| Eli Arndt | 16 Jul 2009 5:34 p.m. PST |
In a few other threads, I mentioned that I have been trying to convert some 28mm power armor into 15mm mecha. I have run into a bit of a snag on this project though and was hoping to tap the talented vein of TMP for some possible tips on what I can do to make these things look like they were meant to be used along with 15mm minis. I have already considered some of the obvious ideas such as hanging 15mm gear off of them, but I just can't help but feel there must be other things that I could do. Maybe some of the sculptors out there might like to chime in too and let us know what they do when sculpting vehicles in 15mm? Thanks, -Eli |
aecurtis  | 16 Jul 2009 6:19 p.m. PST |
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| Eli Arndt | 16 Jul 2009 6:21 p.m. PST |
Nah, I'll leave that to the Warhammer players. |
 John the OFM  | 16 Jul 2009 6:47 p.m. PST |
Measure in inches and sculpt in centimeters. |
| Eli Arndt | 16 Jul 2009 6:55 p.m. PST |
Well this is more for conversion sake so I won't really be doing much sculpting. Though your remark has me curious. -Eli |
| John the OFM | 16 Jul 2009 7:33 p.m. PST |
Actually, the 25mm/15mm convrsion should be "Measure in miles, sculpt in kilometres". That's much more in scale. |
| Jakar Nilson | 16 Jul 2009 8:00 p.m. PST |
Adding some handlebars/crashbars can add to the effect, if the power armour is fairly utilitarian. Smaller-scale decals also work. Replace the head with something less humanoid. |
| coryfromMissoula | 16 Jul 2009 8:00 p.m. PST |
Change the heads to something either smaller or more cockpit style. Doing away with the head entirely and putting the cockpit on the chest can help. Add an obvious entry point for the pilot and spice it up with rungs to climb up. Add exhaust pipes, as even understated ones help make the model appear more "vehiclish". |
| GypsyComet | 16 Jul 2009 9:13 p.m. PST |
Some things are only scaled by external context, or by painting cues, or by the viewer's knowledge of the subject. That last can be the hardest to overcome. |
| Eli Arndt | 16 Jul 2009 10:33 p.m. PST |
Gypsy, I think that may be my problem. I am using the AT-43 TacArms as a base for the conversion. They are very distinctive and actually do not have a lot of surface detail which is a plus in the converting corner. However, anyone who knows what they are immediately sees them as big power armor surrounded by tiny men (15mm infantry). I suppose a few basing details like scale rubble and the like might help. -Eli |
| Usrivoy3 | 17 Jul 2009 6:06 a.m. PST |
Which version of TacArms are you using. Looking at the UNA model perhaps you can paint on a cockpit similar to the SST Marauders. link Scott |
| Lentulus | 17 Jul 2009 7:04 a.m. PST |
How big is that model? Thoughts:
Add an access hatch and view port scaled for 15mm.
How do you board? Add ladder rungs and handholds?
Add 1:100 airplane decals (no step, fuel, danger) at places where a 15mm figure might see them if doing maintenance – so at 15mm eye level for instance. |
| GypsyComet | 17 Jul 2009 7:42 a.m. PST |
However, anyone who knows what they are immediately sees them as big power armor surrounded by tiny men (15mm infantry). I suppose a few basing details like scale rubble and the like might help. A complete repaint can help. Don't leave them in their original White Star colors. Also consider prying open the cockpit (they all have it) and building a pilot in 15mm, either strapped in or standing at the entrance at the top of a tiny ladder. Someone has already mentioned hatches in the new scale, but a classic WWII (or 40k…) hatch ring with tiny mounted machinegun can work on some models, especially if there's a TC manning it. Seems a bit odd for these, specifically, but is worth keeping in mind. Sharing basing appearance with 15mm troops certainly won't hurt. You can also just stand back and let context take care of most of it on the table, but have one or two of them in the larger group that are commanders or support types that are mini dioramas with a mechanic, tiny ladder leaning up against the side, fixit jeep parked behind it on the base, or even the open hatches, camo netting, and campfire with the two crew nearby. Force scale on one or two and let the rest imply by context with the rest of the models. |
| jpattern2 | 17 Jul 2009 8:42 a.m. PST |
Put an infantryman on the same base, or at least a helmet or weapon. |
| Eli Arndt | 17 Jul 2009 9:58 a.m. PST |
Wow, the ideas flood in. I am using the UNA TacArms which does present some problems. There really isn't a lot of room for new hatches and such. There is also a consideration on my end too. I don't want obvious cockpit windows or view ports – just a style choice. I think some creative basing decoration, as well as context established with other common elements between the walkers and other units in the force. I dis already have a recvery vehicle/shop vehicle planned out, so that should do some good in establishing them as big walkers. -Eli |
