What if

GROUP BUILDS => 2015 Group Builds => The Knackers Yard => The Civilinise/Militarise it GB => Topic started by: Dizzyfugu on June 20, 2015, 03:54:34 AM

Title: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 20, 2015, 03:54:34 AM
Hmmm, one GB submission is never enough, so I take the opportunity to convert one of these...  ;D

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tamiya-model.co.uk%2Fshop%2Fimages%2Fbandai_model%2Fmiscellaneous%2Fb_B-28794.jpg&hash=59c9ca545eecdcffa219e4d651f47fdba58a6176)


Anime is certainly not everyone's business, but it has a lot to offer. This "Brocken" comes from a TV series called Patlabor, one of the classics - and I'd recommend it for anyone who is curious but does not want girls in sailor-fuku, explosions all the time or mind-bending martial arts.

The charm of the Patlabor universe is that these vehicles exist (these are no robots, except for rare cases there's a pilot inside) in everyday life. When the series was conceived in the 80ies it was a near-future setting in the nineties - SF, but VERY down to earth and "realisitc". The movies are very good, too, but they are insofar a bit difficult to watch because the characters are not introduced, and the movies have a darker, more serious tone than the series. But especially the second one is actually a political thriller which is very up to date, in time sof terror instead of open warfare.

The 'Labors', how these vehicles are called, are more or less special duty heavy machinery, e. g. for construction, loading, hazmat handling. They are also employed by the police (hence the title of the series, Patlabor, which circles around a police unit which fights labor crime) and by the military. The Brocken is one of the dedicated military designs. It actually comes from Germany, hence probably the plate mail armor design. I am not certain if its name, Brocken, is the German word for hulk, or the mountain close to the inner German border in FRG/GDR times, because the Brocken was designed to patrol and protect this border - the Cold War was still part of the series' script!

Here's a personal conversion I did with this kit many years ago - a whif, actually, in contemporary Bundeswehr colors and some other mods:

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3833/10119269024_99dd247712_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/gqcU8A)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-7B/2B "Brocken" Military Labor, West-German Bundeswehr/Heer use, 1999 (modified Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/gqcU8A) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Anyway, this 1:60 kit will some modification and will be transferred into non-military use. Had this idea on the agenda for a long time, and now is a good opportunity to finally realize it.




Direct link to the finished kit: http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,40775.60.html

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/459/19619591362_7ace9d371e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vTHwYA)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vTHwYA) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: PR19_Kit on June 20, 2015, 04:26:06 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 20, 2015, 03:54:34 AM
Anyway, this 1:60 kit will some modification and will be transferred into non-military use. Had this idea on the agenda for a long time, and now is a good opportunity to finally realize it.
Stay tuned... ;)

Somehow I don't see that in a Lufthansa scheme..............  ;D :lol:
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: scooter on June 20, 2015, 04:44:12 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on June 20, 2015, 04:26:06 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 20, 2015, 03:54:34 AM
Anyway, this 1:60 kit will some modification and will be transferred into non-military use. Had this idea on the agenda for a long time, and now is a good opportunity to finally realize it.
Stay tuned... ;)

Somehow I don't see that in a Lufthansa scheme..............  ;D :lol:

Deutsche Bahn, then
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Modelling_Mushi on June 20, 2015, 04:51:03 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on June 20, 2015, 04:26:06 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 20, 2015, 03:54:34 AM
Anyway, this 1:60 kit will some modification and will be transferred into non-military use. Had this idea on the agenda for a long time, and now is a good opportunity to finally realize it.
Stay tuned... ;)

Somehow I don't see that in a Lufthansa scheme..............  ;D :lol:

For some reason the thought of Angela Merkel either being in control of one of those or inside drivign it seems all to plausible and natural ...  :unsure:
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Hobbes on June 20, 2015, 05:20:40 AM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on June 20, 2015, 04:26:06 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 20, 2015, 03:54:34 AM
Anyway, this 1:60 kit will some modification and will be transferred into non-military use. Had this idea on the agenda for a long time, and now is a good opportunity to finally realize it.
Stay tuned... ;)

Somehow I don't see that in a Lufthansa scheme..............  ;D :lol:

A heavy haulage or construction company scheme maybe?
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Mossie on June 20, 2015, 05:34:23 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 20, 2015, 03:54:34 AM
Hmmm, one GB submission is never enough,
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tamiya-model.co.uk%2Fshop%2Fimages%2Fbandai_model%2Fmiscellaneous%2Fb_B-28794.jpg&hash=59c9ca545eecdcffa219e4d651f47fdba58a6176)

For some of it's too many! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Never seen this one before, I love it. :wub:
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 20, 2015, 07:21:11 AM
I see I got the crowd hooked  ;). There are actually a ton of "real" Labor designs - Shoji Kawamori, one of Japan's most famous meche designers, is behind them, the man who also created the beautiful VF-1 Valkyries for Macross.

