In my last Monthly Musings post I made a cryptic reference to a new project I was starting involving Team Vampifan. Well, wonder no more what it is. I recently purchased this stunning 28mm scale model from Demo's Laser Cut Designs of a Hippo Armoured Personnel Carrier. Here it is in all its glory in a couple of photos taken from the Demo's website.
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It is an absolute monster!
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The roof comes off and there is loads of space inside for figures. The one and only thing I don't like about it is the machine gun at the front. It is rather naff and I know I'm not the only one to criticise it.
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This is the first MDF model I have ever made and I was so impressed with it I know it won't be the last. The level of detail on it is staggering. All the wheels turn, the back ramp opens and shuts and the machine gun moves up and down. Speaking of which, note that I have replaced the wooden gun with a metal Minigun from my spare parts collection and I'm sure you'll agree it is a vast improvement.
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So, just how big is it? It is 8.5" long (21.5cm) by 3.25" (8cm) wide by 3" (7.5cm) tall.
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There is a LOT of space in the back for placing figures. You could fit 15 figures on 25mm diameter bases in there! The instructions were clear and precise, although there were two omissions. First, the rear interior wheel covers had been omitted from the instructions. That was no big deal, as it was obvious where they went. Secondly, there was no mention of the front headlight arrays but by referring to the website photos I could see where they were meant to go.
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Here you can see the headlight arrays in place. You have the option of buying the model with a large front shield wall or, as I chose, a front knee-breaker ram plate. As these are just work in progress photos I have not glued the front cab window and roof in place. I am unsure as to whether to add interior detail to the cab (seats and control panel) or just leave it bare and paint it black. Hmm, decisions, decisions. Any thoughts?
I'm thinking of painting the model a mid grey colour as in the two photos from the Demo's website.
The connection with Team Vampifan is this - I want the group to find and acquire this battle-wagon. Obviously, it won't be easy to come by. I'm thinking of having it parked in the garage of the Prosperity Corporation, the bad guys from the ATZ-FFO scenario, High Rise To Hell. This would be a worthy prize if they successfully completed that mission. I even know what Vampifan will call it - the Vampivan. Come on, what else could I call it?
The price of this fine model is a very reasonable $13.00. I must admit that this has been a real eye opener for me as to the viability of MDF models. I'll post more photos as soon as I finish painting it. I was so excited by this model that I wanted to show you it as soon as possible. I've never shown any work in progress photos before but in this case, I felt that they were warranted.
I'm thinking of painting the model a mid grey colour as in the two photos from the Demo's website.
The connection with Team Vampifan is this - I want the group to find and acquire this battle-wagon. Obviously, it won't be easy to come by. I'm thinking of having it parked in the garage of the Prosperity Corporation, the bad guys from the ATZ-FFO scenario, High Rise To Hell. This would be a worthy prize if they successfully completed that mission. I even know what Vampifan will call it - the Vampivan. Come on, what else could I call it?
The price of this fine model is a very reasonable $13.00. I must admit that this has been a real eye opener for me as to the viability of MDF models. I'll post more photos as soon as I finish painting it. I was so excited by this model that I wanted to show you it as soon as possible. I've never shown any work in progress photos before but in this case, I felt that they were warranted.