Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => VSF Adventures => Topic started by: Mancha on 02 December 2011, 06:06:30 AM
-
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:
(http://www.rotanddrivel.com/Klanks.jpg)
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
-
Some kind of giant robotic "Nutcracker Soldier" immediately springs to mind:
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u219/Heldrak/Forum%20Saves/nutcracker.jpg)
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... ;)
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u219/Heldrak/Forum%20Saves/ee36a36ddf1a82b27f8c8d4c4c40aa38.jpg)
*Edit* They're called "Matryoshka"
-
How about something like Robby the Robot
http://100megsfree3.com/glaw/robby/ (http://100megsfree3.com/glaw/robby/)
But give him a skirt instead of legs :)
cheers
James
-
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
-
Like the idea of a Hinterland robot, :D.
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?"), lol
-
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.
-
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....
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv179/andym2105/982fddf9.jpg)
Theres a ton of pictures out there on steam trains...
(http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv179/andym2105/443f17f4.jpg)
BTW that's supposed to be headlights between the legs as opposed to 'buffers'.
-
Like the idea of a Hinterland robot, :D.
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
-
this came to mind from your description, i just cant recall who makes them
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/45642553@N08/4186830702/)
grrr cant get it to work .. direct link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/45642553@N08/4186830702/
-
How about somthing like the clockwork war pants from Eureka? Ok maybe not trousers perhaps war dress/skirt :) swap the headgear
-
How about something like Boilerplate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boilerplate_%28robot%29)?
(http://tinyurl.com/6n53dak)
(http://techmash.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/boilerplate-3.jpg)
(http://xirdal.lmu.de/xirdalium/xpix/boilerplate_roosevelt.png)
-
Something like this in an Uhlan or Cuirassier style uniform?
(https://d44ytnim3cfy5.cloudfront.net/assets/1020384/view_large/4a3475e719b9f7d5c901e84dc2d2eccc.jpg?1277181694)
(https://d27fcql9yjk2c0.cloudfront.net/assets/1020715/lightbox/0bbc8e68ecacd51b68f005633fcbc4a9.jpg?1277181734)
Or ...
(http://www.thevervoid.com/images/klathi03.jpg)
-
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.
-
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
-
What about Tic-toc from Return to Oz, lots of inspiration there?
-
(http://www.warehouse23.com/img/extra/SJG13-0101-4.jpg)
Always been somewhat partial to those.
I have also been poking around with this design:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5183/5643795011_b095943752.jpg)
http://www.toybotstudios.com/2011/04/steam-punk-iron-man-custom-by-packrat.html
The design is pretty interesting - though either the boiler or the jerry cans are a bit out of place.
There are a few interesting comics from Antarctic Press that might provide inspiration (they fall into the so bad it is good category...Steampunk Palin, Time Lincoln and Victorian Secret come to mind...). Might see if you can find those to flip through.
Have you considered something a little less robot? I have been considering moving my Recreational Conflict hard suits over as heavy support for the girls.
-
Scout, who makes those figures? I don't think I've seen them before. Is the eyepiece on the scientist actually dimensional, so it gets painted up to look magnified? If so that's a really interesting concept.
Jason, I've been pondering what a Hinterland robot might look like, I'm going to make an attempt to draw something up in next couple days.
-
GURPS official miniatures:
http://www.warehouse23.com/info/gurps.html#minis
There are pictures of the unpainted minis, and yes - it is molded into the mini to look magnified. The minis are better than the paint jobs indicate.
-
I converted this GW piece as a sort of WW1 armour:
(http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk301/area23shelter/Submersible3.jpg)
Does look more interwar I suppose, as there are no rivets.
-
@Scout_II: Thanks for the info, I had no idea GURPS had minis!
@area23: That's a really cool conversion.
-
There's a lot of food for thought in this thread, but I'm still not having that Eureka moment. :(
-
What if you took something like the Buccaneer Warjack and replaced the legs with an articulated plenum bustle skirt, making it a ground effect, aircushion klank. kind of like the bottom of a Dalek.
(http://privateerpress.com/files/imagecache/product_image/products/mercenaries/warjacks/buccaneer.png)
plus
(http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l5j3bpTzLu1qbkf3ho1_400.jpg)
Add a robot head with shako to the top.
Tot und zaftig.
