Blackadder Proposes a Warmonger Titan of the Emperor Class

[Meph]

Well, you should be able to find it at most modeling-, or hobby stores I think.
I can personally vouch for the good quality of Tamiya's, but most brands should be good I guess. The two things to look out for is a good tackiness with easy and clean release when pulled, and that the edges stay flat and crisp when painting over them.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X2mm+maski ng+tape.TRS0&_nkw=2mm+masking+tape&_sacat=0

[Blackadder]

Great, Thanks,

[Blackadder]

Looking More Like A Wedding Cake

Everyday

https://i.imgur.com/5FR5BVh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5FR5BVhl.jpg

A pains taking week and a lot of work but does it really reflect it; not so much.

The spires, Minarets, whatever mimic the 3D work by measurement but the spire points seem a bit squat.....

https://i.imgur.com/z4mddtV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/z4mddtVl.jpg

But in this image they look okay. Go figure.

Anyway I'll try sanding them down some more. After all I have almost a millimeter to play with.

[Blackadder]

Twenty One To Go:

The basic shape of the greave portals

https://i.imgur.com/Nepf1Ip.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Nepf1Ipl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nsORmOc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nsORmOcl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/elNjknV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/elNjknVl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/aPf0N08.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aPf0N08l.jpg

[Blackadder]

The tedium of making dozens of these structures; revising, chopping and rebuilding better representatives of them seemed like not the most interesting aspect of this build.

https://i.imgur.com/OYc5SIe.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OYc5SIel.jpg

I finally have enough, eighteen, for the first tier of the greaves and, with slight modifications, I have devised of a better way to produce the second tier, eight in all, that is less labor intensive.

Couple that with an abscessed tooth, a root canal, and a mild case of the flu made me less than amenable to communicating my meager progress with my peers.

The castle portion of this construct will necessitate a lot of repetitive work and no I am not going to "cast" or 3D print any portion of the requisite components. In my warped OCD way I consider that cheating

Of course I am hypocritically not above using bitz. ;)

[Blackadder]

Blackadder is Back In the Groove

To be a bit self serving I'm feeling much better and the past few day have been most productive. The gabled naves in the first level greaves give the appearance of homogeneity even though they aren't exactly the same.

https://i.imgur.com/BYJ02mZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BYJ02mZl.jpg

The first attempt at a stain glass insert for the naves for lack of a better name.

https://i.imgur.com/8d8LHKb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8d8LHKbl.jpg

A side by side comparison I stumbled across on my imgur preview index. Even though my Emperor will be taller the proportions are pretty close. Whew!

https://i.imgur.com/wdDpheK.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wdDpheKl.jpg

Note to self, "I have to shorten the second and third tier. And hip region needs to be beefier."

[Blackadder]

Supporting Cast:

A flurry of activity this week finally putting the finishing basic touches on the spaced corner greave armour and casting the hip joints with aircraft grade industrial resin.

I'm particularly proud of these hips and knees as they are an inch wide and barely a quarter in thick but they will bear the weight of bowling ball mass of the torso and a lot more but still not give a clunky appearance. Once the Hips are mounted I can add decorative gewgaws and details and the huge hydraulic cylinders that will stiffen the structure so it can be posed........

https://i.imgur.com/CiJVhyI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/CiJVhyIl.jpg

Further detailing of the second and third tiers will commence tomorrow.

https://i.imgur.com/9ahxtKa.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9ahxtKal.jpg

I've decided to make the troop egress through the rear of the greaves and under the foot pad area as opposed to the traditional staircase down the front toes although I shall be keeping the center doors on the three sides as well but the design of the Epic Emperor was poorly thought out and made no real allowance for the purported troop transport alluded to in the rules and text description

https://i.imgur.com/pHK0Zmf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pHK0Zmfl.jpg

Besides I don't like the staircase concept; Period!

[Blackadder]

Those Crazy Ideas:

Of the questions I get most often is; where do I get these crazy ideas and those that question my sanity, but is really it's just my questioning how would something like these Titans actually work.

In the images below there are actuators that seem to serve no function and if they did they would be far too small to be effective.

https://i.imgur.com/q89KPRjl.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/GI6dorMl.jpg

Drawing on my aircraft experience I liken the actuators here to the landing gear on jumbo jets such as B747 and L1011 airliners. In particular the 747 has landing gear struts that are as thick as a man's torso. How much larger would the walking hip and knee actuators have to be on an Emperor Titan to be adequate to support the mass and function as a real mechanism would need to.

https://i.imgur.com/jkcyqhJl.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/H4EVYufl.jpg

The biggest problem I have with most of the scratchbuilt Titans is the hydraulics when represented are totally too small in diameter to do the requisite job they are supposed to do.

So the next few posts will be dedicated to the walking actuators and hopefully I can make them sufficiently large enough to be believable.

[Absolon]

your comparison of size is based on stress tolerances of materials today. Who's to say the materials being used aren't mined for super dense dead stars or even some more exotic material

[Blackadder]

your comparison of size is based on stress tolerances of materials today. Who's to say the materials being used aren't mined for super dense dead stars or even some more exotic material

Interesting enough and coincidentally I've just reread "The Last Three Minutes" By Paul Davies where he cites that a cubic CM of dead star material would mass on the order of tons. Tricky stuff to work with in my estimation. :D

Hair of the Dog:

I've raised quite a few hackles with my last post (At least on threads where I'm lucky enough to garner replies) I pointed out the inadequacies of some renderings of 40K machina.

Part of the charm of many Forge World vehicles is the anachronistic technologies; battle tanks that look like they would be at home on a WWI battle field. Treaded tanks that compete with a-grav skimmers. hulking great bipedal automata that stretch the limit of credulity.

Apparently I have crossed the line by attempting to rationalize the designs to make them appear functional in the real world.

Don't get me wrong, I love the FW genre for the charm of the components but to my mind, things have to function realistically. I've already compromised myself on the lateral shifting component of walking dynamics.

Regarding the caveat of, "it's only a game," and, "Who needs realism?"

Need I remind you that the game can be played with coloured shoe boxes, blocks of wood and chess pieces if realism isn't necessary. No one needs to spend a couple of weeks salary on a highly stylized ten kilo chunk of resin to field a Titan.

That said :D I offer my version of the leg actuator system.

As some have pointed out, the shock strut of the landing gear is a closed passive hydraulic system (Oleo Strut) relying on compressed air and hydraulic fluid to provide a metered cushion for landing.

I liken the force of impact with each step in the same category as an wide body commercial aircraft touch down albeit much more frequent.

Forge World provides no source of hydraulic pressure in any of their models and it is the cross section area of the cylinder that determines how adequately the mechanism protects the mechanical vitals of the machine. Land a 747 with a collapsed strut and you are likely to incur structural damage necessitating a very detailed inspection not to mention numerous lawsuits from irate passengers with suddenly occurring compressed vertebra.

https://i.imgur.com/lA1lGWu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lA1lGWul.jpg

My shock struts will provide indication that the situation exists and allowances have been made for the problem plus they will serve as a function by locking the knee in any configuration other than a straight legged stance.

https://i.imgur.com/fOKNgVE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fOKNgVEl.jpg

All without compromising, too much, the overall appearance of the model.

[Blackadder]

Here's Johnny:

https://i.imgur.com/L95E5Sn.jpg

Now we'll real put your faith in my decisions to the test when I lay this down upon you all.

I've decided to cut the second and third tiers down about 2 inches (5 CM) Gasp!

The legs looked too long and gangly

https://i.imgur.com/sGYBtVc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/sGYBtVcl.jpg

It took a lot of nerve and we'll see the wisdom or folly of this decision but right now it seems the right thing to do.

https://i.imgur.com/kbt3AiE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kbt3AiEl.jpg

I went through these evolutions with my warlord until I got it right (To my eye anyway) lengthening and shortening the upper and lower legs about three times in total each.

[Blackadder]

The New Helsreach Chapter 11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqUSHhWErdY

Has revealed a heretofore unknown area of detail under the greave skirt ( Yeah I know what I've said.)

https://i.imgur.com/mi7Tgk1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mi7Tgk1l.jpg

Anyway I knew there were actuators there but I fought the temptation to make the toes movable as the effort I put into movable toes on my Warlord was pretty much for nothing. I rarely pose it with the toes flexed.