For some inspiration, take a look at this list - it also shows the scope of miltary and civil use of these vehicles:

http://mahq.net/mecha/patlabor/patlabortv/index.htm
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Old Wombat on June 20, 2015, 09:44:39 AM
I could see it as a fire-fighting vehicle, an oilfield fire/explosion/emergency vehicle, a nuclear emergency vehicle or a deep sea operations vehicle.
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 20, 2015, 09:48:50 AM
Quote from: Old Wombat on June 20, 2015, 09:44:39 AM
I could see it as a fire-fighting vehicle, an oilfield fire/explosion/emergency vehicle, a nuclear emergency vehicle or a deep sea operations vehicle.

Good guess! It will become a (German?) alternative to this...

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmahq.net%2Fmecha%2Fpatlabor%2Fpatlabortv%2Farv-99.jpg&hash=5bdb139bd99d469001b90053340b493733f8ef64)

Instead of a Fire Bomber, this one will go into direct melee - with some suitable, special equipment.  ;D

Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Weaver on June 20, 2015, 02:21:50 PM
What I want to know is why this super-high-tech 30-foot high mech was carrying a perfect scaled-up replica of a Walther MP sub-machinegun, complete with cocking handle, sling swivels and iron sights..... ;) :rolleyes:
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 21, 2015, 01:14:51 AM
It's German - from a Japanese designer's point of view, though, and a potentially unedicated audience that just knows clichés!

Anime is full of such weirdo things. Ever wondered waht Douglas REALLY worked on when they designed the F-110/F-4?

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hobbyxstyle.com%2FBaseProductImages%2F856%2Fs400-1-100_megaro__zamac_gerwalk_phantom.jpg&hash=89345a8a5ac3a5c78210a5db3748f9bbafede905)

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hobbyxstyle.com%2FBaseProductImages%2F856%2Fs400-1-100_megaro__zamac_gerwalk_phantom_b.jpg&hash=c2489d6759789cbc30c8a7dbde240c793b2b02e0)

Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Weaver on June 21, 2015, 03:52:41 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 21, 2015, 01:14:51 AM
It's German - from a Japanese designer's point of view, though, and a potentially unedicated audience that just knows clichés!

Thing is though, that gun isn't a cliché. There's nothing quintessentially German about it, like a Luger, an MP-40 or a Heckler & Koch MP-5. It's just a relatively obscure, technically unremarkable* SMG, from a company better known for it's pistols, that sold moderately well for a while but ceased production in 1985. I'll bet anyone who isn't some level of gun nut has no idea who makes it or where. My suspicion is that the designer just looked through Jane's All The World's Guns until he found something German he like the look of... ;D (or maybe it's the association of Walther with James Bond: "hey the PPK's kinda weedy actually; what else do they make?")



*It has a over-hung solid bolt that's an interesting alternative to the more common Uzi-style, but that's about it.
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: zenrat on June 21, 2015, 04:39:34 AM
Yeah, i'd have given it a schmeisser mp40.
;D
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Weaver on June 21, 2015, 05:21:02 AM
Quote from: zenrat on June 21, 2015, 04:39:34 AM
Yeah, i'd have given it a schmeisser mp40.
;D

Off-topic fun fact: Hugo Schmeisser had NOTHING to do with the MP-40. It was actually designed by an engineer called Heinrich Vollmer and produced by the Erma company. It was given the "Schmeisser" moniker by allied troops because he was famous for designing the MP-18 and they just assumed this must be another one of his. Ironically, Schmeisser spent much of the war trying to undermine the MP-40 by coming up with pointless alternatives.
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 21, 2015, 09:35:14 AM
Funny what discussion an anime kit can create?  ;)

BTW, things move already forward. The good thing about this more modern mecha kits is that the mould engineers and the kit designers eventually had mercy with those-who-build-the-stuff and designed the kit in a way that you can assemble segments, pant them separately and put them together. Older kits do not offer this luxury, so beware if you want to build one.  ;)

Another unique feature of the Patlabor mechas is that they are basically an endoskeleton, over which textured (wrinkly) silicone sleeves are put, and then the outer shell, as a kind of exoskeleton is added. This has pros and cons. On the good side, these silicone parts are flexible and cover areas where you normally see joints, holes or ugly plastic parts. On the down side: you can hardly paint the stuff, and OOB it looks pretty bleak. The Brocken comes with medium grey parts - so I try my best with thinned, dark grey acrylic paint as a kind of wash that settles in the wrinkles.

