Squat Mole Transport

[cyclonus]

Okay the cat is out of the bag. My mates have been bugging me to see what's been under the covers when they've come by to play. So if they follow me on this site like they say they do, then here's the debut. Here's a Squat Mole Transport to go with the Squat army that is following. As always C&C welcome.

Coke bottle

Pringles can

Cut Pringles can to lenght of Rhino

Cut Coke bottle 1

Cut Coke bottle 2


Both cuts together

Drill bits template

Drill bits and armour layer being added

More drill bits and armour added

Rudder, portal and track spaces added

Let me know what you guys think.

[Jackmojo]

Looks nice.

Are you going to make an emerging model or a carrier/launcher like the old Armourcast/epic models?

Jack

[CadianCol]

This bad boy will look awesome once it is fully painted!
Awesome conversion work, and those drill teeth are wicked looking!

[cyclonus]

Jackmojo: No emerging model in the works and no carrier launcher. I'm going to do something different utilizing the track space. I hope to have pics up tomorrow night on that part. I plan to build several of these and I dont want to get held up making the carriers. I still have my Leman Russes and Valkyries to finish for my up coming IG force as well. Too many projects and not enough time.

CadianCol: Thanks for compliments. I cant wait to see it painted as well. That may take sometime though. I keep telling myself to stop building things so I can start painting. Right now I have 6 armies to paint. I just see something or picture it in my head and I'm off to another project again. Painting always seems so secondary to building.

I HAVE ISSUES! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP I CANT STOP MYSELF!

These fortunately dont take a lot of time to put together so I hope to knock them out easily.

Thanks again!

[wynnstudio]

Great start! The drill bit solution is inspiring. Can't wait to see more.

wynnSTUDIO

[shadowhammer]

Nice Mole transport.

Good to see you active once again, Wynn

[cyclonus]

OK here's the update. Almost done.

Here's the track that fit into the track spaces.
Tracks

Here's the tracks in place. These help the Mole move while it's tunelling underground and move while above ground.
Side View

Front View

Back View

As you can see from the above images I still need to add the tip of the drill and the rear engine exhausts. For the tip I'm placing a larger version of the old Rogue Trader conversion beamer. The Mole uses it to open the space before it while the tracks move it forward. The drill breaks up the material even further and pushes it towards the back. The conversion beamer also acts as a weapon above soil to support the troops it has just delivered.

The latest Space Marine codex has the conversion beamer listed with stats as an ancient archaic weapon. Well I believe they stole it from the Squats! It was a Squat invention used to help create the mines on their homeworlds. The Empire used it as a weapon of war. The Squats thought it a good idea and implemented it into their forces.

Now for the special little trick I promised for the tracks.
Lift

I got the idea the other day while I was at a stop light and a back hoe was breaking concrete at a construction site. The shovel part was hitting the concrete and when it didn't break, the whole back hoe would lift up. Hence, the idea transferred to the model. Now there's no need for a transport.

Well that's it for now. Now onto the conversion beamer and engine exhaust. Let me know what you guys think!

[Little Brother]

Very nice. Only problem for me is that I am tempted to dig out some of my own sketches for a mole I did earlier this year. Thats the issue with coming on here, I never seem to finish a project because I get distracted. I really must get all my jet bikes finished before I restart the mole though. Like the teeth idea, that had been a problem for me, so I may pinch them.

I was going to use mine as alternatives to drop pods.

[cyclonus]

Another Update... Conversion beamer mounted and ready to go!

Side View

Top View

Angle View

[fire1098]

That's really cool. Well done. Are the drill bits carboard or plasticard?

[le Mediko]

Great idea and great work. The only point I think you can improve is the tracks, they look maybe a bit narrow.

[cyclonus]

Fire1098: The drill bits are made of posterboard reinforced by superglue.

le Mediko: Really? I was thinking they might be too thick, please explain further.

Still to do: The engine exhaust in the rear and details such as panel doors, rivets, etc.

Thanks for all comments and positive feedback.

[le Mediko]

Well...
Maybe not exactly the tracks, but I can hardly imagine the vehicle running on ground without rolling on the side. It should be limited on tunnels.