Legion Rising

[Eldrick Shadowblade]

now that.... is truly awesome!

[Naryn]

Breathtaking! I'll take 12 ;)

[Khornestar]

Yessss moar chaos!

[Sgt. Blank]

That is looking really promising. I like how this is pushing beyond stuff that might be bolted on. There's a huge gap aesthetically between the GW vehicle upgrade spruce and things like the plagueburst crawler or daemon engines and your pieces are a welcome solution beyond adding spikes and chains for those of us with the time or ability to green stuff at a high level.

 

My army rarely takes the field without at least a couple rhino chassis tanks, very interested in how this takes shape.

[Subtle Discord]

Woohoo! Payday, with a big lump of back pay included. Time to stock up on resin and rubber in preparation for the next push. The prototypes and moulds are only going to get bigger, so I suspect I’ll be moving to the 5-gallon buckets of rubber in the near future. The producer of my Solus 3D printer has also starting to release the grey printing resin they’ve been working on that produced some amazing results in the tests that they’ve been showing. I can’t wait to get my hands on a few litres of that.

 

So, this wasn’t exactly what I had planned when I posted that last teaser screenshot. I was going to quickly follow up, but then, as I’m apt to do, I got pulled in to doing more modelling and trying something else. I knew I needed to wait a week to restock on rubber anyhow, so I’m not going to dwell on it. While a bit delayed I think I’m happy with what I’ve come up with while I dabbled; since they are larger components I wanted to take the opportunity to experiment a bit and showcase a some of the ideas and concepts I want to create going forward.

 

In honour of Chaos being muse that started all of this, the Mk.1 is treated with a basic Chaos/Renegade style.

 

I want this first armour kit to address a shortcoming in the first set of armour I made for the Predator; the first set was made specifically for the Predator and it didn’t really suit the Rhino if it was stripped down. With this set I wanted it to work well on both the Rhino and the Predator. Breaking the armour plates up in this spaced style achieves that end while also creating reasonably sized components that my 3D printer can handle.

 

The first test prints of this design showed that I could simplify how I planned to attach the armour to the hull (Yay! Less fiddly bits!), and really illustrated that the doors on top of the Rhino were a missed opportunity. If the Predator gets armour for the sponsons and turret, the reasonably simple flat bits to add the doors to the Rhino version of this kit was simple enough. Besides, this just provides more room to model details. I’m tempted to complete the process and just do the side doors as well, but I think it actually might be too much since I like the ratio of original model to the amount of armour kit at this point.

 

The Mk.2 offers clean lines and large open surfaces perfect for the murals, squad markings, unit numbers, and/or chapter symbols of an imperial collection.

 

Along with the Rhino Tracks and the Siege Ram shown earlier, these initial armour kits are complete and just need final details done before the casting masters will be printed. I still need to do the unglamorous task of labelling the sprues, a dull but naturally necessary part of the process. Ah, the joys of manufacturing. That said, these kits represent a good baseline of where I want to start, but now that I’ve got the base models there’s so much opportunity to explore…

 

The Mk.3A is the first of many explorations into warped, mutated, possessed, versions of the kits I’ll be producing. It takes a little more time than I expected, but I think the results are worth it.

 

In this case, I’ve been focusing on just similarly shaped spines as I get a better understanding of how I can deform surfaces, and even here I still need to do the other side. Expect to see future ideas with tentacles, teeth, eyes, appendages, and other gribbly bits plus I want to try my hand at some battle damage and corrosion/decay. Naturally, I also want to mix the elements for some variety and to let a builder get a few kits so they can mix-and-match some parts to keep things unique across several vehicles. Another idea that will go along with kits like this will be the inclusion of a strip of mutated/warped details in the same theme that can be attached to the base model in other areas to tie the look together.

 

This concept is still somewhat experimental, and I can see now that I’ll need to be careful not to create problems in the design that will make bubble trapping issues during casting; some of the spines might need to be shortened a bit and/or their curve toned down, just to be safe. I’m also tempted to break up all of the spines by adding a few tentacles, just to add some visual interest but I’m not totally sure. I like the consistent look, like some singular malevolent aggressive daemonic entity has entered the vehicle, but a little variety isn’t usually a bad thing either. Being a starting point and experimentation for future examples of mutation and possession, expect to see this concept return once I’ve got the starting kits in production. As I work out a process for creating each kind of detail it just becomes a matter of repeating the process to add similar details to future kits.

 

If Mk.1-3 are the Bad, Good, and Ugly, then I guess the Mk.4 could be considered the Elegant? For those who want something less utilitarian but not overtly Chaos.

 

While this pattern is really intended to be an alternative design that is suitable in an Imperial army, I can easily see this type of style being paired with Thousand Sons or Emperor’s Children and that’s the general idea. I’m working with lots of splines here and they’re a pain in the ass but they really do create wonderful flowing lines if you’re willing to take the time to tweak and adjust them. While I’m very pleased with the direction and results so far I’m still not sure if I’m completely happy with some spots so I’m sure there are still some changes that are going to happen to this concept but it’s a good start to show the feel that I’m aiming for.

