Republic Gunship Cargo

I had the idea today of creating some little bases of clones that can slot into the Gunship toys. Not being contented with having the pilots in 15mm to nail the scale down, I've decided some 15mm passengers will cement the deal.

For me it's another bonus of using this toy, apart from the clear windows, there is also an open space in the back to be used. I'm pretty sure a resin model would go for the shut doors for simplicity.

I first had to measure out and cut a base that would fit the vehicle.The next problem came when looking at the figures, first I had thought of cutting them off their bases, but the delicate nature of the resin would make this a nightmare job. So, I opted for sticking them down and hiding the figure base by building up the sides. It's a bit of a simple solution but it works and is a lot easier to do.

Now the figures are on their bases, there were some spaces left around them. To further hide the gaps, I decided to make some equipment and ammo cases to fit around the troopers. These were fun to make using tiny pieces of plasticard.

The two raised sides indicate the edges that will be seen when in flight. These are useful little stands actually and I see them being used for a variety of things. They could indicate supply posts, survivors,guard platforms to name but a few. A knot of stubborn defenders dedicated to selling their lives dearly.

They look alright in the gunship, the extra height by keeping them on the resin bases helps with the scale. I think they look perfect height wise now.

Some studies of the equipment. I imagined a lot of these boxes would contain blaster ammo and rations. There are some larger items like scanners and replacement parts for vehicles. There is also crates containing medical supplies, everything a invasion force needs.

 

The troopers get a coat of white spray paint. Job done, let's go home.

A few hours later and the little troopers are suited and booted and about to dust off.

The Gunship is almost done I just need to add a decal to the side.

These bases are created to show there is a platoon being carried inside the craft. Once the gunship lands, the stands can be swopped out for five bases of troopers. The empty vehicle can then take off and exit the battle ground. I think this will look better than just having empty craft flying around and it also allows you to keep tabs on what's going on visually.

Medical supplies are badly needed at the front.

These could also be used as garrison troops dotted around a compound or something. I'm glad I made them they will come in very handy I think.

UPDATE: I dug out some decals I bought off eBay a year ago to add the finishing touches to this gunship.

Luckily there was a pair of republic symbols that were the right size. It seems odd to me that even the toy didn't have these on.

I also added some fleet symbols to this crashed ship.

A downed republic shuttle could be the focus point of many a game.

Company command, this group will coordinate the three platoons.

This group will be the last to land once all the platoons are in there places.

I'm glad I managed to find some decals for these vehicles. I definitely couldn't have produced such a detailed design freehand.

Platoon Headquarters and more Commandos.

My little lad has asked for a group of commandos called 'Omega squad'. He used to play this team on a computer game and they are his favourite. Well, that's no problem now I've worked out how to make them. I thought I'd better get on to it quick before I started to forget my process. So I knocked these up for him in the last hour while it was still fresh in my mind.

They still need a few bits and bobs added, but they're kind of done. To make these a bit different, I plan to give them a sniper rifle and grenade launcher.

Omega squad!

I find I learn so much every time I create something, this time, I added extra equipment to their belts and backpacks.

I thought it was time to set about making the platoon Headquarters base. To make this stand out amongst all the others, I placed four figures on a 50mm base, this will contrast against the 35 and 40mm bases containing three troopers each.

Another way of making it look a bit different is to have the Captain with his helmet off. This should mark him out on the table.

I also created a communication backpack for one of the troopers on the stand. The tiny brush bristle aerial should help with the radio vibe. The base also has a heavy weapons trooper on it for support.

In this headquarters unit will be attached to one of the three platoons. Now we have gunships, the platoons can be dropped off on the battle field in desired locations.

 Another improvement are these Clone pilots for the gunships. I used some left over green stuff to give them proper pilot helmets. I also used some off cuts of plastic to give them chest boxes. They look much more accurate now. I don't know why I didn't do that with the first lot, live and learn.

Here are some toys of Omega squad which are really useful from a model making side of things.

I can use these backpack images for sure, I just need to wait for the green stuff to dry.

Looks like a nice simple paint job at least.

UPDATE: so I've managed to create some of their unique, interchangeable weapons. Manly the grenade launcher and sniper rifle fitment.

It's a bit crude, being 15mm but it gets the idea over. I will trim the sights once everything is dry. 

I'm pleased with the launcher as it was quite a tricky thing to do.

The rifle will have nice blue holographic sights that should be quite striking.

Different sizes of brush bristle make up the sniper rifle. There are some thin ones for the tripod too.

UPDATE: I stumbled across this toy figure guide which proved an excellent reference for each troopers equipment. Having researched their names and roles, I can match these figures to their characters.

I'm not quite sure what it is but 'Niner' the sergeant, has a shoulder mounted device. This is probably some sort of weapon. I placed it so it was in the centre of the base to protect it from knocks.

Going Commando...the teams meet the new guys.

The toy figures were also good for seeing where extra ammo packs were placed. 'Fi' the medic/sniper has extra ammo strapped to the bottom of his left leg.

'Darman' the explosive expert has extra grenades strapped to his upper thigh.

'Atin' the tech expert has the classic aerials on his pack to denote his expertise.

This squad looks better equipped than the other teams, but it's nice to have some variety in the units. 

I never set out to have loads of Commandos as they are quite deadly and rare in the ranks. However, thanks to my son's request, I have ended up with three squads, that's more than enough for any game. I could even play a few commando rescue mission scenarios against over whelming odds.

'Darman' also has large cylinders on his pack, these are bigger than those of 'Scorch' from Delta squad.

UPDATE: Okay Omega squad is up and running.

Night ops armour working well I see.

Going dark.

The holographic sniper sights turned out well, more blue ink washed over white.

'Take the shot!"