Drop Pod Footprints

[OnlyInDeath]

So, I just thought of something that I hadn't before. When a drop pod comes down and unfolds, what is the actual model footprint for the model? Do the doors count as a footprint (ie, no enemy models can come within 1" unless they are going to assault) or is it the base of the pod itself? The reason that I ask is DP's may turn into excellent means of blocking off terrain and funneling troops of they count as taking up the full foot print, doors and all. Any thoughts?

[muzzyman1981]

Actually I have been wondering the same thing due to the Inertial Guidance System rule...do we use the base or the full doors open in determining where to place the DP.

 

Personally I would say the base and any ramp impeded by a model or terrain is blocked and therefore not eligable as an exit point, but I am new to this game so I don't know. Do Rhinos and whatnot have rules to cover if an exit point is too close to something to allow disembarkation?

 

As to blocking movement I would say it would be the base as you can disembark onto the ramp I would guess...but the base and rest of the DP would be the terrain (most things I would imagine could climb and walk over the ramps without undo concern)....maybe make the DP itself Impassable and the ramp area Difficult?

[OnlyInDeath]

Well, it's not a matter of terrain. It's a question of what counts as a model. Enemy models cannot be within 1" of one of my models unless they are assaulting. So if a ramp still counts as part of the model, they have to be out of 1" of the ramp.

 

As far as rhinos, yes. You can only disembark from exit points that are not closed off by terrain or enemy models. If all such exits are blocked and you are forced to disembark (ie if the rhino is destroyed), then the unit inside is destroyed. It barely ever comes up, but yeah, it can happen.

[muzzyman1981]

Honestly I still would say the base and any ramps able to come down without landing within 1" of a model, and those that can't come down are discounted as exit points.

 

The only other choice is: ramps count completely and ALL must come down so every ramp in the down position must be 1" away.

 

If you say ramps don't count as the footprint then even if your Drop Pod is 1" away from a model that ramp can't be used as an exit point due to the proximity of enemy models.

[Ullr Direfang]

yes i ponder this as well. do to what OnlyInDeath says there are very different ways to using both, folded down and folded up. to me another question of "do the doors/ramps actually have to go flat to count as down. i can see many situations where a pod could get stuck in between buildings and terrain and not be able to open.... no one can get out, squad destroyed. i would say it is the call of where you play. i am going to discuss this at my local store. i think that the base of the pod with doors up is where the pod "is". the doors to me are kind of like the doors on all the other vehicles in 40k, there mostly for show. though i can see how forcing enemies to move certain ways with the doors down could be useful, i don't think it was meant to work that way.

[Icewolf]

I would say the base of the pod but it is not clearly defined so I would say decided in your gameing group or just use a house rule that it is the base etc

 

Icewolf

[Wolf89]

As vehicle models do not usually have a base, the normal rule of measuring distances to or from the base cannot be used. Instead, for distances involving a vehicle, measure to or from their hull (ignore gun barrels, dozer blades, antennas, banners and other decorative elements).

BBB

 

To me this clearly doesn't include the doors, as it's not the "hull". :D

[Stargazer]

yeh in my group we use the doors as well as the base for the footprint which seems to make it more interesting and tactical when it comes to placing the drop pods

[Wolf89]

yeh in my group we use the doors as well as the base for the footprint which seems to make it more interesting and tactical when it comes to placing the drop pods

 

I'd rather keep my doors closed if I was allowed... considering you can draw LoS through it...

[AnarchX]

The other question that comes up is where does the 2 inches for disembarking start? Is it the end of the ramp or the top of the ramp?

 

Thanks,

 

AnarchX

[WarPanda]

I will give you the definitive answer. I worked this out with GW and a rep for the GT's here in the U.S. You use the base of the model without the doors opening. Actually the doors are only there for aesthetic value nothing more and it is often better to either glue them shut or never open them. The doors themselves do not hinder any movement at all and it is illegal and somewhat broken to measure your 2" disembark from the end of the doors. That actually gives you something around 4-5" disembark, not real fair. So remember you measure from the base of the drop pod model.

[Wolf89]

I will give you the definitive answer. I worked this out with GW and a rep for the GT's here in the U.S. You use the base of the model without the doors opening. Actually the doors are only there for aesthetic value nothing more and it is often better to either glue them shut or never open them. The doors themselves do not hinder any movement at all and it is illegal and somewhat broken to measure your 2" disembark from the end of the doors. That actually gives you something around 4-5" disembark, not real fair. So remember you measure from the base of the drop pod model.

