Plasticard Stormraven WIP now a 3in1 Storm Eagle+Fire Raptor

[Brother Christopher]

Over the last few days I've managed to waste some time on assembling the model, and I present you with another update. This time its the top of the hull panel (thingy).

 

The model from the pdf needed adjustments: the mentioned part would be, according to the plans, 1mm thick, whereas on an original Stormraven this part of the hull is clearly thicker. Looking at the photos of Stormravens, I'd say it has 6-7mm, so I represented that in my version of the craft (now come to think of it, I guess I've overdone it and made the part a bit too thick).

 

The armour section around the cockpit

 

http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/6729/p1030622f.jpg

The top-top section (where the turret goes)

 

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/6787/p1030623f.jpg

Both parts fitted together with cut out spaces for grilles. Also, a picture how pathetic it looks upside down :D Well, it had to be strengthened... even in such a makeshift fashion. At least it's very sturdy.

 

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/8581/p1030624b.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3865/p1030625v.jpg

 

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8376/p1030626p.jpg

 

Both parts dry fitted to the main hull

 

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3553/p1030628z.jpg

Now, for the grilles. I've cut out ractangular parts ("grille bases") fitting the slot's I've left. Then I prepared many 2-3mm wide strips of 0,25mm plasticard and glued them to the bases so that every strip overlapped the previous one. Having done that, I've cut out little frames from plasticard and attached them to the grilles. Here're the effects:

 

Front grilles:

 

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/2671/p1030630z.jpg

 

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/9167/p1030629y.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3736/p1030631g.jpg

Rear grilles. Basically the same procedure as with the front ones, with one difference. They havea different, trapezium shape. So I disregarded their shape, glued the strips of plasticard and afterwards I've trimmed them to the right shape.

 

http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/5482/p1030634y.jpg

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/7392/p1030635i.jpg

http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/777/p1030636n.jpg

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/4074/p1030637p.jpg

The finished top panel with the fitted in grilles:

 

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/5314/p1030641g.jpg

 

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7747/p1030640s.jpg

And on overview of my work's progress (well, at least with the hull):

 

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/3503/p1030643kh.jpg

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/5179/p1030647c.jpg

The grilles are so-so. I'm quite happy with the final results, but they aren't perfect - everything aground the grilles is crooked too. On the other hand, if I want perfect I should've bought GW's kit and stop complaining. Practice makes perfect, as they say.

 

And I must admit that I'm getting more and more proud of this project. And excited too. I have my worries though, because I'm not sure whether it'll be roughly the same size as an original Stormraven. But I'll apparently have to wait and see.

[gogmagog]

Absolutely fantastic! I love seeing scratch build stuff, after all plenty of people scratch build ww2 AFVs and there is hundreds of model kits to choose from. Whats next? Thunderhawk?Stormbird?

[Brother Christopher]

Absolutely fantastic! I love seeing scratch build stuff, after all plenty of people scratch build ww2 AFVs and there is hundreds of model kits to choose from. Whats next? Thunderhawk?Stormbird?

 

Thanks mate!

I hope to finish some of the stuff I've started and abandoned along the way. Firstly, my niggardly Aegis Defence Line. Then maybe tarantulas with Hyperios launchers and a Caestus.

 

And when I'll finish the things which I'll be realistically able to field, I'll continue my Thunderhawk project.

[Brother Christopher]

Unfortunately, things to do at my university have been piling up recently and required my full attention, so I don't have much time for the hobby. But I made some progress nonetheless. I'm too excited with the pace of progress on this one to abandon it completely :D.

 

I've managed to solve a problem with the Stormraven's tail, which arisen because of all my adjustments to the model. Finding a way to fix the model was quite tough and quite time consuming despite the apparent triviality of the problem. But maybe it just felt that way, because I was tired after a number of tough days... Never mind that now, everything is solved, I hope.

