Blackadder's Lucius Pattern Reaver Conversion Kit

[Blackadder]

Greave Cutouts Roughed In:

 

Wow this was a fast week here it is Saturday already and since there are virtually no readers of the weekend I don't want to waste a lot of time updating but I worked on these greaves quite a bit last night finishing up the rough cutouts for the pistons and cylinders and since I probably will have the openings dressed out by Monday I think this update is necessary.

 

http://i.imgur.com/m93YKIM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/m93YKIMl.jpg

 

This one image slightly out of focus shows left to right R1 and L1 for the number one titan and R2 and L2 for the number two titan not that it matters which titan get which set of greaves but the greaves themselves are dedicated to the internal armour and Mars greaves which themselves are neither perfect matches nor mirror images of their counterparts on the other titan.

 

I made a error selecting L1 as the prototype as it was the most perfect of the 4 units of course there was no way of knowing that initially but the three other units required much more fudging to obtain a comparable fit. Surprisingly the greaves are almost interchangeable between titans but its best to assign each now than risk misalignment later.

 

The three units other than L1 show the extended plasticard not trimmed at all other than to allow the fit of the external greave sections. With luck over the next day or so I will have the excess removed on all and the internal structure of the greave made on at least the prototype L1.

[GodEmperorOfMankind]

Excellent work as always.

 

On the subject of Imperial knights, rumours are here:

 

http://natfka.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/knight-model-kit-description-and-load.html

 

Slated for release next month apparently

[Blackadder]

Thanks for the link............

 

Left Basic Greave Finished:

 

Well that went better than anticipated. While watching a movie I managed to complete the basic structure of the L2 greave. Now all that needs be done is add the final detail.

 

In the four images below we see the cutouts for the steering pistons which will be covered with hinged plates to allow for flexing of the foot assembly.

 

http://i.imgur.com/VSuhFkU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/VSuhFkUl.jpg

 

The structure is surprisingly symmetrical in spite of the FW anomalies and all I need do is match the greaves as best I can.

 

http://i.imgur.com/1bObkjn.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1bObkjnl.jpg

 

The rear view shows the thickening structure that flesh out the greave:

 

http://i.imgur.com/7WeM9As.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/7WeM9Asl.jpg

 

So many scratchbuilt models are excellent except for leaving out the thickening detail so the model has a flimsy appearance.

 

Finally the Left side view :

 

http://i.imgur.com/MGryOIj.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MGryOIjl.jpg

[Squeaky]

Still amazes me how you can take a square sheet and turn it into something awe inspiring :) can I ask as to how you get such precise angles and clean lines with the plastic card?

[Blackadder]

Sure that is the primary purpose of this thread.

 

I use the score and snap method to cut plasticard primarily. All that is needed is a flat work surface, a sharp pencil, a steel scale (ruler) and a hefty utility knife.

 

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/images/prod/6/Stanley-Tools-10-499-rw-98813-163975.jpg

 

This is the one I use.

 

Mark the line using the pencil and straight edge.

 

Score the line with the utility knife either free hand or following the straight edge.

 

align the scored line with the sharp edge of the work surface (table)

 

apply downward pressure to the overhanging plasticard sheet.

 

The sheet should snap precisely on the scored line.

 

Dress the edge with either a file or sanding block if needed.

 

With practice you can even acheive beveled edges by angling the knife making the scored line and cutting the score a bit deeper.

 

Don'ts:

 

-Don't use Xacto knives to try to cut straight lines; their too flimsy and wobble when scoring and are fine for cutting curves and fiddly bits but for basic work you need a strong sharp blade.

 

-Don't try to cut all the way through the plastic especially in one pass. I use the score and snap even for the thinnest plasticard.

 

-Don't waste time with trying to use thick plasticard. I've weaned myself off of any card stock thicker than 0.060 inch (1,5 MM) Thicker plasticard requires a great deal of effort to snap effectively, must be scored repeatedly until half way through to obtain a clean break and in general more expensive than the thinner sheets.

[Blackadder]

The Method to My Madness:

 

Now perhaps the method to my madness is becoming apparent. The idea to make the Mars/Lucius greaves interchangeable necessitated the removal of one to install the other. So utilizing the Mars greaves as a template I duplicated the shape and structure of the Mars greave inside the Lucius greave. After the glue dried overnight I was able to extricate the Mars greaves leaving the shell of the inner structure (right foreground L1.)

 

http://i.imgur.com/Kqyv5Uw.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Kqyv5Uwl.jpg

 

Ascertaining that the Mars greave was indeed removable I reinstalled the greave and applied the exterior structure and glued in place.

 

switching my prototype from L1 to L2 right rear (to maintain the homogeneity of variance and not compound errors) I finished up the basic greave on L2 and used that form to duplicate mirror greaves R1 and R2 center rear and left rear of the photo.

