Johny Boy | 02 Apr 2012 10:58 a.m. PST |
I'm looking out for options for a dropship for my GZG crusties, im after something that resembles the ship seen in the film, images below. At the moment not having much luck as I don't think there were sadly any kits to tie in with the film apart from the WETA studios figure sculpts. Anybody have any ideas for possible alternatives?
link Although block shaped, it's actually a lot of angles so scratch-building would take time, i'm looking for everyday items I can use as a starting point, otherwise it might be GW's tau craft instead.
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haywire | 02 Apr 2012 11:29 a.m. PST |
Maybe convert a toy pistol? |
Johny Boy | 02 Apr 2012 11:35 a.m. PST |
Did find this if folks are interested, somebody having a go at paper modeling the craft, could be useful as a source of templates link |
Johny Boy | 02 Apr 2012 11:35 a.m. PST |
I am thinking about going along those lines |
Mako11 | 02 Apr 2012 11:36 a.m. PST |
2" x 4" with add ons, carved to shape
.. |
Eli Arndt | 02 Apr 2012 11:51 a.m. PST |
Could maybe try to use a ship from the Star Wars line. Not exact but might get you close
There are a few different versions of this toy out there. -Eli |
Samulus | 02 Apr 2012 12:25 p.m. PST |
I think you might have to just build the fuselage out of balsa wood or acrylic or something, the engines are almost identical to the GW Devilfish/hammerhead's and about the right size so you could just use them. |
dglennjr | 02 Apr 2012 12:47 p.m. PST |
I was going to suggest the same Star Wars Republic Cruiser from the 'Action Fleet' line. Maybe do a little add-on modification with a repaint, and you might get respectably close. |
CorSecEng | 02 Apr 2012 1:35 p.m. PST |
You could chop down a GW Devilfish to get a good base. Just need to remove the arms that hold the drones |
Johny Boy | 02 Apr 2012 1:47 p.m. PST |
I'll be using parts of the devilfish, the engines are a certainty, as Samulus pointed out they are almost identical, the cargo entrance as well could be useful as well as landing gear and the chin turret. Apart from that I will be checking out my toy and hobby for a suitable toy gun to build up from, I think it was Cameron who based the Aliens Marine vessel on an M60, so there's method in the madness!
I'm after something bulky and angular as opposed to the softer look of the Tau craft. |
infojunky | 02 Apr 2012 2:50 p.m. PST |
While I never directly copy anybodies work, I think I am in love with the S9 ship without even realizing it. The lines of it are so easily duplicated. Start with the core and build out is really is just a series of boxes. |
Johny Boy | 02 Apr 2012 3:20 p.m. PST |
It's all the pannel detailing that scares me ! |
Cacique Caribe | 02 Apr 2012 4:25 p.m. PST |
Hmm . . . If I ever did scratch-build a dropship, I would start with the interior compartments where you plan to move your figures around, and leave the hull for last. I would build each compartment separately, one by one, starting with the smallest room*. Then I would attach them to one another and then build the hull around the entire set of rooms, with a removable roof for access to the interior. Dan * A shortcut could be to use 2-3 of the inexpensive sectional plastic drawer organizers (check the dollar stores for shallow ones), and then connect them in a row (or whatever configuration you like) with corridors and doors, or just doors: link |
Cacique Caribe | 02 Apr 2012 5:37 p.m. PST |
Depending on the store, you might be able to pick and choose which specific trays to buy. Walmart and some of the hardware stores carry less expensive versions of the Rubbermaid interlocking drawer trays:
Or you can go fancy with the interior, and scratch-build the rooms and corridors yourself, like Germy did here:
TMP link PDF link Here is another method: link Once done, connect the corridor and rooms and add on the hull with a removable roof. I think it sounds cool in theory. :) Dan |
Mako11 | 02 Apr 2012 6:53 p.m. PST |
Paneling is the easy part. You can do with with card stock, or sheet styrene. Cut, and glue to shape, as desired. Getting the basic shape is the hard part, but doesn't look too difficult on that one, with a little ingenuity, and some basic tools, e.g. saw, glue, sanding block, files, etc. |
Johny Boy | 03 Apr 2012 1:16 p.m. PST |
Just picked this up off Ebay for a couple of quid, whilst it's not the actual lines of the District 9 craft I think it captures the angular lines ok, certainly a good starting point once I chop it around a bit and add engines and landing pod. auction |
PilGrim | 04 Apr 2012 3:15 a.m. PST |
Anyone fancy building a 3d cad version and printing on shapeways? |
Dark Pariah | 25 Apr 2012 5:13 a.m. PST |
If there is enough interest in this sort of vehicle, I have been working on a 14.5 cm length model for 15mm wargaming as a commission piece for a guy at my local gaming club, that I would be willing to make casts of. You can see the WIP of it here. link It is based on the prawn dropship This is only 2 days work, so a master model for casting should be ready in 4 weeks. |
arngrimson | 25 Apr 2012 5:37 a.m. PST |
Dark Pariah depending on cost I'd have a couple. |
fattdex | 25 Apr 2012 5:01 p.m. PST |
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Johny Boy | 25 Apr 2012 8:56 p.m. PST |
DP, are you UK based, again depending on cost I also would be interested at this stage, pics look really good |
Dark Pariah | 25 Apr 2012 9:35 p.m. PST |
@ Johny Boy, Sorry I'm Aussie, will set up on ebay when the models are ready. Current estimates would put the models at $35.00 AUD for a solid resin cast model. |
fattdex | 25 Apr 2012 10:00 p.m. PST |
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fattdex | 25 Apr 2012 10:01 p.m. PST |
I wonder if you can make a grav tank conversion of it change the troop hold at the back for a power pack and top mount a turret? |
Johny Boy | 25 Apr 2012 10:38 p.m. PST |
I'll look into postage and import duty but it is looking good, is that a revised front end?, overall the model is looking really good, cheers. Can you please add more pics as model progresses |
Dark Pariah | 25 Apr 2012 11:11 p.m. PST |
@ Fattdex, Will look into grav tank variants at a later stage. You really want to keep me under the pump don't you mate! @ Johny Boy, I am taking a bit of artistic licence with the model to make sure it doesn't breach copyright The blue foam model was a test run I quickly made before cutting the styrene sheets so the front end is revised.