Another tidbit of detail is the corner spires have pointy bits on both ends.

[Blackadder]

Details Details:

The Devil is in the details. Since I found out last week courtesy of HelsReach 11 that the corner spires are pointy on both ends; Egad!!!!! I've come up with a way (I think) to make the legs pose-able to a degree. The image in my last post shows internal cylinders that while I know they had to be there. None the less; it is nice to have verification.


https://i.imgur.com/0ZezakH.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0ZezakHl.jpg

I've also worked on the Upper leg housing and made the foot pad ankle gimbal system a reality that I believe will be strong enough to support the 10 kilos of mass this model will ultimately have.

https://i.imgur.com/dI41YB6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dI41YB6l.jpg

It took a bit of scrambling to make up for that deficit............

https://i.imgur.com/GYfmdur.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GYfmdurl.jpg

Right now I am just toying with the components to see what can be done.... I may have to scrap the idea of the internal mop handle for a more utilitarian center column.

https://i.imgur.com/HTPFpjl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HTPFpjll.jpg

Which would be a pity but I'm not exactly wedded to the idea; one of the benefits of designing on the fly.

[Blackadder]

Zounds!

I hate to toot my own horn but this actually worked out as a surprise to even me.

https://i.imgur.com/GutkRnb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GutkRnbl.jpg

The above view is of the internal structure where I hope to be able to house twenty to forty troop harnesses and still have room for the stabilizing cylinders

https://i.imgur.com/Iaisvly.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Iaisvlyl.jpg

The view above is of the rear disembarkment doors which I feel are much more practical that front mounted doors as it give the troops the ability to form up before confronting their adversaries. Not in the best Imperial tradition I know but definitely saner.

https://i.imgur.com/1JzNvHK.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1JzNvHKl.jpg

The friction gimbel works as designed and I am hoping with the 20 odd pounds of Emperor Titan they will provide the requisite stability. The stabilizers may offer assistance there.

https://i.imgur.com/LS5xiMs.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LS5xiMsl.jpg

Front clearance also seems adequate when assuming the classic combat pose.


https://i.imgur.com/VIXWH91.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VIXWH91l.jpg

and with the second and third tiers in place we begin to see the entire leg become a reality.

Finally the interior structure that will house the troops.

https://i.imgur.com/n1EB95i.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/n1EB95il.jpg

This structure will slide out of the greave to reveal the inner transport chamber and the mechanical walking devices/components. I'm going to be hard pressed finding room for all that needs to be here and still have room for activation.

[Blackadder]

First Time Assembled:

I worked yesterday evening into the early morning hours to assemble the working joints of both legs albeit with temporary diameter screws 6-32 until I found out if the design is viable.

And it WAS!

https://i.imgur.com/fXNC3DN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fXNC3DNl.jpg

In the basic pose, legs straight, the inner side toes had just the right amount of clearance between the greaves at the most minimum width adjustment of the pelvic block.

I had made allowances for up to an inch per leg but it wasn't needed. If the model could actually walk, the inner toes would clear each other with each step.

https://i.imgur.com/NTpVqrQ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NTpVqrQl.jpg

Next I adjusted the pose with one foot forward as if stepping out. The adjustment was made gingerly as all the friction axles aren't in place yet so the knee joints and hip sockets are rather stiff in appearance,

The dual axle hip sockets worked as planned, allowing the legs to be placed one behind the other as would be necessary if this contraption could walk as a true biped instead of a baby's rocking waddle which would look comical on a battlefield.

https://i.imgur.com/s8E7T0S.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/s8E7T0Sl.jpg

Again the limited range of motion due to the small temporary hardware limited the viability of the pose. With the right diameter hardware the poses will have a more fluid appearance.

Finally the spraddle legged Classic Titan Pose.

https://i.imgur.com/FbjPGwI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FbjPGwIl.jpg

Again made viable by the dual axle hip joints is thankfully a reality......

https://i.imgur.com/F6p0kQx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/F6p0kQxl.jpg

In the Immortal words of Dr Strangelove; "Mien Fuhrer! I CAN WALK!"

MARTINI TIME!

[Meph]

Martini well deserved! It's very impressive to see it making its first steps. :D

[Blackadder]

Thanks for the reply Meph,

In No Particular Order:

Yesterday I replaced the temporary 6-32 hardware with 10-32 screws and this morning I beefed up the third tier to receive the full 10 kilos of weight it must endure for decades at the least. This little top hat style construction bears easily twice that even without reinforcement so I'm certain even with the top hamper it will serve.

So in no particular order here's my assembly:

https://i.imgur.com/0Ict0U8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0Ict0U8l.jpg

Everything looks rather slapdash and crude at this stage

https://i.imgur.com/PChstET.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PChstETl.jpg

The excess framing needs to be cut down now that it is no longer needed

https://i.imgur.com/ppzYPg9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ppzYPg9l.jpg

and the axle sleeves for the knee and 'medial hamstring tendon' actuator (For want of a technical term) need to be pared down and encased.

https://i.imgur.com/TYj85h3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TYj85h3l.jpg

I'm rather surprised at the interior of the second tier not needing further bracing but I'll add some anyway now that I have a good idea of the direction I'll be pursuing finishing up the articulation mechanisms.

[Blackadder]

Exhausted:

I'm going to leave you with these two images because I just too mentally exhausted to go any further.

https://i.imgur.com/rZMoOtE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rZMoOtEl.jpg

Tomorrow we'll see Imperius Rex make his debut.

https://i.imgur.com/siTdIJk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/siTdIJkl.jpg

Wedded as it were to his lower parts. Ha!

And hopefully standing on his own.

[Blackadder]

OMO:

Oh My Omnissiah!

After a bit over a year it is beyond gratifying to sit in front of this construction and gingerly assemble the dozens of components that make up Imperius Rex (Not it's name but what came to me yesterday evening when assembling the legs. "First you have to vacuum the floor and dust the furniture" was my better half's injuncture when I proposed to display this creation on the rug in front of the TV. (lest it be damaged if it topples over)

My primary concern was ameliorated when it stood without the aid of something to lean against.

https://i.imgur.com/ErYsfTT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ErYsfTTl.jpg

This first image is from ground level and appears a bit empty of detail which will be remedied in the coming months.

https://i.imgur.com/iNud7xb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/iNud7xbl.jpg

The full on front view is more satisfactory. The proportions look right on to my eye.

https://i.imgur.com/iE5VzZ1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/iE5VzZ1l.jpg

Now that the stability of the model is not in question I'll reassemble it on the console fronting my desk and assemble the rear components as well.

https://i.imgur.com/p3mfbE0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/p3mfbE0l.jpg

Finally; a 3 foot scale to show the height thus far.

Whew!

[LostInTheDark]

That's just so many types of awesome!

Thanks for sharing, I've really enjoyed following the journey so far

[Blackadder]

Thanks for the reply,

Second and Third Tier Greave update:

In no particular order but to present the detail as completely as possible.

https://i.imgur.com/m1SuWaQ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/m1SuWaQl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/R0aiUsY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/R0aiUsYl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lyZoUKD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lyZoUKDl.jpg

This represents about a day effort figuring out how to make the ornate facets of the upper tiers

https://i.imgur.com/N1YogPT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/N1YogPTl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PWUBPiT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PWUBPiTl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DTyVXqv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DTyVXqvl.jpg

There's much more detail to come on these parts but enough for tonight.

[Blackadder]

And Now For Something Completely Different:

This past day I've been working on the final basic structure of the greaves and I took a break; just playing around with the spires

https://i.imgur.com/RZvgTA4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RZvgTA4l.jpg

but the upper left tiers are basically complete and ready for the detail

https://i.imgur.com/QmY9E8B.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QmY9E8Bl.jpg

The process was relatively painless although there were a lot of precision cutting to do I watched old reruns of the Monty Python series while doing the work and the time went swiftly. I never tire of their skits.

https://i.imgur.com/4sdHCqy.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4sdHCqyl.jpg

With the upper leg in place it's much better proportioned than I had anticipated.

https://i.imgur.com/AvJXxB8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AvJXxB8l.jpg

So here's one leg complete and ready for detail Front view...............

https://i.imgur.com/7M6bBul.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7M6bBull.jpg

And Back View.