 

Now it remains to duplicate the mirror of the right greaves on the remaining L1 original prototype so any deviations are ostensibly the same on all four structures.

 

http://i.imgur.com/PDEFwdo.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/PDEFwdol.jpg

[Blackadder]

Partial Assembly:

 

Okay here we see the lower assembly; the whole d*mned mess rather precariously balanced together I hope to have the posing pins installed later today so how it will look with the hull installed for the first time will then be revealed to both you and me.

 

http://i.imgur.com/NY2bv4V.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NY2bv4Vl.jpg

 

In the typical Blackadder dyslexic fashion of putting the cart before the horse after the barn door is shut I relied on my gut sense rather than a concept art rendering and neglected to size proportion the hull to the proposed greaves. I am hoping the greaves are either spot on proportion-wise or a tad smaller than the ideal so I can bulk them up with an external suit of armour.

 

(The above statement is made because I invariably will be asked for drawings and templates to replicate this work (If successful) as I still am for both Lucie and Luteus to which I ruefully have to reply, "I'm sorry, there are no plans...........")

 

This way I can refer back to this post so I can't be accused of pumping smoke.....

 

There are no plans.

 

http://i.imgur.com/DdSMZYH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DdSMZYHl.jpg

 

The back view is most gratifying I particularly like the triangular protuberances with are unique to the Reaver and sets it apart from the two previous scratch-builts.

 

The triangles flank the rear actuator piston assembly and so serve a purpose besides covering the rather primitive construction work beneath.

[GodEmperorOfMankind]

"There are no plans"

 

Blackadder is just a creative genius you see!

 

Loving the update. Can't wait to see the torso on :)

[Blackadder]

I am continually misunderstood.

I weekly receive PM's asking for plans and templates and I have to say regretfully that there are none but I strongly suspect that answer is not acceptable,

"Yeah he just wants to keep the information to himself."

So I intersperse my posts periodically with statements that there are no plans and that I am making this up as I go. I can't help it, its just the way I work.

Reaver Standing on It's Own:

I have to admit that for the first time I'm impressed by the Reaver.

It was never a fav of mine but seeing it all in one piece it does have a certain appeal Lucius armour not withstanding.

As I had hoped the greaves are a tad undersized giving me leeway to add some interesting surface armour.

http://i.imgur.com/bXr2Nmd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/bXr2Nmdl.jpg

The side view shows the greaves have to be angled back a bit at the top but the overall effect is powerful even with the top hamper not being fleshed out.

http://i.imgur.com/anhsoQR.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/anhsoQRl.jpg

I call this pose, "Eeewhew! I stepped in gum............"

http://i.imgur.com/qhSGK2W.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/qhSGK2Wl.jpg

Just a little putty to keep the trailing foot on.

The Mary Poppins view...........

http://i.imgur.com/ciSmacG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ciSmacGl.jpg

Bird's eye view............

http://i.imgur.com/MupJs7x.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MupJs7xl.jpg

[GodEmperorOfMankind]

That is Impressive..... Most Impressive!!!!!!

 

Can we get some scale shots with guardsmen/dreads/tanks/anything in?

 

Excellent work! Are the thighs next on the list now? At the moment the legs look a tad bell bottomed is all.

[Squeaky]

Thank you for the tips I shall put them into practice finishing off my storm raven :) that reader sure has come a long way. Truly is a sight to behold

[Blackadder]

Thinks,

 

Power Fist:

 

The power fist is not my favorite weapon so I'm doing it first because if I don't it might not get done.

 

The Lucius cover has to fit rather tightly on this gauntlet or it will look ungainly so the styrene has to follow the curvature pretty close.

 

http://i.imgur.com/5whkgvf.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5whkgvfl.jpg

 

The wrist will be held on with neodymium magnets so changing from Mars to Lucius and back should be literally a snap.

 

I hope to have this armour done tomorrow............. except of course for the detail.

 

http://i.imgur.com/Subh5RI.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Subh5RIl.jpg

 

That is Impressive..... Most Impressive!!!!!!

 

Can we get some scale shots with guardsmen/dreads/tanks/anything in?

 

Excellent work! Are the thighs next on the list now? At the moment the legs look a tad bell bottomed is all.

A Poltergeist Named Dave:

 

Well here's the family portrait taken after a bit of an incident where Luteus toppled over on top of Lucie.

 

http://i.imgur.com/UT7Sm6z.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UT7Sm6zl.jpg

 

I set up the Warlord and the Reaver last night on the battle board with the Cadian planning to take a group portrait this morning after I installed the counterweights in Lucie which worked very well incidentally. I added a quarter pound to the generator housings and for the first time in a couple of years Lucie can pose bending forward.

