoying getting back into the groove again.
The piles of shame have had cobwebs on them for far too long.

For a model that would just be a background feature, I may be  investing too much time and effort, we shall see.

First stage of adding wrinkles complete, time for a cuppa and then decide how far to take this.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-170224141136-617471587.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: OSHIROmodels on February 17, 2024, 03:11:31 PM
Cool  8)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: The_Beast on February 17, 2024, 03:39:52 PM
...
The piles of shame have had cobwebs on them for far too long.

For a model that would just be a background feature, I may be  investing too much time and effort, we shall see.

"Piles of shame..." Not 'preaching to the choir' by half!

Honestly, the first piccie after the bit was removed revealed the cockpit, and I figured some grebbling and I would be seeing something like the Stargate Atlantis jumpers.

That this grows and grows is a good thing, given the progress you've making.

Keep shaming us false starters! ;)

Doug
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Battle Brush Sigur on February 20, 2024, 07:04:51 PM
Now that is a cool build there. :D I really like where this is going and how it goes.
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on February 21, 2024, 10:58:23 AM
Thank you all
"something like the Stargate Atlantis jumpers.

That this grows and grows is a good thing, given the progress you've making.

I must admit I had never heard of a puddle jumper before, mainly because - not having Sky- I never saw Stargate Atlantis.
Well the shuttle is now fully plated top & bottom - stands on its own undercarriage. It won't get any bigger, as I said at the start I wanted a shuttle that was capable of more than "half a dozen people and a few tea chests". So it is time to try painting, that means getting to grips with an airbrush, hmmm.

Bit of background fluff
Liason shuttle for orbital insertion /recovery and intra system journeys
Crew: 2
Passengers: standard seating 16, high density seating 24.
Cargo bay: capable of holding 6.1 metre (20 ft) ISO container or small vehicle.
Two dual occupancy airlocks, one fore, one aft
Standard life support. 54 man days

Cargo bay can be fitted with option modules for mission support.

So while I wait for the paints to arrive for the decided colour scheme, built a mission objective. A communications relay tower.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-190224201745-617721884.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Daeothar on February 21, 2024, 11:04:23 AM
Great shuttle, and with the plating, it has a very definite Star Wars vibe! I'm very interested to see how it will look painted :)

Also; the cell-tower is looking really convincing too...
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Freddy on March 02, 2024, 11:27:07 AM
Great looking schuttle!
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on March 02, 2024, 12:28:26 PM
Thank you both.
Alas the usual curse strikes me.
I cant paint for toffee
I shall give it a good scrubbing with paint stripper and try again.
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on March 05, 2024, 07:24:56 PM
Finally put some paint on a model after two attempts. Confirms my suspicions I have a long way to go.
Close up pictures really show no mercy on painting, still it will help with corrections
Bow
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-050324192118-619672159.jpeg)
Starboard
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-050324192118-61968823.jpeg)
Port
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-050324192118-61969408.jpeg)
Stern
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/61/16238-050324192118-619702389.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Basementboy on March 05, 2024, 08:23:34 PM
It looks great to me! Majorly impressed by this craft, congrats on (nearly) finishing the project :D
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: LouieN on March 06, 2024, 05:33:52 AM
a cool shuttle
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: tomrommel1 on March 06, 2024, 06:23:30 AM
outstanding ride you have there :-*
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Daeothar on March 06, 2024, 04:54:53 PM
That's really good looking!!  8)

The colours look really well and the replaced panel gives it a worn and used look.

Now it's even more Star Wars looking though  ;)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: hubbabubba on March 06, 2024, 08:33:14 PM
That's coming along a treat.

Panel lining, a couple of decals, weathering and your done.
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: The_Beast on March 07, 2024, 02:07:47 AM
It looks great to me! Majorly impressed by this craft, congrats on (nearly) finishing the project :D

I go MUCH further!

Would I try to sell it on eBay or Etsy? No.

Would I put it on the table? With pride!

Send me any future 'failures'.

Doug
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Bullshott on March 07, 2024, 08:05:12 AM
Lovely work bon this project. Now build the spaceport to go around it!
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: blacksoilbill on March 07, 2024, 10:15:09 AM
That shuttle is an outstanding build!
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Sgt_T on March 07, 2024, 10:40:14 AM
That shuttle is an outstanding build!

Indeed!

T.
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on March 07, 2024, 01:03:55 PM
Thank you for all the kind words.
That's really good looking!!  8)

The colours look really well and the replaced panel gives it a worn and used look.

