Hi all. I’m looking forward to picking up a Hotlink when the Siege Netflix line is eventually released here in June. Normally, I don’t indulge in multiples of the same mould, but Hotlink looks too good to pass up. Anyway, He’s going to need a flamethrower, as nice as the included battlemasters are, but I haven’t really decided on what I want. Because of this, it’s going to take me a bit longer to sort my thoughts out and I’m up for a bit of prototyping/trial and error. Any thoughts and comments are welcome though. The only MTMTE reference was an abstraction of the standard seeker/null ray weapon design, but it was certainly a two handed affair. My first design (not pictured) was essentially the same as v2, but a bit longer. A bit longer than is needed, I think. The V2 design does away with any need for a hose and backpack, too unwieldy for a design already with a substantial backpack. I think a subconscious half-hearted influence would have been the gun from the Aliens arcade game, circa 1990. I wanted multiple handling options for different poses and directions and included some angled pegs for better balance. The tanks are printed separately, but slot into place and can be glued for extra security. This version was very stable, but I wasn’t convinced the proportions were best. While I liked the functioning top carry-handle, I didn't think it was that great for action poses. V3 was a more compact mode, with angled tanks. It was a better fit for one-handed use. But the practicality of one-handedness using a flame effect was limited. Using the forward handle broke the connection when posing, due to structural weakness. The angled gas tanks also created structural problems and required reinforcement. It was also determined that another stabilising handle to the side was an ideal placement. V3.5 has addressed each of these concerns, but I’m still considering making the ventilation holes smaller and more numerous for aesthetic reasons. I only really have time on the weekends to pursue this, so it may take a while until I am happy with the design, but I thought I'd bring some of you along for the ride if you're interested.
A) this is amazing and I want one for my Hotlink. B) Where did those specific flame effects come from?
Cheers! have one back. A. Thanks, me too. When I get one. I'll look into making the finished product available. B. I made them too. Specifically for the flamethrower, but they'll fit any 5mm port, (too heavy for 3mm posts though). I should probably look into a 90 degree adapter, though. Much appreciated, Shifty. ____________________________________ A small update with some revised detail. Consider it 3.6.
Sooo... Flaming doughnuts. Are they fun, dumb, dumbfun or a waste of plastic? I guess you can use them for this? I decided to try the gunmetal spray and it doesn't seem that bad I'm still trying to get a good idea for the colour scheme. But I may have to wait until I have a Hotlink in hand before deciding. I have another revision currently printing and I think I'm getting pretty close to done.
Cool. It was always the most awkward part of the scene, but one worth referencing in some way. Nope. All PLA, as before. In fact, I've been too lazy to change the reel between effects and gun. I've just been priming in gray for painting. Painted copies via post would probably be too pricey. It depends if there is demand of course, but I imagine most would prefer .stls. I've had a couple of test paints anyway. This is the latest print. Though I'm making a right-hander also. I figured we're all sick of Starscream doing the modelling. The prior version in an alternate colour scheme. Still working out the distressed look. It's even pretty sweet in black.
