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Post by squirmydad on Sept 4, 2013 19:38:10 GMT -9
Finally getting caught up on a lot of things, and had a really boring training meeting today, so I had an idea for a Terra Force "Gun Dog" support weapons drone- The "wings" on the side would be optional infantry shields so that troops could advance alongside the drone. The weapons load-out would be all of the different TF heavy weapons modded to be added to a light turret with splinter shield.
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Post by Vermin King on Sept 5, 2013 9:16:56 GMT -9
This could be very interesting
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Post by squirmydad on Sept 5, 2013 20:58:23 GMT -9
Main pieces completed, exported, some texturing going on, hoping to finish a test build tonight. I've been calling this a "Gun Dog" as a working title, but I'd like it to have a more distinctive name. The main battle tanks for the Terra Force are Wolverines, these drones would be a company level asset controlled by commo techs either up close or remotely. They are intended to provide support for infantry and recon duties, the dog image is stuck in my head, maybe a "Mastiff"? Hmmm...
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Post by hackbarth on Sept 6, 2013 2:41:02 GMT -9
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Post by mahotsukai on Sept 6, 2013 3:07:16 GMT -9
Getting a Video not found error there.
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Post by squirmydad on Sept 6, 2013 6:38:25 GMT -9
The newest version that's been showing up this year is much more impressive. My favorite though is the Beta version-
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Post by WackyAnne on Sept 6, 2013 10:11:50 GMT -9
The newest version that's been showing up this year is much more impressive. My favorite though is the Beta version- I prefer your version, squirmydad. The real video just sends chills down my back, and not in a good way. Rise of the Machines indeed.
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Post by Brave Adventures on Sept 6, 2013 14:14:02 GMT -9
What about calling it a Badger? Because badgers are related to wolverines. Or if you want to stick with dog themes, I actually think Mastiff sounds pretty cool. Or how about Shepherd or Hound?
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Post by Vermin King on Sept 6, 2013 16:13:59 GMT -9
It doesn't have a good ring to it, but since this is a 'loyal' device, both protective and offensive in intent, it reminds me of a black mouth cur. A very popular breed during the westward migration in North America. Now they are a specialty breed, known for their loyalty. They are also very good hunting dogs, most often used for hunting wild boar and bear.
I suppose a desert camo version with black weaponry would be the black mouth cur variation.
I apologize for my rambling. It's been a long day.
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Post by cowboyleland on Sept 6, 2013 19:50:57 GMT -9
I agree that "Mastiff" is a good name. And Big Dog should actually be "Mule" btw, considering how it is planned to be used to carry gear. On that note "Shield Bearer" (or to stick with animals "Shield Bear" or follow that train of thought to "Grizzly")might make good alternative names for your vehicle. I would suggest making the shield/wings bigger so that they offer more cover to the legs or you are going to end up with a lot of knee-capped infantry. Oh, how about a half-track version?
The "wings" kind of remind me of the shields that were given to the original "Storm Troopers" in WWI. How about "Storm Hound?"
The English version of the Greek word for "shield bearer" is Hypaspist. Doesn't really have a ring to it.
Just brain storming.
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Post by squirmydad on Sept 6, 2013 20:35:16 GMT -9
Sirius Defensive Systems Inc. (tm) presents the Mastiff Battlefield support system; "Sic 'im!" First test-build went great, less than an hour with no edging. It would take longer with 3d tires and edging. 3D tires, treads, forward sensor suite, prawn sniffers, and targeting system still being worked on. Some texture tweaking to do but coming along really nicely. I like the dog motif and I think the dog types can be nicknames for different load-outs; Bulldog=Fire Support Collie=Recon Shepherd or Dalmatian=Medical I forgot about desert camo, thanks for the reminder.
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Post by mahotsukai on Sept 7, 2013 7:36:32 GMT -9
Surely it would be;
St Bernard=Medical Bloodhound=Recon Alsatian/German Shepherd=Patrol Collie or Sheepdog=Prisoner transfer and Mastiff/Bulldog/Wolfhound=various close support load-outs.
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Post by mahotsukai on Sept 7, 2013 7:45:03 GMT -9
Looking at the test build, the legs look too spindly to be able to take any damage and still continue to function. I agree with cowboyleland the wings could do with being enlarged, possibly with a fold down flap, reminiscent of the arrow curtains on Greek Hoplons.