Now it's even more Star Wars looking though  ;)
I grew up with Chris Foss spaceships rather than Star Wars. But I can't take any credit for the colour scheme, that is just 1940 Luftwaffe (RLM 02 Green Grey & RLM 71 Dark Green over RLM 65 Light Blue, with RLM 04 Yellow identifiers).


Panel lining, a couple of decals, weathering and your done.
Transfers have been selected and model has been varnished, ready for attempts to weather it.

Lovely work bon this project. Now build the spaceport to go around it!
Might be a bit ambitious, but certain elements of backwater Hadrian are on the cards to be built soon.
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: aliensurfer on March 07, 2024, 10:57:17 PM
That's come out really well.
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: OSHIROmodels on March 08, 2024, 08:13:11 AM
I like it  8)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on March 13, 2024, 01:15:55 PM
Thank you both.

Painting on the shuttle continues at a snails pace, I find it hard to do. No doubt some of you can knock it out in a couple of hours.
Local gaming group had a scratch build something in twenty four hours competition. Had a go, predictably ran out of time, here it is.

The PDF or auxilia in the hinterlands of Hadrian need a long range vehicle for patrolling. So decided to build something akin to the South African Ratel.

Started off by having a root in the tyre tub to find some wheels.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-130324130037-620681468.jpeg)

Then started cutting styrene, doing measurements by pixel counting off pictures. This is as far as I got in the twenty four hours. Detailing still to do
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-130324130037-62074952.jpeg)

Counts as a NOT Ratel as the tyres are slightly too big and the hull is four millimetres too tall. But it will do for second tier PDF in the back of beyond.
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Freddy on March 13, 2024, 07:42:15 PM
Nice APC!
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Basementboy on March 15, 2024, 05:51:21 PM
Very cool!!!
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on March 16, 2024, 06:18:54 PM
Thank you both. I hope it serves the PDF well.

Amazing the difference a couple of hours work can do.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-160324181347-62115555.jpeg)

Predictably I put paint on a model it all goes Pete Tong. The red brown was too thin and bled under the blutack.
Still sheet styrene to paint on a model in four days is lightning fast for me. Learning point to try and make mixing colours more consistent.
Time for retouching.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-160324181347-62116733.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: OSHIROmodels on March 16, 2024, 07:45:54 PM
Great little build  8)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Kourtchatovium104 on March 17, 2024, 02:51:08 PM
Nice one !  :)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: voltan on March 17, 2024, 03:03:54 PM
I know you based it on the Ratel but it reminds me of  action forces, Z force transporter.
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on March 22, 2024, 09:34:21 PM
Thank you all. Currently stripped and in process of being repainted. I'll get the hang of it one day.
I know you based it on the Ratel but it reminds me of  action forces, Z force transporter.
Not heard of that until now, it is very similar and I suspect had the same inspiration.

A little bit of fluff
Hadrian is what generally classified as a garden world. That conjures up images of verdant green vegetation and pleasant climate. In the coastal areas that is largely true,  the hinterlands beyond the white mountains are less so, mostly arid. The major industries are production of foodstuffs and tourism & hunting for those with a large enough wallet.
Useful ores do exist - but not in sufficient quantities for the favoured bulk extraction by Imperial administration. Small amounts of heavy industry exist to support agriculture and fishing.
Small settlements do exist in the hinterland, one such is Greenhaven. The name promises much, but does not actually deliver as much. Usable timber is sparse, so mud brick is often used.

In the Sahelian Africa; Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Benin and Ghana. A variant known as Nubian vault is used, which requires no timber in its construction. So I decided to take some inspiration from these images

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-220324212539-621701166.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-220324212539-621712305.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-220324212539-621721635.jpeg)

First thing was do something about the distinctive doors and windows. Made a few masters and from them some moulds
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-220324212539-621732357.jpeg)
It did help I had some old resin from 2017 that needed disposing of (using), can't really be put in the bin.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-220324213159-621742379.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Freddy on March 23, 2024, 08:44:41 AM
Nice idea, I really like those windows.
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: snitcythedog on March 23, 2024, 08:52:16 AM
Very cool windows and doors.  The whole thread is impressive.  It is always nice when you can get the most out of an old container of resin.  Even better when it still works as advertised. 
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on March 23, 2024, 12:44:25 PM
Thak you for the kind words
It is always nice when you can get the most out of an old container of resin.  Even better when it still works as advertised.

I am very lucky with my cellar, always dry the temperature stays between 7 and 12 Celsius all year round. Stuff just seems to last.

