The Neurode Crusade

[Honda]

There are mad modeling skills and mad modeling skills. You sir, have the latter (name the movie reference).

 

Just wow!

[TheOneTrueZon]

You're rocking some serious heavy metal on this in so many ways. May your efforts continue unabated! 

[Brother Christopher]

Thank you for the kind words!

 

Honda, unfortunately I can't name the reference - it seems to ring a bell, but I can't put my finger on it. What is it?

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Thank you for the kind words!

 

Honda, unfortunately I can't name the reference - it seems to ring a bell, but I can't put my finger on it. What is it?

'Casino Royale' (2006) with Daniel Craig.

 

James Bond (holding a dinner jacket that Vesper Lynd provided): "I have a dinner jacket."

 

Vesper Lynd: "There are dinner jackets and DINNER JACKETS; this is the latter."

[Brother Christopher]

Oh, I've seen that film, but wouldn't have been able to remember that by any means. Kudos, good sir!

[Brother Christopher]

With all the excitement regarding the announced role the BTs may perform in the January release, I'm just sitting here and assembling my tank.

 

There are two news, a good one and a not-so-good one. The good news is that I assembled the central hull. Here are some images showing the progress and techniques used.

 

I'm also planning to make a quasi interior in the 'nose compartment' sealed from the interior-proper by a door. In other words, I want the ramps to open and show some detail for the couple of photos I'm sure I'll take as soon as the tank is fully built and painted.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050097_zpsudoginpm.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050096_zpsc2fggqjs.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050188_zpshenfwysu.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050190_zpsw9jdo5tu.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050191_zps8in9bfuh.jpg

 

The 'interior' part is currently like a drawer allowing me to complete the model first and later, if I feel like it, add the detail by sliding in and gluing thin panels.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050195_zpszmeiro0j.jpg

 

Here's also a 'design' of the top of the hull:

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050193_zpspcpgyh0e.jpg

 

The bad news is that my design decisions turned out quite awful and the tank looks, well, disappointingly. As this is a "Land Raider Spartan" (or a fancy command tank), I wanted it to be bulkier than a regular Land Raider. But, as I want to use the built as a two-in-one (Land Raider/Spartan), I decided not to include the extended front of a FW's Spartan in my design and limit myself to adding bulk by making the vehicle wider (as wide as a FW's Spartan), while retaining the general shape of a regular Land Raider, with some inspiration drawn from the old epic model. Now, I feel the tank looks rather awkwardly and unheroically. Like it's had too much for dinner for a month and did no exercises. Or something. There is something off about it, especially when compared to a regular Land Raider.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050197_zpsxbil91at.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050198_zpsrh57ezjw.jpg

 

What do you think?

[Marshal Mattias]

Dude, it is looking incredible. I think you're forgetting that it is still very much unfinished and obviously won't hold up to the completed alternative yet. The subtle extra bulk suits it, I think. Makes it look tougher.

[Honda]

I agree with MM. I think it's starting to look very awesome and deadly.

 

I too am considering a "Spartan-esque" conversion to give me something more unique looking. I too am opting to go "wide" vs just emulate the existing body style of the Spartan.

 

I think you are on the right track.

 

"Trust the force Luke"

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Two suggestions:

 

1) Raise the scratch built tank's hull to increase ground clearance. This will also make the tank look taller and more intimidating.

 

2) Transpose the driver's hatch and the hull-mounted weapons' locations. I dislike the Spartan's hull-mounted twin-linked heavy bolter because it can't elevate high enough to engage enemies from elevated positions- upper floors of buildings, rooftops, aircraft- and it's not in a turret with 360-degree traverse, meaning the weapon is useless against any targets not directly in front of it.

 

Optional suggestion:

 

3) Paint or otherwise model the front ramps to resemble the jaws of a wolf or other large predator, so it'll intimidate enemies of the Templars who're about to charge out of the tank.

[Brother Christopher]

I really have to remember that I should 'go out' and share my doubts whenever I have any. Thank you very much for the kind words, words that I find extremely encouraging and helpful. Now, with your reassurance, the outcome of my work up to this stage starts to grow on me. Once again, thanks for being there. Templars stand united, as always ;)

 

@Bjorn

 

1) I will, there should be about 5mm ground clearance. The way it is in the photos is there only to show the overall width - I've simply placed the hull between the track sections because I had no way of fitting it in the proper place (I must confess, I've been too lazy to get my blue tack) and I don't want to glue the elements in place yet because there's still some work to be done.

