Loud Ninja Games - New Chuhuac "Vasseth" Strike Tank on the Horizon

The Chuhuac's first release since the original Kickstarter, the  RAP07 Vasseth Strike Tank will hit the scene on November 17, 2015. Available separately or in special unit packs, each tank will come with several weapon options allowing you to field any number of variants.

Keep an eye out here, on our Facebook page and at 15mm.co.uk for more news!

REVIEW: Top Gun Armor - Light Grav Tank and Grav IFV

By Harold

To order or request an email catalog, e-mail Rob at: topgungrav@yahoo.com

There is a sale going on now until Oct 10:  http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=283386

I have wanted to order some Top Gun Grav tanks for a while and I finally got around to it the other day. I ordered 2x Type 22 Grav Infantry Fighting Vehicle with AADS and 1x Type 9 Light Grav Tank with AADS.

 Type 9 Light Grav Tank

These are very nice kits.  Well cast, and nice crisp edges. They come with resin hulls and metal parts. The tank has the hull, turret, barrel and antenna.  The IFVs have door panels and a 3-piece turret.  Also included were some extra pieces I didn't use (maybe different antennas?) and some rare earth magnets.  It was great to get the magnets since these turrets would work well magnetized, you would just have to drill some holes.

Two Type-22 Grav IFV and one Type 9 Light Grav Tank

I ordered mine with the "active armor bumps" AADS, although they come in smooth varieties too.

Type-22 Grav IFV and one Type 9 Light Grav Tank (left)

For these pictures I placed the tanks on dice to lift them up a bit.  I haven't quite decided what I am going to do for the bases.  Probably a washer with a thin sturdy wire to hold them up.

The recon patrol secure a comm relay while technicians look on.
Comm tower from Warmill, figures from Ground Zero Games

I really like the look of these vehicles and they match the infantry I have very well.  I would imagine with the IFVs the troops would be in a fairly reclined position, and that it would easily hold 6 troops.  I don't see that as too out there, since reducing the cross section size on a grav tank would be top priority.  They match well with other vehicles I have, such as vehicles from GZG and Khurasan Miniatures.

The recon patrol secure a comm relay while technicians look on.
Comm tower from Warmill, figures from Ground Zero Games

I really like these tanks, I'll have to order more soon.  Top Gun has tons of different options and they are having a sale going on right now!

I rate these vehicles a:

6 reclined grav IFV riders out of 6!

Cultists, Spider Bugs, and Spartan Tanks

by Chris

15mm.Co.Uk has added two more packs to the sinister HOF Cultists range. The Speeders look wickedly fast, and have that perfect ramshackle appearance that I've been envisioning for the Cultists. And the Holy Guard look like the perfect enforcers for the Cult. One can imagine these performing the most unsavory of deeds in a spaceport or colony setting, or maybe "enforcing the rules" among other Cultists.

The miniatures in both packs (as with the entire Cultists range) are also available as single castings.

*     *     *     *     *

Rebel Minis has added the Spider Bug to the Sci-Fi Bugs and Creatures range. This is another product from the ex-Mongoose Starship Troopers range. Its legs are flexible enough to reposition; you could build 3-5 of these and they will each look like a unique sculpt.

It's great that Rebel Mike acquired these molds. Even though they were originally designed for 28mm, they work really well as big beasts in 15mm sci fi games. A handful of these are all you need for a single army - ambushing a convoy or invading a small settlement. I could even see these as being attack beasts in the employ of a sentient bug race - like the Rebel Manth or Highlander Studios Space Bugs.

*     *     *     *     *     *

ArtCrime Productions will be releasing the Spartan Battle Tanks this Wednesday, March 13.

Available in tracked (Spartan-T) and hover (Spartan-H) configurations, the Spartan promises to be 78 tons of mobile destruction. In the Valkyrie universe, the Spartan is used by both the Nationalists and the Federalist factions of humanity. And it would look great alongside many other figure ranges, too. The tracked version especially has that near-future appearance desired by so many 15mm SF gamers.

