I've been looking through the codex and decided that I'd like to get a couple of Hydras to complement the Corbanian 1st. I've had a look at FW version and I'm not much for it, the guns are just a bit too big for the chassis and even with the rumours of a plastic version coming out next month, I still think that I'm going down a different avenue. So, I decided to have a look at what's currently out there in the real world.
First off, we have the German Gepard which although only has two guns, is quite close to the Hydra.
(Modern vehicle photos from www.militaryphotos.net and UK MOD, used without permission)
The same can be said about the Itpsv90 Marksman from Finland, although it does seem to suffer from the same big turret, small chassis problem that the FW Hydra does.
It was at this point that I decided that I really didn't want to go down the flak cannon route and so started to look to my roots and the British Army. The problem with flak cannons is that they're really short ranged and so the British Army adopted the missile as it's primary form of air defence. For a long time, the main system used was the Rapier system which was normally mounted on a trailer unit.
Rapier systems were also mounted on dedicated tracked M548 chassis for more mobility whilst also doubling the rocket capacity.
In the past decade, the British Army has added a new missile to their list of Air Defence systems. The Starstreak missile system is currently in service in many different forms, from shoulder mounted to dedicated vehicles.
So, you might be saying 'Thanks for the cool pics Col. but what's the point?'. Well, remember those Hyperios missile systems that I posted about here that ForgeWorld were kind enough to replace for me? Combine them with a crappy chimera I picked up in a trade and I've got the makings of a Starstreak Hydra Air Defence system, my next vehicle kitbash project.
I'll be bringing you project updates soon guys, first off, I've got to sort the crappy chimera out so it's time to break out the files.
17 comments:
I like where you're going with this. It is a good looking little turret; nice size and detail. I imagine though that folks will tend to confuse it with a Manticore.
WELCOME BACK Col Corbane!!!
Now what I like about this kitbashing idea is that it has roots into the real world. A lot of countries out that use the same chassis for several different vehicles. This gives the army a cohesive appearance. Cannot wait to see what the final product is.
Oh look ... a razorback - no starstreak ... cool idea fella.
Great idea Colonel ..... looking forward to seeing it
Me wants a CORB-HYDRA! NOW
As someone else said, people might initially confuse this with a Manticore. Not a big deal though!
Like all of your stuff, I'll look forward to seeing what you do with it!
I like where you're going with this...I was rethinking the role of my 'wyvern' recently having proxied it for a hydra last week - now you've showcased them, it really does look a bit like the startstreaks...
I look forward to seeing this progress!
Can't wait to see this up and running!
Wow, you and I must be like lost twins or something... here is the scratchbuild I am working on and the similarities in our logic are just plain eerie...
http://foxphoenix40k.blogspot.com/2010/05/scratchbuild-manticorehydradeathstrike.html
Is it finished yet ?
Looks interesting Col.
I'd much prefer to play against a converted model anyday, but I still like the FW version myself.
Nice idea Col. I always thought the FW on was rather outsized for what it was, which is why I went with the smaller turret on mine, myself.
Looking forward to seeing the finished model!
I think it might be possible to do a twin barreled look to a Hydra if you used Punisher barrels instead of the FW ones. Just tossing that thought out...Hmmm...Might have to do that for my renegades now ;)
Thanks guys.
@the other Kevin - I thought it fitted well aswell mate. I did wonder about the manticore confusion myself but with what I've got planned for the manticore, I don't think it's going to be a problem.
@HotPanda - I think it was the real world associations that got me into guard in the first place mate. There's just so much potential for modelling projects.
@Suneokun - A 'Starback'? lol
@jmezz382 - Cheers mate, hopefully, it won't be to long.
@CanolliCrusader - LOL, Corbanian pattern ... I like that!
@Frag Dad - I don't think it'll be an issue once I've made the manticore! Hopefully, it won't be long before it starts taking shape.
@Admiral Drax - Your wyvern would make an excellent hydra mate, I always thought it had a look of the starstreak mate.
@Soundwave - I've already started the clean up job, so hopefully I'll have something to show soon.
@FoxPhoenix135 - Freaky - great minds mate, excellent work on the scratch build.
@Zzzzz - I wish mate - lol.
@RonSaikowski - Hopefully it'll turnout well mate. I with you on the playing with converted models.
@#2501 - Cheers mate, the FW is a bit big, I get the feeling it's a bit top heavy.
@CylonDave - I like that idea, do it mate, I'd love to see the pics.
Hopefully, more on the chassis soon guys.
I'm finding it a little hard not to keep thinking about a conversion involving a FW tarantula body with twin punisher cannon. Either freestanding as an air defence tarantula (in a hyperios style) or mounted on a chimera, it could be...awesome.
But it'd cost £28.
But it could be...really...awesome.
Drax, now that definitely would be awesome!
@Drax - do it mate, it'd be a hell of a model!
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