|
|
|
||||||||
|
Welcome to the Factory Complex. Here's where you will learn how those guys at Sci-Fi-Supply built these incredible models. in 1992, Dave and John Paul Hyde and myself began work on the first prototypes of what was to become OGRE Macrotures. The whole idea arose when Dave began building a prototype 1/35 scale model of the MK V shortly after Ral Partha released their first run of OGRE Miniatures in August of '92.
|
OGRE Macrotures Factory Complex
| The
completed model went through several design changes,
including replacing the main battery barrels (originally
composed of PVC sprinkler fittings) with new ones turned
out on a lathe. The finished model, though impressive,
was not close enough to the original to suit Dave (as
shown in the comparison photos with the MK V miniature).
In particular, the main battery turrets (made from glass
light globes) were deemed too large (and too subject to
breakage). The tower shape was also judged too thin.
Also, the articulation between the front and rear hull
made the model difficult to pick up and move. Dave and J.P. then began work on a new model using the rear deck of the existing Ogre. The forward section was completely rebuilt using plastic sheeting to add detail to the hull. The tread sections were built seperately (and were set aside until the completion of the hull). The main and secondary battery barrels were remade thicker. The entire face of the forward section, including the main battery ball turrets, were sculpted painstakingly out of modeling clay so as to more accurately match the dimensions of the miniature. When the upper hull was ready, a two part mold of latex rubber backed up by a solid ceramic "sleeve" was painted over the model. From this mold was created the first resin hull. This new hull was much stronger than the balsa/plastic prototype and was also easier to handle as the rear and front sections were now fused into one solid whole.
A total of three hulls were "pulled" from this mold. Two for actual construction into finished MK V Ogres, the remainder as a "spare" in case of breakage. The hulls have proven so tough, however, that no replacement has proven neccessary. The hulls were detailed with additional plastic plating. The treads were attached and PVC sockets for the secondary battery barrels were attached to the top of the hull. The main battery ball turrets had holes drilled in them and sockets attached from the inside. The missile caps were also inserted into holes prepared in the silos on the rear deck. The new, thicker tower was attached to the hull top via bolts. The antipersonnel batteries (composed of ping-pong ball halves and model part barrels) were glued on. The hollow interior of the hull was filled (mostly) with two-part expanding foam to increase strength. Finally the hulls were painted and sealed.
The second model of the MK V Ogre was a success with everyone comparing it to the Ral Partha model favorably. At this point Dave, J.P. and myself began work on a series of models to cover (most) of the armor in OGRE/G.E.V. Having learned valuable lessons with the MK V model, we began work on new hulls to mold. During the construction of the prototype of the Ogre, we also experimented with vacuforming the smaller vehicle hulls. This proved to lack sufficient detail. The new models were scaled precisely to the miniatures right down to the detail lines. As each model was completed, its major components were molded in RTV rubber. Once the molds were completed, two-part gel resin was "painted" into each half of the molds (up to three layers to insure a thick hull). Then a final mix was poured into the mold after sealing the two halves together with thick rubber bands. The mold was then rotated to "slosh" the final application of gel resin along the interior seam to seal the model. When the resin was set, the two halves of the mold were seperated and the finished hull piece extracted. The hulls were then detailed and painted. The models completed included: HVY, MSL, LT, GEV, HWZ and SHVY tanks.
Some Notes: The GEV's "skirt" proved troublesome to replicate, until I spotted a properly sized and shaped radiator hose at a car parts store. By cutting the hose in half we had an instant skirt for the master. The SHVYs, HWZs and CP were all scratchbuilt rather than molded like the other models. The SHVYs were built out of plastic sheeting and model parts. The HWZs were built out of PCV sprinkler parts (barrel), wood and vacuformed plastic (base), PVC piping and scribed plastic (gun carriage) and alluminum pipes (hydralic lifts). The missiles for the MSL tanks were procured from model jet craft kits. All of the models (with the exception of the SHVYs and HWZs) were filled with two-part expanding foam to increase durability.
Battlesuited infantry were easily recruited from Grenadier's line of Space Rangers. The back packs seemed strange to me, so I created new ones for the models. the triangular stands were cut from 060 styrene plastic in two layers.
The bottom layer was solid. The upper layer had three holes cut into them at each end of the triangle just big enough to accomodate the figure's bases. The two layers were glued together and velcro glued into the bottom of each hole. the figure's bases then had the opposing velcro glued on. This allowed the infantry to be stuck to and easily removed from the bases. The center of each base had a small hole drilled into it and a plastic pipe glued in. This allowed the bases to be picked up easily during play.
What's next? We would like to add a MK III Ogre to our lineup, but this currently seems unlikely because of RL getting in the way.
|
