Retaliation HISS upgrades Part 2

[Fesifisky]

Ended up opening another Retaliation HISS to mess with. One of the other things about it that bothered me so to say was the single barrel cannon.

Only a few tedious paint touchups needed on the other HISS to call it 100% done, figure I'll get to that when bored and have enough time to kill.

After staring at a Crimson Hiss from the Ultimate Battle Pack for awhile, I decided to attempt to rectify the singular-barrellness while I was feeling inspired. Thought it'd be better to put this in a separate thread. Below are some in-progress pics. Last 2 show the body of my first Retaliation HISS with the in-progress turret to see how it goes together.

Note: further progress pics can be seen throughout the thread


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-14184207.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-14184250.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-14184152.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-16153312.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-16155837.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-16155731.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-16155715.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-16155659.jpg

[nighthawk]

Can't wait to see finished product.

[Mr Hebime]

Looking forward to seeing this finished as well. You guys always have great ideas for customs.

[nightfall]

Damn!!! That is coming along beautifully. Cam't wait to see the final product. Yo Joe!!

[Fesifisky]

Can't wait to see finished product.

Looking forward to seeing this finished as well. You guys always have great ideas for customs.

Damn!!! That is coming along beautifully. Cam't wait to see the final product. Yo Joe!!


Thanks guys!! I'm quite anxious to see how this turns out as well. Willingly admit this will likely take longer than my first mods(especially if I add LEDs to this one), but I'm pretty psyched by how it's coming out so far.

[freakintiger]

Very nice!

[Fesifisky]

Very nice!

Coming from you sir....I am honored.

[Fesifisky]

Might not look like much, but this was a lot of work to get to just this point. Luckily I saved the top screw receptacles I had cut out and trimmed and mounted them to the cannons base. If I did this correctly, the cannons base will be secured to the top of the turret and then the screws will hold the front of the turret just as they did originally.

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-18000300.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-18000326.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-18000355.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-18000515.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-18000536.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-16154653.jpg

[luigi]

love how the bat is just crawling out of that drawer it would have been funnier if it was a zombie viper

anyways cool custom

[CobraOfficer999]

Looks like it'll be a doozy.

[Fesifisky]

love how the bat is just crawling out of that drawer it would have been funnier if it was a zombie viper

anyways cool custom

Thanks! I've had him there for awhile as inspiration for a custom scratch built B.A.T. I've been working on and off on for the last couple years(have lots of in-progress pics and now that I have a photobucket account, may finally post some for criticizing). After I read your comment, I actually threw a ZV next to him. I'll make sure to show him in a future pic....hoping tomorrow for an update to this thread anyway.

Looks like it'll be a doozy.

Y'know...when I first read this comment, I wasn't thinking as much. Well, after the last few days of work on this? Yeah, it's turning into that. I haven't even thought about lights nor even touched the body of the tank yet. Really didn't think it'd be this much work to get 2 cannons on the front of this turret. Really hoping it looks presentable when done though.

[Fesifisky]

Rough progress on getting the cannons' base to mesh into the front of the turret. Still lots of work left, which I imagine will end with a fair amount of green stuff and then sanding, sanding, sanding.

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-21152524.jpg

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-21152431.jpg

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-21141642.jpg


Also am trying a windshield of sorts for the turret pilot; however, upon making a frame(which mounts on the awkwardly placed footpegs), realized it'd have to be comically too high unless the pilot had nothing below the knees.... for a moment, I was tempted to do an amputee pilot to keep it easy, but then decided to just make room for the legs.


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-21141542.jpg





http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-21141426.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-21141402.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/2012-06-21141329.jpg

[Fesifisky]

As with my Snow Cat, progress is there, but can't really be captured by a camera. Mainly more work on meshing the styrene into the front of the turret and a bunch of trial and error on hiding as much of the barrell hinge as possible while keeping the maximum amount of movement.

[ucsf]

The double barrel turret resembles more of the classic design, which is iconic. Really cool custom.

[Fesifisky]

The double barrel turret resembles more of the classic design, which is iconic. Really cool custom.

Thanks! That's exactly why I'm doing it. I had one sitting above my TV and kept staring at it and finally decided to open another Retaliation Hiss and start doing this.

[Fesifisky]

Slow progress since I started another Hiss as a commission and being inspired on my Snow Cat. Basically been trying to figure out the best way to box in the barrel hinges to hide as much of them as possible while retaining the movement I want.

Got most of the painting of the barrels done, though I think I didn't wait long enough between the last coat of black and applying the clear coat, as after drying I noticed some whiteish haze on the black barrels. Guess I'll have to sand, repaint and re clear but with more time in between.