It's going to take me a couple of days to bring the other leg up to this level of completeness.

[Blackadder]

What A Difference A Day Makes:

24 hours ago I was struggling to finish up the second greave

https://i.imgur.com/sgyKUx6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/sgyKUx6l.jpg

which is now completed basically....

https://i.imgur.com/HCSsvdz.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HCSsvdzl.jpg

And in the meantime I also figured out how to make the main weapon mounts so they can rotate and elevate/de-elevate er depress.

https://i.imgur.com/1YSqFXy.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1YSqFXyl.jpg

Ah; raise and lower..............

The basic structure is fairly simple but plain as a mud fence. So we'll need to employ some ornate kickshaws, but first we need to build the weapons.

[Lord Tothe]

So at this point, the core structure is almost finished, the legs are progressing nicely, the head is amazing, the torso is coming together, and you're starting on the main artillery. Once that's done, I suppose it's all detail work, interior embellishments, and the superstructure cathedral, right?

I really, really want a 3D printer so I can design parts in CAD to be skinned with sheet styrene and build some titans of my own using my own skill set.

[Blackadder]

So at this point, the core structure is almost finished, the legs are progressing nicely, the head is amazing, the torso is coming together, and you're starting on the main artillery. Once that's done, I suppose it's all detail work, interior embellishments, and the superstructure cathedral, right?

I really, really want a 3D printer so I can design parts in CAD to be skinned with sheet styrene and build some titans of my own using my own skill set.I'm guessing the main armament and the pelvis block ar the last major components to build below the superstructure deck.

I'm guessing optimistically at least another year minimum to complete this model structurally. Depending on that time frame it is anyone guess how much longer will it take to apply the fine detail. I already regret the fine detail I initially applied and I won't be making that mistake again. I think I can do better.

[Blackadder]

Doled Out In Dribs and Drabs:

Sorry to be doling these updates out in dribs and drabs but I want to show the internal structure of these yokes so those who follow can adapt the construction to their projects.

The yoke as you can see is a simple basic structure and I use the geometric forms to cut the angles precisely.

https://i.imgur.com/5hWQGBO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5hWQGBOl.jpg

Whilst at present the structure looks somewhat crude. A bit of judicious sanding will bring everything into line for a lightweight strong structure that can handle the one kilo weight of each gun...........

https://i.imgur.com/Q7qL5Sq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Q7qL5Sql.jpg

And give me the range of twisting and elevation movement I require for this installation.

https://i.imgur.com/6b14ZZj.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6b14ZZjl.jpg

The scale of the Marine encourages me to think I can actually incorporate some catwalks onto these monster weapons à la ''Odin.''

Whoa I made a real mistake posting the picture of the gatling gun. Everyone thinks that I built it. That weapon was built for Odin Warbringer, the two meter tall Warlord scratchbuilt by BulldogUK.

https://i.imgur.com/DEDBQfG.jpg

It is one of the arms I am considering making for my Imperator but I am only starting the build. I posted it because I liked the catwalks though I not too enamored with the ammo belt. Sorry for the confusion.

[Blackadder]

The Gun Mount Yoke:

Is coming up Roses. Not only is it the right size but when temporarily positioned on the Munitions arm it was the perfect height so it could be arranged without shimming.

https://i.imgur.com/0h1y3Kz.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0h1y3Kzl.jpg

The yokes are pretty much done in their basic configuration

https://i.imgur.com/02zYFe9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/02zYFe9l.jpg

So all that needs be done is produce two Emperor sized weapons to go with them


https://i.imgur.com/ofNLDst.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ofNLDstl.jpg

I'm kind of leaning toward Plasma weapons first.

[Blackadder]

Annihilator Plasma Weapon:

The one weapon I have fallen in love with since I first became aware of the 40K Universe was the dual plasma Annihilator. Which was the main weapon of the Stormblade and the Warhound. It was the first scratchbuilt large weapon I built besides the relatively simple Volcano cannon and various main battle cannons for my Baneblades.

https://i.imgur.com/1HvYioj.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1HvYiojl.jpg

That said I am going to try to build the fantastic over/under main battle annihilator for my Imperator as my first project. I believe this to be the most difficult of all the Emperor/Warlord weapons, the others being simple barrel shaped projectile and energy types. Oh, and I gotta make a claw.... if only for my own amusement (No snide commentary please.) :D

https://i.imgur.com/kEcYyVx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kEcYyVxl.jpg

So here we have the central frame of the piece 14 inches (36,0 CM) long (subject to change) of a weapon I judge, at the present, will be between 18 and 20 inches long when finished.

[Blackadder]

Side By Side:

While measuring up the Sunburst Annihilator I compared my two scratchbuilts for size and relative scale. Overall I am pleased that my Lucius Warlord isn't very overshadowed.

https://i.imgur.com/UQmR37M.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UQmR37Ml.jpg

Not so with my Scratch Lucius or Chaos Warhound. which decidedly toylike in comparison.

https://i.imgur.com/ZoeSi0h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZoeSi0hl.jpg

This low angle view looks vaguely distorted and someday I'll take pictures with a more neutral background.

https://i.imgur.com/Z2KUDk8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Z2KUDk8l.jpg

And finally a group shot with my scratch built Thunderhawk overhead I'm missing only four of my other home made projects.

https://i.imgur.com/tpms5HH.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tpms5HHl.jpg

A Lucius Reaver conversion kit and three Baneblade main battle tanks.

[Blackadder]

Sunburst Annihilator plasma cannon:

So it begins

https://i.imgur.com/kEcYyVx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kEcYyVxl.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/1HvYioj.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1HvYioj.jpg

Just to bring you up to date the above images are a repeat of a previous posting. But now we are fleshed out and contoured.

I just finished rough sanding today and I'm not even sure if the contours are symmetrical.

https://i.imgur.com/dehdx4d.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dehdx4dl.jpg

An hour with a belt sander has brought me to this point.

[Blackadder]

Pretty Dry Stuff:

Yeah, I know this is pretty dry stuff, especially when I'm not even sure the D@mned thing will even work out or even if I got the scale right but getting there is half the fun as the saying goes.

https://i.imgur.com/12hPNTi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/12hPNTil.jpg

I know now the length of the coils are more than twice as long as I need per cannon so I may be able to make two of these


https://i.imgur.com/HJqt5Ye.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HJqt5Yel.jpg

And here I was thinking, "Thank God I only have to make one............."

[Blackadder]

One Down Three To Go:

I've got four sides to do and each is at a different stage of completion

https://i.imgur.com/YbPMueD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YbPMueDl.jpg

With the four channels done I move to the reinforcing strip

https://i.imgur.com/BAuqnnk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BAuqnnkl.jpg

And finally to the curved base for the coils.............

https://i.imgur.com/c5hKboR.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/c5hKboRl.jpg

Can Imperators have two plasma coil weapons?

[Blackadder]

You Get Two:

Due to a bit of luck and some overzealousness I made this coil core literally twice as long as it needed to be so I now have the option of building two of these extremely futuristic weapons.

The problem is; Are they too slick looking for my lumbering Imperator?


https://i.imgur.com/99NN9FT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/99NN9FTl.jpg

Also the gun mount I made may be too crude for the Sunburst Plasma Blaster....... Does anyone else think that name is more appropo for a 1960s bubblegum jawbreaker?

Anyway I've managed to wrap the first strand of coil material around the core and am letting it dry overnight before installing all the almost one hundred strands for these two Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters..whatever

[Blackadder]

Give a Hand:

Yesterday evening I got tired of waiting for material for the Plasma Blaster so I decided to work on the Claw.

https://i.imgur.com/AfXn5Uc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AfXn5Ucl.jpg

By this morning I got a fairly good start.

[Blackadder]

Hands, Touching Hands, Reaching Out, Touching Me, Touching You!

You have to imagine these skeletal fingers cut down to proper diameters but for now we are going for size and flexibility.

https://i.imgur.com/lZteifU.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lZteifUl.jpg

I modeled my own hand for size

https://i.imgur.com/BnEPqx1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BnEPqx1l.jpg

The first joint indicated by the axles will be where the finger joins the palm so three joints all together to the fingertips except for the thumb which will have two.

https://i.imgur.com/UqVfGp0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UqVfGp0l.jpg

I may make the thumb eventually capable of crossing the palm but not for now.