Body work also started. The head will be completely new/scratched, the cockpit section (in the breast) will be new, too, and I try to figure out how I can mount a CO² tank on the back...
Additional search lights, water cannons, maybe a winch and (he he...) an extandable hydraulic crusher on the forearm, when knocking on the door simply does not meet the situation.
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Go4fun on June 21, 2015, 10:11:16 AM
Quote from: Mossie on June 20, 2015, 05:34:23 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 20, 2015, 03:54:34 AM
Hmmm, one GB submission is never enough,
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tamiya-model.co.uk%2Fshop%2Fimages%2Fbandai_model%2Fmiscellaneous%2Fb_B-28794.jpg&hash=59c9ca545eecdcffa219e4d651f47fdba58a6176)

For some of it's too many! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Never seen this one before, I love it. :wub:
Even though the bolt is forward (I think) on this weapon it's bad weapons skill for Robby The Robot to have his finger on the trigger with the weapon off target. *Rant mode off*
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Weaver on June 21, 2015, 10:53:07 AM
Quote from: Go4fun on June 21, 2015, 10:11:16 AM
Even though the bolt is forward (I think) on this weapon it's bad weapons skill for Robby The Robot to have his finger on the trigger with the weapon off target. *Rant mode off*

The charging handle isn't "live" on the MPL so you can't tell if it's cocked or not by looking at it. Safety's on Full Auto too... tut, tut......  ;)
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Captain Canada on June 22, 2015, 05:00:19 AM
Neat idea !  Looking forward to seeing how you go about it.

:cheers:
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 22, 2015, 09:43:43 AM
Some early glimpses - the "endoskeleton" for the lower body:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/312/18870734430_f6d1af52cf_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uKxrUb)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uKxrUb) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Feet assembly - will probably remain OOB.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/278/18435915374_43141cc950_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/u67TkU)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/u67TkU) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

First body elements, including endoskeleton parts for the shoulders (in the torso & upper arms) plus exoskeleton arm parts, and (keen eyes may recognize it) the former head of a 1:100 Macross Destroid Phalanx, which will be a literally great search light for one of the shoulders:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/272/18437753683_17897b94d6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/u6hiNT)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/u6hiNT) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Weaver on June 22, 2015, 12:07:07 PM
Interesting stuff. I built a few Macross (?) models when I was a kid and it was always a bit of a lottery how tight the joints would end up and therefore whether they'd actually be displayable.
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: zenrat on June 22, 2015, 06:06:08 PM
I hope you're planning to put the nozzle for the water cannon in the obvious place (snigger snigger). :rolleyes:
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: NARSES2 on June 23, 2015, 06:26:02 AM
I want to see one in Killer Heels  :wacko: :rolleyes:
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 23, 2015, 07:53:38 AM
Quote from: zenrat on June 22, 2015, 06:06:08 PM
I hope you're planning to put the nozzle for the water cannon in the obvious place (snigger snigger). :rolleyes:

Well, wait for a specific WiP pic. I know what comments it will rouse... The finished item will be "safe", though.  ;)
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 23, 2015, 07:55:20 AM
Quote from: Weaver on June 22, 2015, 12:07:07 PM
Interesting stuff. I built a few Macross (?) models when I was a kid and it was always a bit of a lottery how tight the joints would end up and therefore whether they'd actually be displayable.

Did these (already) have PVC caps for the joints? The 1st generation kits without (IMAI) are a P!TA to build - I did some and reverted to completely scratched joint constructions...  :-\
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 23, 2015, 08:00:59 AM
Quote from: NARSES2 on June 23, 2015, 06:26:02 AM
I want to see one in Killer Heels  :wacko: :rolleyes:

There were/are some girls in high heel battle suits... nothing is impossible in anime. Stylish, and with attitude!  ;D

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7463/16075500116_1f0c9d034e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qux987)Bubblegum Crisis +++ 1:12 Priscilla "Priss" Asagiri in Hardsuit (https://flic.kr/p/qux987) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7516/16099368381_68b79a4b1d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qwDtjV)Bubblegum Crisis +++ 1:12 Priscilla "Priss" Asagiri in Hardsuit (https://flic.kr/p/qwDtjV) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


And some mecha designs come close, e. g. this "L.E.D. Mirage" from The Five Star Stories:

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.childofmecha.com%2F%7Echildofm%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Feditorials%2Fgundam_high_heels%2FFFS_Example_02.jpg&hash=c27ea0da28563ddb0ab7a896fd9ca7356c39936b)

(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gundamplanet.com%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fcache%2F1%2Fimage%2F370x370%2Fd1e45073b049284d4096233a1fa94db5%2Fi%2Fm%2Fims-1-100-06-l-e-d-mirage-v3-inferno-napalm-01.jpg&hash=d11e2d405c16bb887d969e3d4fea43f17091e8a2)
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 23, 2015, 10:43:53 AM
Meanwhile... more things to see. Building such a modern mecha kit is really work on bits and pieces in parallel.

Here's the conversion of the breast section - the implant is actually a leftover shoulder guard piece from a 1:144 Gundam Zaku:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/361/19084949092_ca7111b6e9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/v5tmsq)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/v5tmsq) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

That's the CO2 thank I want to integrate (from a Dorvack PA kit, the "Berlon"). The only suitable place is on the back, over the radiator vents, which have to be covered...

[http://(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/277/19093880871_4c738992e8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/v6g8yB)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/v6g8yB) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

More from the legs, working upwards. The feet have been painted in black (acrylic, rattle can), because they have to be mounted now and later it will be very hard to get to them later.