Also added Green Stuff to start better meshing the barrel base into the front of the turret.


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_019.jpg

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_020.jpg


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissBarrel_006.jpg

[jimsloth]

looks amazing! BTW i noticed you put the good hiss treds on there. Was it hard, or did it snap in without much work? I don't own the movie tank yet.

[Fesifisky]

looks amazing! BTW i noticed you put the good hiss treds on there. Was it hard, or did it snap in without much work? I don't own the movie tank yet.

Wasn't as hard as I originally thought it'd be and it gets easier after the first one. If you want to see the steps, I put them in another thread : http://www.hisstank.com/forum/g-i-joe-customs-finished-projects/245532-retaliation-hiss-upgrades-part-1-a.html

[Fesifisky]

Finally was able to get a lil more work done on this, been neglecting it too long. Neatened up where the legs come out, started a new windshield, mocked up lights and got a lil more work done meshing the cannon mount to the turret body:


http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_022.jpg

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_023.jpg

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_024.jpg

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_025.jpg


More pics of the 2nd windshield for the turret.

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield005.jpg

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield006.jpg


First attempt at windshield can be seen in front of the turret:

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_021.jpg

[Fesifisky]

Getting further along on this blast shield:

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield007.jpg

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield008.jpg

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield009.jpg

[nighthawk]

Looking good!

[Fesifisky]

Thank you sir!

Canopy is done, just working on finding legs that will work for you btw.

[nighthawk]

Thanks!

[Fesifisky]

Here is last night's and this morning's work:

First up is is my blast shield, or whatever it'd actually be called. For me, the easier route was doing the boxy design first to ensure squared-ness so that I can install clear plastic later.

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield010.jpg

Then, finally got the angle pieces in that I've been wanting so that I can cut the back 'bar', which will allow the figure to be put in without removing the piece. Still deciding if it'll be permanently mounted or not.

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield011.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield012.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield013.jpg



And last update for now. Wasn't too happy with how my spot lights were looking, rather goofy in my opinion. Was going to just use styrene to box them in, but out of the corner of my eye, saw a vent from a World Peace Keepers FAV that I cannibalized for my 30th Snowcat/Wolf Hound. Found the remains of the vehicle and grabbed the back portion the vents go to. Definitely liking it better so far:

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_026.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_027.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_028.jpg


And I couldn't just let all that empty space inside go to waste, so what did I do? Another led! I'll clean it up inside and maybe add some lil details in case I decide to keep the vents removeable.

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_029.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_030.jpg
http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2_031.jpg




I popped this turret on my completed Hiss and threw on the guns and it's not as bulky as I feared. Forgot to get a pic, I'll throw one or two up later.

[nighthawk]

Wow! Truly amazing again. I can't wait to see it finished.

[Fesifisky]

Thanks again man! It'll likely be awhile though...haven't even started on the body or chassis yet!

Small update in a couple though.

[Fesifisky]

Lots and lots of sanding, filling, and lots more sanding over the last couple days and what do I have to show? 2 pics. But I'm happy with how this blast shield is turning out.

For the first time ever, I worked with clear plastic today. Managed to get the fit of the first window right on the first try. Or at least I hope so. May have to rework it when I get to the front larger window.

I left my fingerprints on it on purpose to show there's actually clear plastic there:

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield014.jpg

http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r609/fesifisky/GI%20Joe%20Retaliation%20HISS%20Tank%20Custom%202/HissTurret2Shield015.jpg

[GIMark]

What are you using for LED's? All of your work looks great! Just spent the last couple hours looking through your threads, damn man am jealous!!

[Fesifisky]

What are you using for LED's? All of your work looks great! Just spent the last couple hours looking through your threads, damn man am jealous!!

Last couple hours? Damn....Thank you kindly!! Glad people are diggin my stuff.

Virtually all my LEDs come from Radioshack, as it's the only Brick and Mortor stores nearby. For the round LEDs, I use mainly 5mm(standard size?), though for white ones, I've been grabbing them from flashlights I bought in bulk awhile ago. The leads are short, but they save a ton of money and are sometimes brighter than the 'shack ones.

Aside from round, I also use rectangle and square ones, examples below:

Rectangular High-Brightness Red LED Lamp (2-Pack) : LED Lamps | RadioShack.com (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3107894&numProdsPerPage=60)

RadioShack 4-Pin High-Brightness Power LED (Blue) : Power LEDs | RadioShack.com (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3097460&numProdsPerPage=60)


I'm working on putting together an LED tutorial for another site, if you like, once done, I can reply to your comment again with a link.