Author Topic: Miniature of the Fortnight #41: Black Python (Viper)  (Read 2920 times)

Xiwo Xerase

  • Warrant Officer
  • *
  • Posts: 464
Miniature of the Fortnight #41: Black Python (Viper)
« on: 24 April 2018, 20:16:03 »
"If it had wings, it could fly.  Maybe."

Today, we'll look at the Black Python (Viper), one of the Unseen second-line BattleMechs in TRO 3055 and reimagined in a more angular form for Project Phoenix.  If you would like to know how to use the 'Mech in game, please see its 'Mech of the Week article.

As we've seen with the other TRO 3055 Unseen, there have only been two sculpts available for the Black Python (Viper):
  • The original Unseen resculpt released by Ral Partha (20-663).
  • The reseen sculpt, representing the Black Python (Viper) 3, released by Iron Wind Metals (20-368).
If you have any of painted any of these minis, Unseen or Reseen, please post pictures.  We'd love to see them!

As always, thank you for reading and especially thank you to those who post.

Our next two fortnights will be: (Dates are approximations)
  • Inner Sphere (5/6): Enforcer and Enforcer III
  • Clan (5/20): Jenner IIC
« Last Edit: 22 May 2018, 23:52:34 by Xiwo Xerase »

worktroll

  • Ombudsman
  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 25648
  • 504th "Gateway" Division
    • There are Monsters in my Sky!
Re: Miniature of the Fortnight #40: Black Python (Viper)
« Reply #1 on: 25 April 2018, 02:19:56 »
Only two of these, and of course, not stock.



To the left, the reseen figure. It's nicely done, but just was waaaay too big next to other minis. However, a lot of saw work removing the torso "wings", and I think it scales very nicely. Lots of detail, even if the mini isn't terribly dynamic. Jade Falcon Delta paintjob.

To the right, the stock older version. I bulked up the legs with half-cylinders, replaced the arms with those from a DA Arbalest, and left off the fins. I also padded the 'beak' with clay. It's still an odd duck, but less ridiculous. And Crusader Wolf Beta is where it is at, surats!
* No, FASA wasn't big on errata - ColBosch
* The Housebook series is from the 80's and is the foundation of Btech, the 80's heart wrapped in heavy metal that beats to this day - Sigma
* To sum it up: FASAnomics: By Cthulhu, for Cthulhu - Moonsword
* Because Battletech is a conspiracy by Habsburg & Bourbon pretenders - MadCapellan
* The Hellbringer is cool, either way. It's not cool because it's bad, it's cool because it's bad with balls - Nightsky
* It was a glorious time for people who felt that we didn't have enough Marauder variants - HABeas2, re "Empires Aflame"

dirty harry

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 940
  • Make my day
Re: Miniature of the Fortnight #40: Black Python (Viper)
« Reply #2 on: 25 April 2018, 04:38:12 »
Another resculpt model and another mini that did not remain in its original pose. Although it was my very first attempt at reposing ever. Slightly modified for a more dynamic pose. And my painting abilities improved as well... Nevertheless it is still part of clan Goliath Scorpions Delta galaxy.

Luciora

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 5814
Re: Miniature of the Fortnight #40: Black Python (Viper)
« Reply #3 on: 25 April 2018, 10:20:55 »
My two.  Didn't care much for the aesthetics however.

markhall

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1435
  • "The Button's Stuck!"
Re: Miniature of the Fortnight #40: Black Python (Viper)
« Reply #4 on: 26 April 2018, 09:52:32 »
From my Omega Galaxy Ghost bears. The Tenth Bear Cuirassiers Cluster!
One of the heavier units in my Thundra Roughriders




We also had some make it into the Kell Hounds following the arrival of WIE.

markhall

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1435
  • "The Button's Stuck!"
Re: Miniature of the Fortnight #40: Black Python (Viper)
« Reply #5 on: 26 April 2018, 09:53:11 »
My two.  Didn't care much for the aesthetics however.
There's not really a lot you can do with the unseen version!

RoundTop

  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1372
  • In Takashi We Trust
Re: Miniature of the Fortnight #40: Black Python (Viper)
« Reply #6 on: 26 April 2018, 10:49:42 »
I did one up a few years ago for a LOTB contest.  Sorry for the potato quality, it was over 6 years ago.

Modifications made:
1) Split legs apart to make it striding.
2) Cut and bent elbows to move arms more.
3) Added to IWM base (modified to allow the legs to fit)
4) Opened fingers on the hands.

No-Dachi has a counter-argument. Nothing further? Ok.
Demo team agent #772

markhall

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1435
  • "The Button's Stuck!"
Re: Miniature of the Fortnight #40: Black Python (Viper)
« Reply #7 on: 26 April 2018, 13:54:48 »
Very Nice Roundtop.

RoundTop

  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1372
  • In Takashi We Trust
Re: Miniature of the Fortnight #40: Black Python (Viper)
« Reply #8 on: 26 April 2018, 15:11:32 »
Very Nice Roundtop.

I'm not that happy with my paint job or basing.  It is clean, but I didn't use highlighting or washing. The base I used too much moss and not enough grass.  But for something I did 6-odd years ago, it ain't bad. I'm proud of my modifications.
No-Dachi has a counter-argument. Nothing further? Ok.
Demo team agent #772

Armond

  • Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 196
Re: Miniature of the Fortnight #40: Black Python (Viper)
« Reply #9 on: 27 April 2018, 05:33:11 »
Here is mine, Clan Steel Viper, Zeta Galaxy, 2nd Fang...

 

Register