 

2) The front of the tank is to resemble that of a regular Land Raider: The driver will either have a little viewing port (like that on a Vindicator or Land Raider Achilles) or a set of optical lenses (like on a GW's LR kit), or maybe both. The hull-mounted bolters will be placed next to it -- that is why I've left the little 'shelf' -- but I haven't made up my mind yet as to the exact way it is going to be mounted. I'm thinking about something similar to a the way the TFC of a LR Achilles is fitted - in an armoured recess which, nonetheless, permits for a broader range of (potential) movement and allows to avoid the problems with the way a Spartan's or Phobos' are designed (though, I doubt that I'll bother to make the front HB actually movable).

 

3) I was thinking more of a large maltese cross or some frag assault launchers. Also, I'm planning to add a shouting chaplain in a hatch (maybe with some sound amplification equipment), reading liturgies of zeal and hate, which should provide for a sufficiently intimidating tracked spectacle.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I don't think you should put frag assault launchers on the ramp or front door, as the launchers will point in the wrong direction when the ramp lowers or the front door opens. A giant crusader cross will be appropriate for a Black Templars vehicle, but if you're making it a Chaplain's personal transport, you might as well paint a gigantic skull on the front door (the ramp will be the lower jaw).

[Brother Christopher]

Sorry! I haven't seen your reply. I'd rather go for a Marshal's special land raider, a kind of a 'flag tank' for the Crusade (a lame analogy to a flagship), and the Chaplain will be there only as a member of the Marshal's Household (and due to the fact that I have two biker chaplains).

 

Regarding the frag launchers, you're probably right. I was thinking about that too and tried to convince myself that there would be a way to make this work (place the launchers on slanting extensions allowing to get a reasonable angle). But I'm not convinced about it and I'll either drop the idea altogether, or find a more practical place on a perpendicular surface)

 

I'm also back with some updates. I'm moving forward slowly and now working on the details on top of the hull. It would be way better if I knew what I want to end up with. As it is, I'm wasting (what I perceive as) too much time on looking at the model, thinking and dry-fitting bits of paper. I regret that I have virtually none drawing or 3D modelling skills, as I could've drawn or rendered the model and come up with a suitable design in a safe environment, without the risk of attaching something, just to remove it 3 days later, after I look at it again and decide that it doesn't work.

 

As I'm struggling to make up my mind with the final version, I started with the safer bits: the front, with an elevated hatch, and the back, with the vents. Both elements are inspired by the FW Spartan tank.

 

The middle-rear section, with the hatches, will resemble that of a GW Land Raider. The central section, however, remains still a mystery. The only thing I'm sure of is that I want some vents there.

 

Here are the shots:

 

Making these vent grilles is quite time-consuming, but I must admit that the result is very satisfying.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050642_zpsoiztdyrw.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050643_zpsiwuxijei.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050644_zpsxpfciygf.jpg

 

There is still some post-processing to be done (filing and green-stuffing).

 

And the front hatch:

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050645_zpssckibl9a.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050646_zpsmwh2xcxw.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050647_zpsq1ghdsva.jpg

 

As you can see, the hatch is a GS copy of an original hatch. This is largely due to the fact that my bits are in two locations: in my rented flat and in my home town, and I couldn't find any spare hatches where I am. The hatch is fitted on a trimmed bottle cap. It still needs a hinge, but I'll do that later on. The base for the hatch will also boast some openings or 'optics', like found on GW hatches.

 

I would also like to add some kind of banner or flag on top the tank, but (again) I can't really make up my mind because I always found these kinds of ornaments on Land Raiders/tanks unpractical or awkward (either too large or too small). Do you think that a banner behind the rear hatch from which the Chaplain will shout (the size of a DW Terminator banner) would be fitting?

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Impressive details- vent grills are certainly something I'm too lazy to bother making.

 

As for the banner, yes, I think it's best to put it behind the rear hatch, so it won't obstruct the Chaplain's forward view. (It will obstruct his rear view, so this vehicle should have a couple other tanks to escort it on the battlefield, specifically to defend it from rear and flanking attacks.)