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Post by WackyAnne on Sept 7, 2013 8:56:04 GMT -9
Finally getting caught up on a lot of things, and had a really boring training meeting today, so I had an idea for a Terra Force "Gun Dog" support weapons drone- The "wings" on the side would be optional infantry shields so that troops could advance alongside the drone. The weapons load-out would be all of the different TF heavy weapons modded to be added to a light turret with splinter shield. Ok, so totally not my bailey wick, but I'm going to comment anyway... please take in the helpful spirit it is offered It seems to me that the "shields" would in fact be anything but. The soldier's most vulnerable parts are left vulnerable - eyes, groin, legs - while his protecting his already armoured chest and head. Assuming the eye slot would be high impact glass or somesuch, he can see out, but that would be limited depending on his pace with the vehicle (changing the moment-to-moment distance between his eyes and the slot, even if only minimally), the synchronicity of the up/down movement of soldier and vehicle (based on terrain, vehicle movement vibration, etc.), the clarity of the screen, weather conditions, battle conditions (fire, smoke, projectiles, etc.). In any case, as it stands now, the shield would block him from doing any firing at the enemy while he advanced. What I could see as a useful compromise, would be longer, heavier-duty ballistic-like shields that can serve as detachable "wings". Attached, they would be spring loaded, so the soldier could grip it to match his up-down-forward-back movement, while it carried the bulk of the weight. Having a side weapon slot would help too. Trick is, figuring out whether to put the slot always on the outside, or standard to always play to right handedness. Hmmm... never really thought about all this before. I usually keep from commenting if it's something I know little about, but when I saw the vehicle's lines overlaying the figure, even my (non-existent) nuts hurt.
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Post by squirmydad on Sept 7, 2013 11:14:52 GMT -9
Hmm, good points, no need for pain in non-existent nuts. The shields will be extended down. The eye-slit is going away to be replaced by a sensor pod connected to a viewscreen on the other side so a soldier could crouch behind the shield and get data on whats happening downrange without being exposed. The wheels and struts shown are the 2D options, I'm building 3d struts and wheels to accompany these as an additional option. The 2d versions are very fast builds, the 3d will take a bit longer for someone to construct. i just like providing options. Thanks for the feedback and the naming options.
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Post by Vermin King on Sept 9, 2013 9:48:19 GMT -9
The tracked variant would not be susceptible to spindly leg syndrome. On it, make sure there is a shielding texture going down almost to where the tracks curve under.
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Post by dungeonmistress on Apr 8, 2014 10:44:00 GMT -9
Even though I run a high fantasy, medieval game, I love to play Halo on my Xbox. So, I can see the utility of your "Gun Dogs". Great idea! I Agree with WackyAnne's shield observations and I like your answer to that - can't wait to how that translates into paper. I think mahotsukai's names are right on! I like the tracked version best, but have you thought of a dual track system (separate front and rear tracks) to make it even more all-terrain?
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Post by squirmydad on Mar 2, 2019 12:22:22 GMT -9
Six years later...another thing that bubbled to the surface of my brain during my hospital stay was this old project, and some solutions to finish it. This version stands too tall, and I think I'd like the legs to protrude at an angle instead of straight in-line. The 2D legs were too spindly and the hull needed a beefier, more mecha look to it. This is the "Mastiff" hull so it will be kitted out with weapons to provide support. The "Collie" version will get a longer, boxier, chassis with the shields option so it can be used as a portable field hospital. Not sure what the "Bloodhound" Recon version will look like, probably slimmer with more sensor and light armament options.
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Post by squirmydad on Mar 2, 2019 12:25:14 GMT -9
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Post by squirmydad on Mar 3, 2019 16:49:48 GMT -9
Reworked the legs and designed the recon and medical versions (left and right). The recon version will get lots of antennae and some light weapon mounts and smoke launchers. The medical version will get some arms. And the Mastiff (center) will get some weapon loadouts. Time to test build them all.
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Post by squirmydad on Mar 5, 2019 13:15:29 GMT -9
I'm a big fan of test-builds as they always show me lots of little details that I overlook until the model is in my hands. Medical. Recon. Mastiff. Components I like the legs better, the weapons will all be swap-able with additional cover plates to hide the attachment points if you don't want a weapon in that slot, the medical version needs some arms to work on it's patients, and the recon version needs some different antennae and sensor pods. Coming along nicely.
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Post by Vermin King on Mar 5, 2019 14:10:15 GMT -9
Coming along nicely, sir. I've always liked swappable parts
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Post by uptrainfan89 on Mar 5, 2019 18:04:02 GMT -9
Very nice, I'm really loving the spider leg look, also swappable options is a big plus! I definitely want these for the D20 Future campaign I'm working on!
What color options you thinking of doing? Also will there be cut files by chance?
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Post by squirmydad on Mar 6, 2019 11:01:47 GMT -9
Very nice, I'm really loving the spider leg look, also swappable options is a big plus! I definitely want these for the D20 Future campaign I'm working on! What color options you thinking of doing? Also will there be cut files by chance? Yes to cutting files, the color schemes will be very similar to what I used on the Urutu APC -
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Post by uptrainfan89 on Mar 6, 2019 13:25:24 GMT -9
Awesome!!! I'm definitely excited for these guys!!!
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Post by Vermin King on Mar 26, 2024 9:31:30 GMT -9
squirmydad, sorry for the thread necromancy, but with my current interest in drones, I was wondering if these might be 'not dead'
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Post by squirmydad on Mar 27, 2024 8:21:29 GMT -9
squirmydad, sorry for the thread necromancy, but with my current interest in drones, I was wondering if these might be 'not dead' Not dead, just in the same limbo as everything else. I'll see if I can dig out the files and see where I was.
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Post by ignatious on Apr 5, 2024 10:21:02 GMT -9
These look really cool. I don't know if I had seen this before.
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