[http://(https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3933/19064377306_0336fe188a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/v3DVbs)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/v3DVbs) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

And then, the aforementioned pic(s) which will certainly rouse (unintentional) comments or spur imagination... technically, this about weathering/shading the silicone "pants" for the endoskeleton with acrylics:

[http://(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/416/18902935058_38200ca07f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uNou2q)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uNou2q) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

[http://(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/438/18902874070_386bcb6954_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uNoaTU)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uNoaTU) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


(Sorry, pictures fixed!)  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Weaver on June 23, 2015, 06:17:11 PM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 23, 2015, 07:55:20 AM
Quote from: Weaver on June 22, 2015, 12:07:07 PM
Interesting stuff. I built a few Macross (?) models when I was a kid and it was always a bit of a lottery how tight the joints would end up and therefore whether they'd actually be displayable.

Did these (already) have PVC caps for the joints? The 1st generation kits without (IMAI) are a P!TA to build - I did some and reverted to completely scratched joint constructions...  :-\

Some might have done, but I honestly can't remember. I do recall some small ones them having screws through the joints.

Part of the problem with these in the UK market was that a large number of the kits just materialised in hobby shops one day, without the shows they related to having ever been on TV, so everybody thought they looked cool, but nobody had a clue what they were actually supposed to be....
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 24, 2015, 12:25:17 AM
Same here. Mid/late 80ies, I got hooked exactly the same way. Out of a sudden a pallet with mixed kits turned up in a department store, relatively cheap. Immediately fell in love with a Macross Destroid Defender (because its AA purpose was clear!) and a Run-Valam from Megaro Zamak (looks like Darth Vader's three-legged Sunday drive device)... Later Revell came up with their "Robotech" series, but also without the real background, but that ended soon, too.
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: zenrat on June 24, 2015, 02:35:07 AM
I discovered the models before watching any of the shows but they were easilly available on the interweb.
I was looking at a kit in the model shop today.  Looked like a mecha horse.  All the writing on the box was japanese so I have no idea what it was.  I was tempted.

Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 24, 2015, 02:38:38 AM
Sounds unfamiliar. Maybe a Zoids kit?
Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 24, 2015, 11:14:07 AM
More stuff from the bench; a look into the upper torso with the hip and shoulder joints:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/446/18935300428_b65a2331dd_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uRfn83)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uRfn83) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


...and more from the torso with a new cockpit hatch (part from a former 1:1200 Bismarck turret!), as well as a glimpse at the (WiP) scratched head. At 21 parts and unfinished status I stopped counting...  :rolleyes:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/484/18936769449_5eab5eeec2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uRnTNZ)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uRnTNZ) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/410/18935302808_4ef1181117_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uRfnQ5)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uRfnQ5) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 26, 2015, 03:19:56 AM
Quick update: so far, things run smoothly. The hydraulic crusher has been successfully integrated. The hand mounting of the OOB Brocken causes a bit of a headache, because it is angled inwards, but I'll leave the attachment to the lower arm as it is. Head has almost been finished, some searchlights will be integrated above the visor, and work on the bigger water/foam cannon for the shoulder position has started. Shoulders will be pretty cramped, and I guess the Firefighter Labor will look even more chunky than its military cousin!
Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 26, 2015, 10:39:25 AM
Some visual news: the (almost finished) new head.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/255/18994795079_9056bf8ca7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uWvhNT)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uWvhNT) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/553/19180931165_e9fb19a353_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vdXhzK)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vdXhzK) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/383/18993256390_43280b9202_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uWnppL)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uWnppL) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


Lower body/waist/legs:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/406/19154798506_8c5d57c98a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vbDmfE)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vbDmfE) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/513/18558409944_5fe014178e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ugWGHf)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/ugWGHf) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


And some work from the left and right lower arm:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/318/19184509571_486f39abdf_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vegCjp)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vegCjp) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/424/19154788436_a1e41b05cd_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vbDig3)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vbDig3) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 27, 2015, 11:06:35 AM
More detail work: flashlights! Scratched, from tooth brush covers, some clear sprue parts and styrene sheet. Simple, but effective.  ;D

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3935/19022294740_83a9c6cbac_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uYWeuY)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uYWeuY) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/354/19209930795_a2f07c8fb1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vgvVan)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vgvVan) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/343/19183816526_0b2c6c2330_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ved5im)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/ved5im) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/495/19209929375_44f42710b3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vgvUJT)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vgvUJT) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 28, 2015, 02:43:17 AM
The arms (WiP). Beyond the extra tools on the lower arms I also decided to use different, bigger hands. The OOB options are nicely molded, but these are not full 5 finger hands. As a military Labor the Brocken just has simplified devices, with a thumb, an index finder and the rest is just one piece. To simple for a fire fighter verhicle, and also a bit small in roder to open the way when it counts. Hence I checked the mecha parts pile and came up with fists from a 1:100 Gerwalk VF-1 from Macross - these have notoriously oversized hands (unfortunately just fists), but with my creation's overall bulkiness they fit in well. Another option would have been articulated aftermarket hands for Gundam kits (yes, things like these are available from Kotobukiya in Japan to pimp your robot kit, and these parts are excellent), but I did not want to wait four weeks - and it's a convenient solution. This is what it looks like now:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/516/19202399226_4d869d5000_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vfRjhJ)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vfRjhJ) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


