WWII Defender barrel swap

[blakbuzzrd]

I don't care for the Defender's stock Heavy Barrel. Maybe I've spent too much time playing videogames, but it's hard to take it seriously as a piece of mobile artillery. Some associations are hard to shake.



This is supposed to be one of the most powerful ranged weapons in the game, right? It should look the part.

So I picked up a 1/35 scale Sturmhaubitze 105mm 42 L/28 barrel from RB Models, a Polish outfit that specializes in turned brass and aluminum parts for historical scale models. This barrel is based on that of a WWII German mobile gun:



Work in progress:





C&C welcome.

[Undead Saboteur]

In my opinion the conversion is an awesome idea and looks good. However you should shorten the barrel a few inches (maybe 2"?) because it is a little too long in my opinion. Otherwise it looks good!

[PG_ICleadpeople]

Its a gun and a reach weapon. I like it.

[blakbuzzrd]

You know, initially I intended to shorten it. But the longer I thought about tank barrels, artillery, and the like, the more I liked the original length. It's supposed to be a big, accurate gun on legs. I ended up liking it looking a little awkward.

[Karyle]

As long as you like it is all that matters.

I think it's hella cool, and intend to do some converting to my Defender's barrel at some point as well.

[teejayv]

I think it looks awesome, but two problems, one being a question. First off, if real life physics were to play a role in this, the model would tip over from the weight of the barrel being so long. It's center of gravity would be in front of it's feet, if I'm not mistaken. Secondly, would this be legal in a game because technically, the reach is far greater now, an how would you calculate the distance? from the tip of the barrel or the base of the model?

I'm not taking away that it is an awesome mod, not at all, but those things just had to be said.

[Absath]

I think it looks awesome, but two problems, one being a question. First off, if real life physics were to play a role in this, the model would tip over from the weight of the barrel being so long. It's center of gravity would be in front of it's feet, if I'm not mistaken. Secondly, would this be legal in a game because technically, the reach is far greater now, an how would you calculate the distance? from the tip of the barrel or the base of the model?

I'm not taking away that it is an awesome mod, not at all, but those things just had to be said.

Since when do you ever measure the range of a model's weapons from anything but the model's base...? Let me know if I missed a ruling, and I'll start modding all of my Protectorate standing on their tippy toes holding their weapons as far out in front of them as possible

[teejayv]

Since when do you ever measure the range of a model's weapons from anything but the model's base...? Let me know if I missed a ruling, and I'll start modding all of my Protectorate standing on their tippy toes holding their weapons as far out in front of them as possible

sorry bout that , I really have no knowledge of the game since I just paint the models. I was questioning it rather than stating a point. Sorry if I confused anyone.

[DemonCalibre]

If you you like it don't change it.

I think the barrel is a little long for game play, as it will be constantly getting int the way, I do like the change htough.

[Death By Monkeys]

Wow, that's a helluva big gun on that Defender. I like it! When I get mine, I may have to try something like it - probably not as long, but something similar. I wonder how a Leman Russ barrel would look...

[Crystara]

For me, I like the length but agree about the physics bit. I feel like it should have something extending back to counterbalance. Maybe an extra ammo hopper attached to the rear of the gun?

[Temoinlanuit]

You might want to tilt it up a bit more, if you're not shortening it.. it looks like it'll hit the heads of small based models, which will make gameplay a bit difficult.

If you've already checked this and it's not a problem, ignore

[PG_Alviaran]

sorry bout that , I really have no knowledge of the game since I just paint the models. I was questioning it rather than stating a point. Sorry if I confused anyone.

Unlike a certain other game, all that matters here is your base actually. You cannot model for advantage in any way. Your base size determines your height even, regardless of the specific model in question.

I like it. A bit long and ridiculous but I like it. No matter what, I do really like the different barrel end. I might have to do something similar. German Howitzers always did look awesome with the flash suppressors and such. Hm. They make slightly smaller scales too. I wonder how big the 1:48 really are...