Review - Critical Mass Games Bastion IFV and Havoc Tank

Written by Chris

 

Last year, Critical Mass Games added an assortment of ten armored fighting vehicles to their great Mercenaries range. Craig sent me review samples of each variant back around the holidays, so it's high time I share these with you. We'll start with the Bastion IFV (tracked variant) and the Havoc Tank (grav variant). This seems like the perfect time to show these off - they are featured prominently in the ZAS Army Expansion currently running on Kickstarter.

Top Gun Tanks Are Back

You may have heard that these awesome tanks are back on the block. We here at Dropship Horizon thought that these beautiful rigs were worth showing off, but here's what their creator had to say about it...

I just wanted to let you know that our Topgun 15mm Grav Armor range is available for sale again.

All vehicles are available for sale individually, and the most popular ones are as well in discounted Platoon (4 vehicles) and Company Packs (12 – 16 vehicles).

We currently have 13 different vehicles for sale (26, if you consider both the models with the smooth hulls, and the ones with the circular surface detailing on them), and we plan to release others soon.

Type 7 Scout/Recon Grav Vehicle                                     

Type 8 AA Pt. Defense/Light Mortar Vehicle                           

Type 9 Light Grav Tank                                                     

Type 10 Medium Grav Tank Hunter – beam/cannon armed   

Type 11 Medium Grav Tank                                            

Type 12 Grav Tank Hunter – Missile Armed Vehicle - Available Soon

Type 13 Heavy Grav Tank – long, plasma cannon                

Type 13 MkII Hvy Grav Tank – short-barreled gun - New Model, Avail. Now

Type 14 Heavy Tank Hunter                                                  

Type 16 Urban Assault/Fire Support Vehicle - short, hvy wpn

Type 21 Grav APC                                                    

Type 22 Grav Infantry Fighting Vehicle                           

Type 23 Grav Ambulance/Ammo Carrier/HQ Vehicle      

Type 24 Heavy Grav Mortar Vehicle

As mentioned, we offer two hull/turret variants (as applicable), for all of the above vehicles – smooth hulled, and AADS models.

Those with the round surface detailing on their hulls are our AADS models, which is an acronym for the Active Armor Defense System Ó installed in them, providing maximum protection against all enemy anti-armor threats, while also offering a standoff offensive capability against many targets, especially enemy infantry.

Our smooth-hulled models have sleek, clean lines, as you can see in some of our photos.  The hulls and turrets of these are cast out of titanium, in the vacuum of space, so they have no panel lines, or seams to weaken their armored structures.  The rotomolded construction process is similar to that used by 20th and 21st Century plastic kayak manufacturers, on Earth, and developed centuries ago.  However, it is considerably stronger, since the molten titanium is then quickly cooled in the vacuum of space, and repeatedly reheated and cooled many times, until an almost impervious, titanium-crystalline structure is created, similar to how samurai swords were tempered.

For a MS Word catalog of our products, which provide photos of most of our vehicles, pricing info, suggested TO&Es for your Grav Armored units, etc., just send an e-mail inquiry to the following address:

topgungrav@yahoo.com

I will be happy to provide copies of our catalog, answer any questions people may have about our products, or to assist with processing orders.

Sincerely,

   Rob

Review - Ravenstar Studios' Land Core Grav Vehicles

Here's a closer look a few more vehicles in the new Ravenstar Studios Land Core range.  While the new Mecha are excellent, and Chris L. has mentioned that he really wants to focus on expanding the Drones - these grav/hover vehicles are just as good as anything produced for 15mm Sci Fi.  Just like the mecha, these grav vehicles are great sculpts (done by hand - no digital sculpting or 3d printing here) and very clean resin casts.

Blazer APC

Comparison: Old Crow Glaive, Ravenstar Blazer, Rebel Wolverine

The Blazer is a simple, sturdy, yet surprisingly elegant APC.  It scales out to be about the same size as most medium/large APCs in my collection - you'll have no problem believing 8-12 troops could be carried and still receive some armored protection.  It includes a turret with a small support weapon.  

