Skimmer aircar/airspeeder model

[DagobahDave]

My current project is my first scifi vehicle. My aim is to make this an easy-to-build model, both for my own sanity and to convince skeptics to give paper model vehicles a try. I also happen to like the shape. Very Star Wars.

The scale is 28mm/30mm for tabletop wargames and RPGs. 1"=5 feet. Overall size of this model is about 7" x 7" and it stands 2.25" tall. If you were nuts, you could shrink this to 15mm scale, but I wouldn't recommend using the standard gun pods because the barrels will be too small. The heavy cannon should work okay at that scale, though.

This was my initial concept:



And then after a little more work, showing optional components and exploring some color schemes and roles:



With final additions of a power station, diagnostic computer and crew ladder.



I'm texturing this thing now, which is where I hope to add a lot of depth through panelization and weathering. The final kit will include PDFs with multiple graphics layers, so there'll be a couple of different styles for most components, plus lots of optional overlays (paint patterns, damage, unit markings) to tailor each model.

[DagobahDave]

A little bit of texture work.

[Uyraell]

It is visually attractive, and I like it a lot.
The style is appropriately Sci-Fi, and would not look out of place in environments as diverse as Starwars, Blade Runner, BSG, or almost any other modern Sci-Fi universe.

Your choices of colours and various model enhancements are very well conceptualised.
Over all, though a departure from your usual subjects, this is indeed a fine example of a model in what is for you a new genre. I Congratulate you.
I also look warmly forward to building this vehicle family in due time.

Kind and Respectful Regards DagobahDave, Uyraell.

[DagobahDave]

Thanks! I won't let it go to my head.

Here's a peek at the "hot rod" styling for the cowlings. All of the panels have been removed to save weight. There's almost no weathering on this, nor final shading.

[Uyraell]

A very neatly depicted "stripdown" such as would be seen in such a context.
I'd imagine that in those future years, older models would undergo "hotrodding" much as in the 1950's and 1960's cars of the 30's and 40's were rebuilt by young enthusiasts seeking speed or differentiation from the mass-produced original vehicles.

I certain like your style of models in general, and this Sci-Fi concept (and it's future companions, I have no doubt) shows your usual high talent as a designer.

Kind and Respectful Regards DagobahDave, Uyraell.

[Pat_craft]

I like your model, simple but efficient. Nice work with the textures too.

[Vermin_King]

Dave's texturing has been excellent in all of his projects I've seen. For many of his models, he is making the psd files available, which is a huge boon to those who want to customize the builds.

[jagolden01]

Very nice, Dave! Like the design. Love the "Commuter" with the gun pod. Sometimes wish my car had them.
Texturing looks really good.

[DagobahDave]

And another component has a base skin. This is the "stripped" version of the thruster nozzle, showing some of my design notes and the start of some metal-weathering effects.

[Wyvern]

Another Graffam Goodie!

Wyvern