-
Well, excuse my lack of drawing skill, but, how about something similar to this:-
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_7oLEO_JIE/Tt17vKpjEzI/AAAAAAAAArM/heT2T1N-NQY/s1600/Robot.jpg)
-
Thinking outside the box here, but instead of robots, how about Cyborgs? Artificial hands, eye sockets etc. etc. Or walkers. Think of a VSF contraption with one of your hussars piloting from inside? You could get that VSF look but keep the femininity of what you've created so far.
-
Burst my pantaloons! Look no further than the Amazing Screw on Head
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_16vaepAqX-c/TLxVUtuj9OI/AAAAAAAACQg/_H9-JKWPg9M/s1600/cover.jpg)
(http://www.ainokostudios.com/concept/AMAZING%20SCREW%20ON%20HEAD/SCREWONHEAD-model.jpg)
(http://www.ironcowprod.com/plastic/professional/amazing_screwon/1.jpg)
Do that, and of course we need his antagonist, Emperor Zombie:
(http://www.ainokostudios.com/concept/AMAZING%20SCREW%20ON%20HEAD/EMPERORZOMBIE-model.jpg)
-
Interesting ideas, and thanks ElPrez for putting pencil to paper.
You know, the problem is that it's hard to translate the WWI technology to a walker or robot without that robot looking too fanciful, naive and/or cartoonish, and not sinister and capable enough. :(
-
Darkson Design's robot troopers are getting close:
(http://www.kutami.de/bilder/produkte/gross/American-Robot-Troopers.jpg)
Blight Wheel's is cool, although a little too hulking:
(http://images.vendder.com/store/blightwheelminiatures/7514/igor002.jpg)
-
:-*. The Blight Wheel robot I like.
Thanks for posting that. I had this WIP photo of that one saved from ages ago, and wasn't sure where I'd come across it, so now I know. I think I'll have to get one when they get them back in stock.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jLvW_mp3u4/Tt4FiU-NCuI/AAAAAAAAArU/BK2zbOD9sLA/s320/modifs_robot_fin_01.jpg)
A Hinterland robot in that style, but more Hinterland-y would be good.
I would definitely be in favour of the single monocle eye and a hussar busby to tie it in with the figures already released.
-
I'd even suggest pulling it back to a more victorian look - lots to play with there.
-
Just released by Reaper. I like this:
(http://www.reapermini.com/graphics/gallery/3/59015_w_1.jpg)
-
Meh, looks like it's holding a tambourine.
-
lol. They also have this more cheerful, and differently armed alternative:-
(http://www.reapermini.com/graphics/gallery/4/59015_w_2.jpg)
-
I can sort of see this one with a more sinister face, in a more dynamic pose, holding a maxim, and wearing hessian boots, the hussar jacket over a shoulder, and the hat.
-
Think that might be what is throwing me - I don't normally picture my robots wearing clothes.
What if the various clothing items were actually part of the robot itself and had function as well as form?
Lower legs in a stylized metallic boot, the lacing of the hussar jacket either being armor plates or perhaps a grill for cooling the power supply, the hat - well, that I guess could be a hat...but it is a bit hard for me to take a robot in a hat seriously.
Was also flipping through some old books while working on a different project and something else sort of struck me...
Base the robot on a historical Hussar as opposed to one concurrent to the girls. Something like a winged hussar would provide a lot of design potential. Use the actual armor as a base - but make it less refined and more mechanical. Wings could be remolded as cooling fins, exhaust stacks or even decorative elements (with metallic feathers and rivets).
-
I really like that idea.
-
Base the robot on a historical Hussar as opposed to one concurrent to the girls. Something like a winged hussar would provide a lot of design potential. Use the actual armor as a base - but make it less refined and more mechanical. Wings could be remolded as cooling fins, exhaust stacks or even decorative elements (with metallic feathers and rivets).
This is actually close to an idea I had been fooling around with previously; that of making the robot sort of antiquated and looking more like a teutonic knight than a WWI version of Robbie the Robot.
-
If you wanted and could afford the sculpting and casting at a decent price point for us, a fairly easily reposable male and female version would be nifty.
The only male in my army is likely to be Doctor Pim, and he's an octopus.
-
If you wanted and could afford the sculpting and casting at a decent price point for us, a fairly easily reposable male and female version would be nifty.
The only male in my army is likely to be Doctor Pim, and he's an octopus.