[Brother Christopher]

Here's a small update on the rear ventilation grills. Apart from a bit of green stuff work, it's done. Now, onto the mid section and the hatches.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050648_zpsz526jsum.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050649_zpsoai1phxc.jpg

[Brother Christopher]

+++ MINOR UPDATE INCOMING +++

 

As you may imagine, this kind of business is quite time-consuming, so there isn't much progress to report. I managed to put together a central column of sorts:

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050653_zpsg06vsmyl.jpg

 

And build this bit, to support the hatch (or whatever it is):

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050654_zpsf83va1wn.jpg

 

And the two bits form together something like this. With the rear vents, front hatch and dry-fitted ventilation bits, it starts to look quite nice:

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050655_zpsxhbxnl31.jpg

 

Now I need to figure out a way to fit this guy in there:

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050656_zpslyurjlaa.jpg

 

I don't want to cut the model out of some strange kind of 'respect'. So, instead I hope that I'll manage to fit him in a hatch somehow. To that end, regrettably, I already bent his pistol holster.

 

Now, I'm thinking about placing a pulpit with a book for him to read shout to his brothers. What do you think? On the one hand, it seems extremely impractical to place a pulpit on a tank. Without the guy reading the manuscritp, an empty pulpit ON A TANK will look ridiculous. On the other hand, this is Warhammer 40'000 and a pulpit on a tank and an angry, zealous marine behind it will look quite cool, won't it? Any thoughts? A multi-melta or a storm bolter seems more practical than a book, but then again - 40K.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Now, I'm thinking about placing a pulpit with a book for him to read shout to his brothers. What do you think? On the one hand, it seems extremely impractical to place a pulpit on a tank. Without the guy reading the manuscritp, an empty pulpit ON A TANK will look ridiculous. On the other hand, this is Warhammer 40'000 and a pulpit on a tank and an angry, zealous marine behind it will look quite cool, won't it? Any thoughts? A multi-melta or a storm bolter seems more practical than a book, but then again - 40K.

Marshal Mattias had a Chaplain's bookholder chained to a pintle-mounted multi-melta on this Chaplain's Land Raider, as seen in The Renascibilitas Crusade thread. Brother Casman mounted a pulpit atop a "Reclusiam Field Shrine," a modified Razorback that serves as a Chaplain's personal transport, though I was concerned the pulpit would interfere with the Razorback turret's elevation, preventing the vehicle from engaging enemies on rooftops and other elevated areas.

Edited January 13, 2017 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Brother Christopher]

Thanks a lot for linking the Razorback, that's definitely an interesting conversion, though I must concur with your critique. As for Marshal Mattias' Land Raider - I've been familiar with it, or so I thought, but I missed that there's a multi melta there. As for what I'm planning, it is going to be much more humble. The pulpit (or maybe I should say lectern? what I mean is basically 'a stand for a book') will be much lower, to accommodate for the fact that the reader will be in a hatch, and not standing, so basically the pulpit will be at torso-height.

[Marshal_von_Speer]

Awesome work! I'd really appreciate if you could give us a little greenstuff tutorial! :)

[Ciler]

The easiest way to fit him through a hatch I think would be to greenstuff it and cut it in two halves.

[Brother Christopher]

Awesome work! I'd really appreciate if you could give us a little greenstuff tutorial!

 

Next time I'll be doing something out of GS, I'll post some pictures. However, I must say that there probably won't be anything new about it, as I learnt to make GS moulds from some online tutorials myself.

 

I finally managed to do something about the Chaplain's hatch and stuff. The most difficult part was to make up my mind on what I actually want to achieve and where I want to 'go'. After sorting the design out, it was an easy walk.

 

Firstly, I cut the hatch in half and removed the bottom rim:

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050746_zpsdmjqtrye.jpg

 

Secondly, I added a support for the protruding structure supporting the hatch:

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050747_zps3lr3tbjq.jpg

 

and added the top layer with some details:

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050748_zpsshoy8lie.jpg

 

and fitted the Chaplain in:

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050749_zpsgf9izk7a.jpg

 

Next came the time to figure the pulpit thing out. I decided to go with an armoured plate which, when it does not hold a book, may serve as cover/defence for a gunner. This solves the problem with the pulpit replacing a pintle-mounted weapon, as I originally intended to do.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050749_zpsscjprldf.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050755_zps9lxdkxd0.jpg.