Then we have the hydraulic crusher on its extendable arm:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/279/19040853130_6321a382fe_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/v1zmgd)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/v1zmgd) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/527/19202395536_aa20a597e4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vfRic7)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vfRic7) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


The crusher itself is a massive die cast piece, taken from a HO scale excavator model. It's in a fixed position, even though it sits on a rotating basis.
Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Sticky Fingers on June 28, 2015, 10:16:18 AM
Lovely work Dizzy  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Captain Canada on June 28, 2015, 02:23:04 PM
All sorts of bits and bobs and greeblies going into this one ! Are you sure you even started with a kit ?

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 29, 2015, 12:48:01 AM
Well, building one of these is VERY different from traditional vehicles. Furthermore, you have lots of moveable joints, so that the result is more or less a 8" tall action figure. Looks messy, and it effectively is, but things slowly grow together. Trust me, I know what I am doing...  ;D
Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 29, 2015, 09:54:56 AM
Daily news... the bigger water cannon for the left shoulder:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/562/18649521113_bc2f5195f0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/upZETt)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/upZETt) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


Then, impressions from the upper body - the front side, with arms and head in place (still WiP):

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/377/19273942951_6118b908a3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vnaZKe)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vnaZKe) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


...and the back side; I decided to implant a full water pump installation, beyond the CO2 tank, including a distributor.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/368/19082466000_72564a7e8c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/v5fCju)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/v5fCju) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


...and the same, with the big water cannon and the large searchlight attched to the shoulder fix points:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/307/19082476968_5668284174_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/v5fFzA)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/v5fFzA) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 30, 2015, 10:17:07 AM
More... e. g. free-standing hydraulic pistons for the head:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/316/19294762152_b14f61ed51_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vp1GyY)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vp1GyY) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

The hand-mounted water cannon:

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3913/19113174988_a920a1f795_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/v7Y22N)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/v7Y22N) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Adding a winch and bumbers, wherever some protection is deemed necessary:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/327/19300734215_494c24de65_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vpxiRz)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vpxiRz) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

And the head in final guise. Not certain about the number of parts anymore, almost 30 I'd guess...

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3856/19300732155_7f4bcb1766_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vpxif4)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vpxif4) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 01, 2015, 09:48:02 AM
Progress, progress, progress... an update from the torso, with more "bumpers" added, and I started mounting lights galore:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/382/18707979653_ce88989cc4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uvahzk)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uvahzk) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/343/19140997698_501a0b0f53_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vaqBKG)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vaqBKG) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

The knees have been treated, too: the rounded top was cut off, covered, and now these massive bars add protection:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/365/19302504436_a4a3c3628a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vpGo5C)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vpGo5C) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

And a final front view, with even more lights  ;D

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/349/18707975663_4111eb35f6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uvagox)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uvagox) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

We're closing in on the painting phase. Plan is overall RAL 3000 Fire Red, some black parts like the feet, and yellow trim. I am not certain if this is to become a German vehicle, but I think it will receive English language markings. Maybe it was/is a test competitor against the ARV-99 Rescue Labor, which finally made it into the TV show...?
Title: Re: A Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 02, 2015, 11:56:17 PM
No pics at the moment, work is hampered by high temperatures - even though there is slight progress. Did some more detail work and finishing touches and started painting body components in bright red. Changes the look dramatically, I am really curious how this finally looks?!  :lol:
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 03, 2015, 10:20:43 AM
Minute progress... More beef for the upper legs, and upper torso with shoulder attachments added:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/463/19198717919_877e83207f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vfwrXV)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vfwrXV) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/547/19197325048_41d7bbf298_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vfpiUU)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vfpiUU) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 04, 2015, 04:27:29 AM
Detail work on the left forearm...

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/431/18782036374_fdb7854ab1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uBGR4m)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uBGR4m) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


...while the rest becomes red:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/490/19378489046_06d2e36871_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vwpPE7)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vwpPE7) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/513/19408702641_3020e64a0f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vz5F7a)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vz5F7a) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/526/19218368779_d6813f77e2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vhgatR)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vhgatR) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 05, 2015, 02:18:16 AM
Basic painting has been finished - it is astonishing how much surface such a figure actually has. And that it is so hot that the paint dries up on the brush does not help much...  :-\

Anyway, things turn red, and a light black ink wash has also already been applied. Shading is next, as well detail work - e .g. filling the space inside the "collar" with paper tissue, soaked with white carpenter glue, the water and pressure hoses have to be mounted, decals, etc.

