A couple of you good folks messaged me over the last few weeks, and at least one of those people I’m not related to, wanting to know how the Batmobile project was coming.
So, the answer is . . . pretty good! And hi, Nee-Ma.
Where I last left off, I had the basic body tub, the basic interior, and a few other things worked in.
Since then, most of that has held up for me, but I did have to make one major part overhaul over the interm:
I was not super happy with the bulky console that I had done originally. It had some great elements, like the big levers, but ultimately it was the wrong dimensions for the interior, and it looked clunky in the wrong ways.
So I set about redesigning the console and while doing so, I had a “eureka!” moment regarding a style shift in the interior.
I started this time with an actual console, this one being an upside-down Ford Mustang dash I pulled from one of those off-brand Barbie-sized cars. Instead of trying to hide the console’s origin or style, I kept it, instead envisioning this being an “off-the-rack” part that Batman altered to fit his needs. I still really liked the HUD screens I had come up with originally, so I moved them over. Then I started adding wiring, like these parts were literally tacked on as they were needed. A couple of small screens with things like dials and some green-screened ol’ school displays were worked in, as well as a big honking field radio. I hate the cheats used by a lot of movie and comic gadgets where the pilot/driver has everything integrated into one clean screen. That might be closer to reality now, but that cheat was old by the 1980s, which is where this vehicle is set.
So I decided if Batman wants to jam a radio signal, scan the airwaves, read targeting information, check engine instruments, or use a 3D map or FLIR imaging, he’s got to do it individually, on the respective screen or device. To help sell this “workspace” setup, I built the new console on an articulated mount, so it can be brought in close to the figure, and mounted a blue tinted LED to “light up” the HUDs and give it that cool blue interior light.
I then extended this line of thinking to other parts: What the hell powers this thing? The motor doesn’t really fit in the front, and with a big loading door, the back isn’t really available.
I then remembered a concept vehicle done a couple years ago called the Jeep Hurricane. This thing ran on front and rear mounted twin V6 engines, which basically gave independent power to each “axle,” and gave it some impressive performance and handling. That’s something Batman could use.
So I used some ridiculous guns from Marvel Select Cable and some various little parts to indicate engines being mounted between the wheels on each side. Cable’s guns had some big radiator-like panels, as well as some lines that look a little like manifolds, intakes, etc., so they help sell the idea of a pair of armored V6 motors. This split V12 would give Batman tons of power, running on two internal fuel tanks that could be just ahead of the rear wheels, and give him some A-10 like redundancy — separated motors means if he were to lose one, he could limp the vehicle home on the other.
I applied similar reasoning to the armament. Another cheat I hate is infinite ammunition, so I simulated ammo feeds on the underside of the turret. Since everything runs through one main turret, I set up stores for a big .30 Incendiary or armor piercing rounds and a separate feed for the rubber-tipped, crowd control variety that Batman could toggle when needed. Though I would certainly not want to get hit with a 7.62 rubber pellet, I think I’d rather get fragged.
I also added some pieces that would be necessary to such a turret, like indications of a hydraulic system that would power it, and a little wiring here and there.
But even with AP and incendiary, this thing wouldn’t be much of a match for a big, armored vehicle, so I added two articulated rocket pods to the sides, housing eight rockets total.
Lastly, I wanted to fill some of the space with stuff that could serve purposes, but admittedly, mostly just to look cool. The side panels have some additional displays and toggles, for other cool imaginary weapons, and I added a cooling fan to the rear deck — all this equipment has to get hot.
Let’s see . . . lastly, I dug into my G.I. Joe sticker stash for some decals. As you guys have seen before, I like using these to punch up vehicles; on one hand because they add color and detail, and on the other because they amp up that classic toy vehicle vibe I always yearn for. This vehicle is about as far away from a store-bought item as you can get, so it’s nice to get some little toyetic touches like that in where you can.
So after this, it’s tidying up, adding paint and windows (those come after paint, trust me). As for what I’m thinking paint-wise, maybe something like this?
See you in a bit!