Super Detailed Stormraven WIP

[pathwinder14]

Howdy all. I have started painting and assembling my Stormraven. However this will be no ordinary WIP. I plan on making it super detailed in many ways. Here's what I plan:



Magnetizinig the flying base

Hinging all 4 doors

Highly painted and detailed interior

LED on the interior

Converted top turret (because I hate the servitor in a brick)

Converted Ram intake (because I also hate the shop-vac brick intake)

Detailed base

[pathwinder14]

Here we go. First thing I did was check all parts and pieces. The panel the rear door sits in was warped so I called GW and they sent me out a new sprue with a nice straignt one. GW customer Service is great.

Next I magnetized the base and bottom of the hull. I have 4 rare earth magnets in each for a total of 8.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0521.jpg

I had to drill small holes in this with my pin vise. It is slow going but the pay off is huge.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0535.jpg

[pathwinder14]

Next I hinged the doors...all of them. The front assault ramp comes hinged so that's easy. The side doors and rear were a little trickier.

Side doors:
I drilled holes all the way through the pseudo hinges on the doors themselves.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/Doors.jpg

I drilled an angled hole here all the way through to the outside of the doorway. I drilled from teh outside at the far corner of the dor frame.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0517.jpg

I also drilled a small hole here all the way through the door frame to the first door hinge "seat".
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0518.jpg

[pathwinder14]

Once the holes were drilled I placed the door in the frame and used two short pieces of small gague wire to act as the pins in my hinges. I then peened them over and glued them to the inner frame of the hull(being careful not to get any glue in the hinge itself).
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0519.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0520.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/Hinge1.jpg

[pathwinder14]

Now the rear door. I cut the hinge and bar off the rear assault ramp. I also cut off the little 'C' shaped clamps on the frame, that hold it in place. I drilled a small hole all the way through the landing gear housing on both sides. I decided to do it this way because I wanted a strong hinge and because the kit provides plates that cover up the outer landing gear housing.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0514.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0515.jpg

I used a small lilipop stick for my pin and cut it to length. I wanted it to be just long enough to fit between the inner set of holes.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0512.jpg

I ran the stick through and glued it to the bottom of my door, being careful not to get glue on any part of the frame.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0513.jpg

[pathwinder14]

Next I started painting the interior.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0528.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0524.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0531.jpg

[pathwinder14]

More interior:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0529.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0530.jpg

[pathwinder14]

Next I moved onto the top turret assembly. I really dislike the "Brick" the servitor sits in and want a lower profile "automated" turret. I decided to use a water bottle lid as they are have the right size and feel.

I cut a gap in each side of it so the gun mounts had room to stick out.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0533.jpg

I then removed some stuff from the Turret base. I removed the little angled area towards the front and half of the rear "block". I wanted half the rear "block" to remain to hold onto my turret top.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0534.jpg

[L192837465]

Looking awesome!

[spacdout]

That looks awesome indeed. I can't wait to see more of this.

[pathwinder14]

I got more work done on this. The fuselage, turret, and cockpit are built. I just have the engines/wings left. I plan on painting it in5 assemblies. They are fuselage, turret, cockpit, and each wing/engine combo. Lastly I'll illuminate it with an LED in the transport area. More pics are coming.

[MarneusCalgar]

Nice WiP, dude!!

Thanks for showing

[pathwinder14]

So...the Land Raider model comes with an extra computer bank that can be installed in one of it's door assemblies. I shaved off the cables and equipment from one side, painted it, and attached it to the inside of my Stormraven.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0546.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0549.jpg

[pathwinder14]

I finished building the turret. It's about 3/4" shorter than the original turret. As you can see it only sticks a hair's breadth above the weapons themselves.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0536.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0537.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0539.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0540.jpg

[MarneusCalgar]

Nice job with the control panel

[Meph]

Neat! Are you going to make some structural changes top that ugly brick to make it more airworthy or keep it as-is?

[pathwinder14]

Nice job with the control panel
Thanks. I felt it needed more comms equipment inside.


Neat! Are you going to make some structural changes top that ugly brick to make it more airworthy or keep it as-is?
I don't plan on it. Though it is not a very aerodynamic model it appears to have enough thrust to compensate for that with 4 paired-directional thrusters and 2 forward thrusters.

[pathwinder14]

Now for the newer slimmer profile air intakes. One will sit over each engine. I used two toothbrush cases that looked like this.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0556.jpg

Then I cut them in half along the side like so.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0556-1.jpg

It now looks like this (and it magically changed color).
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0558.jpg

[pathwinder14]

I used a small bit of electrical wire sheathing (bought from any auto parts store) to form the "grill". The base is just for size comparison of what diameter sheathing I used.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0559.jpg

Installed on the new intake it looks like this...
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0560.jpg

Then I shaved the top of the engine housing flat. I removed the small "squares" and the rivets from the top.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0557.jpg

Then I glued the new intake to the top of the engine housing.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0561.jpg

[bloodangel 83]

Nice job on the console, but i have one question, why the front assualt ramp? i'm just stating that your console is on the front door or do you not plan on using the assualt ramp for your guys? Your SR looks great. BA83

[Skari]

Very cool. Can't wait to see it painted!

[MarneusCalgar]

Same as me... want to see more works onto this.

It´s very nice

[isotope99]

I'd square off the sides of the auxilliary air intakes. Looking good. The console fits in nicely on that through the rear door shot.