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3666/19242954388_03f67239ee_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vjraVE)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vjraVE) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/261/19424253402_8d6c820954_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vAsnNJ)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vAsnNJ) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/275/19434736141_ae8bd1fec7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vBo6XB)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vBo6XB) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 06, 2015, 09:44:17 AM
The basic overall tones for painting the Florian: Revell 330 (= RAL 3000), then Humbrol 132 for shading and some Humbrol 100 for final highlights.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/280/19282944690_cdf91d994c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vnY8DC)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vnY8DC) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Filling the collar...

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/305/19284364869_3e1d805c2e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vo6pPt)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vo6pPt) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Lower torso during finishing touches (silicone "trousers" have just been re-painted/touched up with a fresh grey wash coat)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/271/19474795701_5037203c51_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vEVqgF)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vEVqgF) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

And the hydraulic crusher during dry brushing...

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/276/19282920638_afb5cf7c3e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vnY1uW)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vnY1uW) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: zenrat on July 07, 2015, 04:20:08 AM
Wasn't it Kryten who had a groinal socket into which he would plug various attachments?
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 07, 2015, 04:34:32 AM
I'm stumped for an answer. I am a bit nerdy, but this is out of my range...  :party:
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: NARSES2 on July 07, 2015, 06:46:06 AM
Quote from: zenrat on July 07, 2015, 04:20:08 AM
Wasn't it Kryten who had a groinal socket into which he would plug various attachments?


Knowing what the writers were capable of it's quite likely  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Gondor on July 07, 2015, 06:50:41 AM
Quote from: zenrat on July 07, 2015, 04:20:08 AM
Wasn't it Kryten who had a groinal socket into which he would plug various attachments?


Yes he did although I am not 100% sure what attachments her had. I seem to remember that he had a Hoover attachment and something makes me think that he also had a drinks dispenser  :blink:

Gondor
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: NARSES2 on July 07, 2015, 07:01:34 AM
Quote from: Gondor on July 07, 2015, 06:50:41 AM
Quote from: zenrat on July 07, 2015, 04:20:08 AM
Wasn't it Kryten who had a groinal socket into which he would plug various attachments?


Yes he did although I am not 100% sure what attachments her had. I seem to remember that he had a Hoover attachment and something makes me think that he also had a drinks dispenser  :blink:

Gondor

Both highly likely given the writers  ;D
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 07, 2015, 09:17:01 AM
Before things run out of control and theories pop up about who can attach what to whom I'd rather guide attention to the WiP...

The collar, filled and painted:

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3810/19503025811_f5992c0cc6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vHq76H)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vHq76H) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Left forearm (still without the crusher, though...)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/432/19503020401_a87ec9dc0b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vHq5ur)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vHq5ur) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Right forearm:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/498/19312335739_d9a1ca0cdb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vqyLzR)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vqyLzR) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Other bits and pieces:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/286/18878005983_f39dc8d2b0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uLbHtM)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uLbHtM) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

And a red leg.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/547/19312339129_8a11a702f0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vqyMAi)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vqyMAi) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: PR19_Kit on July 07, 2015, 02:32:04 PM
I'm  glad YOU have some idea what it's going to look like when it's done Thomas, I'm darned if I have!  :o
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 07, 2015, 11:41:27 PM
That's the charm of modern mecha kit. Poor vinly recasts of character figures are worse, though: when you open the box you get a bag of "parts" that look like a bunch of molten plastic coffee mugs. You'd never believe that this turns into "something".

Another "kit in the box shock" bears the 1:72 VF-1 Valkyrie in Battroid mode from Hasegawa. On the box, there's an athletic robot - when you take a look at the sprues and parts (none id bigger than a stamp...) you do not get any idea of what this zillion of bits might is intended to become!

The Brocken here is relatively harmless, it just looks so messy because the complete assembly is the truly final step of building it. So far, I have only put the lower and upper torso together for proportions tests - but I haven't seen the whole thing "finished" yet, too.  ;)

Tension stays on a high level!

BTW, applied decals yesterday - some yellow trim all over the mecha. Hopefully I can do final detail touches (sensor boom etc.) today and start light weathering. A coat of varnish will also be necessary on the hard parts, probably semi-gloss.
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 08, 2015, 10:10:01 AM
Things turn more concrete (pre-decal status).  :mellow:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/559/19341621189_cd805f80d3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vt9S8p)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vt9S8p) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/348/19532364311_afcd54c470_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vL1tpV)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vL1tpV) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/444/19528110415_80a7a77c5f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vKCEST)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vKCEST) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/410/19502004986_b772255d38_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vHjSDh)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vHjSDh) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/403/19532367801_b53528dc39_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vL1us6)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vL1us6) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/406/19521443552_ea6e7039ae_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vK3v3Y)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Fire-fighting Labor (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vK3v3Y) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: zenrat on July 09, 2015, 03:53:27 AM
This is looking brilliant Dizz.  Your manifolds look particularly good.
Now, at risk of upsetting you...

