This is what the current version looks like at the moment but I'm gradually going to post an explanation of the mechanisms involved in the transformation, design decisions, etc. Its probably going to be a while before I fix it. I've literally gone into this project a total 3D nub and hopefully should come out not-totally-sucking at modelling.
2010-2011
- Initial scale mockup
- Pointless experimentation with detailing
- Messing with universal-limb layouts
Essentially, the universal limb was going to be a system where any of the machines limbs are all physically identical components, folded differently along joints so they switch roles. Each Universal Limb was composed of the Primary Limb (trunk, shoulder, housing or leg) and secondary limb (fore-arm) with a component uniting the two. Every major universal limb had one primary and two secondary limbs, for redundancy and each secondary limb would contain two hands -- one out, one withdrawn or retracted. That's going to be the final goal, anyway. - Front view. Ugly head is ugly.
- Scale reduction
- Telescopic Legs condensed, hips adjusted to see what it'll look like in its 'squat' or 'minimal frontal profile' mode
- Deciding the layout of hardpoints
These aren't necessarily just for weapons but for armour-plating too. - Basic tetrapod/4leg layout | From the front
So say we've got an extra pair of limbs folded up into neat shoulders and retracted arms, like the engine-pods on the Sinanju. They can unfurl, fold down and become a second pair of legs. The idea is they skim the ground (think ACFA) like a hovercraft of sorts for high speed mobility and heavier loads, making it ideal for assault roles. - Hardpoint Experiment 2 | From the back (72 missilepacks total)
- Rail Cannon | 2 | 3 | 4
At this length, if I surpass a particular output (I think it was 6.1 MeV?) it should be capable of firing at targets in orbit, though it'd need assistance from a spotter which was much closer to the target. - Early Cockpit, prior to bifurcation
Early cockpit. This went on to become a separate unit, actually in the final after my drive died - a sort of repurposed civilian machine that acts as a combined cockpit and escape pod. - Early Transformation Front | Rear
So yeah. In practice, I could fold the components away carefully into a more streamlined pattern, pointing most of the thrust rearwards. - Dynamic Skinning 1 | 2 | 3
So after that, I take a few lessons from BMW's Gina concept car, to add a few space-frame components and coat the whole thing in cloth which zips neatly over the frame then packs away in vacuum sealed compartments when not in use. Means I can be much more robust (and lazy) with the transformation. - Reverse Joint, armlock 1 | 2 | 3
So yeah. The same set of legs can also become reverse-joint, with a scissor-mechanism at the thigh just by inverting the quad-layout. Also decided in the final, I want a switchblade mechanism beneath the arm and a pair of basic hardpoints on the inner and external, so in practice, it could carry four times the firepower of smaller units (from the setting, stararmy.com) quite easily. - Engine Effects 1 | 2
Turn-A meets ZOE, I guess. This was about three years before Tron came out. - Spine 1 | 2 | 3
Simple, ugly but ... I kind of liked it. - Prototype 1 | 2 | 3 | 4