Ditto - though without the octopus part of it. Would be nice to see an 8-9 foot tall (compared to the girls) construct (not too specific on the styling) which was either feminine or asexual (feminine being preferred). Ideally sized in a way that you could actually fit someone inside it (I don't mind aether ships and sunken continents - but I have a hard time explaining away a logic engine for a robot in this period).
-
This is kind of embarrassing to show, but I didn't want to spend a couple hours on something that was not in the right direction. Please forgive the poor drawing, the terrible "shorts" meant to represent the tunic underneath the breastplate, the sad attempt at thigh boots, and the horrible, horrible gun... anyway, here's my rendition of a WW1 Auto-Kürassier:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/Bosal/Autocuirassier.jpg)
-
Pretty smooth drawing, although I agree the "shorts" sort of throw me. :) I especially like the yellowed parchment appearance. I'll consider this.
-
I think it has potential, it really is a pretty quick and not very good thumbnail sketch I banged out in half an hour before I had a meeting to go to :(
I'm picturing something a little more threatening though- a cross between the dying elegance of the old world and the practical need to throw armored might at the guys in the trenches.
I just need to study some more ways of portraying articulated limbs and resolving the problem of the waist area. I'd like to try a hussar version with a metallic pelisse as a few have mentioned.
-
I really like the idea of that sketch, your self-criticisms taken as fixed. Exactly the vibe I've failed to find in available figures. Nice!
-
My quick sketch (the wife says "how do you do that".) looks like a Terminator with a Maxim,very rough........Anyway;
(http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww281/greywolf1066/img002.jpg)
-
Hate to prop up the evil empire, but use Plastic necron immortals as a base and you could knock a bunch out quick.
-
I'm starting to agree with Scout that maybe it shouldn't have boots afterall. :)
-
While I would rule "boots" out right away - it doesn't mean the impression of boots has to be gone.
If you squint and look at the Reaper-bot that was linked to above - it looks like it is wearing cowboy boots. The lower leg has the same form as the boot, and it works well enough.
Taking the Hessian boot form and translating those parts into metal (taking into account articulation and the like) and you should be able to make something that doesn't make you grown.
The other thing is an issue of bulk. Normally, from an aesthetic stand point you want the combined bulk of the legs to be equal to or greater than that of what it is supporting (the torso) - or close to it. If the legs are too narrow, they start to look spindly and off balance. Sort of like the robot would fall over if it was looked at wrong. The blight wheel bot accomplishes this with a wide pelvis (which utilizes the void in between to make it look more sturdy). The robot trooper though, looks a bit on the unstable side of things (sort of right on the border of being too top heavy).
Anywho, just a few random thoughts. Not sure if I will get a chance to add my sketch to the mix, still trying to figure out all the component parts.
-
I went and bought some Retro-Raygun robot legionaries today on account of this thread....
-
I went and bought some Retro-Raygun robot legionaries today on account of this thread....
Um, you're intended to go buy some Hinterland on account of this thread. :D
-
Um, you're intended to go buy some Hinterland on account of this thread. :D
Yes sir, right after Christmas lol
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/Bosal/AutoHusaren-1.jpg)
-
That's rather cool.
-
That's rather cool.
It certainly is! :-*
-
Great, but with that looks I would rather have a whole unit with rifles instead of one big robot with a maxim.
-
Me too!
Sign me up for one unit! ;D
-
:-* Love that sketch! If they become lead I'll have a tough time resisting....
-
Perhaps a line of just a few with scarlet shoulder-capes and MMGs, walking down the way, sweeping everything in front.
Regulars with rifles following behind and/or picking off pinned targets.
Or one of these shoulder-caped robots per squad or half-squad (with a chance of malfunctioning and going berserk, of course).
I really like the half-cape. Great idea.
One thing about a robot is that, in theory, it's proof against at least some type of bullets (tougher than a fleshy person) and/or can carry something heavier. I think the Maxim is more appropriate than a rifle, but that's just me.
-
That's an awesome sketch! :o :-* :o :-* :o :-*
-
Nice work Doc :) I can see you did good work with your artists manequinn(sic).
-
Nice work Doc :) I can see you did good work with your artists manequinn(sic).
Interesting. I didn't actually use an artist's mannequin for the drawing... but I have drawn them and included them in my artwork many, many times in the past. I guess it just crept in. I truly can't believe I didn't notice that- now that you've mentioned it thats all I can see. The whole drawing including the head :-[
Frankly, if I had posed one (I had about eight of them in the cabinet about 20 feet from where I was drawing) it would have had a more believable pose... the legs/hip is still crummy.