[Blackadder]

Subtlest Difference:

You can see with this subtle improvement that the grip will be more humanoid and organic (gratuitous remarks at this point are inevitable I suppose) 🙄

https://i.imgur.com/nBCMI0B.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nBCMI0Bl.jpg

[Absolon]

great image comparing size of titans
)19934

[Blackadder]

A Failed Attempt:

One of the duties of posting these updates is to show my failures as well as triumphs.

I've wasted a few days on trying to make the coils on this Plasma Blaster and I am not enthused with the result so before I try a different approach I'll show what did not work out.

https://i.imgur.com/kIFXXt3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kIFXXt3l.jpg

I came up with a new idea that I believe will produce a better result and in the long run be much quicker to produce.

Once I have a good start on the procedure I'll post an update.

[Blackadder]

This Is Definitely the Better Way To Go:

In the space of one hour I've exceeded the work of several days.

https://i.imgur.com/EadMMJl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EadMMJll.jpg

Note: The rods are staggered only as a demonstration. When they are glued they will be flush with the edge.

Of course I shall have to bend these to the shape of the coils.

- - - Updated - - -

This Is Definitely the Better Way To Go:

In the space of one hour I've exceeded the work of several days.

https://i.imgur.com/EadMMJl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EadMMJll.jpg

Note: The rods are staggered only as a demonstration. When they are glued they will be flush with the edge.

Of course I shall have to bend these to the shape of the coils.

[Blackadder]

Bend Angle Radius:

The relationship between the strength of a material and the amount of curve that can be imparted to the the material before the fatigue point where it will crack instead of take the curve.

In aircraft it applies to aluminum alloys etc and the metal fatigues when too much stress crystallizes the area being bent to a point of material failure.

https://i.imgur.com/qGaviga.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qGavigal.jpg

plastic is subject to similar restrictions. That is where we are now. How to impart a bend and not fatigue the styrene?

https://i.imgur.com/9rRdwgv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9rRdwgvl.jpg

I am soaking the assembly in Tamiya Cement for the test tomorrow to see if I can get the parts to bend without fatiguing.

A judicious application of heat may be necessary.

[Blackadder]

Win One For The Gripper

Or Fail to do so; it's the moment of truth when we'll see if my makeshift bender will work or not.

https://i.imgur.com/mpEkKz4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mpEkKz4l.jpg

After a hiatus of three days I finally had the time and nerve to see if all my work was for naught.

https://i.imgur.com/GCK6X9J.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GCK6X9Jl.jpg

I put a lot at stake with this wooden jig which in spite of its crude appearance is actually pretty precise.

All that needed to be done is boil up an quart of water and pour it over the clamped sheet of Styrene.

https://i.imgur.com/0jQKQbQ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0jQKQbQl.jpg

In my moment of mental anguish all my better half could say is, "Couldn't you have Hoovered the Floor?"

[Blackadder]

Finished!

Two weeks in the making but the coils are finally moulded. All the dire predictions were circumvented

https://i.imgur.com/6F25N1C.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6F25N1Cl.jpg

and judging by the on screen scale my estimate of 1/8 inch (3,2 MM ) coil rods was pretty accurate afterall.

https://i.imgur.com/k03OmcZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/k03OmcZl.jpg

The biggest problem is I overestimated the size of the gun. The onscreen gun is 18 inches (46 CM ) overall

https://i.imgur.com/QF2zA9j.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QF2zA9jl.jpg

Whereas my coils could work on a gun upward of 20 inches but I made the coil extra long to allow for selvage. BTW Nature does that on the DNA molecule and is the reason we age.

https://i.imgur.com/sA7NpvV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/sA7NpvVl.jpg

Suffice it to say I am pleased with the outcome. :D

[Blackadder]

SunFury Plasma Blaster Annihilator

Mistakes were made but right now I need some assistance from someone who has a Warlord SunFury Plasma Blaster Annihilator. I need an front end on image of the weapon so I can get a ratio of width to height similar to this image.

Can anyone provide this?

https://i.imgur.com/3qQhUBm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3qQhUBml.jpg

A top view would also be greatly appreciated

Thank you,

Blackadder

[Blackadder]

Step 2

I'd like to take credit for foresight when I manufactured these coils but it was pure luck that I made them oversized. As it is I made the depth about a half inch too long but it did give me a smoother curve to the coil segments when glued and clamped where they would have been too hard to glue successfully had they been manufactured to a precise size.

(I think that statement makes sense)

https://i.imgur.com/NLriT3c.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NLriT3cl.jpg

In the image above we see the foreground segments cut down albeit crudely to the proper depth and the back ground segments still to be cut.

The image below shows both top and bottom segments cut down and ready to be sanded.

https://i.imgur.com/7qrUAAf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7qrUAAfl.jpg

[Blackadder]

SunFury Channel Details:

The Channels between the coils are first on the agenda today now that I need to replicate the detail.

I reassembled the Imperator to check if the 'SunFury' (Doesn't that sound like an old Plymouth with a roof hatch?) Blaster is of the proper size befitting a weapon of this calibre compared to a Titan of this stature. and it seems like it's a Goldilocks fit. I'll have to whip up a temporary hanger to take a picture.

Meanwhile there are some linear coils in the 12 and 6 o'clock position on the coils that I have to address first

https://i.imgur.com/Sj602ZO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Sj602ZOl.jpg

An old spool of 0.062 60/40 resin solder supplied the coils and the core is 1/8th inch rod

https://i.imgur.com/BFM2FEm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BFM2FEml.jpg

They nestled in quite well so now onto the 9 and 3 o'clock channel detail.

https://i.imgur.com/jbGqnzB.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jbGqnzBl.jpg

[Blackadder]

Naked Frenzy:

When I get in one of these "Everything's Coming Up Roses" moods I lose track of I'm supposed to be documenting the work process.

https://i.imgur.com/yJ9c5ye.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yJ9c5yel.jpg

The image above shows the naked channel with the beginnings of the detail and both of the channel filling detail basic runners completed.

https://i.imgur.com/tIBCwd7.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tIBCwd7l.jpg

And this next shot with the basic runner in place.

Well it's not all that big of a deal but it does show how I plan to work around replicating the umpteen castings that constitutes the equivalent FW masterpiece.

Ha! He said, "Naked."

[Blackadder]

A Horrible Bollixed Up Mess:

Or, who knows, this just might work out after all.

https://i.imgur.com/Pl4cvpI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Pl4cvpIl.jpg

I've put a lot of work into this thing and it's finally time to apply the finishing strakes. Each one has to be custom fit but we'll follow this together.

Right Now I am cautiously optimistic. ;-)

[Blackadder]

That Wasn't So Hard:

I don't know why I dreaded this, it wasn't so hard.

I figured out the secret of layering strakes ( Contoured planks on a frame ) and where I have previously gone awry with this sort of construction. What you need to do is install backing strips to the inner surface of the main planks so you have something to glue the filler planks.

Previously I attempted to add the filler planks without backing. I used 1,0 MM X 6.3 MM styrene for the planking which moulded easily but was still thick enough to take a finishing sanding.

https://i.imgur.com/GJbJxNz.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GJbJxNzl.jpg

The image above shows the upper nose segment rough sanded and the lower segment with the plans in the rough unsanded stage.

The image below may make the explanation clearer.

https://i.imgur.com/r0ZrGeM.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/r0ZrGeMl.jpg

Once I have the muzzle segments completely rough sanded I'll wet sand the whole cowling.

I never use filler such as Greenstuff and Milliput because it looks like hell ( Especially the Green Stuff ) and you have difficulty gluing additional styrene to the foreign surface. Plus flaws in the contours are difficult to see until the surface is painted.

Anyway, "Onward and upward" as the saying goes I'm quite pleased with the result.

