Well this might get moved to the Kitbash section, or not, but I wanted some eyes on this so...

For those poor souls that like me are addicted to Warhammer 40K, you know what I'm talking about when I mention a Drop Pod. For the rest of you, the following links will get you up to speed;






The thing about Drop Pods is that Games Workshop does not sell an official model for it, even though it sees lots of use by players, and none of the alternatives are all that attractive.
Now, I'm pretty sure something could be kitbashed using First Light, or maybe First Light and Mars Station, that would look much sweeter than any of the above. At the same time, I'm not sure if the powers that be might consider taking this as a small project unto itself, a mini-set they could sell for $5. Because lord knows, if this was done well, they would sell Drop Pods like hot cakes. Most Warhammer 40K players that play Space Marines, i.e. most 40K players, use drop pods often but have to substitute with plastic cups or a card box or something. The Forge World resin drop pods are upwards of $60 and the free homemade templates are lack luster. I am certain the Powers that Be could develop a version that can be built closed up, or open for deployment, with all kinds of nifty details.

Well, that is my plea. Needless to say I'd be the first in line to buy this, as a kitbash or a mini-set.

EDIT: Almost forgot to list my personal wish list for a drop pod;

1) Enough space inside to fit either 10 marines or a dreadnought
2) Windows, so even in the closed model you could see your guys in there
3) Closed and open for deployment versions. Or if you're extra-super cool, a model that could open and close its doors

Hmmm...drop pod

This may not be useful, but I did do some fidgeting with WWG stuff for the "drop pod" equivilant for Tyranids. This consisted of the Mayhem crater kitbash ($.50) as a base and the slick-looking spires from the portal in encounter 1 set ($5.00 for set). In the end, the site was presentable, somewhat creepy, and cheap. Perhaps you could use the crater as well for your ideas. Luck!

-Polycarp

You have to stop using the word "," that belongs to Apple now.

Most drop pods are only supposed to have 5 marines inside - the typical amount of a small squad.

I'm not sure why you'd want one to hold 10 marines, but maybe that's a personal preference.

A drop pod would be great! I have Mels drop ship (which rocks), but for us Mechwarrior/battletech players a drop pod would be perfect!

Game$ Work$hop is not the only game that uses drop pods. Granted the BT/MW are Dropships but I belive there are also 3 mech pods as well.

Whoa! What a great set of responses! Let me try to address a few..

A pentagonal shape would be fine with me. I had envisioned hexagonal because of the "blooming" effect during deployment as every other side (hence the need for an even number of sides) lowers. The space inside I guess can vary - it doesn't have to hold everybody since as soon as you plop the Drop Pod down, at least in 40K, they all disembark. So the model could be made already opened. It does need a flattened apex at the top so we can glue on a gun.

And Denny, considering the price for other drop pod knock offs like the Forgeworld and the one from the aussie company (both at $50 or more), I think at $5 people would not hesitate in picking these up in droves.

ok, some reference pictures for what they should look like. from the open one it does look like 5 sides that open, with the support "wings" between. Personally I'd be happy with three opening ramps, between each of the three "wings".

My brother is a 40KSM player and requested I make one of these for him. I designed a 6-sided version, it's been unfolded and laid out for texturing, I've only been putting little details on at present, no color yet. I didn't plan for it to open though so that might take some rethinking. I'd be happy to pass on the files if someone else wants to have a go at applying textures.

Eric
(no mad-skills, just mad)

Just as a clarification: I didn't intend to advocate for a $5 price point in my previous post. Just wanted to point out that increasing the price won't necessarily decrease pirating. (And that this is an excellent opportunity for WWG!)

I do think $10 may be a reasonable price for a drop pod. WH players do seem to be more accepting of higher prices. Plus, by pricing a product too low, you run the risk of being perceived as low quality. (People are weird like that - my massage therapist SO started getting more clients when she raised her prices...)

In terms of reference, on one side you have the *free* R-36 demo ship for First Light, on the other side you have some of Mel's other models, such as the ($3), or the ($8 ).

With functioning doors and interior textures, I think the droppod would be more complex than any of those, so $10 seems quite well justified. Any comparison with the free R-36 would likely only emphasize what a great deal the R-36 demo is, rather than cheapening the droppod.