Quote from: NARSES2 on July 07, 2015, 07:01:34 AM
Quote from: Gondor on July 07, 2015, 06:50:41 AM
Quote from: zenrat on July 07, 2015, 04:20:08 AM
Wasn't it Kryten who had a groinal socket into which he would plug various attachments?


Yes he did although I am not 100% sure what attachments her had. I seem to remember that he had a Hoover attachment and something makes me think that he also had a drinks dispenser  :blink:

Gondor

Both highly likely given the writers  ;D
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette2.wikia.nocookie.net%2Freddwarf%2Fimages%2Fc%2Fc7%2FGroinal.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20130324171747&hash=72626c70adc07e12d231f39cf62e228e1e5d53fa)
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 09, 2015, 05:26:14 AM
 :blink: OMG!
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 10, 2015, 12:40:23 AM
Good news, even without pics: yesterday evening saw the "launch" of the Florian!  :party:
For the first time, all body parts were fitted together, successfully! The kit stands upright, can be posed to s certain degree, and the proportions (still) work, despite all the added extras. Looks MASSIVE with the extra shoulder attachments, though, the OOB Brocken looks like Bambi next to it!  ;)
But it works, and final touches can be done, like the (flexible) pipes and plumbings for the water cannons. If things run smoothly the kit will be done this weekend. 

I might add a small display later, since all the Labors I have built so far (six!) have a 8x8" base - maybe just a piece of street surface with rubble and burnt pieces, nothing fancy or worth calling a diorama.
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Cobra on July 10, 2015, 01:39:43 AM
You're doing a Top Notch Job,Dizzy :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: i would Nominate You for the Rank of MMW1! Like that you're Doing a Fire Fighter Labor, i Dad Used to be a Fire Fighter, So This is Too Cool, IMHO! Keep up the Superb Work :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: Dan
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Mossie on July 10, 2015, 05:35:48 AM
I do like the manifold arrangement on the back, definitely looks the part of a walking fire engine.
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Captain Canada on July 10, 2015, 06:03:27 AM
Agreed. It does look ready to accept a water supply and fight fire ! Going to be neat watching all the body parts coming together.

:cheers:
Title: Re: 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (De-militarized 'Brocken'; Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 10, 2015, 08:35:37 AM
Thanks a lot for the idea's support!  :cheers:

Meanwhile, I try to keep the tension up with some more WiP shots, concerning decals and pipings (on the feet first, filling voids that could reveal ...nothing  :rolleyes:):

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/317/19392182058_4e1ca525b9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vxC17w)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vxC17w) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/337/18957587244_df0b09295b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uTdAdu)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uTdAdu) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


Other markings follow suit - starts looking more and more purposeful:

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/19580127055_391d21bc15_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vQegBv)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vQegBv) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/513/19573265912_2ffc4eefdb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vPC72W)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vPC72W) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/545/19392176730_3b0f5f1978_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vxBYwE)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vxBYwE) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/318/19393572619_88d9ba2a56_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vxK8tH)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vxK8tH) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha/Patlabor anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 11, 2015, 04:01:31 AM
More news, and finally... the complete object!

But first, some WiP shots from the shoulder water cannon and the plumbings:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/295/18980226253_e0c917748e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uVdC1e)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uVdC1e) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/432/19594226592_f76ebe895a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vRtwUY)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vRtwUY) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/562/19413187070_6ccf71ecbe_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vztEaU)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vztEaU) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/416/19594221212_07952df74a_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vRtvjd)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vRtvjd) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/18980220853_141058f7e8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uVdAp8)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uVdAp8) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/18980222003_e1c939a427_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uVdAJX)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uVdAJX) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


And, finally, "Rise, creation of mine!! Muahahahaha!"  :wacko:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/292/19594219752_56feced5e9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vRtuT3)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/vRtuT3) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Still some detail work to do - but the Florian Labor looks good.  :lol:
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha/Patlabor anime)
Post by: zenrat on July 11, 2015, 04:17:44 AM
IT'S ALIVE!!!

Great work Dizz.
Where do the pilots sit in these?  In the chest like in a Gundam?
Or are they true robots and thus have no need of a pilot?

Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha/Patlabor anime)
Post by: scooter on July 11, 2015, 05:14:22 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on July 11, 2015, 04:01:31 AM
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/295/18980226253_e0c917748e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uVdC1e)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Industries Europe Type-8FF 'Florian' Fire-Fighting Labor Prototype; Tokyo, late 1999 (Whif/Brocken conversion) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/uVdC1e) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

Or is he actually set up to torch books?
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha/Patlabor anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 11, 2015, 05:38:19 AM
Quote from: zenrat on July 11, 2015, 04:17:44 AM
IT'S ALIVE!!!
Great work Dizz.
Where do the pilots sit in these?  In the chest like in a Gundam?
Or are they true robots and thus have no need of a pilot?

Thank you. In the chest, traditionally for Patlabor - the visor for the pilot is well hidden under the protective bar. The Labors are not too large (if you compare them with other mecha, e .g. from Macross, Gundam or even Evangelion), and a single pilot finds a snug place right in front of the head.