 

http://i.imgur.com/j997PgH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/j997PgHl.jpg

 

So why was the Warhound facing the wall in the first picture you may well ask?

 

I was setting up the camera when I heard a crash behind me; twelve pounds of Warlord styrene for no apparent reason crashed down upon Lucie flattening her down under it's mass. First thing I did was look for the cat but it was nowhere around. Then I surveyed the damage.

 

Lucie had all her breakaway armour displaced and the battle banner broke off for the twentieth time.

 

Some of the magnet attached armour fell off the Warlord and the prime was a wee bit scuffed but no significant damage to him as well that I could readily see

 

http://i.imgur.com/wOVNKHk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/wOVNKHkl.jpg

 

I set everything back up and snapped a few quick pictures before I realized Lucie was still facing the wall.

 

I turned her around and finish photographing it was then I noticed the Laser cannons on the left shoulder of Luteus were knocked askew.so there we have it.

 

http://i.imgur.com/jkX5ykM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jkX5ykMl.jpg

 

A poltergeist named Dave knocked the Warlord over after it had been standing for almost twelve hours. Here is a picture of Dave..............

[GodEmperorOfMankind]

Wow! I'm lost for words really.

 

Have you got a statline for Luetus? I guess give it a couple of years and GW will be bringing their own out ;)

 

Have you seen that knights are confirmed for release 1st?

 

http://www.lounge.belloflostsouls.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=7322&d=1392418161

[Blackadder]

What's a "Statline?"

 

My Mistakes or Theirs:

 

One question that I am continually asked is, "Wouldn't it be easier to just buy a Titan than go to all the trouble scratch-building one?"

 

Well here we have a prime example because of which my unqualified answer is, "NO!"

 

I spent the better part of yesterdays construction period shaping, scraping, re-cutting, filling, sanding, and fabricating parts of a supposed 'Kit'. I think I would have been far ahead of the game were I just to start with a thousand bucks worth of precision cut Evergreen Styrene. Warped parts, millimeter high mould lines, misaligned castings, broken and missing pieces; Fah! give me a pile of pristine styrene any day.

 

Don't get me wrong I think the Reaver Titan is a masterpiece of sculpting and engineering and considering the medium of casting they do a bang up job getting the parts to mate as well as they do but the translation from the design board to the manufacture output leaves much to be desired.

 

Case in point, the 'Turbo Laser Assembly:

 

Looking at the image below; four pieces reasonably trimmed and adjusted, how long would you suppose it would take to assemble the four components?

 

http://i.imgur.com/NDfXOT8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NDfXOT8l.jpg

 

Would you believe in excess of an hour?

 

In this blurry photo can be barely discerned the styrene fillers needed to take up the gaps of the piping and the rear component housing to the main body of the laser.

 

http://i.imgur.com/uEriwYF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/uEriwYFl.jpg

 

Below can be seen the nice little step that is supposed to intersect the arm joint...

 

http://i.imgur.com/2wkDlwC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2wkDlwCl.jpg

 

Well I had to cut that out with my Dremel rotary blade because all that was supplied was a generous nurdle of misshapen resin with a casting vent attached.

 

And I haven't even begun to address the mould lines as yet.

 

Easier than scratch building? I think, "Not!"

[Blackadder]

I do Love Snow Days:

 

Ah Sunday and a snow day to boot. Thank God for global warming.......

 

Anyway to forestall 'Cabin Fever' I've made some inroads into the weapons armour

 

and typically I'm building the Power Fist armour backwards i.e. "from the outside in"

 

http://i.imgur.com/pg38BmC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/pg38BmCl.jpg

 

Before anyone asks, No I don't know how I am going to get the resin fist out yet...

 

http://i.imgur.com/saa2dyc.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/saa2dycl.jpg

 

A couple of plastic piano hinge devices I am thinking right now.

[Blackadder]

Lucius Weapons Armour:

 

The Power Fist is the most difficult weapon to Lucius-ify............

 

I need to keep the Mars palm encased within the external Lucius armour so I can maintain the original finger mounts.

 

Since the Lucius armour wraps around the core there has to be a way to remove it if I want the model displayed in its Mars iteration.

 

The best way I can come up with is a removable lower panel so the Lucius armour can be removed.

 

http://i.imgur.com/mHRZEea.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mHRZEeal.jpg

 

I start by adding a thin hinge point of 3/32 tubing and 0.038 inch hinge pin of piano wire.

[Blackadder]

The Other Weapons:

 

The two other weapons I have are the Turbo Laser and the Gatling Blaster both of which have rather minimal Mars armour.

 

The Turbo laser will be a simple swap of armour; i.e. slide the Mars off and slide the Lucius on and vise versa, piece o' cake.

