Lore:
The Renault Pattern Light Logistic Hauler (aka: Renault Pattern Cyclops, or Shovel Schlepper) is a crew-less tractor used for various duties. It is capable of functioning in remote control or limited autonomous mode.
During the Tannhauser Gate Campaign units began experimenting with mounting heavy weapons on the cyclops. These field expedient examples were soon adopted into a full production model. The Heavy Weapon Platform (HWP) variant is capable of operation in a limited autonomous mode or full remote control. An additional fire-control interface at the rear of the unit allows for hands-on operation in areas where the electromagnetic spectrum is contested or degraded.
The Heavy Weapon Platform (HWP) may be deployed in small groups as a fire support element or as a single addition to an infantry squad. These may be crewed directly, remotely, or in a semi-autonomous mode. When operating remotely or in semi-autonomous mode a single soldier will sometimes accompany the HWPs in order to assist in fire-coordination and conduct hasty repairs or reloads.
Miniature and Assembly:
Tracks are attached separately. Some drilling may be required to make parts fit perfectly.
Turret configuration includes a basic pre-assembled version for easy printing and building. There is also an option that breaks each turret down into the component parts. This will require more patience, but allows for sub-assembly painting and a few more options. Turret and hull are designed to accommodate 1x5mm magnets.
Design Notes:
Overall I wanted something similar to a SHIV from X-Com. This allows you to easily field a unit of three heavy weapons or single heavy weapon. Even better, the turret can be easily swapped out for more options if you want to try something different or if *snicker* the rules ever change. Because the vehicle can operate in a variety of modes ranging from directly controlled by an operator to semi-autonomous, you can feel free to model each HWP with a crew member, have one 'fire coordinator' per squad, or just have them on their own.
Heavy Bolter - Weapon size is comparable to that of the vehicle-mounted version. I based the general idea on the DKoK heavy bolter but with the feed further back. I also made the rounds larger; This required quite a large ammo can. I spend several days until I found an arrangement that seemed like a believable way to accommodate an adequate amount of ammunition.
Lascannon - Pretty standard. Nothing very remarkable to say here.
Autocannon - I based the overall design on the 40mm Bofors AA gun. I had original created a large ammo hopper, but after sleep on it decided it was too goofy looking. I ended up going with a standard drum-magazine seen elsewhere in the 40k universe. I'd like to make an alternate clip-fed version with ammo rack in the future. We'll see...
Missile Launcher - After looking at several options, I went with a tube-style missile launcher. I mounted a modified version of the sensor pod in the center with missile tubes on each side. I considered an option for a "pod-style" missile launcher as well that I may revisit someday. This layout will probably be used for any future twin-linked weapons (heavy stubbers?)
Mortar - I put this one off for a while due to how tricky it would be to mount. I knew I wanted some sort of 5-6 round capacities. I had the idea for a revolver-type magazine at the bottom. (I found out later this had already been done with Elysians). The bulkiness and impracticality of this design forced spend a few days just messing around with positioning.
25 APR 2022 update:
-file structure was reorganized for easier browsing. Some folders now contain duplicates, but this makes it easier to find everything you need in one space.
-new "peg and hole" system developed for assembling turrets.
-many parts resupported with improved orientation
-lower rear hull was rebuilt for better printing and assembly
-reorganized file structure