[Blackadder]

Rough Sanding Completed:

The business end of this construct is reaching fruition

https://i.imgur.com/yvyPN5f.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yvyPN5fl.jpg

Space Marine Provided for scale

https://i.imgur.com/9c3Mhe4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9c3Mhe4l.jpg

A couple of more layers and I'll be ready to remove the templates.

https://i.imgur.com/EZA696X.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EZA696Xl.jpg

But I don't like these new light bulbs. Why is everything yellow?

[Blackadder]

Template Frames Removed:

From the Muzzle

Which opens up the four highly detailed cowl segments.

https://i.imgur.com/zUwGAKO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zUwGAKOl.jpg

This is where the FW artists prove their mettle. The meticulous detail that no one ever sees in the overall scope but sets their creations apart from run-of-the-mill efforts.

https://i.imgur.com/LpErLTP.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LpErLTPl.jpg

I really cannot wait until FW releases a Warlord Chaos version so I can adequately demonstrate my appreciation by purchasing one.

BTW whatever turned the preceding images yellow has gone away???

[Blackadder]

A Budding Neophyte:

Back in the days when the Blackadder was a budding neophyte he attempted to make a Plasma Blaster for a StormBlade variant. The result was of indifferent quality but I could not figure out a way to make the muzzle cowl long thin exhaust ports.

So today I was faced with the same problem ( Fortunately these are much bigger ) plus I have a wealth of experience to draw on so we shall see how I do.

https://i.imgur.com/ekQR0U4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ekQR0U4l.jpg

I laid the groundwork for these ports and they take about five minutes each to replicate those in the screen above.

At this point we needn't worry about the length and the slight bowing of the 0.040 inch strips. I need 12 of these of exact length.

[Blackadder]

Bogged Down On Minutia

These bits are time consuming

https://i.imgur.com/pelIe6R.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pelIe6Rl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/dwzqeHN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dwzqeHNl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/a09Up8I.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/a09Up8Il.jpg

[Blackadder]

Disappointing:

To say the least but it's good to show your failures occasionally lest you become too full of yourself.

https://i.imgur.com/7pkSCnG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7pkSCnGl.jpg

I think I am getting tired of replicating this weapon The above image of the er whatever this is and the image below which I thought would be so cool just didn't come out as I had hoped.

https://i.imgur.com/NLDhzIT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NLDhzITl.jpg

With the two components installed and the elevation spool temporarily in place

https://i.imgur.com/lkltQQE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lkltQQEl.jpg

I can only mutter "Meh!" Not even good enough for Gov'ment work.

Faa!

[Blackadder]

What I Meant By Disappointing: (I wasn't fishing for compliments) :D

I suppose I should explain what I meant by disappointing but something did not look right about the panels on either side of the muzzle and the five exhaust ports between the vertical coils. I researched a lot last night and finally found an image that shows where I went wrong. It is irritating that I did not perceive this earlier; D**n!

Note to Jabba,

I had considered clear rod and tubing for the coils including fluorescent weed whip monofilament but could not find a suitable diameter and clear filament made it look too toylike.

These are the best images I have managed to come up with and presumably they are very current as I don't recall seeing them before. The front view shows the heatsinks (Whatever) are slightly convex on either side of the muzzle and the muzzle itself is exquisitely detailed for my purposes Much better than any previous image.

https://i.imgur.com/IW4MQlm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IW4MQlml.jpg

The rear image shows the five exhaust ports and demonstrates where my error lies. I have mine vertical and the actual ports are inclined toward the rear.

https://i.imgur.com/o17orvM.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/o17orvMl.jpg

I'm still hoping to find detailed unpainted top and bottom images of both the muzzle area and the rear area aft of the coils; areas sorely neglected in images thus far. I also need a view of the back of the weapon.

[Blackadder]

In and Out of the Doldrums:

Yesterday I found myself dissatisfied with the progress of this construct. Today after finding what was the problem I'm optimistic about the progress.

Plus I found an image that shows the length of the Primary weapons at about 13 inches.

https://i.imgur.com/EL8Ukgw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EL8Ukgwl.jpg

The SunFury as it is in the images at present without the rear components is 14 inches so the scale is correct as well.

https://i.imgur.com/3YopBin.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3YopBinl.jpg

[Blackadder]

Getting There:

What else can I say?

https://i.imgur.com/jbx20fT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jbx20fTl.jpg

This is a labor intensive project...........

https://i.imgur.com/WR4APDH.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WR4APDHl.jpg

[Blackadder]

It's been said that the only reason that people go to Cockroach Races is to see a Cockroach crash.

By extension; the only reason people view my threads is to see me Frak up.

https://i.imgur.com/ZLZmcDD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZLZmcDDl.jpg

Well sorry to disappoint but it ain't gonna happen this day. Today is the first time I have aligned and imaged my Imperator and the never ending Plasma Blaster project together......

https://i.imgur.com/6msMmTC.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6msMmTCl.jpg

( Honest to the God Emperor )

https://i.imgur.com/pBXee9X.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pBXee9Xl.jpg


and it seems to be in the right ballpark scale-wise.

Omnissiah be Praised. Genuflect! Genuflect! Hail in Oates.

[Blackadder]

Time to Take Stock:

I've reached a point where I need to economize on the number of components to duplicate and for the past week I've been thinking of a way to save work on making redundant items and I believe I have come up with a way.

https://i.imgur.com/ZeUtl3H.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZeUtl3Hl.jpg

The suspender arm disc was labor intensive especially if I have to make one for each weapon variant so below is a removable Mount Disc Component that I will be making for each of the two weapon arms which will facilitate rapid exchange of weapon types with the exception of the CC claw which i am given to understand is not a usual Emperor Titan Weapon anyway.

https://i.imgur.com/lC2lwrG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lC2lwrGl.jpg

I included a scale on the top image, even though it is only 2/3 of it's ultimate dimension, for the convenience of those who have requested a size reference.

[Blackadder]

Weekend Update:

I had hoped to be further along in the rear mechanisms by now but I ran into a bit of a snag when I realized the the rear section of the weapon expanded further than the surface armour surrounding the mount disk. Since my gun is wider overall than the Warlord weapon I have decided to not expand this section unless I see the overall appeal of the Plasma Blaster is compromised.

https://i.imgur.com/opWDHf4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/opWDHf4l.jpg

Another modification is the rear mount must also be removable and be able to slip onto the mount disk assembly which should pose no problem but was something I had not anticipated.

https://i.imgur.com/xFNOLgE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xFNOLgEl.jpg

Now that that is recognized I can proceed with the actual manufacture of the rear sections.

[Blackadder]

One Week Later:

It's been a busy week but I managed to fit in a bit of building. The biggest accomplishment is a second Arms Mount section for the other armament items.

https://i.imgur.com/9yj9h3H.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9yj9h3Hl.jpg

It is a source of irritation to me that each of these disc mount appendages seem dedicated to a particular weapon so hopefully I can circumvent this need for redundancy by making a generic disc and adding a discrete weapons module pack for each weapon I produce. The Discs are really time consuming to make.

https://i.imgur.com/6MMTHmi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6MMTHmil.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/axub5XT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/axub5XTl.jpg

So above we have the Plasma Blaster modular assembly that slips together as two pieces and subsequently in the image below the sections installed on the Plasma blaster body......

https://i.imgur.com/InJMOrY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/InJMOrYl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/G4yHwBI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/G4yHwBIl.jpg

Next the Meta Snail module...........

[Blackadder]

Cochlear Implant:

I'm frequently asked how I develop a construction from just images on a computer screen. and I suppose this is a prime demonstration candidate. the Cochlear shaped reactor core at the back end of the Plasma Blaster. Since I already had the disc mount assembly it was a simple matter of transporting the dimensions off the disc to the rectangular grid material and eyeballing the divisions on the screen I used my compass to define where the concentric components would be arranged.

https://i.imgur.com/EWLsQftl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EWLsQftl.jpg

Using the mount block module I made a U shaped construction of the apparent size of the basic structure and alternately layered 0.040 inch sheet styrene with the same sized grid material until I had a sufficient thickness with two left pieces over for the final rough detail.

https://i.imgur.com/K31AUOk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/K31AUOkl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/U3NwU5K.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/U3NwU5Kl.jpg

So finally we have the size of the complete weapon realized at least in the rough.

https://i.imgur.com/AzHRLlZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AzHRLlZl.jpg

and now I can take on the actual upper mount arm............