It almost reminds me of a grav version of a GW Space Marine Rhino - maybe a good match for Blue Moon Orion Republic infantry?  This would actually help to round out any grav armored company that doesn't have an APC (or, at least, an APC that you want).  I could see these supporting the Rebel Minis Earthforce grav tanks (which never had a matching APC), or the grav variant of the Khurasan Siler.

Or even better, if you don't want to look at other ranges for a matching tank...

Kensky Grav Tank

Comparison: Rebel Merka 5, Ravenstar Kensky

This chunk of armor is packing some SERIOUS firepower.  Chris L. mentioned that he envisions this as a heavy tank destroyer - I'd take it another step and call it the perfect mecha hunter.  Its massive gun will elevate on its hyrdaulic lifts, but the entire vehicle will have to rotate for targeting.  It has a small bubble turret with a light cannon for close defense - and the turret gun can even position itself for anti-aircraft duties.  

But it's not just the gun that makes the Kensky stand out.  It's a big tank.  Very big.  Borderlining the super-heavy class.  I don't own a Khurasan Siler or a Critical Mass Dragamaa for comparison, but I can tell you that this tank is bigger than my Old Crow Hammer's Slammers Blower.

Comparison: Old Crow Hammer's Slammers Blower, Ravenstar Kensky

Alright, so we have some serious pig iron for massed 15mm battles.  But what about small skirmish players?  Well, Ravenstar has us covered too...

Coyote Jeeps

These could be some of the most useful vehicles ever produced for 15mm skirmish games.

The open-top Coyote is an excellent little four-seat skimmer, and the enclosed version is just as nice.  Their skirts makes them usable alongside any existing hover vehicles.  But their sweeping lines and rear-mounted thrusters would make them right at home alongside even the most elegant Star Wars speeders.  These are suitable cruising around anything from a small ramshackle colony to a massive futuristic city, and could be used by any citizen, corporation, gang, or cult.  I painted my first one to match my Laserburn Law Officers, and plan to use a couple more with my Blasters & Bulkheads forces.  

Each open-top Coyote includes a generic resin driver figure.  It is dressed in generic clothing and a billed hat - but could easily be headswapped to match any figures in your collection.  I actually set one aside (so I could use two in one jeep) and substituted the seated Law Officer from the Laserburn range.  It worked just fine, though the Law Officer has a wider stance than the included resin figure.  

I ordered six open-top Coyotes, and each one had a similar flaw (first real flaw I've found in Ravenstar castings).  The front seats all ended up with an air bubble at the top.  It's really not bad - nothing that can't be filled in with a bit of putty or even a scrap of paper with some gap-filling superglue.  But I wouldn't be much of a reviewer if I didn't find SOMETHING to nitpick about. :)  No complaints about the closed-top versions - they were excellent castings.

The Coyotes are just slightly larger than the (two-seat) Old Crow jeeps. They're just about the same size as a Ground Zero Games Light Civilian Hovertruck.  Which means even if you're playing a skirmish on a pizza box-sized table, these are extremely useful vehicles.  Or, if you want to play large battles on an 8' table, a handful of these would look great inside the walls of a large military installation, or you can mix them with other civilian vehicles from Khurasan and 15mm.Co.Uk to make a bustling city or spaceport.

Jackal Grav Truck

This is based on an extended version of the Coyote chassis.  It is fully enclosed, and actually has a smaller windshield than the covered Coyote.  There are access doors on each side.  They also include a very nice optional weapon turret with a HMG/Mark 19-type gun. Chris L. envisioned these as a far-future Humvee, and I think he nailed it.  I painted my first one as a SWAT van, leaving the turret off so I add some kind of riot gas launcher.  

The Jackal is very convincing as thin-skin military vehicle.  It could easily hold 4-6 people with equipment, or be set up as a mobile command center or a fire-support vehicle.  And, just like the Coyote, this would make an ideal civilian speeder.  I plan to mount a small GZG radar dish to my second Jackal - it will be a research vehicle for my GZG colonists.

