With that second DTC H.I.S.S., I started thinking more about the little things I didn't like about it. And to further add disappointment, I speculate that the hinges on the lift up side doors are going to be more commonly found cracked, a potential thing to look for on loose examples even just handled by old people like me:
But onward on upward. Scrap Iron lurks around in the basement of the HQ and isn't deterred by the scary green colored cement block walls, poor lighting, slight dampness, and giant daddy long legs. Scrap Iron always liked the Paralyzer tanks weapon system and the platform that moved it. Scrap Iron was confident a Paralyzer would always trounce the old H.I.S.S..
Scrap Iron also recognized the strong design of the "DTC" H.I.S.S., but was very unhappy with the weapons systems supplied by the original manufacturer.
A fairly simple mechanical swap, with an untold amount of "black box" fire control electronics, targeting systems, advanced radar, as well as all-around munitions upgrades has satisfied Scrap Irons desire for a highly mobile sentry system. Not just a tank, but a mobile infantry battle system.
The paralyzer twin concussion cannon system with recoil reducing design improves long range accuracy and allows multiple types of shells to be loaded with quick push-button selection. The auto-loaded cannons can further be reloaded by crewman from the interior of the vehicle for a long salvo of firepower.
An auto gatling cannon can provide a long sustained rain of fire against ground and air targets with pinpoint accuracy via targeting system, an almost impenetrable air defense weapon.
An auto gatling cannon can provide a long sustained rain of fire against ground and air targets with pinpoint accuracy via targeting system, an almost impenetrable air defense weapon.
Three anti-armor rockets further enhance offensive and defensive capabilities.
Drivers access through the forward step brush guard, which is also an infantry rocket screen.
While a single driver can operate the weapon systems, the optimal arrangement is a commander and a gunner who can control the weapons systems from a battle station inside. In the event of the driver enclosed cockpit being destroyed, the interior battle stations can assume all driving functions.
The H.I.S.S. mobile infantry fighting system seats 4 Vipers internally with plenty of room for gear. A fifth standing position with a lowering periscope style control can lower to allow direct manual control of the paralyzer weapon system.
Extra cargo and towing capability is achieved with a rear flip-down platform.
The old H.I.S.S. is outgunned and outnumbered.
The paralyzer weapon system has a full 360* of action and an unprecedented angle range of attack.
Strong elevation angles allow the paralyzer twin gun to replace the need for long range field artillery with computer aided GPS accuracy.
The H.I.S.S. can raise the sides and be dug in to the ground to create an infantry forward bunker.
Internally controlled, close range cannon further deter getting close.
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I still want to take this farther overall. I would like a more detailed interior but I am holding off until I get some better material. I would also like to rework the rear with a maybe a hatch door. Again, it comes to better material and equipment maybe in the future.
Some of the thought process in pictures follow.
The "DTC" tank has a nice form, I think it really feels like it could have came out of the same factory as a 1983 H.I.S.S.. I really dislike the weapons the "DTC" tank was given, in particular I find the snap-in positions hindering on the rocket launchers.
Here is a simple turret swap, not exact, but just to see if it would be more fun with this.
The parts just sitting on top.
Overall lowered into the body.
Multiple ways that were explored to attach the turret to it was fully playable.
A "top frame" piece would have allowed more detail to be added to the interior cavity of the paralyzer turret.
Multiple interior space configurations were explored. The "DTC" tank has a large amount of interior space once everything inside is stripped out.
Interior gunner chairs were considered, slots would have been cut into the side panels.
A fold down rear hatch that would have allowed a rear gunner to place a gun a pivot point....
Exploring cheaper material to attach the turret that was still sturdy enough to allow play....
Ultimately, switched the attachment plate to the interior, shaved the paralyzer turret...
It sat like this for most of this year. I got frustrated with not having certain tools and materials, and lack of some other materials in my area, didn't want to end up online ordering something that might not work or leaves me with way too many extras....
The side tank detail pieces come off really easy. I was considering adding something that would emulate the two giant missiles on the H.I.S.S. II to sort of create a tank lineage look.
Ultimately, for this round, I decided against the bristling with weapons, as well as keeping the overall tank profile slim/ narrow.
Lots of space for potential figure arrangements inside this H.I.S.S.
Again, kind of thinking along the lines of the H.I.S.S. II with the notion of a troop compartment.
Simply fill in the back body?
Exploring a slide-out tray potential.....
Slide-out troop tray.....
Drilling once after much consideration....
Another consideration was a "drop down" side that would deploy more weapons. With the hinge work and attachment points, and the loss of interior space to storing the weapons, I gave up. I think a lot more body work would have come from this.
Testing weapon sight line if the weapon was mounted here for the "flip-down" reveal....
I tried using plastics that I could safely cut inside the HQ shell and I had hoped to have a little more headroom so a gunner could man the turret from the inside. In the end, for this round, I'm sticking with the metal plate for the strength as well as the smoother all around sliding that it allows the turret to accomplish. One thicker piece of plastic tended to warp and any tightening to address this resulted in a turret that was too hard to move.
This metal is good, and perhaps when I have a chance at tools that can cut nice safe holes, I'll add one in here.
Exploring the interior space....
Best use of interior spaces....
The original interior piece. It is okay. Maybe it was built for more modern figures, for o-ring guys I'm left hanging over the floor. Having the "DTC" H.I.S.S. original turret hanging inside did not add anything to the tank for me.
Again, a cut after a lot of consideration....
Contemplating new inserts for the rear compartment....
The internal arrangement that I ended up going with. Adding a control bank behind the drivers seat. Also, Scrap Iron is standing where I wanted the gunner spot to be. If I could have gotten a hole cut just under the paralyzer turrent and some sort of harness or holding spot for the figure, this could have been fun....
An earlier front brush guard/ step ladder. I did not want to keep the original "DTC" guns on the chin, they felt placed too low to be much better than gut shot or upper thigh against figures, and even as potential infantry weapons, their handles are too thick for my comfort of thumb safety.
As a brush guard it can be damaged and will at least slow any direct front blasts, and perhaps deflect stuff outward toward the treads....
