Converting Tau Battlesuits into something Japanese?

[frontal assault]

Just had an idea this morning about taking Tau Battlesuits from Games Workshop's 40k range and making into some kind of armoured Japanese soldier.  Something like the Rising Sun's version of the Tesla troopers from Red Alert 2.

I don't suppose anyone has any ideas how to go about this?

[Commander Vyper]

Just had an idea this morning about taking Tau Battlesuits from Games Workshop's 40k range and making into some kind of armoured Japanese soldier.  Something like the Rising Sun's version of the Tesla troopers from Red Alert 2.

I don't suppose anyone has any ideas how to go about this?

Research gundan, research samurai, take a look at what's out there ad link it back to the japanese light tanks of the time re: plating.

Free canvas so go for it, just make sure you down tech it a bit.

The Commander

[joroas]

.......and don't forget the sashimono with the company mon.  (A little flag attached to the back with heraldry.)

Dixons and Perry sell these as parts, Perry are probably better in scale and they have some decent shaped ones too.

http://www.perry-miniatures.com/index2.html

[Heldrak]

Research gundan

I think that you mean "Gundam" (with an "M")...

As the Tau battle suits are very much Anime-inspired, you ought to be able to find some examples of previous conversion projects for them. Haunt the various GW Forums and you should be able to turn up some examples.

[dampfpanzerwagon]

Don't forget the animated story/series Samurai 7.

Tony
See;
http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/2009/11/i-recently-picked-up-this-seven-dvd-box.html

[joroas]

Research gundan


I think that you mean "Gundam" (with an "M")...

As the Tau battle suits are very much Anime-inspired, you ought to be able to find some examples of previous conversion projects for them. Haunt the various GW Forums and you should be able to turn up some examples

Not that the Japanese take Gundam seriously, but in Osaka I found a 2 story shop that only sold them. The only country I know where being a geek is a nationally respected life style..........

[Predatorpt]

Check out this thread for a Samurai-inspired Tau army:

http://advancedtautactica.com/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=13699

[Elprez]

Now, that Ethereal is a nice conversion, 
Itto Ogami? Thats from the Lone Wolf & Cub graphic novels.

[Doc Twilight]

A good idea!

For what its worth, though, remember that "big, giant robots" are a product of the late 1950s and 1960s - they were not part of Japanese culture during WW2, and I strongly suspect that a Weird War 2 Japan experience, while it might involve "power armor" of sorts due to the Samurai connection, would probably have nothing to do with "mechs", or other Anime inspired creations.

-Doc

[rob_the_robgoblin]

I have to agree there. It can be a bit cheesy too.

Not to mention I don't like Gundam and stuff like that.

[Sangennaru]

amazing, and wonderfull!

the only thing is the mecha, that looks to few samuraish... maybe adding some sashimonos or some "plate" armor on legs and vambraces!


really great work, keep going!

[ushistoryprof]

Rivets, don't forget rivets.  Japanese vechicle armour in WWII was mostly riveted. Adding some to the Tau pieces would cut down on the futuristic look quite a bit.

[Axebreaker]

Rivets, don't forget rivets.  Japanese vechicle armour in WWII was mostly riveted. Adding some to the Tau pieces would cut down on the futuristic look quite a bit.

Looks great and I agree with this added comment!

Christopher

[midismirnoff]

I love those conversions, they're really ace.