[Blackadder]

That's About the Size of It:

I finally can appreciate the size of this construct and I am revisiting my anxiety over the scale Vis-à-vis the actual Titan.

https://i.imgur.com/XLL36Aw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XLL36Awl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/990xV1i.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/990xV1il.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vchVYlh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vchVYlhl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KNciCjg.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KNciCjgl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/htf5EPr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/htf5EPrl.jpg

It seems about right................

[Blackadder]

Just a Quick One Today:

Working on the reactor coil (whatever) It's a complex piece of machinery with a lot of delicate parts. The Plastic cement eats through the curved 0.040 inch square stock instantly so I had to use 0.5 inch tubing for the ends of the slots.

https://i.imgur.com/IBhq3II.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IBhq3IIl.jpg

It seems to work okay.

[Blackadder]

When Will There Be An End?

I am so sick of this weapon. It's like pushing a snowball uphill. The bigger it gets the harder it is to push it further...

https://i.imgur.com/67h9Z7P.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/67h9Z7Pl.jpg

My only consolation is; the rest of the weapons will be a piece of cake in comparison......

https://i.imgur.com/6wvPzCp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6wvPzCpl.jpg

The reactor core is almost complete, I need only add 13 more silver coils and the rest will be eyewash.....

https://i.imgur.com/ZY6Yr3Z.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZY6Yr3Zl.jpg

Last night I built the obverse side and am about ready to install the silver coils on it as well.

[Blackadder]

Plasma Blaster Reactor:


Or whatever it is will serve as the counterweight for this monster of a gun.

https://i.imgur.com/SEj3WO1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/SEj3WO1l.jpg

Once I finish the basic detail I'll be putting about ten ounces of weight in the rear compartment.

https://i.imgur.com/Ru9zoyb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ru9zoybl.jpg

[Blackadder]

Consider Me Crazy:

If someone had told me that it would take me all Summer and then some to make this Annihilator Plasma Blaster I would have considered him crazy.

https://i.imgur.com/huG26nX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/huG26nXl.jpg

After all I build a Warlord Titan in less than two years and it took about two weeks to make the main Volcano Cannons for that Titan......

https://i.imgur.com/kW0FlHB.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kW0FlHBl.jpg

So anyway I've decided to make this weapon modular

https://i.imgur.com/MkkbQDj.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MkkbQDjl.jpg

Here we see the four basic components

https://i.imgur.com/4Wla4Tu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4Wla4Tul.jpg

First the mounting disc slides into the main gun housing.......

Then the internal adaptor module for the rear of the Plasma blaster

https://i.imgur.com/zsvdW0Y.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zsvdW0Yl.jpg

So I can add different parts to convert from one weapon to another easily......

https://i.imgur.com/Y42m4MJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Y42m4MJl.jpg

The Reactor section then slips onto the internal module.......

https://i.imgur.com/V62R0AE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/V62R0AEl.jpg

This long shot of the business end of this weapon give an appreciation of the scale 30 meters ( 98feet ) length.

https://i.imgur.com/jKUslSu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jKUslSul.jpg

And we're back to the assembled weapon... I've got to have my Tech Priests ready next time to have them show of their wares.

[Blackadder]

It strikes me that I have not had a reply on this forum for months. Perhaps there is no interest in this tedious construction anymore?
Cloaca:

At the charging end of the Plasma Blaster is this cylindrical structure that is somewhat convex and fortunately I had a piece of recyclable styrene of adequate size that had a flattened dome shape.

It was a simple matter to divide it into twelfths but somewhat more difficult to space out the segments

https://i.imgur.com/Nq1rhzh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Nq1rhzhl.jpg

I want to keep the structure as hollow as possible so I can add balancing weight so once I get the end cap detailed I'll make the rest of the cylinder.

https://i.imgur.com/9T3DiYN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9T3DiYNl.jpg

Everything on this blaster is super detailed so replicating it even as a reasonable facsimile is tedious.

https://i.imgur.com/y5GN5al.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/y5GN5all.jpg

I hope I'll have less trouble with the Volcano Cannons.

To make matters worse my computer crashed last week and I had to reboot window 10

[Blackadder]

A View From A Height:

It's no secret I'm just a copier; none of this stuff is original with me. I prefer to think of myself as viewing from a height; picking and choosing that which I think would go best on my models and adapting the modifications to make them work with the rest of the components. Such is the case with the gun mounts on the Arms yoke I copied from Joazzz2 outstanding 3D masterpiece Emperor Titan. seen below:

https://i.imgur.com/jlKKwDk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jlKKwDkl.jpg

I thought the yoke was a unique way to demonstrate how the upper castle works would need to be shouldered (groan) by the massive gun mount spar

https://i.imgur.com/rRZYHZE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rRZYHZEl.jpg

The problem is that the ForgeWorld Warlord has a much better gun mount then the fork shaped Emperor Titan mount and my problem is adapting the ForgeWorld mount to the Joazzz2 yoke.

Here below we see the Forked mount on the SunFury Annihilator Plasma Blaster and I think you will agree it looks pretty crude compared to the rest of the weapon, clothespins not withstanding.
https://i.imgur.com/3ySlQsY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3ySlQsYl.jpg

Even standing alone the mount leaves me unimpressed.

https://i.imgur.com/DEzWyTH.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DEzWyTHl.jpg

Above are the pieces I have thus far made to bring the mount apparatus up to the caliber (groan again) of the FW Plasma Blaster.

We'll see how well this turns out in the coming days.........

[Blackadder]

So many of my old 40K Forum haunts have faded away this year. Others such as this one have seemed to have lost interest in scratch build projects.......

Reverse Engineering:

Sometimes it pays to be pigheaded such as my obsessive insistence to retain the beautiful shoulder yoke so ably represented in Mr Joazzz2's 3D masterpieces of elegant Emperor Titans.
The other example of my OCD is to attempt to meld that yoke with the equally elegant mounting drums of the Forge World Alpha Warlord.

https://i.imgur.com/VIZTmxK.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VIZTmxKl.jpg

Both designs are mutually exclusive as the Forge World shoulders are deeply ensconced under the shoulder carapace and the trunnion mount of Mr Joazzz2's is bulky and somewhat crude compared to the rest of his revolutionary design..

https://i.imgur.com/yyTlbXu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yyTlbXul.jpg

I am hoping to achieve a middle ground compromise but this first image is a trifle unnerving. The arm seems to be hanging too low and the lower edge of the weapon seems to be at the level of the hip axis.

https://i.imgur.com/CZK70Lx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/CZK70Lxl.jpg

Referring to the FW Warlord model and Mr Joazzz's rendering this is also the case but with the body incomplete enough to support the weight of one main weapon I cannot tell for sure.

https://i.imgur.com/DGEu413.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DGEu413l.jpg

This last image I could not resist posting because it show my inner sanctum replete with plasticard stock which demonstrates the depth of my compulsions. Ha!

https://i.imgur.com/rRRwc6o.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rRRwc6ol.jpg

[Blackadder]

House of Cards:

It's about time to start fastening things together. Relying on friction won't cut it anymore as what is imaged here weighs about 30 lbs (14 Kilo)

https://i.imgur.com/NFOQRbS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NFOQRbSl.jpg

With the 8 lbs of Plasma Blaster this thing is too unwieldy to to leave on the display stand in it's complete form and I took a chance on photoing it even in it's incomplete state. I'm no slouch when it comes to weight lifting but it took some heft to deadlift it off the stand in one piece.

https://i.imgur.com/5NqcDWT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5NqcDWTl.jpg

I saw no point in assembling the lower legs as at the current weight the hip and knee joints need pins to index the various poses.

https://i.imgur.com/2Z7DIC8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2Z7DIC8l.jpg
The gun mount has all the flexibility required and once the armour is added on the figure will cease to look so gangly

https://i.imgur.com/Qn6Mwlf.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Qn6Mwlfl.jpg

The rear view appears more robust,

https://i.imgur.com/P0WEYb4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/P0WEYb4l.jpg

Next the Gatling Gun but first I'm going to treat myself to some eye candy and work on the interior.