Final Thoughts

You really can't go wrong with any of these.  Every one of these vehicles has the far-future look that many of us prefer for our game settings.  I'm going to build a mechanized infantry platoon around the Blazer APCs, and the Kensky will provide anti-mech support.  And I'll end up using the Coyotes and Jackals in tons of different military and civilian roles.  Ravenstar Studios has quickly become one of my favorite 1/100 vehicle producers - I look forward to seeing what comes next!  

Cheers,

Chris

Frogstar Robotic Tank

.

One of my favourite scenes from the original Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy radio play was when Marvin (the Paranoid Android) confronts a Frogstar 'Robot' in the offices of the Hitchhikers's Guide To the Galaxy publishing house on Ursa Minor (or a parsec or two thereabouts).

My mental image of this Frogstar Robot which described itself as a 'heavy duty battle machine' was essentially a robotic tank.

Now, CMG's Dragamaa tank, KAVH1, came really close to actualising my internal vision of the Frogstar 'tank'. Robot tanks were in my psyche and their place was cemented by Planet of No Return by Harry Harrison. Then I bought this Star Wars micro-machines set on Ebay - for a song - and the seller unexpectedly threw in a Micro-Machines Star Wars Universe Trade Federation Tank....

Um-diddle-diddle! Here is my Frogstar Robot Tank. Thank you Ebay seller.

Cheers

Mark

 

Aces High: Topgun's Grav Scout Vehicles

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Grav Armor screaming through the atmosphere at Mach 3, before dropping down to Nap of the Earth level to go hunting for enemy forces......

Well how can I resist a description like that! So I'm now the proud own of a troop of Top Gun Marketing's Grav Scout Vehicles.

Topgun Marketing 15mm Sci Fi

Type 7 Scout Recon Vehicle

These are so uber cool, they're ice, ice baby!

The models themselves are fairly simple. A resin one-piece hull, metal turret with separate metal cannon and missile launchers. There's something very futuristic BMP-2 about the Grav Scout that appeals to me. The fact that the masters were created by hand and not CAD rapid prototyping does just show in the final model. Nevertheless I take my cap off to Rob for such an advanced design.

These are just so different to everything else I own. They are the embodiment of  Classic Traveller: Striker in miniature form and conceptually, I'm blown away. Simply blown away. My prejudiced preconceptions of Grav armour have been freed from being tied to NOE to one of a true multi-dimensional combat environment.

Cheers

Mark

.

Grav Tank Platoon

.

Old Crow 15mm Sci Fi
Gladius Grav Tank Platoon (WIP)

An hour to spare before lunch yesterday, so painted up this Old Crow Grav Tank platoon. The paint scheme is Humbrol Panzer Grey base dappled light grey bands over which artist acrylics are scrunched (Mars Orange and Burnt Umber). These are fast drying so I was able to give the vehicles a coat of GW Devlan Mud which tied the colours together.

Note that I paint the guns separately. On this occasion I'm replacing the ones they came with for barrels that look like they have a heavier punch from left over options provided with GZG V15-16A heavy anti-tank guns on ground mounts.

The Gladius is a bit uninspiring in the bare resin but once painted is a mean, sleek Grav Panzer. These models had been kept to one side to experiment with. Giving them elements from WW2 Panzer IVs - 75L gun barrels, hatches, shurzen from old 1/76th plastic kits - but it was too much pain to make it work and ensure the shurzen was wargame proof.

p.s. the turret ring of the Gladius is the same as a 15mm WW2 Tiger 1. May make an interesting WWW2 conversion.