EDIT: Uh...nevermind that last bit. 98 USD shipping to the US. Yikes! I'll have to figure something else out.

[Mod_Plarzoid]

I love this. I feel it's just a tad long (how does it support that much weight, let alone the recoil), but it's bloody brilliant. Bravo!

[PG_Devilsquid]

C&C welcome.

"Is that a howitzer in your pocket, or are you happy to see me?"


Sweet conversion. As a military man, I approve!

[Kuwanger23]

I say don't shorten it. First of all I play a death jack and there is no way to get into base with that big guy yet he is very playable. Also I love the conversion. Great idea, and really funny OP with Mario. Of course the physics of it might be off but then again think of so many other things in the game that share the same problem. Plus they are Cygnar, with their tech I am sure they came up with a way to lessen the recoil enough to allow the defender to holster such a weapon of great magnitude. See I just came up with a fluff reason why he can have such a huge cannon. Great conversion!

[blakbuzzrd]

I wonder how big the 1:48 really are...

EDIT: Uh...nevermind that last bit. 98 USD shipping to the US. Yikes! I'll have to figure something else out.

Actually, I measured the diameter of the shell casing in the exposed clip. It's about 3mm (obviously, this is the pewter model -- dunno about the plastic version). At scale, that's 105mm. So it's at least close from an ammo size perspective.

On the cost, eBay is your friend. I snagged mine on an auction for under $10 US delivered. Granted, I waited for nearly three weeks for a slow delivery boat from China, but it arrived safe and sound.

Given the feedback, I'm taking another look at that barrel length. I suppose now is the time to make adjustments, if I'm going to do it.

[dangerparty]

Put a bipod on the end of it! And change the stance of the model if you can, this is what Triumph should look like!

[Tekanan]

I will never look at the Defender's heavy barrel the same again .

I also concur that the Heavy Barrel you made should be shortened by a few more inches. Maybe make it 1" - 1.5" longer than the standard Heavy Barrel length.

[the solitaire]

Great conversion. Personally I would shorten the barrel, but no more then 3-5mm, or place the arms pivot point 3mm more forward.
The again, that´s a matter of personal taste.

Good solid craftmanship there

[The Guy]

Keep the length, add a bipod!

Overkill, ftw.

EDIT: Fail!

Put a bipod on the end of it! And change the stance of the model if you can, this is what Triumph should look like!

Def did not read that post.

[PG_sanj]

The pic of your defender from the front looks just right.
It looks awesome.
I vote for keeping it as it is.


Also, a defender weights around 6 tons, I don't think that barrel would tip it off balance anyway!

[arides]

+1 for bipod. I for myself would remove the ammocardridge and put somekind of autoloading mechanism at the back of the gun to get a counterweight for the long barrel. But seeing this conversion reminds me of the geman translation for the Defenders gun "Dickes Rohr" which can be mistaken as a metaphor for "big *add-random-name-for-male-reproduction-organ-here*...

[Azuresun]

And now I can't unsee it.

Nice conversion, though it might look a bit more balanced if the magazine part of the gun was behind the wrist?

[Grizwald]

So I picked up a 1/35 scale Sturmhaubitze 105mm 42 L/28 barrel from RB Models, a Polish outfit that specializes in turned brass and aluminum parts for historical scale models. This barrel is based on that of a WWII German mobile gun:

That's a pretty cool site. If that place were in the States I could see spending a lot of cash there.

[Sacredsouless]

you know what, now i want to stick an 88 on something. lol, i love the convert.

[ButcherOfKhardov]

"This is my Boom stick" seems applicable here haha.

I think the historical look does make the 'jack look better.

BoK

[Yurimow]

So I picked up a 1/35 scale Sturmhaubitze 105mm...

maybe that's the reason why it looks out of scale. 35mm minis are somewhat close to 1:48. Additonally... where does it say a defender shoots 105mm?

On the other hand... it's your mini, you have to like it. Now i have to find something similar in 1:48 for my decimator.

[scud]

The length is ok but you need something on the other side to counter balance it. Otherwise I think you should shorten it.