 

Here's how the assembled part of the tail looks like:

 

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/6422/p1030649e.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/940/p1030650q.jpg

 

I've also finally magnetized the engines and wings. While making the engines, I forgot to leave slots for the magnets as I initially intended. Therefore, I had to figure out a new way to magnetize the wings. Luckily, all my worries were unnecessary - the little magnet is enough to keep the engine and the wing in firmly place. Great! No I just have to glue strips of plastic around the magnets to mask them and connect the engines' armour with the hull.

 

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/8638/p1030651s.jpg

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/3650/p1030652ch.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/8614/p1030653hm.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/7189/p1030655z.jpg

And all the work I've done so far:

 

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/313/p1030657f.jpg

[Blackadder]

A beautiful model , makes me want to tackle one myself. Thanks for sharing.

[Aqui]

 

And I must admit that I'm getting more and more proud of this project. And excited too. I have my worries though, because I'm not sure whether it'll be roughly the same size as an original Stormraven. But I'll apparently have to wait and see.

 

I can see why you're excited and proud of this project.  I understand why you'd want to try to build one from scratch even if the total cost is far higher.  I could never make something on this scale, I'm far too impatient and when the inevitable mistake is made it would drive me mental, so I always have a lot of respect for those who can dig down deep and get past that ^_^

 

As for whether yours will be comparable to a GW Storm Raven, you can always legitimately justify the difference in saying that whilst all Marine vehicles are made using STC's, differences are still common, availability of materials, preferences of the Chapter using them and other factors result in lots of variations.

 

In any case, I'll stop and will be looking forward to future updates ^_^

[Brother Sgt. Steine]

Wow, that is mind blowing...

 

BSS

[Studio Silvernale]

I really want to build some of these but I don't think they fit my chapter T_T

[legoss]

I've been looking at those templates, and all of his stuff, for a while, and I've noticed that they aren't always exact, like you said. It's nice to know that a, I wasn't imagining things, they really are different sometimes; and b, that you found ways around the differences. I'm very impressed with how you've gone about this build, can't wait to see it finished.

[maverike_prime]

A beautiful model , makes me want to tackle one myself. Thanks for sharing.

 

Don't you have a thunderhawk to finish, Adder?

[gogmagog]

I wouldnt worry too much about it being exactly the same, as it was made on a different forgeworld!

[itcamefromfenris]

really love to see another paper (or plasticard) crafter! i was planning on doing the same model tho im still not that good with the pastic stuff im wonder how you set about at transferring the print to the pasticard. I tried several things like glue layer 1 on with glue etc but it always failed. can you give any pointers in that direction please?

[Brother Christopher]

really love to see another paper (or plasticard) crafter! i was planning on doing the same model tho im still not that good with the pastic stuff im wonder how you set about at transferring the print to the pasticard. I tried several things like glue layer 1 on with glue etc but it always failed. can you give any pointers in that direction please?

 

 

 

Firstly, I just cut a paper part out. If the part needs folding, I also cut along the fold lines, because I believe it's impossible to fold plasticard 1mm or 0,5mm thick. Secondly, I temporarily attach the cut out paper part onto plasticard using PVA glue (I believe it's some sort of PVA glue - I'm using "Wikol" glue). Thirdly, with the paper template attached to a sheet of plastic, I use a paper knife to cut along the edges of the paper part to get the right shape (if you're using 1mm thick plasticard, run the blade along the line 2-3 times - after that it'll snap off easily along the cut-line). And you have a, more or less, ready part. If any discrepancies arise (which in my case often do), just use abrasive paper or some files to make the parts even. Finally, I remove the paper layer (which comes off easily) and I end up with a ready, plasticard part. If you use 1mm thick plasticard, it's also important to remember that it's 1 mm thick and it adds to the dimensions of the model. So, when you glue together a cube, you need to make some sides of it 1 thinner on each wall (I hope, you'll get what I mean :D). I forgot to account for that and ended up with a plasticard Vindicator and it is about 0,5cm wider and longer than an original GW model.

 

 

 

I've been looking at those templates, and all of his stuff, for a while, and I've noticed that they aren't always exact, like you said. It's nice to know that a, I wasn't imagining things, they really are different sometimes; and b, that you found ways around the differences. I'm very impressed with how you've gone about this build, can't wait to see it finished.