None-the-less, thanks for the comments guys, I didn't realize I needed a Hinterland automaton until this thread...
-
Sorry Doc :-X Funny thing is,I was going to use mine after my first appalling sketch,then I saw your's and thought,nah,job done ;)
-
Sorry Doc :-X Funny thing is,I was going to use mine after my first appalling sketch,then I saw your's and thought,nah,job done ;)
Heh heh, maybe we should both break out the mannequins :)
If nothing else, they're kind of fun to pose!
-
Heh heh, maybe we should both break out the mannequins :)
If nothing else, they're kind of fun to pose!
:D :D :D :D
-
Whoa, where have I been?
That's a great sketch! I think the cape would look better as a jacket, however, and draped off the other arm. Oh, I see what you've done there; it's a piece of armor! Cool.
-
I think Dr. Mathias nailed it!
Although I'd like the cape to look more like a jacket, I love how it's a piece of additional armor just like the pelisse helped protect the non sword arm side of the hussar.
Maybe there could be a close combat version with a LARGE saber in the right hand and a flame thrower in the left (or instead of a hand).
I admit I was a little dubious of this robot idea seeing Hinterland as more an alternate history as opposed to anything sci-fi, but if the robot turns out like that sketch, I'm sold! :)
Great stuff!
Jason
-
Yep, the only thing missing is some kind of magazine/ammo fed on the weapon… :D
-
Although I'd like the cape to look more like a jacket, I love how it's a piece of additional armor just like the pelisse helped protect the non sword arm side of the hussar.
That's what I was thinking myself, I'd like to add a non articulated sleeve, maybe with a venting function or something, to give it more of a jacket appearance. I envisioned the pelisse as a stylized shield that afforded extra protection to the automaton as it relentlessly advances toward the enemy.
I left off the ammo feed in this drawing, as I wasn't sure if I wanted to include a hopper or belt. I wouldn't mind some advice on how to integrate ammo delivery. If I 'reflect' the automaton so the weapon is in the left hand I think the ammo feed would be protected by the pelisse but that position would look odd to me I think...
-
It just occurred to me that the cape draped over the muzzle-side of the gun could catch fire or get tangled in the feed mechanism.
What about a rigid peotective shield on the "lead" side and that flash of color over the other shoulder? GW's Tau infantry have something like that. I'm sure you could Hinterlandize the concept beautifully.
Also, perhaps an asymmetric collar offering more protection on the shooty or lead side.
-
Also, perhaps an asymmetric collar offering more protection on the shooty or lead side.
A bit like later jousting armour?
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2522316953_74789fcc0e.jpg)
-
You're on the right track but I had something a little different in mind.
Medieval heavy plate had guards running along the same path as, say, backpack straps. They were raised like a fin and were there specifically to guard the neck against a swing with a sword or axe. Jousting armor had some different features that made it "jousting" such as a high neck and narrow eye slits to protect against a splintering lance. Your example shows a bit of both. (Cool looking, too, isn't it?!?)
I was thinking more like dropping the right collar on that awesome drawing and hanging some cloth, for flair.
On the left (leading) side, keeping that collar and reinforcing it and adding some sort of fixed shield on the arm.
I hope that makes sense.
-
I like the good Dr's sketch. Make them as tall as the horse & rider figures & ad a boiler & smoke stack to the back. Or maybe just a big key whole & a hussar on a pennyfarthing/tricycle with a big wind up key to go with the unit.
-
Found two more sources of inspiration:
Streetbot Willy (http://www.coolminiornot.com/shop/54mm-plus-category/smart-max-1/smog-1/streetbot-willy-1-35-scale.html)
Panzerjunker U-bot (http://www.coolminiornot.com/shop/54mm-plus-category/smart-max-1/mauser-earth-1/panzerjunker-u-bot-1-35-scale.html)
Both figures by Smart Max minis.
-
Although this one might be too big for your needs I take the chance to show off shamelessly...
(http://tobsen77.de/images/shop/bismatron8.jpg)
http://tobsen77.de/gallery/bismatron.php?lan=de (http://tobsen77.de/gallery/bismatron.php?lan=de)
:D
Tobi
-
Indeed, I was looking at this not too long ago. As you say, a little too large, and more "stompy" than I am envisioning. Certainly in the same vein though.
-
Just saw the Nutcracker ballet. Reminded me of your drawing. Very cool.