New pics as requested.
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fattdex | 25 Apr 2012 11:58 p.m. PST |
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Johny Boy | 26 Apr 2012 6:06 a.m. PST |
That sir
.is a thing of beauty!
:-) |
Johny Boy | 26 Apr 2012 6:09 a.m. PST |
If the postage is'nt exhorbitent and I don't have to sell a kidney to get it out of the hands of the British postal service, i'm in for possibly two of those beauties. |
Armiesarmy | 26 Apr 2012 8:44 a.m. PST |
That really is impressive! How do you build that using styrene!!!! Is it blue foam and then styrene coated ? |
Johny Boy | 26 Apr 2012 9:21 a.m. PST |
Any chance of a pic with a 15mm fig alongside for scale and sizing purposes? Cheers |
Dark Pariah | 27 Apr 2012 2:52 a.m. PST |
@ ArmiesArmy, its not bluefoam coated in styrene sheets, just simple cuts, sanding, filing and gluing. It's made with .5mm thick styrene sheets. I work as a timber floor installer and have worked as a cabintet maker so I look at things like this in the same way, just on a much smaller scale. @Johny Boy, I may (big emphasis on may) have some old 15mm Mechwarrior infantry lying around, if not, will have to wait until I can catch up with fattdex for a scale photo with some of his mini's. I'm only just getting into the 15mm side of gaming so don't have anything yet to compare against. |
Armiesarmy | 27 Apr 2012 4:34 a.m. PST |
Thanks DARk Pariah really impressive! |
Johny Boy | 27 Apr 2012 5:25 a.m. PST |
I'm really interested in this, judging approx by the size of the plastic stand, i'm guessing size wise it will be just fine |
Johny Boy | 29 Apr 2012 2:13 a.m. PST |
DP could you pm me with details of this when it's completed please, I would be very interested if you were to consider casting some resin models from this. Thanks Jon |
Dark Pariah | 01 May 2012 8:06 p.m. PST |
Will do, camera is playing up at the moment so haven't been able to post more pics. |
Dark Pariah | 14 Jun 2012 8:19 p.m. PST |
Master finished, casting in the next week. link |
Mako11 | 14 Jun 2012 8:41 p.m. PST |
Wow, that looks great! Thanks for sharing the video of your model. Love the high-tech, turntable motor as well. ;-) |
Eclipsing Binaries | 15 Jun 2012 6:06 a.m. PST |
Where will these be available to purchase? Colin |
LordNth | 15 Jun 2012 1:47 p.m. PST |
Yeah, where, how and how much? Still on target for $35 USD? |
Johny Boy | 16 Jun 2012 4:55 a.m. PST |
Having flash problems, any chance of some pics when you have them, also still interested in this if you are thinking of possibly releasing this commercially, cheers and well done |
Dark Pariah | 17 Jun 2012 2:03 a.m. PST |
These will be available through ebay for the moment. Will be looking into an increasing line of alien vehicles. Pricing is still on track for $35.00 AUD. As I am doing the casting myself there will be a limited run to begin. If demand is high enough I will make the move to commercial casting through my casting supplier. Scaling with the Crusties.
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deflatermouse | 18 May 2013 9:26 p.m. PST |
Are you still casting/selling these excellent dropships? Who are the walkers from? |
Mako11 | 18 May 2013 11:56 p.m. PST |
Ground Zero Games makes the walkers. |
deflatermouse | 19 May 2013 4:44 a.m. PST |
excellent thank you. Found them. I was looking in the wrong place. |
renlegunvrs | 19 May 2013 7:17 a.m. PST |
Where and when can i get the drop ship? |
PilGrim | 19 Sep 2014 1:24 p.m. PST |
Are these still available??? |