[pathwinder14]

Nice job on the console, but i have one question, why the front assualt ramp? i'm just stating that your console is on the front door or do you not plan on using the assualt ramp for your guys? Your SR looks great. BA83

Nope. All assault rams are being used properly. That console is attached to the back of the cockpit housing on the interior. It is an illusion that it is on the ramp. :)


I'd square off the sides of the auxilliary air intakes. Looking good. The console fits in nicely on that through the rear door shot.
You mean the small flaps that stick out on the sides? Yeah I thought about that but I'll probably add sides to them to create a short cowling.

[bloodangel 83]

Nice trick. BA83

[pathwinder14]

Well I had a set back. I test fitted the painted wings last night and the whole Stormraven kept toppling backwards. The magnetized stand is not strong enough to resist the force of the fulcrum created when I put the wings on. So I'll be adding a large central "pin". I have a large nail that I will cut. I'll glue the head of the cut nail to the bottom of the ship and drill a hole in the center of the flying stand. The nail will slip into the base like a large pin keeping the fulcrum in check...I hope.

[pathwinder14]

Here's some pics o fthe painting as I go:

Painted Cockpit - I painted the inside of the canopy "glass" black. :)
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0563.jpg

Painted turret and cockpit/canopy test fitted to hull.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0569.jpg

Partially painted wings test fitted to hull.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0567.jpg

[pathwinder14]

And more pics:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0566.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0565.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0564.jpg

[MarneusCalgar]

Is going nicely!!!

Love it so much

[Brakkart]

Looking really nice. Sadly my Imperial Fists aren't allowed these, but if that ever changes I might be borrowing a few of your ideas for mine, especially the air intakes, those look so much better than the awful top mounted one.

[Meph]

Your changes go a long way to improve the model, nice job man. It still looks like a flying brick but the air intakes on the engines do add some more weight to that disproportional backside while the sleeker turret takes away some weight from the front.

Nice job!

[pathwinder14]

Thanks all. I'm glad the turret and ram intakes turned out so well. I'm also glad they are common parts to get a hold of in case I ever want to do another or if anyone else wants to make one.

I've finished painting the wings and added their icons. I'm halfway through painting the hull. I still can't decide if I want to paint a mural on it though. Each wing has a large wing icon on it. I have small wing icons on the sides. If I do a mural it will be a banner type one.

[pathwinder14]

Here's my planned L.E.D. layout. I am going to house the L.E.D., wires, switch, and battery in a 35 MM film cannister lid, the old grey kind. It will also have a magnet so I can attach it to the underside of the turret.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/LEDdiagram.jpg

[pathwinder14]

The model is done (except for flocking the base). The wiring went differently than planned. I have a much simpler wiring model using magnets to keep everything in place. Pics coming soon.

[MarneusCalgar]

Hope to see ´em!!!

[pathwinder14]

Stormrave is done. Pics are below.
The light.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0573.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0575.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0577.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0590.jpg

The magnets hold the wires and battery together whilst also attaching to the magnet on the underside of the turret.

[pathwinder14]

And here's the model all painted. I still have to flock the base.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0582.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0583.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0584.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0588.jpg

[pathwinder14]

More pics:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0601.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0600.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0603.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0580.jpg

[pathwinder14]

And still more pics:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0579.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0578.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0581.jpg

[pathwinder14]

And finally....more pics:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0604.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/pathwinder14/Blood_Hawks/Stormraven_WIP/DSCN0587.jpg

[MarneusCalgar]

Didn´t see you finished it!!

Amazing results, find it very epic!!

[wittdooley]

Some of the conversion work I like, and I'm quite impressed by the LED stuff, but I'm not a huge fan of the turret (still looks like a gun on a bottle lid to me) and the paint job looks....unfinished.

Which is surprising, because your scroll detailing is really nice, as is the filigree detailing....the blacks and reds just seem to lack a bit of depth to my eyes.

You're far more patient than I would be though, thats for sure.

[Shadow Puppet]

The simple changes you have made to the intakes and the turret go a long way to making the Storm Raven a very nice looking model. I have to agree the black and the reds look a little unfinished, but that may be because of the camera not being able to pick up all the depth in the model. The added details to the model are AMAZING! I love the bird of prey scroll work and the wings on the wings. The wings on the side doors look a little to large, but that is just my personal opinion. Over all i think this model is amazing and the amount of work you put in it shows.

[Bat Manuel]

So elegant, yet so deadly.

[Riandro]

Very very nice! I might have to follow suit on the air intakes, very clean cut and professional.

[Gartha TheBlue]

Wish I had one of those...I would follow your conversion

[Fellend]

wow... impressive

[pathwinder14]

Thanks all. It was a lot of fun to do. The camera and lighting I used washed out all of my highlights. I need to get a table top photo booth from amazon.

*to anyone wanting to follow....the tooth brush cases I used are a thick but flexible plastic. A razorblade will slide through them easily. So go slow. :)

[LordKillian]

I love the air intakes!

[Beatrice]

An impressive amount of work... Very nice!

[Typhonian]

Very impressive work!

[pathwinder14]

Thank you all.

[Crimzzen]

Impressive amount of work on all the converting/LED work but I think you could have spent a bit more time on the paint.

[Hammerhead]

I agree with Crimzzen, such an awesome conversion but lacks detail in the paintjob.
I do like the flames that you added :)

[pathwinder14]

Impressive amount of work on all the converting/LED work but I think you could have spent a bit more time on the paint.
The camera and lights washed out all of my highlighting. I really need to get a desktop photo booth from amazon.

[Roma89q]

The camera and lights washed out all of my highlighting. I really need to get a desktop photo booth from amazon.

Regardless, it still looks very cool man. Well done!

[victoryd5]

Wow, work work work. I think that is great I just got a stormraven of my own, you have made me think.

[BHound1981]

I still don't think it would actually fly, but man does it look nice! Excellent work!