[Blackadder]

Hellstorm Cannon:

Okay it's decided, I'm going to make a Hellstorm Cannon although not this massive where the Titan is seen looming behind an Alpine size mountain range.

https://i.imgur.com/10kf0vn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/10kf0vnl.jpg

The tiny white gangway and access door bespeak a ludicrous to the extreme order of magnitude for this weapon let alone the Titan itself but there are details that attracted me to the project including the drum mount which goes along with what I have already built for the Gatling gun. I shall also make a couple of Volcano cannons (My favorite Titan Weapon) but that will be for another time.

If anyone knows of a end concept shot of a Hellstorm weapon I would appreciate the input.

[Blackadder]

Too Small:

Went to Home Depot today and bought some PVC tubing for the gin barrels. The problem is the diameters are too small compared to the Plasma Blaster so I need to go back tomorrow and by 2 more pieces of the mid-sized tubing. fortunately the stuff is dirt cheap

https://i.imgur.com/dZPmYeU.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dZPmYeUl.jpg

Once I get the material I'm going to sheath it with styrene so stuff can be glued to it.

https://i.imgur.com/1PVXP36.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1PVXP36l.jpg

That's all for today,

Cheers!

[Blackadder]

Much Better:

A hasty trip to HoDeDoe this morning and my wallet a few bucks lighter bu I feel much better about the diameter of the Hellstorm cannon which incidentally does not fire projectiles so what with the six barrels??? Do they fire all at once? Do they really need to rotate? Can I get away with only 5 tubes?

https://i.imgur.com/H9SzXFx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/H9SzXFxl.jpg

I can understand the Gatling gun rotating but an energy weapon uh uh?

https://i.imgur.com/eCQjUjO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eCQjUjOl.jpg

So advise me of my error

[Blackadder]

Sleeves:

I tried to find a cement compatible with both styrene and PVC to no avail so I opted to sheath the PVC tubing with 0.020 inch (0,5MM) sheet styrene so to make adhering detail easier later on.

https://i.imgur.com/mOfBr6J.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mOfBr6Jl.jpg

With a bit of care it's rather easy to do this and although each barrel has six sections the seams will be nigh on invisible once sanded and painted.

What this world needs is a universal plastic cement and I don't mean Cyanoacetate glue.

[Blackadder]

Cultivating Ennui:

Once again in spite of the amount of work involved the results are far from breathtaking and I wonder while making up these interim updates that the results are boring to my readers.

https://i.imgur.com/Vw4X6OW.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Vw4X6OWl.jpg

Suffice it to say I am pleased how this is coming out

https://i.imgur.com/B1XklYw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/B1XklYwl.jpg

Even in it's rough state with only one barrel mounted the Hellstorm Cannon gives the impression of raw power

https://i.imgur.com/joc4Pzl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/joc4Pzll.jpg

And will be a worthy companion to the Plasma Blaster

[Denzark]

Surprised you are not painting as you go along - a project this size would kill me at the thought of painting it in one go!

[Blackadder]

Surprised you are not painting as you go along - a project this size would kill me at the thought of painting it in one go!

I might consider it if it were finished as I go but none of the detail has been applied.

Thanks for the reply.

[Blackadder]

Hellstorm Energy Weapon

Today it started coming together but the post office delayed leaving the barrel inserts so I can't finish the barrel ends.

https://i.imgur.com/IxpHP7ll.jpg

They leave hundreds of bucks worth of online orders on the front poach in all kinds of foul weather but 12 bucks worth of toilet paper spools is too precious to leave off unattended; ludicrous!

https://i.imgur.com/MpSq7ci.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MpSq7cil.jpg

Yeah I said Toilet Paper Spools; Styrene plastic and spring loaded; I need five of them plus eight for the leg to foot pad stabilizers.

https://i.imgur.com/H8ag4aS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/H8ag4aSs.jpg

What else would you use them for goodness sake????

[Blackadder]

Time To Take Stock.....

After a week hiatus I revived with new inspirations on how to proceed. The Lower sixth of the cannon assembly vexed me until I realized where my problem lay. It is pretty much what is found wrong with a majority of scratchbuilds; they are too square and straight sided. The lower rail needed some slight curvature to the sides and base.

https://i.imgur.com/q3M6lG9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/q3M6lG9l.jpg

Fortunately the material I am using has a taper for ease of extraction from the mould.

https://i.imgur.com/biPfc7S.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/biPfc7Sl.jpg

Playing on that feature I came up with the correct angles to duplicate the artist's rendering.

https://i.imgur.com/10kf0vn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/10kf0vnl.jpg

This will be more apparent in subsequent images.

[Blackadder]

I think I'll Have To Add Another Barrel:

Not much going on with the model these days. I've got 3/4 of a year working on these two guns and am nowhere near finished. For example today I spent reducing the bore of the five o'clock position barrel which gratifyingly finally looks right (to me).

https://i.imgur.com/FdGlpjo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FdGlpjol.jpg

I did a quick setup of the hull to take these pictures and have something posted before Christmas.

https://i.imgur.com/xGathUi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xGathUil.jpg

I made the barrels extra long so I could adjust the length with a minimum of refabricating

https://i.imgur.com/kko672F.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kko672Fl.jpg

it seems I must adjust them by a ninth

https://i.imgur.com/oHB0eGA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/oHB0eGAl.jpg

To match the picture and the Sunfury Annihilator Turbo Laser.

Have a Happy Holiday.

[Blackadder]

A Cog Disc

The more I build this thing the more I think these are actually revolving barrels. But they are energy weapons so what is the point???

Anyway my production schedule has been compromised by the Holiday Festivities I made time today to make the Cogged backing chamber for the barrels

https://i.imgur.com/10kf0vn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/10kf0vnl.jpg

You can see by the image below that it looks like the backing plate and the barrels rotate as a single piece

https://i.imgur.com/C5XZ2u6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/C5XZ2u6l.jpg

Anyway the component is straight forward and simple to replicate thanks to the Waffle material; the Fluorescent Light Diffuser Panel.

https://i.imgur.com/fpkT8hb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fpkT8hbl.jpg

[Blackadder]

Eight into Five just don't go evenly;

Cogs that is. Yeah I know but that's what the image calls for. It was either eight or nine and there wasn't space for nine cogs. I could have done six but the spacing would have been too great. No matter how you slice it the revolving chamber just doesn't work. But you know I just don't care anymore. I'm tired of playing with these guns :D

https://i.imgur.com/M7Jc32J.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/M7Jc32Jl.jpg

Last night was the first time in three weeks I actually had time to work on this thing since New Years.

https://i.imgur.com/xMwHSlu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xMwHSlul.jpg

I've decided that the 5 barrels remain stationary and the cylinder revolves. Don't ask me how or why but dimmit that's the way it's gotta be.

https://i.imgur.com/qYlONTk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qYlONTkl.jpg

Now I've gotta adjust the barrel length and the support carriage.

https://i.imgur.com/mCUqsMZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mCUqsMZl.jpg

And get this show back on the road.

https://i.imgur.com/dOnd5s2.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dOnd5s2l.jpg

[Blackadder]

Egad! I've forgotten how this thing goes together!

It's been six or so months since this Emperor Titan took a header (fortunately without sustaining much damage) and it was, at the time, inexpedient to reassemble the completed components. So this past week I've been trying to figure out HOW I BUILT THE D@MNED THING! All the body components interlock together without glue to facilitate assembly and disassembly (So I can add the interior detail when I get to it) but there are 20 to 30 major components and the sequence of how they are assembled has been trial and error. HA!

https://i.imgur.com/ErYsfTT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ErYsfTTl.jpg

Anyway here is what it looked like before it toppled and we can go from there.

[Blackadder]

A Crash Test Dummy:

Is building this Titan.

I wish I could blame this on the cat or something but instead I am making inroads into stupidity.

I was going to show the interior with the positioning plugs I have been working on for the past few days but instead here we see a pile of rubble which was the inner levels of the interior.

https://i.imgur.com/ZzEMFGN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZzEMFGNl.jpg

Fortunately its not all as bad as it seems in spite of falling the same 5 feet again in much the same trajectory as the previous fall a couple of days ago although the computer chair did not intervene to soften the mishap this time so a few items actually did break this time.

