Re: http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=6928.0
I thought it best to start a new topic, subject presenting my solution.
First I want to thank all that contributed to the topic above; I have considered all their suggestions carefully.
The idea was to create some sort of control centre for the automatons in battle. I was first very much taken by the idea of using some sort of steam tank for the job, but even when controlling 2 units of 4 automatons, the poor steel warriors were still dwarfed by the powerful look of the steam tank (even a smaller one)... The next thought that crossed my mind was that in different battle(field) situations, different types of control might be called for. Thus, I invented the "Electrical Automation Control Box" (used with Ironclad SPS - Self Propelled, Steam - automatons) as seen in this pic:
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm262/geudens_photos/automatons03.jpg)
I know it is nothing spectacular, but let me explain. The gray box on top of the horse contains a battery and a tool box (for maintenance of the automatons). The control boxes below the battery box (with lids flapped down here - there is one on either side of the saddle) contain a fire button and a few "action buttons" (advance, stand, retire, left & right) to control movement & fire of the automatons. These control boxes are connected to each of the automatons by an electric wire (you can see the bundles going down from the control boxes). Since there are 2 control boxes in the unit, the operator(s) can control two teams of automatons and give each group different orders. If the wires are cut or the control centre is out of action, the automatons will continue to carry out their last order. In case an automaton is destroyed, the operator will unplug its control wire in order to continue the battle with the rest of the unit. The EACB bit is not glued to the horse, but is held in place on its back by the copper wires that rest on the model's base, so it is easily switched to another:
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm262/geudens_photos/automatons02.jpg)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm262/geudens_photos/automatons01.jpg)
The EACB is not very large, so if using a steam tank, car or even an airship to control the automatons, for game purposes it can be assumed that the box is inside the model given.
I have painted my automatons gun metal & bronze (power pack) with either black or white helmets and facing colours. I've also given them "eyes" and painted the moustache/beard black in order to frighten the opponent by their fierce (be it slightly "drugged"... lol ) look.
Rudi