Hello all,
As I set out to convert my newly purchased LeClerc and T-80BV models to
sci-fi super-heavy tanks I am faced with a bit of a block. What all
makes good, not-too-obnoxious detail work to make such vehicles look
more like sci-fi vehicles. Now the LeClerc is likely going ot end up a
hovertank, so that's a start,but I'm thinking detail work here.
Any suggestions, thoughts on bits or materials that have worked for others.
Eli
> At 6:52 PM -0800 11/17/03, staremu wrote:
Do what the Israelis do to their shermans.
> --- staremu <star_emu@hotmail.com> wrote:
I'd love to take a stab at it, but a lot would depend on things like what type
power plant you intend to represent, what weapons, etc..... Maybe using some
of the styrene tubing and bar stock you find in hobby
stores for an exotic shaped barrel - square for a HEL
housing, triangle for a MDC, etc....
Ah, sit right back, my friend, and I shall tell you a tale...
Here's the details on how I made some hoverskirts for three tanks I was
working on convervting.
http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=14217
> Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 18:52:34 -0800
One other thought, Eli, and something I've had success with, is to pick up an
old computer from the junk yard or from a business that's upgrading theirs
(some of them just throw them out whole). There are loads of good gribblies on
a motherboard; I've used them for everything from radar housings to smoke
generators.
Also, I found a quick and easy way to produce your own explosive reactive
armor for vehicles. Many craft stores (such as Michaels, in my area) carry
hole
punches in different shapes, including a rectangular shape -- I picked
up one for $1.99. I used it to punch a bunch of rectangles out of regular
styrene
sheet, and there you go -- instant ERA.
> > Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 18:52:34 -0800
***
Also, I found a quick and easy way to produce your own explosive reactive
armor for vehicles. Many craft stores (such as Michaels, in my area) carry
hole
punches in different shapes, including a rectangular shape -- I picked
up one for $1.99. I used it to punch a bunch of rectangles out of regular
styrene
sheet, and there you go -- instant ERA.
***
Quick points, some already made some time ago:
Many drink cup lids are made from styrene (milky color; the 'clear' usually
are '1' plastic); these punch a thinner regular polyhedron, but can be
mosaic-ed to a nice pattern on a surface of a model. Also, by carefully
orienting the punch, you can get surface details. Even individual letters can
represent something else. The Braille bumps could be rivets; 'C' could be a
handle to slide an access cover, etc...
The cheap, plastic-handled punches I picked up at Michaels had a nasty
habit of breaking. No wonder I got them on close out prices!
The_Beast
Hoverskirts:
If you have a friend or significant other who is a nurse or respiratory
technician, or an EMT ask if they have any respiratory tubing. This comes with
ribs
in about 3/4" diameter. If the stuff has been used, pop it from the bag
to a boiling pot of water and let it sit for ten minutes or so, of course.
This stuff is magic. You can cut it in half or quarters lengthwise to fit the
sides of
the model and glue it down - instant skirts, it paints well, no fuss, no
sculpting.
If you're building your tanks as HMT's or Fusion powered, you may also want to
futz with the exhaust and deck grills... Although for the LeClerc>Hover convo,
you might use them as air intakes. If you don't that's one consideration of
stuff you need to add.