"Hover Troops" Topic

Here's a heavier, more "enclosed" idea for the armor. The weapon is easily changeable so don't get too hung up on those kind of details, other than the overall size of it.

Given the level of technology necessary for the jetpacks in the first place, it's easy enough to posit some kind of computerized gyro-stabilizing system that automatically counteracts any recoil from the weapon.

I do like the more hard armored look. This is a clay pigeon commando that can take a hit or two without going splat!

-Eli

Pretty cool. I like both… the more heavily armored version fits better as an elite commando. Perhaps if an armored version is successful, the lighter infantry could follow at a much later date? :)

Chris K.

Hate to resurrect this but I need to follow up with a question here.

Given the choice, how would folks want to see jump troops like these sculpted?

1)All of them coming down from the skies in various poses
2)All of them on the ground, with packs on, ready to fight
3)A mix of 1 & 2

The reason I ask this is I think about these being used in a game and after the first turn when they deploy, they would not necessarily be in the air all the time. This presents a slight conundrum if they are posed as descending to earth.

I always like a lot of poses. I just think it looks cool to have a mix, but I do understand the conundrum. Still I think if they are jump troops they are probably going to be jumping around based on the terrain. That is why you would probably have jump troops in there in the first place.

3) Th best one: soldier who land just miliseconds ago.

#3 – Mix

So, just to be clear, #3 would mean 2 or 3 poses in the air, coming down, and 2 or 3 poses on the ground in a shooting stance.

Is that what folks favor?

A mix of poses seems to have worked nicely for Khurasan's Vespilids. Please, if you do, avoid casting on thruster effects.

-Eli

lol, I was thinking just that.

I think a mix would be best.

Chris K.

Please, if you do, avoid casting on thruster effects.

Is there a specific reason or is it that you just "no likey"?

Thruster effects look silly when they are painted well, look terrible when they aren't, and restrict your own imagination whenever you see the mini.

It also implies a certain atmosphere level – your most recent rendering could possibly serve as a vaccuum suit. There is a surprisingly large portion of the 15mm community that plays zero-g or moon-surface games. In a vaccuum, thruster/blastoff effects wouldn't be visible.

Chris K.

Point made, thanks!

Good points Chris.

I've never seen a cast on thruster effect that looked good.

Other byproducts of cast-on thruster effects is that they take metal away from or add metal cost to the minis themselves. They also limit conversions and basing options.

-Eli

@Eli – I was thinking about both of those points… just couldn't find a way to articulate them. :)

I have a few of the old Asgard jump troopers (with the effects), and don't expect I'll ever find a place for them in my games.

Chris K.

That last picture is perfect, I'll have 30 odd of those please.

That last picture is perfect, I'll have 30 odd of those please.

I'm working on it, lol.

The Ghoulani Enslavers from 15mm.co.uk use hover discs see a couple of examples below.

Over all great design work. For casting at 15mm your gonna want to enlarge hands,feet and head about 12%. prevents the details from being lost. Love the halo look on the legs for the last one. I think a mix of at least 5 poses will serve you best . Also a "zero g" thruster set maybe?
Also be sure that the model all fits into one mold plane. Then casting will be easy and smooth. Best of luck.

Looking at the pictures again I like both the Armored and not so armored jetpack pictures, I would love figures/lines for both.