 

Yeah, if you wish to have models as close to GW's, you have to watch out. But I'm glad the guy makes such templates at all - it saves my skin! I really love some vehicles' designs, but I simply can't afford them. Buying a Stormraven and Stormtalon, which I'd love to have in my army which I rarely play with, would be an equivalent of a month or two of decent student living :D

 

 

 

And I must admit that I'm getting more and more proud of this project. And excited too. I have my worries though, because I'm not sure whether it'll be roughly the same size as an original Stormraven. But I'll apparently have to wait and see.

 

I can see why you're excited and proud of this project.  I understand why you'd want to try to build one from scratch even if the total cost is far higher.  I could never make something on this scale, I'm far too impatient and when the inevitable mistake is made it would drive me mental, so I always have a lot of respect for those who can dig down deep and get past that

 

As for whether yours will be comparable to a GW Storm Raven, you can always legitimately justify the difference in saying that whilst all Marine vehicles are made using STC's, differences are still common, availability of materials, preferences of the Chapter using them and other factors result in lots of variations.

 

In any case, I'll stop and will be looking forward to future updates

 

I'm actually thinking about some "fluff" behind this model. Like, that this particular Stormraven survived some battle and saved someone and it deserved some upgrades :D But first, I want to have it done!

Also, as I've mentioned before, making models makes me feel relaxed. I hear often that people wouldn't have the patience and I can understand it :D I'm an inconsistent person and I often get involved in many projects, because I'd love to have everything at the same time. Nonetheless, I can't afford that and have to get as much patience as possible to build everything that I can't buy from scratch. And in fact building this Stormraven is really cheap. A GW kit costs PLN220-250, while the material's I've used so far amount to PLN15, maybe PLN20. Including a  new bottle of glue, it'll be about PLN40 in the end, so I must admit that finances were an important motive in my decision-making processes (the other important one was my ex-passion of assembling paper models).

[Brother Christopher]

I didn't have much time for the hobby this week so the progress almost came to a halt. What's more, my previous upgrades to the templates started a domino effect of required alterations.

 

Such as this wing-like piece on the tail's sides, just behind the main hull.

 

This is the original part:

 

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/6296/p1030663x.jpg

Which after assembly looked like this:

 

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/9670/p1030664i.jpg

Great! There was only one problem - because I've moved the engines back, the mentioned wing-like parts stuck out so that attaching the engines became impossible.

 

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/8955/p1030665g.jpg

I adjusted the parts to make them as wide as the hull, dryfitted the altered part to make sure its' all right (and it was, more or less) and glued them to the tail.

 

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/4180/p1030666h.jpg

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/5108/p1030667w.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6474/p1030668k.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1263/p1030669r.jpg

 

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/2392/p1030670k.jpg

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/7581/p1030672sx.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/9720/p1030673z.jpg

I really hate making adjustments of this sort. Probably because of my incompetence they consume great amounts of time and stall the project's progress. Unfortunately, there are more adjustments ahead of me. For instance, the cockpit and the part around the nose weapon mount. I've noticed that the piece from the templates differs significantly from GW's Stormraven and already made some rough adjustments. Hopefully I'll find some time on Sunday to figure this thing out.

 

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5148/p1030658k.jpg

I'm also thinking about making an interior and placing a pilot there. It would surely look cool to have a real cockpit, but I'm a bit afraid of the incredible amount of additional work. But first, I'll need to figure out how to assemble and fit the part from the image above.

 

PS: Also, in comparison with the original, the tail section is quite wider. I was crossed upon my tardy discovery of that fact. However, the tail will stay that way - I won't be taking it to pieces now (although agreeing on this was a bit tough for me - I just wanted the model to be as close to the original as possible; with the exception of the engines, and probably some other things as well). So, change (and uniqueness) is good... sort of :D

[Studio Silvernale]

I've scratchbuilt a couple superheavy tanks, so I know 1mm here and 1mm there and something else is 4mm off...

[Brother Christopher]

Another update. I assembled my Stormraven's nose, so finally the front of the craft is more or less done.

