In my last Monthly Musings post I made a cryptic reference to a new project I was starting involving Team Vampifan. Well, wonder no more what it is. I recently purchased this stunning 28mm scale model from Demo's Laser Cut Designs of a Hippo Armoured Personnel Carrier. Here it is in all its glory in a couple of photos taken from the Demo's website.
It is an absolute monster!
The roof comes off and there is loads of space inside for figures. The one and only thing I don't like about it is the machine gun at the front. It is rather naff and I know I'm not the only one to criticise it.
This is the first MDF model I have ever made and I was so impressed with it I know it won't be the last. The level of detail on it is staggering. All the wheels turn, the back ramp opens and shuts and the machine gun moves up and down. Speaking of which, note that I have replaced the wooden gun with a metal Minigun from my spare parts collection and I'm sure you'll agree it is a vast improvement.
So, just how big is it? It is 8.5" long (21.5cm) by 3.25" (8cm) wide by 3" (7.5cm) tall.
There is a LOT of space in the back for placing figures. You could fit 15 figures on 25mm diameter bases in there! The instructions were clear and precise, although there were two omissions. First, the rear interior wheel covers had been omitted from the instructions. That was no big deal, as it was obvious where they went. Secondly, there was no mention of the front headlight arrays but by referring to the website photos I could see where they were meant to go.
Here you can see the headlight arrays in place. You have the option of buying the model with a large front shield wall or, as I chose, a front knee-breaker ram plate. As these are just work in progress photos I have not glued the front cab window and roof in place. I am unsure as to whether to add interior detail to the cab (seats and control panel) or just leave it bare and paint it black. Hmm, decisions, decisions. Any thoughts?
I'm thinking of painting the model a mid grey colour as in the two photos from the Demo's website.
The connection with Team Vampifan is this - I want the group to find and acquire this battle-wagon. Obviously, it won't be easy to come by. I'm thinking of having it parked in the garage of the Prosperity Corporation, the bad guys from the ATZ-FFO scenario, High Rise To Hell. This would be a worthy prize if they successfully completed that mission. I even know what Vampifan will call it - the Vampivan. Come on, what else could I call it?
The price of this fine model is a very reasonable $13.00. I must admit that this has been a real eye opener for me as to the viability of MDF models. I'll post more photos as soon as I finish painting it. I was so excited by this model that I wanted to show you it as soon as possible. I've never shown any work in progress photos before but in this case, I felt that they were warranted.
Laser-cut models are something of a miracle, aren't they :-) ? I imagine that the parts fitted together very precisely - you didn't say so but your silence on this matter leads me to conclude that the assembly went well.
ReplyDeleteIf the Vampivan will come from Prosperity Corporation then shouldn't it have some logos or styling on it :-) ?
As for interiors, I suggest that depends on the original intended function of this vehicle. If it's a personnel carrier then you need some benches down the sides. If it's a command vehicle then a bit tactical screen and/or plotting table. If a prison wagon then it should have a cage. And so on...
Thanks, Hugh. Yes, the construction went very smoothly and all the parts fitted very precisely. It really is a miracle of engineering!
DeleteAny Prosperity Corporation logos will get painted over as soon as Team Vampifan acquires it. I'm thinking of adding numerous pictures of Vampirella over it to reinforce the concept of the Vampivan. But I won't do that until after Team Vampifan have succeeded in clearing out the High Rise to Hell.
You make a good point about the interior. It'll either be a command vehicle or more likely, a simple personnel carrier.
Vampivan, I like it!
ReplyDeleteAs for the cab interior, if you are planning on having the front removable to put figures in, then I personally would just do it black and leave enough room for the driver and passanger. Looking forward to seeing it painted up with vampirella down the sides!
Yep, Vampivan was such an obvious choice, Dave. I still remain undecided about the cab interior. It would be nice to fit a couple of figures in but is it really necessary?
DeleteThis reminds me a little of the vehicle from 2005's Land of the Dead :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing the painted version, too. If you think about it, I'd love a tutorial of the process. I've heard that MDF can be tricky to paint and never had the fortitude to follow through (I've a couple of buildings for Infinity from a Christmas sale a few years ago still sitting in their shrinkwrap).
Russ, Dead Reckoning was the name of the vehicle from Land of the Dead and the Hippo does seem to be based upon that.
DeleteA painting tutorial is something I might well do. I have heard that MDF soaks up paint very quickly.
