NuckElBerg Posted June 7, 2015 Posted June 7, 2015 (edited) (For some reason (I probably used to many small transparent slopes), the rendering took longer than the 5h I had anticipated (last week it took like 30 min with a model almost twice the size), despite using LDD to POV-Ray's lowest quality settings, so I'll only include one render this week, sorry! I added a lot of unrendered images under the Spoiler button at least! ) [K - B08] Field testing the QATC-76 "Turtle" Armored Troop Carrier on Greater Direstan So, I initially had something much smaller planned, but as usual, things spiralled out of control. The model is 1327 pieces, of which the ATC is approximately 900. The nickname comes from the design phase (basically me thinking "I want this vehicle to look like a turtle", and then making it look like a turtle). --//Transmission Begin. Date: 0706(38)15. Scramble code: afHFbfakUIHk723Af72bfbanNn.//-- Operative Q, begin log. Usually, I'm in charge of Kawashita's structural engineering operations, but due to the high frequency of pirate activities during the last weeks and our fleet drawing closer to the operations of M.A.N.T.I.S, HQ requested that my extensive background in military development was going to be put to use. In short, they wanted me to design a transport vehicle with high defensive capabilities, and I must say, I'm pretty proud of the result. The QATC-76 "Turtle" Armored Troop Carrier (also known as the QAPC-76 "Turtle" Armored Personnel Carrier) is a heavy personnel transport vehicle, using a diamagnetic levitation (DIMAGLEV)/jet hybrid in order to achieve propulsion. This ensures high mobility and limited flight capability while still being fairly energy efficient, and, most importantly, high defensive capabilities. The thing about DIMAGLEV is that it (simplified) works with the "engines" rotating, creating a strong enough directed magnetic field so that it repels the ground, thus making the ATC hover. These directed magnetic fields can also be supercharged in order to make jumps, and used in combination with the jet-propellers (which are usually used to achieve the rotation for the DIMAGLEV engines) to extend suspension, aka achieving "flight". Furthermore, the DIMAGLEV engines can be used for defensive purposes, for example by inversing them in order to create a magnetic shield which protects the QATC-76 from incoming ballistics. This, in combination with the QATC-76's ultra-hardened Awsomnium-Alloy shell which can withstand degrees up to 4750K, thus negating the effects of all but the most powerful lasers, makes the QATC-76 almost impenetrable. In regards to the field tests, the QATC-76 performed admirably. We managed to achieve speeds upwards 300km/h and jumping over 400m canyons with ease. Defensively, it managed to withstand everything we threw at it, and thanks to its mobility, it was even able to dodge both ballistics and lasers. The mounted DETF-86 rotating laser cannon worked as expected and will be standard issue with the QATC-76 (however, there will be customization options). All in all, I feel we are well prepare for what is ahead. Col. QL, out. --//Transmission End. Signature: Col. QL. Scramble code: afHFbfakUIHk723Af72bfbanNn.//-- Non-rendered images and more comments under the Spoiler button! Finished model in LDD. The QATC-76 takes 6 sitting minifigs and a pilot, plus a fairly large amount of additional cargo and/or standing minifigs. The DIMAGLEV engines from underneath. The DETF-86 in all its glory. It twists, it turns and it swivels. The scene from above. Edited June 8, 2015 by NuckElBerg Quote
mccoyed Posted June 7, 2015 Posted June 7, 2015 That is another super impressive digital build. I love the design of the vehicle. Looks like a monster truck on hover-pads. Quote
NuckElBerg Posted June 8, 2015 Author Posted June 8, 2015 Thank you John and Evan! I added the finished rendering now, turned out quite okay I think. In response to the engines... I love them as well. 0:) A lot of the time doing the build was spent on getting them to look like I wanted, but I'm very happy with the finished result. (I actually had a much smaller vehicle in mind when I started (like a 1-char craft for my sigfig, using the same kind of propulsion design), with him driving it away from a base he had built (microscale base with a forced perspective), but I just couldn't get them to look right on such a small scale, so I made them (and the vehicle) (a lot) bigger. ) Quote
Commander Turtle Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 Very nice work once again I do like the engines, but most of all I like the name! Quote
Niloc Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 Nice build, big and intimidating! Your patience is also very impressive Your DIMAGLEV technology is very interesting, too. I hope it will be further developed by KG... Quote
NuckElBerg Posted June 8, 2015 Author Posted June 8, 2015 @Turtle: Haha, I had a feeling you would like it. @Niloc: Thanks! Regarding the DIMAGLEV technology, I generally try to come up with scientific explanations for all my builds, so if it fits with my future ideas/plans, then I'll use it! However, it is a somewhat restricting technology (compared to regular jet propulsion), as it cannot really be used for prolonged suspension/flight. In this case however, the pros outweighed the cons thanks to the excellent defensive capabilities (I probably think about these things too much ). DIMAGLEV shields could be a possibility in future ships though... Quote
shmails Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 Wow, very nice build! I can almost hear this monster rumbling through the forest shaking the ground as it goes. Quote
Big Sal Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 Wow! I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that weaponry! I love how you've done the engines - great use of parts! Quote
pombe Posted June 9, 2015 Posted June 9, 2015 Wow. What an insane and mean looking vehicle! I love the engines and the shape of the main cabin! Well done! Quote
Garmadon Posted June 9, 2015 Posted June 9, 2015 Stupendous build, the colors and size of this thing are great and I'm really liking the hover wheels as well! Quote
NuckElBerg Posted June 9, 2015 Author Posted June 9, 2015 Thank you everyone! @pombe: Haha, maybe! I guess I have a thing for industrial looking structures/things/trucks in Lego (the 5571 Giant Truck/Black Cat will always be my sweetheart )! Quote
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