Thunder Machine WIP

[GI Guppy]

Here's the beginning of my Thunder Machine MK2. I'm using a diecast Mustang as the base. I've already taken it apart and dremeled the seats down so 25th figures will fit.

I've got some gatlings and was planning on using old model pieces for rollbars and the bumper assembly.

Soon, the bad smell if Nic Cage will be replaced with the smell of grape soda sticking to the flooring.

Any suggestions are welcome...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v367/guppyman/IMAG00945.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v367/guppyman/IMAG0946.jpg

[darthZartan]

Sweet. Torch is like "What the ef is this?"

[sgt.bludhound]

can't wait to see the finished product!!!

[xhairs]

man i cant wait to see how this turns out.

[G.I.Eddie]

maybe a/some side mounted steps w/ mounted guns for the figs that won't fit inside...definately some form of big hairy engine pooking thru the hood is a must!

[GI Guppy]

maybe a/some side mounted steps w/ mounted guns for the figs that won't fit inside...definately some form of big hairy engine pooking thru the hood is a must!

That big engine will be poking through the back and not the hood. The original had a jet engine in the rear and a giant gun in the front. I'm thinking of making the engine it came with apart of the gun and finding a large engine to put in the rear.

[RolandofGilead]

In honor of the 25th Anniversary, I'd do everything I could to make it as near to the original toy design as possible. Only better.

[TTT]

Great idea !
Anything chrome & all glass has gotta go !

[GI Guppy]

In honor of the 25th Anniversary, I'd do everything I could to make it as near to the original toy design as possible. Only better.

I actually saw a 1984 camero patrol cruiser that would have been perfect but it's through a wholesale dealer I'm not familiar with.

I've been a huge Bullit fan since I was a kid but have always liked the Shelby Mustang more because it just looked meaner. I'm going to stay true to the original as much as possible, but I'm taking some artistic license with some of it.

[GI Flow]

Nice choice mate! I can't wait to see the final result (and duplicate it... just kidding) Do you have any pics of 25th joes sitting in the car? I love 1:18 cars and want to modify them to accommodate joes.

[havok15]

this is gonna be awesome i can tell.. cant wait for the finished product...

[GI Guppy]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v367/guppyman/IMAG00746.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v367/guppyman/IMAG00748.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v367/guppyman/IMAG00745.jpg

Update time.

I found a perfect engine to go in the rear. It's actually a resin christmas ornament but it's the perfect size.

I took out most of the windshield and will paint the rest to be extra shielding.

The face shield can be moved up or down depending on if this monstrosity is in battle or not.

I'm thinking of moving the passenger seat a little back and setting up a small rotating stand for a gun post. it will be about fold inward, and the door will be replaced with an armored flap that can be hinged and folded backwards. I was going to make it so it has a removable gun that can be changed to a TOW, machinegun, flamethrower, or grenade launcher.. Most of these weapons will not be able to be stored on the vehicle, because the rear engine will take up the space. Any suggestions for this turret are welcome.

I need for some of you to let me know if you know where I can find.

A 1/18 R/C off road bumper assembly. The ones I've seen are for much larger vehicles.

and

Fake flood lights.

[Dick Blinken]

Please shed some light on those pictures...LITERALLY!

I suspect the thing looks AMAZING but can't see it.

[minstrelboy]

yeah - i can sort of make it out, but was your flash turned off? brilliant idea though. i may start looking for a 1:18 scale vehicle of my own - i think i'll use a truck, something a little bulkier than a Mustang. I loved your first pics. Zartan, just hangin out...

[GI Guppy]

My digital's a little old and doesn't focus well when the light source changes. It also needs a lot of light. It's the reason i don't take photos with a flash and it's the reason I use a lot lights when I do take photos. These were taken at my studio where my lighting is fixed on the ceiling. The photos look okay to me but it's probably just my monitor.

[minstrelboy]

actually, i'm on a computer at school now, and i can see it better. nice. does anybody know what the original thunder machine was based off? like an el camino or an old jeep wagoneer.

[GI Guppy]

It had a firebird/camaro front clip and then I think it was kind of a truck after for the rest, with a jet engine taking up the bed. I know it has to be a MadMax inspired vehicle. All the Dreadnoks were Aussies and Thrasher looked like he was straight out of Beyond Thunderdome.....

Thunderdome....Thundermachine.

[Golobulous]

that is going to be one awesome vehicle. I hope hasbro makes one seeing as how it is on the smaller scale, I think it would work at retail

[AirborneRigger]

It had a firebird/camaro front clip and then I think it was kind of a truck after for the rest, with a jet engine taking up the bed. I know it has to be a MadMax inspired vehicle. All the Dreadnoks were Aussies and Thrasher looked like he was straight out of Beyond Thunderdome.....

Thunderdome....Thundermachine.
Not all of the Dreadnoks are Australian.

Torch is Australian

Ripper is Tasmanian

Buzzer and Monkeywrench are English

Zanzibar is from the Cayman Islands

Road Pig and Burnout are American

Zartan, Zarana, Zandar, Thrasher, and Gnawgahyde have unlisted/unconfirmed nationalities.

[BigErn]

What I can see looks bad-ass.