Wow, very cool I had no idea mdf could look so good, iit looks just like Dead reckoning from land of the dead, and getting the bikes in the back is a bonus
ReplyDeleteI agree with it looking a lot like Dead Reckoning, Shinto. I thought that by showing a couple of bikes in the back it would show how versatile this is. You could even fit a car in there.
DeleteIt really is a monster of a vehicle and would make a great mobile base of operations. I can't help but wonder about dthe difficulties involved driving a vehicle sixteen foot wide !
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joe. Given its huge size and fearsome ram plate at the front it'll easily push any obstacles out of the way. Mind you, single lane narrow roads could be more problematic.
DeleteLooks like a cool model... great buy
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed very cool.
DeleteVery nice model Bryan.
ReplyDeleteScary big, the zeds won't know what squashed them. Down the road a bit it might need some custom work, hammocks in the back, luggage on the roof, fuel drums for those extra long journeys etc.
Can't wait to see it painted and in action.
Would make a great "coach" for a St. T's school trip.
Some good ideas there, Bob, especially the luggage and fuel drums on the roof.
DeleteThe idea of the St. Trinian's girls driving around in this is unbelievably scary!
She is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteShe sure is, Fran.
DeleteIt's a monster indeed!
ReplyDeleteSurely the gun isn't nice at all (I'd want to change it, too :P), but when you think about it - at least they went trough the trouble to make one and considering what's it made from, it isn't half bad.
Which reminds me, what are the wheels from, they look like separate wooden pieces, not laser cut?
As for interiors, don't be lazy now. If you detail every single terrain piece, I'm sure this one deserves to have a flashy command centre in the back. As for front cabin, that depends on how much you want to put drivers in their spots :P.
Considering the gun is made entirely of wood, it's a fair effort, but nowhere near as good as a metal one. The wheels are quite chunky pieces of wood and full of detail.
DeleteYou're right to comment on me adding interior detail to my buildings so I really should do the same here. Okay, I'm now convinced - it will have interior detail.
Nice looking model. The MDF kits take the paint nicely just undercoat it well first.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know, Simon.
DeleteWANT! Love it, Bryan. Leave it to you to steel my resolve to place an order with Demos. Their Hummer would be ideal for the first High Rise to Hell scenario.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about the Hummer, Simon. Mind you, I have a few a few different card models of Hummer type vehicles, but I could still be tempted to go for the Demo's version. Plus, they are very cheap.
DeleteVery cool vehicle, I can't wait to see the final detail work. It would make a nice center piece for a traveling band of nomadic survivors...
ReplyDeleteWhile a grey overall scheme will fit it, I think you should spruce it up with some sort of markings, even if its just some different colors on the vision slits on the side or a big red "A-Team" swoosh on the side. Okay, maybe not the swoosh, but something...
Thanks, Nobody667. I certainly don't want to leave it just grey. That is why I'm thinking off adding some Vampirella pics and perhaps some large V markings.
DeleteThat does seem like a beast of a vehicle. I can't see it functioning in England with narrow city streets and winding country lanes. But as the weapon is situated over the drivers seat (assuming right hand drive) it is probably an American truck (with left hand drive). I look forward to this taking some paint and getting into a game. Talking of games seems ages since your last AAR and they are very enjoyable, don't rush in your own time, just know we are anxiously waiting!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Clint. You're right about this being an American vehicle. As for my next game of ATZ-FFO, I have great news - I'll be playing a brand new scenario over the Easter weekend. Yay!
DeleteThis.....Is big! The new home for Team Vampifan! Looking forward to the easter bat rep.
ReplyDeleteLaser cut is brilliant. Having bought several things now I must admit I really love it.
Thanks, Johnny. This has definitely made me a convert to MDF models.
DeleteThe Vampivan is perfect Bryan, Team Vampifan definitely needs some kind of 'challenge' to overcome to get their hands on that!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Adam. The High Rise to Hell encounter would be a very worthy challenge for them.
DeleteThis vehicle is great and surprisingly cheap! As to cab details I think you should have space for figures in the front this will make gaming easier as you can keep track of who is where. I suggest seat backs and a low platform to represent the seats which will allow models to be place on the "seats" a steering wheel and maybe a gear box.
ReplyDeleteI like your thinking about the front cab, Robert. I shall do as you suggested.
DeleteI like it, people are doing some really clever packs in MDF these days.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Carl. I hear that you can now get laser cut card models. Now that is something I'd like to see.
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