 

Exactly the way I've been using it and have suggested others at my local store use it as well. Thanks for sharing. ;)

 

One can always argue though the ramp part... given that the BBB makes reference to the access points and ramps:

 

When the unit disembarks, each model is deployed within 2" of one of the vehicle's access points, and within unit coherency.

BBB transports section under disembarking

 

Then I went to access points under the transports section and read on:

 

Each vehicle capable of carrying passengers will have a number of access points defined in its entry. These are the doors, ramps and hatches that passengers use to get in and out of the vehicle. Models can embark or disembark within 2" of an access point.

 

So not sure how your local game store might think of this. I'd suggest coming to a common ground and all use them the same way, more often than not ignoring the ramps altogether.

 

This is why I liked my beer cups... no ramps, no fuss, no problem. ;)

[WolfLordLars]

I am also of the opinion that the footprint is that of the model, not the doors when they are open. Otherwise, you would have to deploy for scatter with the door open, and if part of the door goes off the table, DP is gone. I dont buy that.

 

On a similar note, can someone please measure the base of their new pods for me? I have some older resin models made by a local player and I want to keep using them, but want to make sure they take up the right amount of space.

[muzzyman1981]

The base is about 3" give or take a 1/4"

[WolfLordLars]

So... should I attach a 'dread' base to my pods or do something custom? I like the idea of one that looks like it is 'dug in' to the ground.

[muzzyman1981]

Well just dont put in the center console and harnesses and you will have a dread base.

[OnlyInDeath]

Yeah, not putting in those damn consoles will be nice. most annoying part of pod construction by FAR.

[Wolf89]

So... should I attach a 'dread' base to my pods or do something custom? I like the idea of one that looks like it is 'dug in' to the ground.

 

I suggest you be careful with this Idea, the idea is good don't get me wrong, but I think your execution might be a bit off. Let me explain.

 

If you add a base to your vehicle then you're increasing it's height, further increasing it's vulnerability and further shielding things behind it (others might have a problem with this).

 

I think your best bet is to just add loads of GS around the pod and up the sides in thinner increments. That way you don't have rules issues with some people and you get the look you're after as well.

 

I for one wouldn't care if you put it on a base or not, but if you make it too high then others might think you're trying to bend LoS in your favor even if it wasn't your intentions. ;)

 

I just wanted to warn you before you start the project. ;)

[WolfLordLars]

My resin pod is shorter and thinner than 'regular' pods. It was based on the old FW model, but customized. Back when there was no non-FW pods, it was legal. It had the right footprint of a FW pod.

 

Now, its a bit small. I dont want folks having a fit because my pod is smaller. Figured if I increase the footprint via a base (and I have the old style 'thin' bases, not the raised dread bases they use now) it might work better. That, or I can just do something custom where the base is built up around it (to look like its dug into the ground) but doesnt make it taller.

 

*I* dont care about the height, but others might. I also dont want to drop $120 in new pods... though I might have to anyway.

[OnlyInDeath]

wolf, you realize those babies are like stage 3 terrain as far as height? lol. They are seriously about 7-8 inches tall. You would have to be on a 3 story building to see over it. Granted, in certain games, this could come up, but unless you have some impressive terrain, i dont think you need to worry too much if you add a half-inch base to it.

[pcrotteau]

Then I went to access points under the transports section and read on:

 

Each vehicle capable of carrying passengers will have a number of access points defined in its entry. These are the doors, ramps and hatches that passengers use to get in and out of the vehicle. Models can embark or disembark within 2" of an access point.

 

So not sure how your local game store might think of this. I'd suggest coming to a common ground and all use them the same way, more often than not ignoring the ramps altogether.

 

This is why I liked my beer cups... no ramps, no fuss, no problem. ;)

 

As for Access points, the point is moot: the drop pod is open-topped

[WG Vrox]

I don't have one of the new models, but are you sure the base is only 3" I thought I remember it being closer to 4". Please confirm, I may have to find a new sub model for my proxy till I can afford the new ones.

 

 

Ty.

 

Sgt. Vrox.

[OnlyInDeath]

The base is about 3" give or take a 1/4"

[muzzyman1981]

I measured it myself with a ruler....the bottom of the bsae is 3" at the widest points add 1/8" if you go up 1/2" to where the ramps meet the base, but the bottom of the base is definately 3"

[ecqule]

I have a question. Although so far I agree that its best just too glue the doors shut (saves modeling the inside) for people who prefer gaming. If you do so don't the rules for true line of sight come into play. As anybody could just say the doors are closed the storm bolter cannot fire since it cannot draw line of sight to a unit.

 

Or would you all just slap that person over the head for being a poor player even if it is in a competitive environment. After all it is an open topped vehicle I would of thought that would make it easier to fire out of not harder.