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mangozac — Superheavy Assault Walker
Published: 2013-01-25 03:30:18 +0000 UTC; Views: 1776; Favourites: 18; Downloads: 0
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Description
Epic does not even begin to describe the journey that has been this project. From such humble beginnings in early 2008, far before Resin Addict was even dreamed of, I embarked on my first scratchbuilding project. It was ambitious, for certain, but I'm the kind of person who jumps into the deep and and either sinks or swim. The sheer amount I learned along the way was just mind blowing and after two years of construction it was finally completed. The problem was that after such an epic modelling project I found myself burned out and since I didn’t play 40k any more I had no desire to actually build up one of my own!It was over a year later that I decided I was ready to build up my own SAW kit to proudly display. But it has taken me almost another two years to assemble and finish painting the damn thing! Due to the size of it just making the base was a mission in itself.
Just like with the original scratchbuild, painting has been a massive educational adventure too. This was my first time using “advanced” modelling techniques such as airbrushing, clear coats, oil paints and using pigments for anything other than rust. I screwed up a lot along the way and the finished model still isn’t perfect, but it’s good enough that for now at least I’m happy to call it done!
You can see more pictures on my blog: [link]
I designed and scratchbuilt the master model for this kit and resin copies are now available for purchase from Chapterhouse Studios: [link]
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Comments: 10
very cool, I have sculpted and cast kits myself, so I can appreciate the amount of time and skill that went into this. Awesome job!
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Thanks mate, scratchbuilding certainly is a time consuming process! I just had a look at your gallery and you've done some cool stuff too. For of my projects (including WIP work of current projects) can be seen on my blog www.resinaddict.com/blog/
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Your work really impressed me . Thanks for looking at my stuff.
I will check out your blog for sure
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It's humbling to hear that I have provided inspiration. I certainly receive a lot of inspiration from many other sources!
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I'm not sure how you created this...if it was a resin kit that you modified or you cast pieces from other models or if you fabricated every piece yourself...in any scenario this is amazing work and you should take great pride in this. Craftsmanship is a lost trait with us now-a-days. It's unfortunate that (chances are) you will not be financially successful for this amazing display of talent.
Thank you for sharing and I only wish I had the means to financially thank you for creating this.
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Thank you for the kind words! The SAW model was 100% scratchbuilt by me using styrene and epoxy putty. You can see the entire progress on the build log [link] (I don't really post in that forum any more).
Once I was finished I moulded the parts in silicone and duplicated them in resin. I sold a handful of kits to others and then licensed the design to Chapterhouse Studios ([link] ) who have also sold several. So while I have received some degree of compensation for creating this, my modelling motivation comes purely from the love of creating things.
The figures on the base are modified Games Workshop figures and equipment sculpted by me.
It's funny that you mention craftsmanship - these days it's becoming pretty standard that master models and miniatures are 3D modelled on a computer and then 3D printed. I spend a good chunk of time in my day job at a computer, so for a modelling hobby that is the last thing I want to do! I learned a massive number of skills creating this model and have used them on many more scratchbuilding projects since. It's all about having access to the right tools and materials!
Thanks again!
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Yeah it's kinda sad. So easy to render something that is flawless then simply print it out. It is a whole different level of talent to create the piece from start to finish with your own two hands.
Keep up the incredible models and know that you are a league above those who choose the easy route.
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Oh please don't get me wrong though: I have great respect for skilled 3D modellers; especially those with the know-how to create the model so that it can be printed. Limitations to printing resolution mean that it takes a lot of skill to create details that are fine enough to look right, but course enough to print well. Not to mention part fitment and tolerance. These things are all automatic when creating by hand but take a lot of experience when using a computer.
Like I said, creating models by hand is what I personally enjoy
Oh and for the sake of full disclosure, after I finished this scratchbuild I acquired a small desktop CNC router. I use this often to cut out 2D shapes in styrene sheet with far more accuracy and sharpness than I could ever hope to achieve by hand!
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I don't think you are against 3d modelers 
Anyhow, fantastic work and keep the models coming!
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No problem - I just wanted to be clear
I do agree that it is sad to see the loss of physical fabrication skills these days. It's something that's occurring in many industries and areas, including my day job of electronic engineering.
But trust me, it's not always perfect first go! Because this design was my first scratchbuild I found that as the design progressed I had to rework a lot of the earlier parts I had made. My skills had increased a lot so that there was a big difference in the quality of the earlier and later parts. Even now I'd love to overhaul the legs and pelvis design, but alas I don't have time!
Even my later projects have parts that need to be reworked, but I find that most of the time it's a scale thing. For example, I had to completely rebuild the front of a new space ship design I'm currently making because the first version was too fat! This is where 3D modellers have the edge: scaling on the computer is a very quick and simple task!
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