[DMC]

I have been thinking that if I build a Cobra base to put some of these vehicles in, I would be truly remiss if I didn?t include a HISS tank. Speaking of a Cobra base, I would appreciate any suggestions or images you guys have. I always loved the cobra bases from the cartoon and comics: underwater domes, jungle temples, futuristic bunkers, etc. They were always futuristic and almost sci-fi. I?d like to capture that feel in some way if I can. My current thought is to just build an interior, like a hangar or garage section, where the vehicles are parked or maintained. Again, I?d appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

Back to the task at hand. I never owned the HISS growing up, so I had to familiarize myself with it. The vehicle actually had a quite complex shape when you break it down. Also, there is no real-world vehicle remotely close to the shape, so this has to be a from-the-ground-up scratch build.

As usual, I started with scaled photocopies of the plans included with the toy. I tried to identify the segments that have right angles and no curves to start with.



This is the base of the rear turret section, along with the platform the riders stand on. From there, I was able to attach the curved, and inward-canted side and rear pieces.



The HISS rides high on a chassis with its classic trangular-shaped caterpillar tread. The core of the chassis is fairly basic. I am going to use the bogey wheels and treads from a tank model kit to flesh this out.



Here is a rough idea of where I?ve gotten so far.

[Clockwise]

You've got your work cut out for you, and it already looks fantastic.

You've had a big influence on me over the last year. I've really gotten into customizing vehicles and a lot of that is being motivated by what you're making. Thought you should know.

[BatesDragon]

Incredible work on these and I love how the Hisstank is coming along. I also want to get into customizing vehicles again, but I lack the time and the space. You've at least solved the space side of the puzzle.

How much magnification do you use while working on these? I've recently discovered that I've been trying to paint blind, so I got some simple mag lenses that do the trick.

[DMC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clockwise

You've got your work cut out for you, and it already looks fantastic.

You've had a big influence on me over the last year. I've really gotten into customizing vehicles and a lot of that is being motivated by what you're making. Thought you should know.

Thank you. That's very kind of you to say.

[DMC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BatesDragon

Incredible work on these and I love how the Hisstank is coming along. I also want to get into customizing vehicles again, but I lack the time and the space. You've at least solved the space side of the puzzle.

How much magnification do you use while working on these? I've recently discovered that I've been trying to paint blind, so I got some simple mag lenses that do the trick.

I do use magnification. I don't wear glasses, but my eyes are also not what they used to be. I have a headband thing I like to use. I think the mag is 2X.

[DMC]

I?ve made a little more progress. Next up is detailing the track area and driver?s cockpit.