Cheers
Mark
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TopGun Grav Armour: Pre-Order Discount

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Topgun Marketing are now taking Pre-production Orders for the new 'Ablat' panelled Grav Tanks illustrated in last night's post:


Type 7 Scout/Recon Grav vehicle
$12.99 each
$47.99 for 4

Type 8 Light Mortar/Point Defense vehicle
$12.99 each
$24.99 for 2

Type 9 Light Grav Tank
$13.99 each
$51.99 for 4

Type 10 Medium Grav Tank Hunter
$13.99 each
$51.99 for 4

Type 11 Medium Grav Tank
$13.99 each
$51.99 for 4


When ordering this version, please make sure you specify “Ablat” on the order, for ablative armor. For other variants, specify “AADS” ©, or “Smooth”, along with the vehicle Type number designation, e.g. 4 x Type 10 with AADS, 2 x Type 9 with Ablat, 6 x Type 22 Smooth, etc.

PRE-ORDER DISCOUNT DEAL

Customers living in the USA will get free 1st Class Mailing for ordering a pre-paid Platoon (4 vehicles). Those living outside of the USA will receive 50% off of normal international shipping charges, e.g. 10% of the cost of their order.

In addition, Platoon and Section Packs will include free clear, acrylic flight bases and magnets, to allow you to represent your units as hovering.

Individual vehicles will not receive the discounted shipping, or the free flight bases and magnets, and will be shipped at normal handling rates.

You can combine Platoon Packs, and additional individual purchases, in order to qualify for the flight bases and magnets - plus free (US), or discounted (rest of world) shipping.

Please Note – the current AADS, or the Smooth-Hulled Grav Tank variants are no longer eligible for the Pre-Order Deal, but may be included with your order, at their normal prices. However if you purchase a minimum of a platoon of the pre-release vehicles they will also be eligible for free/discounted shipping).

Finally, Topgun's auxilliary AADS and 'Smooth-Hulled' Grav armour, the Scout/Recon, Light Mortar/Point Defense, Heavy Mortar/Point Defense, APC’s, IFV’s, and Ammo Carriers will be available for sale within the next fortnight. These are also eligible for the Pre-Order Discount Deal.

The Pre-Order Discount Deal
will run till Feb. 28th, 2010.

WWW.TOPGUNMARKETING.ORG

The first ten people to pre-pay for at least a Platoon Pack of Grav armour will receive larger free-flight cubes. These are designed to represent Grav armour flying at a NOE height of six feet above ground level. Four of these will be included with each qualifying order.

Cheers
Mark
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Critical Mass Games - 15mm Medium Tank and Scout AFVs

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Craig has has me some photos of Critical Mass Games' forthcoming additions to the Arc Fleet range.

Critical Mass Games 15mm Sci Fi
Top Row: Arc Fleet Medium Tank variants
Bottom Row: Arc Fleet Scout AFV variants


Critical Mass Games 15mm Sci Fi
Arc Fleet Medium Tank

Critical Mass Games 15mm Sci Fi
Arc Fleet Scout AFV

These are proof castings. The models aren't ready for sale just yet. Planned release date is 22nd February. For more photos, drop into Critical Mass Games Forum:

WWW.CRITICALMASSGAMES.COM/FORUM/

Cheers
Mark
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Topgun Releases Clean-Hulled Grav Tanks

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Rob at Topgun Marketing has been in touch to let me know that clean-hulled Grav Tanks, are now available for general sale, in addition to their Active Armor Defense System (AADS) © models.

Topgun Marketing 15mm Sci Fi
Type 9 Grav Tank - "Clean" hull

The clean-hulled models came about through customer feedback and are available with all of the various weapons choices for the Type 9 - Type 16 Grav Tank variants.

Topgun Marketing 15mm Sci Fi
Type 13 Grav Tank - "Clean" hull

When ordering, please specify either "AADS" ©, or "Clean", along with the type designation, and quantity, so Rob knows what type you want.

Topgun Marketing 15mm Sci Fi
Type 9 Grav Tank - "Clean" hull

I'm delighted that these Grav Tanks appear to be selling well. Rob hopes to have the Scouts, APC's, IFV's, plus various additional models available for sale in a couple of weeks.

More info about the range can be found on the Topgun website. Additional photos of the "clean-hulled" models will be posted there soon:

WWW.TOPGUNMARKETING.ORG

Still have time to make use of Topgun's special offer if you're quick! Click on the side panel for more details!