 

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/650/p1030693pz.jpg

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/4964/p1030695iv.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1858/p1030696fq.jpg
 

There's a big crack along the line joining the nose and the main hull (I hope it's not visible in the pictures) which I hope to conceal later on. I'm just glad I found the strength and courage to make the front.

 

I also assembled (roughly) cockpit's canopy and the bit of armour around the nose weapon mount. I'm still thinking about making or not making the interior of the cockpit, but I'm more and more convinced that I'll give it a try...

 

Here are some images of the current status of the canopy.

 

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/8912/p1030701c.jpg
 

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/9479/p1030702h.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/2010/p1030700i.jpg

 

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/258/p1030699pb.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2487/p1030698s.jpg

[Aqui]

I'm still astounded by the amount of attention to detail you've put into this Any further thoughts to a name for it?  Perhaps "aeternus Peregrinus"? ("wieczny krucjata" blame Google Translate if it's wrong ) or "Eternal Crusade"?  Something Templars are known for after all

Edited March 24, 2013 by Aquilanus

[Brother Christopher]

I'm terribly bogged down with "real life matters", even more than usually. That's the reason for the delay in the Stormraven's construction and, naturally, with any updates of this thread.

 

Anyway, here's another update. I've been working on the canopy recently: I've made the final decision, it will be opaque and I'm dropping the idea of making the interior. I've also been experimenting with liquid green stuff - not a wise thing to do on a piece that big and that important But I have faith in the power of black primer and paint

 

Here are some images of the finished part:

 

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2905/p1030715w.jpg
 

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9922/p1030719n.jpg

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/2411/p1030720d.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/9959/p1030722b.jpg

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/3053/p1030724kt.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6020/p1030725c.jpg

[Brother Christopher]

Hello back! This time the break between the updates was worryingly considerable... But finally I had some time for my project and I'm actually quite happy about it.

 

As my Storm Raven differs in a number of respects from the original kit, I decided to alter it further. The new idea on which I'm currently working on is the gunner-servitor's turret, or more precisely, it's absence. Instead, I made something a bit like a speed camera (with an upset face in the back) and something a bit like the part of a tarantula sentry gun. The idea behind such an upgrade will be connected to the fluff behind the model, which will be done probably as soon as the model's finished, or nearly finished...

 

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7396/p1030966s.jpg

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/3127/p1030967f.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/8568/p1030968mf.jpg

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/6412/p1030969a.jpg

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/9030/p1030970p.jpg

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/7772/p1030971n.jpg

 

Now, for the guns.

I'm thinking about keeping my Storm Raven cheap and sort of deadly: missiles, Multi Melta, Lascannons... Does it work? What would you recommend? Lascannons (I lack long range, high power, low AP weapons) or Assault Cannons? (I have tons of them: terminators, dreadnoughts, LRCs and in the future, Storm Talons).

[Ch@oZ]

I'm really glad to see progress in this thread. I'll be using your vent-building technique to build vents for my land raider and/or my nephilim-shaped stormtalon. Using pva to stick the printouts onto plasticard is a brilliant idea- so far i've been sticking them on with water and, predictably, they've been slipping around during cutting. As for accounting for the plasticard width- i found that filing the edges at a 45 degree angle eliminates the problem, at least for the outermost layer.

[Brother Christopher]

@ Ch@oZ

And I'm really glad to read that you're glad! Also, I'm happy that it turned out that I helped with something Thanks for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated! Have you started assembling your land raider? I'd love to see your progress, if there is any.

 

And here's another small update. After doing this, I feel that I could use some therapy. Assembling lascannons is such a no-life activity. But after two hours of strenuous work I've managed to finish the barrels! Hurray! (Luckily, I finally used my brains and started listening to audio-books while assembling my models... now I want to believe that that's not such an enormous way of wasting my life!)

 

Unfortunately, I couldn't get plasticard tubes of the right diameter. They were either too wide or too small, duh! So I started my irresponsible, no-life project (irresponsible, because the finals are now on the horizon and honestly, I should focus on them rather than on warhammers, models and lascannons....).