Well I have played with the Not Ratel for a while, it will do.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-230324123843-621791164.jpeg)
Put together a prototype building, all seems to work quite happy with it.
 (http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-230324123843-621802204.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: AKULA on March 23, 2024, 03:14:11 PM
Great work - I particularly like the APC build  8)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Daeothar on March 25, 2024, 03:58:12 PM
Thank you for all the kind words.I grew up with Chris Foss spaceships rather than Star Wars. But I can't take any credit for the colour scheme, that is just 1940 Luftwaffe (RLM 02 Green Grey & RLM 71 Dark Green over RLM 65 Light Blue, with RLM 04 Yellow identifiers).

Instantly recognizable, yes :)

Still looks the part though ;)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on March 30, 2024, 08:11:16 PM
Thank you both.
My APC model was basically an inspired by Ratel 90 (90mm gun), working by pixel counting from pictures.
The wheels used were 1.5mm too big and I raised the height of the vehicle overall by 4mm to give a little bulk for 40K
Found a company that 3D printed the Ratel 20 (20mm cannon) in 1/56 scale. Could not resist the temptation to do a comparison. Quite chuffed how close it matches
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-300324200019-622181742.jpeg)

Greenhaven's landing facilities for shuttles etc could be politely described as sparse. A concrete pad and landing transponders, there is not even refuelling facilities. If a vessel has insufficient fuel to return to orbit, the crew has to stump up the funds for a tanker to come to the pad.
There is however 590, the servitor has been here for longer than most people can remember. If it has nothing better to do, it plays musical attachments moving them around the pad endlessly.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-300324200019-622311470.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: LouieN on March 30, 2024, 10:08:57 PM
A nice setting piece.

Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Freddy on April 01, 2024, 11:18:12 AM
Wow, what a nice forklift!
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on April 11, 2024, 01:53:30 PM
Thank you both.
590 could be a useful prop in many scenarios, especially with the servo skulls added to the skull docks.

Been exploring the Nubian vault concept and created five buildings so far in various forms.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-110424124244-622872393.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-110424124244-62288897.jpeg)
Now to build some shops, street clutter and courtyard walls to add to the mix.

Quiet weekend, as the boss was away. So able to create mayhem with saws, knives glue and plastic.
Got asked to make a truck for a Necromunda game. Might have got a bit carried away with an inspired by Hydrema 912 build.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-110424124244-622891045.jpeg)
Nearly there.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-110424124244-622901964.jpeg)
It will do for a plot element, when I get it back will finish painting it
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-110424124244-622911904.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Rommel on April 11, 2024, 04:25:02 PM
An old plastic Imperial Guard!If only  I got hold on a box of them!
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Freddy on April 11, 2024, 09:57:01 PM
Great looking little truck!
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on April 12, 2024, 10:36:00 AM
An old plastic Imperial Guard!If only  I got hold on a box of them!
I did have a box of them, but I sold the majority of them to a guy in Australia. Think I now have just the one and components to build one or two more.

Jumping sideways, an American friend brought me a treasure from far away. Thank you very much.
A Rogue Trader era Imperial Knight - Space Marine bottom right of the picture for scale.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-120424092852-622941084.jpeg)
Will keep me quiet on the modelling front for some time.
Company is called Battle Castings, all their product appear to be sold out at the moment. A series of resin castings, from a 3D printed master, the print seems to have had a lot of facets that will require smoothing out plus there is some mould slippage. This will be a slow burn project.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-120424092852-622971349.jpeg)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Daeothar on April 12, 2024, 11:30:19 AM
Ooh, that's very nice!  :-*

It looks like it will nicely fit in with the old Armorcast Titans (of which I am lucky enough to own one), coming from the old Epic/Space Marine range.

I understand it's a 3D design; I'd love to get my dirty mitts on those STLs... ;)
Title: Re: Merlon's not quite 40K SF thread
Post by: Merlon on April 15, 2024, 07:52:44 PM
I'd love to get my dirty mitts on those STLs... ;)
I think they are a none commercial STL, created solely for this model. Very low polygon count hence all the facets.

The model is made from a soft slightly flexible resin, survived a bounce test in a fall to the floor. I suspect the mould is end of life lots of slippage in the seams requiring a lot of sanding and filling. Also areas with extensive pitting in the components. Smoothing the facets requires a lot of patience. Still making slow progress.
Have magnetised the waist and weapon connections.
Some of the print facets are still visible in the legs, put some primer on them as they were getting grubby from handling. Long way to go.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-150424183921-62311268.jpeg)

Traditional battle cannon and chainsword armament
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-150424183921-623122335.jpeg)
Slightly more psychotic armament of chainsword and power fist
 (http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/62/16238-150424183921-623131181.jpeg)