[amazonwarlord]

Know what? I like it! Know what else, sound like you like it too. I'd say not to worry too overly much as to whether or not it can or can not be base on the laws of physics. It's overkill in a game where extreme is king! So go for it. If you want to make it more possible I'm sure throwing some counterweight in back or a biped on it would be none too hard to do but don't shorten this monstrosity.

Oh, and all this talk about shortening that by "inches" is a bit too much. A big base is 2 inches. If you were to shorten that barrel by 2" or a "few" inches it would be a little nub on the original part looking small and silly or disappear altogether. The units here, if we are talking about 2 or a few should be mm, really.

[EpicAstinos]

Really, I think you don't need to shorten it at all. If you just alter his pose so he's aiming it with a widened, bracing with one foot back, he'll look fine. The only thing that bothers me is that you'll have to cover up that beautiful shiny brass.


Sorry for the terrible example, but I see this being more dynamic and making better use of the length on that barrel. Then again, I don't have the model so I don't know how easily reposed he is. Cheers!

[PG_Agamemnon]

So I was thinking about this all night last night... because well the new barrell does look amazing. Why not reposition the the entire length back so that the middle of the barrel is at the connection joint. Kind of like an underslung RPG/bazooka...or any other over the shoulder projectile dellvery system.

[PG_Alviaran]

Actually, I measured the diameter of the shell casing in the exposed clip. It's about 3mm (obviously, this is the pewter model -- dunno about the plastic version). At scale, that's 105mm. So it's at least close from an ammo size perspective.

On the cost, eBay is your friend. I snagged mine on an auction for under $10 US delivered. Granted, I waited for nearly three weeks for a slow delivery boat from China, but it arrived safe and sound.

Given the feedback, I'm taking another look at that barrel length. I suppose now is the time to make adjustments, if I'm going to do it.

Well, thank you very much! Found the one I really like (the late Tiger I) on eBay in no time. I will keep this in mind!

Though I must admit, I'm a little disappointed that they have versions of the MG34 but not the 42. I don't know exactly what I would use that for right now, but I want to put an MG42 on something.

[Cleveland]

that's an impressive conversion. I'm kind of on the fence regarding the length of the barrel, but if that is how you envision the gun to be (using the example of extended barrels on tanks is a good basis), then who am I to say that it is wrong.

[Yurimow]

So I was thinking about this all night last night... because well the new barrell does look amazing. Why not reposition the the entire length back so that the middle of the barrel is at the connection joint. Kind of like an underslung RPG/bazooka...or any other over the shoulder projectile dellvery system.

maybe in the middle of the barrel would be a bit too much, but repositioning the cannon back a little, imho it would look less out of scale

[blakbuzzrd]

Sorry for the terrible example, but I see this being more dynamic and making better use of the length on that barrel. Then again, I don't have the model so I don't know how easily reposed he is. Cheers!

Hmm. I do have some Nomad legs set aside for a Stormclad conversion...

+1 for the Heavy Arms pic. I know Gundam Wing is widely considered a girls' show, but I still love the mech designs. Especially the Tallgeese and Epyon.

[EpicAstinos]

Hmm. I do have some Nomad legs set aside for a Stormclad conversion...

+1 for the Heavy Arms pic. I know Gundam Wing is widely considered a girls' show, but I still love the mech designs. Especially the Tallgeese and Epyon.

Deathscythe is what caught my attention, back in the day. I searched Gundam because I figured they were the franchise most likely to have the necessary elements for a decent comparison shot.

I may just have to buy a barrel for a more streamlined Cannoneer conversion. Now wouldn't that be intimidating...

[blakbuzzrd]

I may just have to buy a barrel for a more streamlined Cannoneer conversion. Now wouldn't that be intimidating...

And thus the arms race begins.

[Zero_Dragon]

Damn you all!!!

Must find some Tank Barrels for my Defenders now...

^_^

Nice mod... though I agree that there are some scale issues...

[The Guy]

And thus the arms race begins.

Pun intended?