Beyond The Sprues

Modelling => Completed GBs => Group and Themed Builds => Space GB => Topic started by: Spey Phantom on February 13, 2014, 08:04:42 PM

Title: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Spey Phantom on February 13, 2014, 08:04:42 PM
got the idea from a TinTin comic book.

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/patsheehan//moontank2.jpg)

i have a 1/72 Armourfast Crusader tank leftover from a 2-vehicle kit, with some work im planning to build it as a moon explorer tank, but one modification has to be the turret, im planning to replace the gun with a dish antenna, and place a glass dome on the top.
another modification would be to mount a FLIR turret on a mast behind the turret  8)
im gonna have a dig in the spares ox to see what i can find  8)
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: deathjester on February 13, 2014, 10:10:49 PM
Nice idea! 

How about multiple track units, or multiple wheel units for added damage resistance/mobility?

And perhaps an Airlock device, for the odd EVA mission...?
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: ChernayaAkula on February 14, 2014, 06:55:49 AM
Awesome project!  8)
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: taiidantomcat on February 15, 2014, 04:46:27 AM
So out of the blue  :-*
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Dr. YoKai on February 18, 2014, 08:35:03 AM
So out of the blue  :-*

? It looks entirely in blue to me.... ;)

Sounds cool!
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: mrvr6 on February 19, 2014, 02:21:33 AM
why use a tank to explore a dead world?
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 19, 2014, 02:36:15 AM
why use a tank to explore a dead world?

Why not? ;D
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Weaver on February 19, 2014, 04:27:14 AM
why use a tank to explore a dead world?

Make sure it really is dead?  ;)
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Old Wombat on February 25, 2014, 01:41:04 PM
why use a tank to explore a dead world?

Just because it's dead doesn't mean there aren't dangers & armour increases your chances of surviving the unexpected.
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: jcf on February 26, 2014, 01:25:59 AM
It's all about the size of the rocket.  ;)
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Goonie on February 27, 2014, 07:17:59 PM
It's all about the size of the rocket.  ;)

But thick armour could probably save the crew in case of unsuspected space debris shower ;)

As for the tank, can't wait for development of this project :)
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 27, 2014, 07:33:25 PM
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/GTwiner/image_zpsadd8be6a.jpg)
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Weaver on February 27, 2014, 08:52:58 PM
I suppose, being sensible, it's not, strictly speaking, a "tank": it's a tracked exploration vehicle that just happens to look like a tank. It has no gun that I can see, and there's not much point it's hull being very thick when it has clear domes for the crew to see out of .

Nevertheless, you just know that if you were on that mission, you'd be calling it a "tank" after five minutes, right?  ;)
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Frank3k on February 28, 2014, 12:56:09 AM
There's also this Von Braun Mars tank. Great if you have a left over Stuart and some round Christmas ornaments:

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2694/5810931210_e4e6ed10f9_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Weaver on February 28, 2014, 03:18:12 AM
I always love the slim and stylish space suits, with a neat pair of tanks on the back, in these old pics. Compare and contrast with the huge, bulky, hours-to-put-on real life suits.....
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Spey Phantom on March 04, 2014, 01:02:40 AM
Update,

i hardly did anything on this build as i have some doubt on some of the planned modifications.
i was planning on using the glass dome from from a 1/72 TBM avenger's gun turret, but it doenst show off that good.

so ive decided to leave off the entire top turret and replace it with a cabin, similar to a tank training vehicle.
this cabin would be stationary and built out of pieces of clear polyester sheet.
but instead of a moving rotating cabin, this one will be stationary.

for example:

(http://anzacsteel.hobbyvista.com/Armoured%20Vehicles/Images/Leodvr01.jpg)

i havent really start building yet, as im currently looking through spare parts and donor kits for usefull parts.

pictures soon...
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Weaver on March 04, 2014, 02:25:37 AM
Not sure what they're like in Belgium, but over here, it's worth checking out the party treats/cheap toys sections of supermarkets and discount/thrift/pound shops. You can often find things like stampers and novelty pens that have clear domes on them.

Check out my More Found Objects Stuff thread on What If: http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,26614.0/highlight,found+object.html (http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,26614.0/highlight,found+object.html)

Having said that, your idea for a cabin with big windows is perfectly sensible. in fact it would probably be easier to shield flat windows against radiation/solar flares that it would be for domes (and that shielding might also be a good reason for having such a hefty vehicle if you plan a long stay on the moon).

Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Brian da Basher on March 08, 2014, 11:45:46 PM
Having read all the wonderful Tin Tin books I could as a boy, I'm really excited about this project!

Nils, you might be able to use the blisters from a 1/72 B-29. I might have some from a B-36,  but they could be too large.

Looking forward to more,
Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Lunar Exploration tank
Post by: Kerick on March 09, 2014, 09:34:54 AM
I'm looking forward to this one! Will it be blue or white with shiny metal parts? Don't forget some gold foil>