Cheers
Mark
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Life, Work, the Universe..... Xmas Day

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Another beautiful day in the Frost Giant's lair

Breakfast, Bucks Fizz, exchange presents.
Clear and salt front paths,
grit pathways in back garden

Heather did a sterling turn as domestic goddess:

Smoked salmon & creme fraiche on blineys
roast partridge, stuffing, rost potatoes,
sausages wrapped in streaky bacon,
carrot and parsnip mash,
Tangerine & Brandy jelly.

Partridges ready for the oven

Dad turned up about 12.30; drinks, blineys, chat.

Lunch around 3pm, collapsed on sofa by 4.30!

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

It's not Xmas without the 'Griswold Family Christmas'

Heather and dad gave me a complete surprise gift:
The GZG Grav Battle Force (#V15-BF4)

GRAV Battle Force: contains:
5 x Infantry packs (New Israeli option),
2 x Heavy Gunsleds, 4 x Assault Sleds (APCs),
2 x Light Gunsleds, 2 x Scout Sleds,
plus packs of accessories and weapon options.

I'm really grateful and delighted with this present - for several reasons. Not least, the thought put into it supported by the behind-the-scenes-"intelligence gathering" by that Mr Tuffley, the 007 of 15mm Sci Fi!

Paintwise - I'm stumped - I'm tempted to follow either the GW inspired Mars pattern XXI or Urban Rubble schemes. But I'm most definitely open to suggestions for a complimentary camo paint scheme from you guys.

Hope you are having a good Christmas.






Cheers
Mark
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Update from TopGun Marketing

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Topgun Marketing LLC 15mm Sci Fi
Type 15 Super-Heavy Grav Tank

"Hi Mark,

I just wanted to let you and followers of Dropship Horizon know that we are still working on our range of Grav Tanks, but the production process is taking a bit longer than anticipated, since I don't have total control over the process.

I needed to redo a few small parts to ensure quality, added to that, the company I am working with to produce the master and production molds is very busy as well.

Topgun Marketing LLC 15mm Sci Fi

Type 13 Heavy Tanks (left - two variants)
Type 11 Medium Tanks (right - two variants)

I should have some samples shipped to me by the end of next week, and hope to have them for sale as soon as possible.

Obviously, my target of having available for sale by Thanksgiving is a bit shot!

I will pass on more info about a revised production and availability schedule, as soon as I can confirm dates with the 3rd party casters.

Also, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your family, and everyone else a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and best wishes for the New Year."

Sincerely,

Rob
Topgun Marketing LLC
e-mail: topgunace111@yahoo.com


Personally I'm glad Rob's mold-breaking Grav Tanks have been delayed. I want to see these tanks, billed as “The Future Shape of Things to Come” © establishing a line in the sand for 2010 and heralding a new decade for 15mm Sci Fi!

Cheers
Mark
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Critical Mass Games Grav Scout and Medium Tank WIP

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Pop over to the Critical Mass Games Forum to see WIP of their forthcoming Arc Fleet Grav Scout and Medium Grav Tank.

Critical Mass Games Arc Fleet: Left to Right -
Heavy Grav Tank, Grav Scout Vehicles (WIP), Medium Grav Tank (WIP)

Critical Mass Games Arc Fleet: Left to Right -
Heavy Grav Tank, Grav Scout Vehicles (WIP), Medium Grav Tank (WIP)

Find more detail on the Heavy Grav Tank in this recent post (click for more intel).

Cheers
Mark
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TopGun & GZG Armour Compatability

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Topgun Marketing's new Grav Armor (more intel here) certainly seems to be whipping up some excitement. Opinions are polarised at each end of the spectrum. I'm very firmly in the WOW! camp. Lot's of compariosn with Traveller Imperial armor - well, I didn't want to say......

I asked Rob for some comparison photos of his new designs against GZG's High/Ultra-tech tanks so that we can get a better idea of their true size and he was happy to oblige. Rob went so far as to make sure Jon at GZG was cool with the suggestion and naturally, good bloke as ever, he was.