 

For the time being, the book and ornament is blue-tacked in place. Regarding the armoured plate, it's (obviously) a Ravenwing bike upgrade sprue, de-darkangelised, or at least that was my intention, and appropriately adjusted. The Chaplain will sit higher, to be more heroic and look less silly than in the pictures, where it seems that he's struggling to see the contents of the book ;)

 

Also, I'm thinking about adding a banner, as you can see in the last photo. What do you think about it's positioning? Initially, I wanted to place the banner behind the Chaplain. Then again, I wanted to go for a Excelsior-like wings behind the hatch, but I miscalculated the amount of space it takes and abandoned the idea, going instead for the front plate.

[Eberious]

Nice , reminds me of this..  replace sword with Crozius Arcanum  of course. Going to be making s spartan soon for my 30k imperial fists , But I'll be kit bashing and plasticarding rather from scratch build. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

 

Edited January 20, 2017 by Eberious

[Bjorn Firewalker]

The pulpit looks great. As for the fact it doesn't bear a weapon or traverse, maybe you can claim it mounts a loudspeaker or a box transmitter (allows the Chaplain to command from the vehicle, giving nearby units Leadership 10 or the Zealot special rule), or an auspex or other sensor (prevents enemies from infiltrating within 12" of the vehicle), which justifies the sacrifice of a pintle-mounted weapon?

[Brother Christopher]

@Eberious: Yeah, that. Exactly that. Oh, 40K - that's why I loved you.

 

The pulpit looks great. As for the fact it doesn't bear a weapon or traverse, maybe you can claim it mounts a loudspeaker or a box transmitter (allows the Chaplain to command from the vehicle, giving nearby units Leadership 10 or the Zealot special rule), or an auspex or other sensor (prevents enemies from infiltrating within 12" of the vehicle), which justifies the sacrifice of a pintle-mounted weapon?

 

You translate my, as of yet not implemented, ideas into rules. Actually, I'm planning to go down the loudspeaker route, but I think it won't be fitted into the pulpit itself, but rather on top of the Chaplain's backpack or as a hovering thingy, like a servo skull, but with some speakers on it (or maybe a combo of the two, because there's no such thing as 'enough' when it comes to loudness on a battlefield in the grim future).

 

Also, as you may have noticed, I rather like moderation. So, whereas there certainly (or maybe?) won't be a multi-melta for the Chaplain, he will most likely get some some ranged weapon: a stormbolter would be best from a rules perspective, but considering the aesthetic functions and my preferences, he'll probably get a bolter or a plasma gun (or, as third option, a combi-melta).

 

Regarding a potential 'pintle mounted' weapon, if I decide to fit one, I'll leave its operation to the tank's machine spirit: so it's going to be a small, turret-like addition, placed either on the armour on top of the tracks ('mudguard' probably isn't the best name for that), or above the hull-mounted heavy bolter (the drawback is that I'll end up with a weapon on top of a weapon). But, in all honesty, I don't think the tank needs any additional weaponry when it comes to looks. And for gaming purposes: a Spartan is enough of a point-sing without upgrades (and, if I'm not mistaken, a multi melta costs more than that on a 'codex' land raider), and it's double, twin-linked lascannons should be sufficient of a threat. And for a phobos... yeah, that's why I'm considering adding a cout-as pintle mounted weapon because probably more firepower for 10 points on a regular land raider might be worth it.

[AndrewChristlieb]

 

Something like that would look awesome. A few of them floating around the tank would be even better :D

Edited January 21, 2017 by AndrewChristlieb

[Brother Christopher]

Here's another update. It's not much, but it's something. And that's more than nothing. The pulpit is basically ready (it needs some GS gap-filling).

 

My progress isn't that great because I'm establishing a new chapter keep. By saving money on actual models and doing plasticard replacements, I managed to save enough resources to purchase a flat (Yeah, I wish that it was the case. Honestly, 40K didn't actually help me with saving money).

 

Below are the photos. For fluff purposes, the top of the pulpit with the book may be disassembled and replaced with a (heavy) weapon able to fire forward in a limited arch, while the 'ornate' front and wigs provide protection for the gunner.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050760_zpsf6kvh4dw.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050761_zpsjydhuh1l.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050762_zpsxfgjfpea.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/Land%20Raiders/P1050763_zpsyuroptte.jpg