 

In general, this will be how I want to start expanding the selection in the shop; creating a series of base kits and models, to begin with, and then adding unique and exotic variations to expand the line. How quickly and/or how many variations will depend on demand and the capacity of the studio, but something Chaos/Renegade, Imperial, mutated/possessed, and elegant/ornate, seems like a good place to start. With the convenience of digital creation as I expand on the concepts trying new ideas and 3D modelling techniques, I add to the options I have to go back and update a design with a new style. A lot of the key techniques will start with figuring out how I can best deform, distort, and otherwise mangle the base designs, but doing delicate precise line work comes with its own challenges as well I’m quickly discovering. It always comes down to adding the right amount of details to accentuate the look without cluttering it with too much.

 

Ok, enough rambling. Servitor Solus has a bunch of manufacturing to get on with, and I’ve got a bunch of cleanup and mould preparation to keep going. Updates with progress photos and first casts will be showing up soon. Thanks for lurking, reading and commenting if you’re so inclined.

[Augustus b'Raass]

It's so schmexy... I need that on my vehicles!!

[Lord Commander Eidolon]

Consider the MK4 one ordered! Just the sort of stylish looking rig my Emperors Children!

 

Speaking of which I should really do something with the original Predator kit of yours I've got.....

[Eldrick Shadowblade]

All of them look really awesome! I am a fan of all three but can see thousand sons / emperor's children in mark 4 and slaanesh and khorne in mark 3

[Brother Lunkhead]

Very fine work..... the living Forges of Chaos must be pleased

[Studio Silvernale]

I like that Mk IV

[Brother Casman]

Hmm, when I redo my Damocles Command Tank, I think I'll have to get the Mk 2 armour. That looks really nice.

[Khornestar]

Awesome stuff. As for the spiked version, I prefer it as-is (necessary changes to shape/sharpness notwithstanding). Wouldn't really like tentacles at all.

 

So cool, man!

[hushrong]

Extra plating, warped armor, and filigree! Oh my!

[Pandoras Bitz Box]

Wow, yeah. This is awesome. I love that your going to have a mix of "clean" and corrupt chaos options. Very nice.

[Augustus b'Raass]

 

In this case, I’ve been focusing on just similarly shaped spines as I get a better understanding of how I can deform surfaces, and even here I still need to do the other side. Expect to see future ideas with tentacles, teeth, eyes, appendages, and other gribbly bits plus I want to try my hand at some battle damage and corrosion/decay.

Since this is easily achievable with a hobby knife and or dremel tool, I would suggest to not bother - all you end up with is one corroded vehicle, which actually restricts the modeler. As an example, thee Plague Burst Crawler is heavily corrupted, damaged, and corroded and it looks great - but not if you want to have more than one. 

Edited November 12, 2018 by Augustus b'Raass

[Subtle Discord]

+++ Warning ∙ Nefarious Sub-routines Detected! +++ System Halt… Fail! +++ Unsanctioned STC Modification ∙ Initialized +++

 

So you want to defy gravity?

 

[Pandoras Bitz Box]

 

 

 

In this case, I’ve been focusing on just similarly shaped spines as I get a better understanding of how I can deform surfaces, and even here I still need to do the other side. Expect to see future ideas with tentacles, teeth, eyes, appendages, and other gribbly bits plus I want to try my hand at some battle damage and corrosion/decay.

Since this is easily achievable with a hobby knife and or dremel tool, I would suggest to not bother - all you end up with is one corroded vehicle, which actually restricts the modeler. As an example, thee Plague Burst Crawler is heavily corrupted, damaged, and corroded and it looks great - but not if you want to have more than one.

 

It's worth considering that not all players/collectors are as able or willing to try and convert these minis, especially the bigger more expensive ones. I've know painters that hate even building them and so do zero conversion work.

 

It's a valid point though. It maybe be worth designing an armour plating that has holes in it for fitting your own modular plates with various faction symbols, trim, corruption? That way some of the playmtes could be swapped or turned upside-down (in the case of corrupted armour) so that having multiple non matching kits would be a possibility without having to sculpt 3 different tank hulls.

 

Just an idea?

[Bjorn Firewalker]

+++ Warning ∙ Nefarious Sub-routines Detected! +++ System Halt… Fail! +++ Unsanctioned STC Modification ∙ Initialized +++

 

So you want to defy gravity?

The rear thrusters should be enlarged. You should also consider putting side, forward, up and down-pointing thrusters, as reaction control system components. Say the vehicle has armored ceramite, and we'll write rules to let this vehicle Deep Strike from an orbiting warship- a "drop pod" that remains mobile after the drop, and can continue transporting Marines once it's on the planetary surface. (Eat your heart out, Dreadclaw operators!)