GZG V15-18A High Tech Grav Tank (top)
Topgun Marketing Heavy Grav Tank (bottom)

GZG V15-18A High Tech Grav Tank (top)
Topgun Marketing Medium Grav Tank (bottom)

So, what we are photos above of Topgun's Heavy and Medium Tanks alongside GZG's High-tech Tank, and a photo below of Topgun's Heavy Tank alongside the taller and thinner GZG Advanced Heavy Tank.

GZG V15-55A Advanced Heavy Grav Tank (top)
Topgun Marketing Heavy Grav Tank (bottom)

I make no bones about it, I like these Topgun tanks a lot. I can see the Heavy Grav Tank on the tabletop as a single behemoth delivering massive firepower and protected by a swarm of remote drones.

Rob is keen to include as much feedback from 15mm Sci Fi gamers as possible into his designs. I've therefore agreed to run a poll to determine what style of detailing you'd prefer to see on your Sci Fi armour models.

Cheers
Mark
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The Future Shape of Things to Come ©

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Dropship Horizon is delighted to announce the arrival of a new range of Ultra-tech Grav Armour in the pipe.....

Topgun Marketing LLC has developed a new range of futuristic 15mm Sci-Fi Grav Tanks for your gaming pleasure. We hope that you like them!

Topgun Marketing LLC 15mm Sci Fi

Type 15 Super-Heavy Grav Tank

We believe they are “The Future Shape of Things to Come” ©, and if they are well received by the Sci-Fi gaming public, further equally interesting vehicles will be released in the coming months.

We have solicited a lot of feedback as to what detailing people would like to see on their Grav Vehicles, and also what material they should be produced in. We have merged that information with what we feel is currently missing in the 15mm Sci-Fi miniatures market, to come up with a range of Grav Armor that will be compatible with those available from other manufactuers, and yet still unique in their own right.

At the current time, we aim to produce the Grav Armor in a robust, polyurethane resin, with metal weapons and detailing parts. However, we will need to evaluate the quality that can be achieved in casting, and balance the costs against producing them in white metal as well (metal is more forgiving, since castings that don’t meet quality specifications can be just melted down, and re-cast again, where resin cannot).

Confirmation of the final material to be used will be provided when production starts up, and we have a chance to actually inspect the miniatures first-hand.

If there is enough interest in our first releases, we will be producing them in a couple of versions. For instance, one with textured, reactive armor/passive defense surface detail molded onto the outer surfaces, and one with a smooth finish, more appropriate to vehicles seen fielded by the highest tech Grav Tanks. These are capable of operating at high speeds and surviving the rigors of planetary insertion from orbit. For the smooth-sided vehicles, you will have the option of using them as is, using decals to add surface detailing to your models (as shown on our painted model photo – the bright orange one meant to intimidate opponents), or adding white metal parts or styrene strips to the vehicle’s outer surfaces, in order to customize your vehicles, e.g. with the reactive/passive armor plating, and/or ablative armor panels that will be provided in strips to permit easy application.

Topgun Marketing LLC 15mm Sci Fi

Type 13 Heavy Tanks (left - two variants)
Type 11 Medium Tanks (right - two variants)

Due to the unique way in which these vehicles are constructed in the far future, panel lines on them are generally avoided during the manufacturing process, since it provides a weak point in the armor for enemies to exploit.These Grav Tanks and other vehicles are produced in the zero-G environment of space, on board giant military factory ships, from crystalline titanium, which is then roto-molded much like 20^th and 21^st Century plastic kayaks were, in order to create the strongest, lightest, single-piece hulls possible. The titanium ore is mined from the numerous asteroid fields found throughout the galaxies, in order to: avoid having to lift it out of planetary gravity wells, transport the vehicles vast distances throughout the cosmos, and to reduce expenditures on the military budget when conducting large scale planetary invasion operations.

