Please Identify - 1990's Thunderhawk - Resin not Metal???

[jw7007]

I recently acquired this Thunderhawk. It is styled in a similar fashion to the 1990's Thunderhawk I remember when I first got into the game. The two key differences are that it is resin, not metal and the engines flare out instead of coneshaped. It is considerably smaller than the the Forgeworld model and very different stylistically. I have a theory that it may have been an unreleased Armourcast kit, as it looks similar to their style of parts casting. If anyone can identify where this model came from, I would greatly appreciate it. I am waiting on the model to arrive. When it does, I will post better pics. Thank you.

http://s19.postimage.org/ks7hzwby7/Proto_thunder_Hawk1.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/ks7hzwby7/)

http://s19.postimage.org/4ihbx01a7/Proto_thunder_Hawk2.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/4ihbx01a7/)

http://s19.postimage.org/pgnhv314v/Proto_thunder_Hawk3.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/pgnhv314v/)

http://s19.postimage.org/hp6rwiwzj/Proto_thunder_Hawk4.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/hp6rwiwzj/)

[Psychosplodge]

Probably a knock-off/recast of the old metal one?

[jw7007]

That thought is on my mind, but it is too simple an answer. There a few differences between this and the old metal one. Also, when I normally find recasts, they are in much better condition than this one, I.E. not primed, include all the parts, etc. This looks pretty banged up. If it's a recast it was done a while ago.

[Psychosplodge]

It'll have probably been done when the metal thunderhawk was released...

[lobster-overlord]

The original came with both flared and coned engines so you could chose which option to do. It is a recast of the original metal. I can pull mine out for some pictures of individual pieces if you need.

[jw7007]

I am not ruling out that possibility. Have you seen the metal kit before assembly? I have, the pieces are small and fiddly. This kit appears to have much larger parts than the metal one. I suppose someone could have partially assembled and then recast. Although, this would be the first recast I have come across of the metal kit and I have been in the hobby for 20 years. Thank you for your thoughts though.

[jw7007]

I had not seen the Flared engines in the kit before. That is an interesting step in the right direction. No need for pics, I am looking at some right now. Thank you.

[jw7007]

Here is a pic with the top engine covers removed.

http://s19.postimage.org/le129qwe7/Proto_thunder_Hawk8.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/le129qwe7/)

And here is the metal one. Please notice the difference in the wing roots.

http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb437/necrons-will-prevail/VERY%20RARE%20Thunderhawk%20Gunship/thunderhawk7.jpg

[Wolfshade]

I have nver noticed that before, but the gunner is almost (if not) identical to the old whirlwind one

[jw7007]

Yeah, he is. I like how this kit is more open canopy than the current variant.

[JamesP]

I have nver noticed that before, but the gunner is almost (if not) identical to the old whirlwind one

IIRC, the metal Thunderhawk used existing metal parts from the then current Marine range whenever it could and the wing and top gunners are from the Marine tank range of the time.

[Chris*ta]

IIRC, the metal Thunderhawk used existing metal parts from the then current Marine range whenever it could and the wing and top gunners are from the Marine tank range of the time.

My (admittedly dim) memories of the metal thunderhawk has the exposed crew as identical to those on the whirlwind.

[Mr Mystery]

Knock off I think. Metal one had 'Johnny 5' style targetters.

[JamesP]

Knock off I think. Metal one had 'Johnny 5' style targetters.

Yeah, wasn't there something on an arm that came round and went in front of the gunner's eyes?

[lobster-overlord]

the targeters were inserted into the slot that the whirlwind launcher would normally sit, and go over the head of the gunner, but otherwise, the one pieces of the turret (the gunner itself) is the same part from the whirlwind. The metal heavy bolters were also from another kit, but as far as other pieces, I don't think any could have been from something that existed before.

[olberon]

im sure its a recast of the old one. hope you didnt pay to much for it

[TashaG]

I have nver noticed that before, but the gunner is almost (if not) identical to the old whirlwind one

The whole turret he sits in is the same one for the Old Metal Whirlwind. I have been working on a bunch of those in the past couple of months. That cradle behind his head is where the arms to the launcher are attached.

[jw7007]

im sure its a recast of the old one. hope you didnt pay to much for it

No, not too much. Regardless, if it is a recast, it will still be fun to rebuild and customize. Along with the targeters, the lascannons and front left horizontal stabilizer are either missing or never recast. Not too bad all in all. As long as the resin isn't in crap condition; holes, pits, mold lines and all; it will still look nice when complete. I still have a small amount of hope that it may be something else. But, I won't know for certain until I have the kit in my hands. Wish me luck.

[Renegade]

Have you tried asking FW or GW to confirm it is one of theirs?

[jw7007]

Have you tried asking FW or GW to confirm it is one of theirs?

I have. Not that I expect to get any answers. But, at least they may tell me it's a recast.

[Hunter]

I seen that on on Ebay a week or so , congrats on your acquisition.
I didn't know if it was a fake or no so i past .

[Brandoncbaker]

A metal Thunderhawk? Must of weighed a ton. Recast or not, it's pretty cool,and certainly would be a fun model

[Wolfshade]

The original ones were a big old lump of lead. IIRC they came in a very nice wooden box. This is pre forgeworld and their resin goodness.

[archimbald]

wooden box? more like a pallet crate!!!