 

I used the more or less right tube and rolled 0,25mm thick plasticard around it to make it wider. Work of a madman! I don't recommend doing that to anyone. After getting the rightish diameter, I used strips of the same, thin plasticard to do the energy coils and all those fancy bits and pieces on the barrels. Here is the almost final effect (I just need to fill in the gaps with greenstuff):

 

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7712/p1030976bd.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/8305/p1030975sb.jpg

 

And I should also think about a better way of taking pictures in order not to oversaturate the whites...

[Ch@oZ]

 

Unfortunately, I couldn't get plasticard tubes of the right diameter

If You go to one of these places: http://wedelpijalnie.pl/pl/lokale and buy their chocolate stirrers as seen here: http://www.wedelpijalnie.pl/pl/oferta/sklep-w-pijalni/czekolady-do-picia, the plastic tubes they come with are exactly lascannon barrel width :)

 

Have you started assembling your land raider?

I have- the new 2x size front assault ramp is almost done, just can't get myself to take some decent pictures of it. I've also built one wing for my nephilim (thanks for the templates again!) and cut out the plasticard for the other- once i take pictures of those (for a tutorial of sorts) i'll glue the layers together and post these as well.

[Brother Christopher]

It has been a while since I last updated this thread. In fact, it has been a while since I last did some scratch-building or painting. But the project is not dead and will never be!

 

I had a break from almost everything hobby-related for the entire summer holiday (with the exception of ETL), but now I’m back in business. However, I wasn’t as excited about this as I should be.

It is so because my financial situation has changed. I’m no longer as short on cash as I used to be and now I can actually afford a Storm Raven. Damned be the times of my miserly youth!! Now I’m stuck with this project, which I can’t abandon. Not now. Not after all that I’ve been through. Not with all the hours of hard work. I got also discouraged by the fact, that the blueprints I’m using proved to be not as accurate I’d wish and that the finished flyer will be much bigger (and obviously, not as detailed) than the original.

 

But despite everything, here I am again, and there is some progress!!

 

For starters, the part under the tail where the dreadnought goes. There is a “thing” there that looks like a rope guide of a hoist. That I made using a plasticard half-cylinder wrapped tightly with a thread.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img833/1875/23nd.jpg

Then I fitted it into a slot in the supporting plate which will later be attached to the Raven…

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img163/8514/q6ao.jpg

…like this.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img843/6946/l0g9.jpg

And the finished part.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img689/659/0itp.jpg

Similarly, here are some pictures of the finished top air-intake, the bit behind the gunner’s turret.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img833/2508/zmy6.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img855/7858/43in.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img706/9914/t8aw.jpg

Now for the tail. It’s mostly done, I just need to file the edges a bit and add some minor detail. I made an enormous mess out of this part. Firstly, I glued it the other way around. Secondly, afte trearing the top wings off, I glued them unevenly. I missed that and went to sleep only to discover  the next day the tragic oversight (they were significantly crooked). So after tearing them off again, I finally got them in the right position. I had to fill the gaps and mend the damage using some putty and I obviously made a huge mess, however, I’m sure that it won’t be visible after priming the whole thing.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img51/1628/giet.jpg
 

http://imageshack.us/a/img94/976/y77w.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img36/5816/6ym.JPG

I also couldn’t help myself and take a photo (or in fact two photos) of the Raven with all the new pieces dry-fitted. It starts to take shape and my excitement somewhat grew! Next up – lascannons!

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img443/4099/4jak.jpg
 

http://imageshack.us/a/img826/3059/jgwi.jpg

 

Let me know what you think :)

Edited October 14, 2013 by Brother Cristopher

[Montuhotep]

Oh my good God........

[Aqui]

Good to see this again!

 

One thing you could state about your Storm Raven and it ties in with what we discussed a while ago - the STC pattern was perhaps deemed inefficient for your Black Templar Crusade and it was made larger to accommodate the greater number of troops that the 'Templars need to move (but from a rules perspective, it's the same as a GW one )

 

In any case, I still find this topic awesome!