Armored Dune Hopper (1/20 Scale Scratchbuild)

[zerobxu]

The engine for the most part will be visible. Is that practical from a combat standpoint? No, but I want it to look cool too and nothing looks cooler than exposed and detailed internals.

An exposed engine isn't entirely unheard of on a combat vehicle, either.  

[ZLuca]

Luca: I just looked up the Achilles... Turns out it's an M-10 and I've actually been using an Academy M-10 Duckbill for parts for quite a while now! Basically the same kit so I know what you mean about having a lot of great useful parts! I actually am using the upper hull as the main support that I built the Dune Hoppers upper hull shape off of. The lower chassis is the bottom of my pilot cabin and part of the rear engine as well. Very funny that you mention that.

I've just checked and yes, it's the same model!
Sorry I'm not so expert in all tank variants..
Duckbill is casted in dark green, mine in beige.... I remember there were also some good engine and trasmission detailed parts.
Glad you've found useful you too!

Great work you will expect in engine zone Michael!. I envy you a little..
Waiting for next progress...
z

[philipks]

Hi FichtenFoo
That is looking great! I think an exposed engine would be really cool. I also love the mean looking tires. Will you do something to the wheels though, they dont particularly fit the look IMHO.

[FichtenFoo]

More progress on the engine: http://fichtenfoo.com/02GiantRobots/02b-dunehopper.htm

phillips: yeah, I'll be making new hubcaps for whatever wheels I decide to use.

[Ezechiel]

Really cool engine!
The exhaust pipes are just wicked!
I think the pod boosters blend in pretty convincingly
Really like the flaps, I'm a sucker for those hole patterns.

[fredpekker]

Everything looks great on this. The engine really pulls things together. Just out of curiousity, how are you going to support the top end of the suspension?

...Aaaaand it needs big machine guns. 

[FichtenFoo]

Thanks! There's a piece of frame right under the "piston" part of the engine that the upper part will attach to. The upper part will be simpler than the lower part. The machine gun turret is coming. It'll be mounted on the roof right behind the drivers rear hatch. I still need to start on the interior as well. So much done, yet so much more left to do!

[Kinzaa]

 :twitch:wow..nice engine details sir..and those exhaust pipes are wicked

[clee-cm]

Very Cool!! 

I like the engine, it is looking good so far. What are you using to simulate the 2 hoses, one on each side?

Great job so far! Keep up the good work.

[FichtenFoo]

Thanks guys. I'm using fiberglass braided sleeving from mechaskunk.com. That's the largest size he carries... about 1/4". I used it before (smaller size) on my Mosquito. I have some "Ugly Toob" inside of it to help keep its shape. UT is perfect for that!

[Gr8one]

  Mighty fine work going on there Mr. Foo! Stick this one out to the end because I want a copy.... maybe two! That's just my style. 

[ZLuca]

Wonderful Michael!
I love how's growing up! Did you find wheels?
I've found a jeep toy sometimes ago, with big wheels. I remember were in pastic, but measures could be right.
It's a week I'm looking for it, as soon as it turn up, if turn up , I'll send you a pic!
z

[FichtenFoo]

Gr8one: Thanks man, but I'm not planning on casting it.  Too many fiddly bits!

Luca: Glad you like it! I did find wheels at my other LHS. RC wheels too so they'll have that nice natural weight squish. Thanks for looking though!

[FichtenFoo]

Here's a few shots of the roof-mounted gun and a pic with a large Tamiya bottle for size reference.
http://fichtenfoo.com/02GiantRobots/02b-dunehopper.htm

[fredpekker]

...Machine guns! Yesss!!!!  Looks sweet, man. Love the turret setup and the ammo box, the ammo chain just makes it that much cooler. Hauling paint through the desert must be dangerous work. 

[Ezechiel]

That's one mean beefy gatling turret you've got here
The box handle looks incredibly small!

[clee-cm]

  I like the look of the gatling gun on the top, the cooling jacket that covers the barrels adds a nice touch to it.

[ZLuca]

Found!
Are uglier than I thought! I'll send a pic soon
I've found in a shop a little truck with beautiful rubber wheels around 3 cm diameter. It costs US 9.
If you think 3 cm diameter could be ok for you, I'll go into the shop trying to take a pic and after your choice I'll can send you!
Excellent stuff on engine M!
z

[zerobxu]

I'm just itchin' to see this thing with the wheels on now. The gun looks great!

[FichtenFoo]

Thanks guys. I'm pretty happy with how the gun and ammo box look so far. I have a little more detail to add to the gun and mount, but it's pretty much done.

I did the front suspension last night so I'll get pics of that up soon.

Luca: I have wheels, but thanks anyway. 3cm would be too small. The ones I'm using now are 6-7cm tall.