Blackadder's Scratchbuilt Thunderhawk

[Blackadder]

Space Marine Transport Rail

I'm looking to add two rows side by side of Space marines to the interior of my T'hawk. I plan that they will be suspended standing upright from an overhead conveyor system as the most efficient system for transporting these soldiers seeing as they are virtually self-contained one man tanks. I seem to recall an image or sketch of such a device but cannot lay my hands on it. Does anyone have a copy or a source for this image?

Below is what I have so far found which while sufficient for my purposes aren't quite what I have in mind:

[url]http://i.imgur.com/FDNN9TD.jpg[/url]


I wish I had this image when I was building my T'hawk, it would have made my guesswork that much easier....

[url]http://i.imgur.com/OVnjuyo.jpg[/url]


This image isn't actually 40K Space Marines but it does get the point across.

[Blackadder]

Cargo Ramp:

I've finally addressed the issue of the front cargo ramp. this is a problem that has vexed me from day one of this project; how to cram a functioning mechanism into the tiny space available without compromising the exterior aspect of the model......

[url]http://i.imgur.com/zjEoCKR.jpg[/url]


Above we see the model as she exists today with some of the exterior detail as yet to be installed.

And here is the open maw of the beast with my new hinge assembly installed; Whoohoo! it works!

[url]http://i.imgur.com/STMLuiP.jpg[/url]


Now to show the mechanics of the rather simple device......

[url]http://i.imgur.com/5r02hwx.jpg[/url]


The piano-style hinge is 3/32 evergreen tubing cut into three pieces with two 0.060 by 0.250 inch tongue straps welded to the tubing and reinforced with 0.020 gussets.

A brass wire provides the hinge pin.

The assembly slides out for ease of maintenance and repair as the device may be quite flimsy....

[url]http://i.imgur.com/5r02hwx.jpg[/url]


With the ramp entirely removed the detail of the hinge points is readily seen.

[url]http://i.imgur.com/usLHIG3.jpg[/url]


Also note the cargo floor can be slid forward to facilitate reassembly.

The underside of the floor showing the tongue receptacles.

[url]http://i.imgur.com/AtOIFyH.jpg[/url]


Finally the flexibility of the hinges

[url]http://i.imgur.com/i8ChPiI.jpg[/url]

[Morgrim]

I admire the precision engineering you can pull off with small fiddly bits of bendy plastic.

[Blackadder]

Thanks,

The Best Laid Plans

Of mice and men ofttimes go awry. I had intended for this transport to have the capability to disgorge a Rhino but it seems the interior panels have taken up too much clearance

[url]http://i.imgur.com/8aJ8Wju.jpg[/url]


Not to worry I have an alternate plan (A cunning plan mayhaps Mr. B?)

[url]http://i.imgur.com/vj7VHrx.jpg[/url]


My initial intent was to have clam-shell doors à la C124 and assault ramp to accommodate the width of a slick Rhino but I put that aside until I had a good idea of the interior panels requirements. That project is still on the table.

[Blackadder]

Inside Out:

Or how not to build an interior.

My ambition has exceeded my good sense as when I started this project I gave little thought to so extravagant an interior. Now I am reaping the benefit of my lack of forethought.


[url]http://i.imgur.com/YmvRf7b.jpg[/url]


Fortunately I have ample panels to access the interior for modification and upgrade

BTW the image above shows the basic nascent Space Marine harness device to safe transport to the planet to be modularly installed into the upper gallery rectangular receptacles shown in the background. This would in fact be the whole length of the upper gallery but for my purposes just the front hanger will be seen.

See, I'm not completely crazy................

[Blackadder]

There Is No Joy In Mudville:

No, I've tried quite a few different pigments and airbrush combinations on various scrap and even on the T'hawk itself 'Horrors! ' and I have found nothing I like better than powdered Aluminum and powdered Graphite hand rubbed into Flat Black Primer so after much soul searching I'm committing to Gray Knights colour scheme and an all metal finish to my Hawk.

after about fifteen minutes of of application I feel I made the correct decision, nothing brings out the detail of this model like hand rubbed Aluminium. Note the flat black front and tail still yet to have the aluminum applied.........

[url]http://i.imgur.com/zHWLfsR.jpg[/url]


Of course there will be Gray Knights red accents and lots more colours

[url]http://i.imgur.com/278Y6Hz.jpg[/url]


But this is the look I am going for so the next time you see this it will be completely pewter hued.

[Kirsten]

looking amazing

[Blackadder]

Pewter Thunderhawk: (Grey Knights colours still to come.)

Oh Gawd, finally for the first time completely together after six years in the making, my very own scratchbuilt version of the Thunderhawk. At 26 inches long and fully articulated; weapons, wings, and landing gear; it's most gratifying to be able to present this effort.

[url=http://imgur.com/Chw0wI8][/url]

There are a few production glitches:

[url=http://imgur.com/9NPkCHU][/url]

All three gears need to be lock indexed to keep from swiveling.

[url=http://imgur.com/VIw9YfI][/url]

The rear shock struts need to be spring loaded to take the weight without collapsing.

[url=http://imgur.com/r9jQpWw][/url]

The rear floor of the forward cargo bay needs to be locked down.

[url=http://imgur.com/rpFBX7l][/url]

The interior is too sparsely furnished and needs to be finished, the rough poster board edges will never do.

[url=http://imgur.com/TlqrFEr][/url]

The ball turrets need mount brackets.

[url=http://imgur.com/R5tFBqF][/url]

and of course the interior lighting.

The loading ramp needs an extension to make the disembark angle less extreme...........

but all told a most gratifying moment to see this for the first time assembled in her full glory.

Martini time; Skoal!

[Wolfshade]

Amazing stuff

[Mud Duck]

Truly a beautiful thing!