As you can see from our photos, these super high-tech vehicle designs no longer need gravitic repulsor pods underneath or alongside their hulls, which were very vulnerable to damage on the early models. Now, a single, flat, oval-shaped repulsor pod on the bottom of the vehicle hulls provides all of the lift and propulsion needed to permit these tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and other units to zip along at just under Mach 1 at altitude, fly at 120 – 200 MPH at NOE level, or to enter a planet’s atmosphere at up to Mach 3.0 when dropping to the planet’s surface. When dropping in from orbit, grounding, or powering down, protective armored plates slide across the grav repulsor unit to protect it from damage.

Topgun Marketing LLC 15mm Sci Fi

Type 13 Heavy Tank (left)
Type 11 Medium Tank (right)

We hope to have our Grav Armor available for sale in 3 – 4 weeks, and will start taking pre-orders for them now, so that we can get a handle on what you would like to see released first.

Pre-paid orders will get priority in terms of actually filling the orders, and for determining which items to release first. If orders are strong, we will be able to release all of the vehicles at the same time. Otherwise, they may need to be released in phases, with the most likely candidates being the Type 11 Medium Grav Tank, Type 13 Heavy Grav Tank, and the Infantry Fighting Vehicle/APC.

We would also like to know if you prefer the miniatures with the moulded on reactive/passive armor detailing, or the smooth-sided miniatures which can then be modified, with either the decal detailing, or glue on detail parts.

Topgun Marketing LLC 15mm Sci Fi

Type 7 Scout/Recon Vehicle (left)
Grav Infantry Fighting Vehicle-2 (right)

The following items will be available for Range 1 of our 15mm Sci-Fi Grav Armor releases (more will be available in the coming months):

Type 7 Scout/Recon Grav vehicle $12.99 each

Platoon pack of 4 vehicles $47.99

Type 11 Medium Grav Tank* $13.99 each

Platoon pack of 4 vehicles $51.99

Type 12 Grav Tank Hunter – missile armed vehicle $12.99 each

Platoon pack of 4 vehicles $47.99

Type 13 Heavy Grav Tank* $15.99

Platoon pack of 4 vehicles $59.99

Urban Assault/Fire Support Veh. - heavy plasma cannon $15.99 each

Platoon pack of 4 vehicles $59.99

Grav Infantry Fighting Vehicle/APC* $15.99 each

Platoon pack of 4 vehicles $59.99

Grav Mortar Carrier $13.99

Battery of 2 vehicles $26.99

* When purchased in the platoon packs, several weapons options will be provided for the following vehicles: Type 11 Medium Grav Tank, Type 13 Heavy Grav Tank, and the Grav Infantry Fighting Vehicle/APC. We will also provide you with magnets, and instructions, so that you can swap out the weapons on the vehicles easily for your games, or when you desire to pit one faction against another, using the same tank hulls and turrets, but the different weapons for each side.

We will also be offering bigger combined arms Battle Packs of these vehicles, which will provide a larger discount for the vehicles, NOE flight bases, and more accessories with them. More info will be available on these, once we know the cost to produce the vehicles and detailing parts.

Future Range 1 Releases may include:

Type 9 Light Grav Tank

Type 15 Superheavy Grav Tank

Grav Anti-Aircraft Vehicle

Other vehicle ranges are under development.

We’d love to hear your feedback on our new products, or to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to contact us at the following e-mail address regarding them, or if you wish to place an order:

topgunace111 AT yahoo DOT com

(eliminate the spaces, and use the @ symbol and . as appropriate)

We take Paypal and US Postal Money Orders (sorry, no other money orders, due to the time they take to clear the bank). E-mail us, if you want to pay with a US Postal Money Order, so we can provide you with our payment processing address.

Shipping within the USA is 10% of your order, with a minimum charge of $6.00, and 20% international shipping.

More photos and information about our Grav Armor range will be provided during the coming weeks.

Best regards,

Rob

Topgun Marketing LLC

These really are los cojones del perro! Where do I sign up!

Cheers
Mark
.