[Brother-serpent Tylydox]

The positions of the rear thrusts would put the rear-exiting passengers in danger.  I think you should put them on the top.

 

Mk.4 kit is definitely what I need for my AL.

Edited November 23, 2018 by Tylydox

[Subtle Discord]

Damn, posting can be such a mixed blessing. I’m always hungry for input, but sometimes the internet gives input that just causes a feedback loop in my own overthinking. Now I’m rethinking the anti-grav Rhino concept. I’m not going to scrap it by any stretch, but I think I want to reconsider some elements now. Jeez, thanks internet! With your forcing me to seek excellence. *gives a snooty face* Fine… *wanders off muttering* … I’ll make it even better…

 

But seriously, thanks for the comments and feedback. Like I always say, I can’t do every suggestion but it all gets considered and it all adds to the final results.

 

The casting masters are pretty much finished for the next round of kits, but a few small parts might need a reprint for quality control.

 

Two litres of the new high-resolution grey resin that the makers of Solus were working on is on the way in the next few weeks. It should arrive just in time, as I’m almost out of my first litre of the red resin I’ve been using up to this point. Getting Solus dialled in and learning how to get acceptable results consumed quite a bit of my first batch of printing resin, so I expect this next batch to go much further towards making actual casting masters for production parts. It’s also going to be much easier to work with and photograph since the red simply washes all the detail out; sometimes it makes it possible to overlook minor flaws that I clean up in preparation for mould making, and that’s never good. 

 

Here’s a close up of the Predator all dressed up with nowhere to go, as it were. I’m very pleased with how well it’s all coming together.

 

I’ve quickly remembered that I don’t have an unmodified Predator in the studio; the original armour kit required changes to the turret and sponsons so it looks like I should get my hands on a new Predator sprew so I can showcase future kits properly. It’ll finally give me a reason to assemble and paint the current kit for a third predator in my Black Legion collection, so it’s not like it’s a bad thing. And with rumours of some more Chaos releases in the coming year, I guess the timing isn’t too bad really.

 

Mould making is ongoing so expect to start seeing the first casts for these kits showing up reasonably soon. Once I’m happy with the results of this first set of armour then I’ll get the Imperial friendly Mk.2 into production. With the feedback and input that came back when I showed the concept 3D models I’ve got a few ideas I want to try on the mutated Mk.3 concept, so that series is going back to the design table, but the Mk.4 should be easy enough to have followed up after the Mk.1 and Mk.2 are in production. Some other version of tracks will also start showing up once I’m happy with the results of this first set. I’m also itching to try some enclosed sponsons and perhaps some exotic weapons systems for the Predator chassis, but if I do that it’s very tempting to do a custom turret as well. I better be careful not to fall down the rabbit hole with the Rhino/Predator chassis, since I need to turn my attention to the Land Raider and Storm Raven… and Knights, don’t even get me started on Knights… so many wonderful opportunities! *shakes his head* Focus! All in due time.

 

[Augustus b'Raass]

The predator extra armour parts look fantastic. I'm not quite in agreeance with Bjorn and Tylydox, though: the anti-grav plates function as an Reaction control System in an of themselves. I would suggest making them slightly larger - in relation to the Rhiono's size, they look a bit small compared to those of the primaris grav tank. About the thrusters: Tylynox has a point, but perhaps you can make something on the sloping sides on the rear? Putting the thrusters on top of the tank would mess with its profile too much, methinks. I do have on e gripe myself: the thrusters as tehy are right now look a bit too much like the muzzle of a volkite gun to me....

 

 

It's worth considering that not all players/collectors are as able or willing to try and convert these minis, especially the bigger more expensive ones. I've know painters that hate even building them and so do zero conversion work.

I'm not sure you're in the right hobby of you don't like building stuff. Besides, even if you are that way and still play/paint 40K - I can't imagine anyone buying extra parts (let alone resin parts, which are harder to assemble) when they don't like assembling them. Those hobbyists simply are too small a clientele group to consider. 

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I'm not quite in agreeance with Bjorn and Tylydox, though: the anti-grav plates function as an Reaction control System in an of themselves.

Anti-grav plates will not work if the local gravity is too weak for them to oppose- an example being when the Rhino is in orbit. I want to be able to use the skimmer as a drop pod, and Deep Strike from an orbiting warship.

About the thrusters: Tylynox has a point, but perhaps you can make something on the sloping sides on the rear? Putting the thrusters on top of the tank would mess with its profile too much, methinks.

How about making the side-mounted thrusters pivot, like a Stormtalon gunship's engines?

[sarabando]

yaayyy grav rhinos!!! allit needs is round doors now :D

[Subtle Discord]

[DuskRaider]

Whoa... now THAT is an improvement over an otherwise disappointing model. Outstanding!