Automatons - how I finally did it.

[Geudens]

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:

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:

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"...  ) look.

Rudi

[dadlamassu]

Simply Brilliant!

[joroas]

Good cover story........ or fluff! 

[argsilverson]

Dear Geudens,

Since you invented the EACB I think you need to use some static elecricity generator like this one:

http://images.google.gr/imgres?imgurl=http://homepages.transy.edu/~museum/04-36.jpg&imgrefurl=http://homepages.transy.edu/~museum/muslist.htm&h=292&w=350&sz=22&hl=el&start=39&usg=__S0zBelJxIy5t4OhUpR1mO0HDkaA=&tbnid=VzwHrDrOxZWuyM:&tbnh=100&tbnw=120&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dstatic%2Belectricity%2Bgenerator%26start%3D20%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Del%26safe%3Doff%26rls%3DGGLJ,GGLJ:2008-22,GGLJ:el%26sa%3DN
[In case this doesn't work try the following link: image 04-36: http://homepages.transy.edu/~museum/muslist.htm]

this can be mounted on some bicycle or other device like Eureka's rattler and be operated by the pedal driver. This can supply some electricity for recharge your batteries and also has the mobility to increse the range of your automatons.

I was thinking to convert one of those pedestals for this purpose. May I use your idea for the rest support of my automatons? {of course ot will take long time, to get and paint my own units, since first I need to collect money to purchase all my needs}

[Geudens]

Since you invented the EACB I think you need to use some static elecricity generator like this one:
May I use your idea for the rest support of my automatons? {of course ot will take long time, to get and paint my own units, since first I need to collect money to purchase all my needs}

Yes, I know...  I've contacted the static electricity generator patent holder...  He charged an arm and a leg for the use of his invention, so I settled for batteries. 

Anyway, feel free to use my idea (where should I send the invoice to?  You'll find it much cheaper than what the SEG people are charging...  )

Rudi

[argsilverson]

SEG??? what it is?

[joroas]

static electricity generator

= SEG 

[fastolfrus]

The only possible problem I see is, who's controlling the horse ?

Do your wire-guided units have to stay within a set control distance, or do you lay out lengths of wire on the table ?

I suppose another option might be to have a control box on a wheelbarrow, or perhaps on a stretcher carried by two sappers (some kind of sedan chair might look good - gives somewhere for the controller to sit)

[Geudens]

The only possible problem I see is, who's controlling the horse ?
Do your wire-guided units have to stay within a set control distance, or do you lay out lengths of wire on the table ?
I suppose another option might be to have a control box on a wheelbarrow, or perhaps on a stretcher carried by two sappers (some kind of sedan chair might look good - gives somewhere for the controller to sit)

I play hex-based games (4" across flats), so the automatons would be allowed perhaps 2/3 hexes away from the control box, no wires needed, since it is clear through where the wires run (hex to hex).  The horse is controlled by the operator(s) (1 or 2?) in the same hex as the horse.  Since the box is not glued on the horse, a wheelbarrow, strectcher, whatever would do just as well.

Rudi

[Gluteus Maximus]

I wonder if your invention would fit onto a Eureka Minis "Triumphapede" or similar vehicle?



It's a fine idea you've come up with, but I'd probably go for something more high-tech... well slightly more 

The other possibility is to put one onto a small steam truck or car, which shouldn't dwarf the automata.

[Geudens]

I wonder if your invention would fit onto a Eureka Minis "Triumphapede" or similar vehicle?

Yes it would, but I have to confess that my Eureka tricycles are still unmadec & unpainted... 

rudi

[Chairface]

I wonder if your invention would fit onto a Eureka Minis "Triumphapede" or similar vehicle?

Yes it would, but I have to confess that my Eureka tricycles are still unmadec & unpainted... 

rudi

Giving you just the motivation you need to finish them!

[argsilverson]

Yes it would, but I have to confess that my Eureka tricycles are still unmadec & unpainted... 

rudi
[/quote]

Yes, mine too. I have serious plans to convert some Eureka tricycles to increase the mobility and fire power of my VSF armies. Keep you updated on this matter.

[argsilverson]

I have seen in the report "a close escape"
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=7175.0

that BaronVonJ has done an interesting conversion on the Eureka's tricycle, adding rockets.

Should we discuss in this or a similar board our ideas to convert Eureka's rattler/triumphpede? in order to inspire fellows in their future projects?

[Geudens]

I have seen in the report "a close escape"
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=7175.0
that BaronVonJ has done an interesting conversion on the Eureka's tricycle, adding rockets.
Should we discuss in this or a similar board our ideas to convert Eureka's rattler/triumphpede? in order to inspire fellows in their future projects?

Sure, go ahead!

Rudi