 

http://i.imgur.com/ydpaRny.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ydpaRnyl.jpg

 

It's going to take a bit of imaginative detailing to punch these bland constructs up but right now the basic armour needs be our only concern.

 

http://i.imgur.com/rONCvd4.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rONCvd4l.jpg

 

The Gatling Blaster will sport a simple clip on cover over the moulded in Mars armour.

[Blackadder]

A Visit to the Well:

 

I'm wondering whether I have visited the well once too often. While the Lucius version of the fist armour seems to work out well it certainly is outsized compare to the sleek Mars armour. I may have been that I have pursued the wrong course in making the armour and made a more skeletal palm instead.

 

http://i.imgur.com/wCUU49V.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/wCUU49Vl.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/DvX7mTj.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DvX7mTjl.jpg

 

The palm removal access plate works well and is simple to detach with the pulling of just two pins.

 

http://i.imgur.com/6TrTE4w.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/6TrTE4wl.jpg

 

Strange that the exposed palm doesn't look that much smaller when encapsulated.

[Blackadder]

Turbo Laser:

 

Far better the plan for the Turbo Laser.

 

The basic rectangle is done and the internal structure allows for the armour to slip on and off with a few tabs locking it in place when installed.

 

The arm fits snugly in its receptacle so all that needs be done is carve out some interesting access ports and cut some step ins into the boxlike structure.

 

http://i.imgur.com/8cgRHHc.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8cgRHHcl.jpg

 

The Laser tubes will get encircling rims similar to the mount arm:

 

http://i.imgur.com/9cJ2Fd4.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9cJ2Fd4l.jpg

 

The rear view needs some embelishments:

 

http://i.imgur.com/5fjQ3tT.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5fjQ3tTl.jpg

 

Likewise the top:

 

http://i.imgur.com/ylnC3wa.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ylnC3wal.jpg

 

Very little of the bottom will be changed:

 

http://i.imgur.com/yeuyJxY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/yeuyJxYl.jpg

 

The internal structure is neat and simple with enough flexing of the side walls to slip the armour on and off easily.

 

http://i.imgur.com/vzePcET.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vzePcETl.jpg

[Blackadder]

Question for Reaver Owners:

 

The image below is the underside of the Reaver Turbo Laser.

 

In the image below between the cooling fins there is a rectangular cut out. This looks like there should be a part mounted in this area but I received no part for either of the Reavers I have.

 

Does anyone have a picture of this part? I can fabricate it if I can get a good image of it.

 

http://i.imgur.com/yeuyJxY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/yeuyJxYl.jpg

[Argun]

Hello Blackadder, first off I gotta say that I love what you're doing here.

Just took a look at my dad's reaver, and can say that there wasn't anything put there.

Did have a looksy on Forgeworld, and found this pic to be kinda interesting.

http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Images/Product/AlternativeFW/large/ImpReavAlt17.jpg

It looks like there's a small cable for purposes unknown right now.

I know this is a little late, but have you ever entertained the thought of putting different weapons on the carapace instead of the missile launchers? It'd be a refreshing sight to see a Reaver wielding something other than the missile launcher for a change!

[Blackadder]

Interesting that you mention that at this time as when I started fabricating the Lucius armour for the weapons that idea crossed my mind as well. The rational being I need not be limited to APOC missiles but instead have a whole arsenal if different secondary weapons to plug into the recesses vacated by the shoulder APOC pods.

 

I t just goes to show that great minds think along similar tracks.

 

BTW thanks for the info regarding your dad's Reaver.

 

I've seen the FW catalog image but the picture is too small to magnify into a decent resolution of the part occupying that recess other than it appears to be an "elbow macaroni" style tube. Further examination of the area shows an aligning tit on the main body block so the part connects the two components together.

 

So can we assume that FW has discarded that part from the kits on the evidence of these 3 Reavers or can someone else refute this hypothesis?

[Blackadder]

Destructor Laser Housing:

 

So the basic Lucius armour for the Turbo Laser is done;

 

http://i.imgur.com/TQtfZJ9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/TQtfZJ9l.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/rwiN4pE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rwiN4pEl.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/iNoFOqg.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/iNoFOqgl.jpg

 

The two interchangeable parts slip and lock on the basic weapon with equal facility, now all that needs be done is make the second one.

 

Time to move on to the Gatling Gun......

[adeptuscustodus]

There is supposed to be a small cable there, at least it was supplied with mine

 

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i154/Mekboy/image.jpg

[Blackadder]

Perfect, precisely what I am looking for, thank you very much and thanks to the other responders as well............

Its very surprising first that only a quarter of the Reavers thus far have this piece and also that the part in question is so minimal in detail; somehow I was expecting more.