As I type the glue is drying and most of the damage is repaired (I'm getting good at it by now)

Anyway, with hope, I'll be able to photograph the aligning plugs later today.

[Blackadder]

Quarter Galleries:

For lack of a better term; this is the area I'll be working on

https://i.imgur.com/gjLeebc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gjLeebcl.jpg

The images are pretty much self explanatory; I'll be framing out the "Quarter Galleries" with cut Florescent light panel waffle diffusers purchased at Home Depot.
https://i.imgur.com/rr4ohCP.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rr4ohCPl.jpg

The panels are made of very hard and brittle styrene plastic but are plenty durable for framing and is cheap compared to hobby shop styrene. About 4 feet long and about 2 feet wide metric users can do the math....;)

https://i.imgur.com/FrpJg0s.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FrpJg0sl.jpg

[Blackadder]

The Ground Floor:

Actually about one hundred fifty feet above the ground but what the hey. The superstructure of this Titan is what makes it unique and I've been putting it off long enough trying to come up with something earthshaking. Try as I might I just cannot top Joazzz2's incredible architecture so I'll just copy that so first the gatehouse battlements sometimes called the barbican.

https://i.imgur.com/WaYJaCe.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WaYJaCel.jpg

[Blackadder]

Never Be Afraid:

To take the plunge. If the wine is sour, don't throw it out; make vinegar.

Something just didn't look right about these two barbicans but until they were sheathed I couldn't quite figure it out.

https://i.imgur.com/f9QGDXh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/f9QGDXhl.jpg

Ultimately I realized they were too tall.

https://i.imgur.com/267X9Ne.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/267X9Nel.jpg

A couple of minutes with a razor saw and utility knife demonstrated I was right and through careful surgery I managed to save the upper section for the second stage of the construct.

[Blackadder]

Exercise In Tedium:

The problem with building so large a model is the tedious repetitious building of identical parts.

https://i.imgur.com/OF077uL.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OF077uLl.jpg

Even an assembly line approach does not sufficiently relieve the boredom.

https://i.imgur.com/s9hNX7D.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/s9hNX7Dl.jpg

[Blackadder]

Barbican Phase Two:

Show your work is my motto regardless how sloppy. Never fear this is only the underlayment I build for strength and durability.

https://i.imgur.com/5D4RNcq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5D4RNcql.jpg

This first image shows what a godsend this defuser lens material is. Had I to make all the interior framing for a model of this size it would probably cost twice as much or be very flimsy. One thing you don't want is a limp Titan.

https://i.imgur.com/dxLSwfl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dxLSwfll.jpg

The second image shows the corner outcropping structures which are probably too narrow to serve any purpose other than decorative. Were this a stone Barbican it would serve as a buttress for the corner.

[Blackadder]

I cheated:

I wanted to see what the Citadel would look like so I put the lower leg structures on the deck behind the Barbicans.

https://i.imgur.com/lQyxVjb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lQyxVjbl.jpg

I think this might amount to something after all

https://i.imgur.com/zj7gJb6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zj7gJb6l.jpg

From the top view it seems I made the superstructure deck lust big enough.

https://i.imgur.com/EyJfZJN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EyJfZJNl.jpg

And the Barbicans appear to be the right size as well.

Martini Time!

Skoal.

[Blackadder]

Composite Image:

I've been asked to put this together for an overall image of the work thus far.

Well it's too tall for the work console I have to stack the two major components, legs and torso, plus the whole thing is front heavy at the moment with none of the rear counterweights installed; I'm figuring the completed model will weigh in the neighborhood of two Bowling balls overall weight when finished; i.e.32 pounds or about 14.5 kilo.

https://i.imgur.com/aoOOzdX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aoOOzdXl.jpg

The only other leastwise finished component is the Sunfury Plasma Annihilator which also cannot be mounted until the top and bottom body sections are together.

https://i.imgur.com/D6Tumkw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/D6Tumkwl.jpg

But my clumsy photo editing can give you a general idea of where I am heading with this construction.

[Blackadder]

With such an outpouring of interest I had my son come over to help me assemble the two components.


https://i.imgur.com/DH88myl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DH88myll.jpg

The good news is the legs can support the weight of the upper torso. The bad news is it is at the moment rather top heavy.

https://i.imgur.com/w4DmHxN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/w4DmHxNl.jpg

All that will change when I install the rear components and the interior. The model right now is 46 inches tall assembled with I'm figuring another 10 inches more to be added to the superstructure.

The author to scale is 75 inches tall and the 28mm scale Skitarii and the two Space Marines are added for comparison

[Blackadder]

Hard To Find Time In the Summer:

With all the outdoor activity it's hard to knuckle down and make headway on these projects. Thanks for rainy days.....

Began the Superstructure Breast Works this week and finally managed to finalize the size of the Cathedral decking. I was off by about a centimeter overall but which will be easy to compensate for.

Below are two images from the basic half finished deck breast works....

https://i.imgur.com/wI1EYEF.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wI1EYEFl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/gmwVCUL.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gmwVCULl.jpg

[Blackadder]

Dribs and Drabs:

But in these Summer months it's hard to not take advantage of the wonderful pool weather. Much too nice to be indoors working on plastic models.


But here's a few images to tide over until the rains return.

https://i.imgur.com/NIksL45.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NIksL45l.jpg

First the superstructure deck now has forward battlements and the blocks are the beginnings of the center corner towers which do not seem to have any offensive capabilities.

https://i.imgur.com/LxtL1cI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LxtL1cIl.jpg

Extending the deck allows for spacing the "Firestorm Redoubts" and also gives room for the fifteen meter tall statues on the Citadel base to be seen more clearly.

Finally;

https://i.imgur.com/STQutPo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/STQutPol.jpg

A bird's eye view of the Firestorm quad Laser Cannons base

It's all coming together just as if I actually had, Some kinda Plan. Ha!

[Blackadder]

Secondary Towers:

The more I study the image of the Emperor Deck the more detail stands out on this marvelous 3D image by Joazzz2. I was aware of the smaller towers on the superstructure deck but I did not perceive there were ten of them until this week.

https://i.imgur.com/NIksL45.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NIksL45l.jpg

What was going to be a minor exercise in tedium has suddenly become a major pain in the arse.

https://i.imgur.com/JgqhDUZ.jpg[
https://i.imgur.com/JgqhDUZl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lgMG9De.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lgMG9Del.jpg

Doubly so because I really hate doing these tiny pyramidal end caps.

https://i.imgur.com/gFX0ksH.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gFX0ksHl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1U79qzG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1U79qzGl.jpg

[Blackadder]

Rediscovering the Wheel:

Before I found the rear view of this version of Joazzz2's Emperor Titan I modeled certain components of the superstructure deck including the corner hanging bastions or turrets. I made only two and while quite successful on completion I'd forgotten how I actually built them :p

Hence the title of this entry.

When I obtained the back view I found I needed two more.

https://i.imgur.com/4qFJy2Z.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4qFJy2Zl.jpg

[Blackadder]

Moment of Truth

This is going to be Interesting.

I've learned a lot building this model.

It's the largest project I've ever tackled and I've had to innovate a lot of new techniques.It's been a year and a half since I made the first pair of turrets.

These new turrets so far are put the old ones to shame and it'll be interesting to see how they top out.

https://i.imgur.com/smVvP40.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/smVvP40l.jpg

[Blackadder]

Corner turrets and the intermediate pointy things are basically done.

https://i.imgur.com/FtQnokO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FtQnokOl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NkMrfj3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NkMrfj3l.jpg

Next up, the Citadel base.

[Blackadder]

It's been a busy month and I'm afraid the Emperor has taken a back seat compared to my other more pressing endeavors. I did manage to cobble together the rear bastions of the superstructure which are virtually carbon copies of the front components. My grandiose idea of a kit bash citadel has been greatly reconsidered because such a structure would compromise the theme of the scratch work.
"There is no shortcut to glory." It's a lesson I seem destined to relearn with every model I attempt. :D

https://i.imgur.com/9BfcnfO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9BfcnfOl.jpg

On another aside I can't believe I only took one picture of this most recent construction!

[Blackadder]

I've regretfully decided to terminate my subscription to BoLS after 10 years due to lack of interest in my projects.