Here's a Helldiver from the home collection where I opened the hatch:

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/10085615653_34aaf2713e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/gneqa4)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Shinohara Industries ARL-99B "Helldiver" Airborne-Troops Labor (modified Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/gneqa4) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha/Patlabor anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 11, 2015, 05:41:01 AM
Quote from: scooter on July 11, 2015, 05:14:22 AM
Or is he actually set up to torch books?

Certainly not! Mechas are avid readers (from fellow user Joriel Jimenez at FlickR):

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3539/3545174451_95b7ac2e43_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/6pgWRr)Reading Up | Macross  マクロス (https://flic.kr/p/6pgWRr) by Joriel Jimenez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/joriel/), on Flickr

;)
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha/Patlabor anime)
Post by: scooter on July 11, 2015, 05:51:58 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on July 11, 2015, 05:41:01 AM
Quote from: scooter on July 11, 2015, 05:14:22 AM
Or is he actually set up to torch books?

Certainly not! Mechas are avid readers (from fellow user Joriel Jimenez at FlickR):

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3539/3545174451_95b7ac2e43_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/6pgWRr)Reading Up | Macross  マクロス (https://flic.kr/p/6pgWRr) by Joriel Jimenez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/joriel/), on Flickr

;)

Looks more like Hikaru Ichijyo (Rick Hunter for those who only know Robotech) reading the TM on how to operate his VF-1J  ;D
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha/Patlabor anime)
Post by: Sticky Fingers on July 11, 2015, 11:38:25 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu

Certainly not! Mechas are avid readers (from fellow user Joriel Jimenez at FlickR):

I concur.
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frs120.pbsrc.com%2Falbums%2Fo182%2Fbrandzai%2FHPIM1028.jpg%7E320x480&hash=09fb6613873523b98969b2c2375a201172c83a34)
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha/Patlabor anime)
Post by: Captain Canada on July 11, 2015, 06:09:56 PM
Is that ever coming along now ! Very cool. I like the guys reading too...pretty funny stuff !

:cheers:
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha/Patlabor anime)
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 12, 2015, 02:29:03 AM
"Habemus robot"! It's done!  ;D

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/459/19619591362_7ace9d371e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vTHwYA)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vTHwYA) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


Some background:
The origin of Rescue Labors dates back to 1998, when both the Tokyo fire and police departments were  called out for a high risk job when a fire broke out at the Tower City skyscraper under construction in Tama. As the fire fighters dealt with the fire, the police's AV-98 Ingrams carried out a rescue of the personnel and dignitaries trapped high in the tower. The impressive potential of the Labors in this scenario led city officials to publish a tender for a dedicated fire-fighting Labor.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/530/19440035579_704c72e5e2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vBRgie)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vBRgie) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/19626630995_e84147b6cf_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vUkBBz)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vUkBBz) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/449/19004025884_f11753c605_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uXjANG)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/uXjANG) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


In 1999, a design competition was held, with three contenders. These were the ARV-99 Rescue Labor by Shinohara Industries (based on the AV-98 Ingram chassis of the police Labor), the CRL-98 "Pyro-Buster", produced by Hishii Heavy Industries, and the SEE (Schaft Enterprise Europe) Type-8FF Rescue Labor.

The latter was a civil adaptation of the military Type-8 "Brocken" labor for the German Bundesheer (Army Forces). All designs offered sophisticated solutions and equipment for the fire-fighting job: Because the Rescue Labor works in high heat environments, the units were designed to be fire and heatproof to protect the pilot. To fulfill its main role of extinguishing fires, the Rescue Labors were to be equipped with a pair of water cannons, one on the forearm and one on its shoulders, fed by an internal tank and/or by an external source.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/19619589742_95f215ef97_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vTHwuE)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vTHwuE) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/19626620015_3fe47f5b90_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vUkymg)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vUkymg) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


Additionally, the competition's rescue Labors were to deal with hazardous chemical situations. A respective protection system had to be provided, too, as well as precise manipulator fingers for delicate handling.
Detecting life under harsh conditions, in any weather and at day and night, necessitated a complex sensor suite, including a telescopic camera boom.

Schaft Enterprise Europe's Type-8FF was the most impressive design, standing more than 10 metres tall. It was also the most powerful – but also the most bulky type, since it was originally developed for more spacious European cities.
Beyond the standard requirements the "Florian", how the Labor was unofficially dubbed (after the Christian patron saint of firefighters), offered a huge array of extra equipment, including an extendable hydraulic crusher, an extra CO2 tank, a high performance water pump (the Type-8FF could be operated as a water manifold when it was not directly involved in rescue duties), a powerful searchlight array and a 2-ton-winch.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/291/19600453866_7dc963b642_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vS2s4L)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vS2s4L) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/19005667813_d7d810cf7e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uXt1TP)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/uXt1TP) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/516/19619578352_85d02cab8b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vTHt7h)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vTHt7h) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


Two prototypes were delivered to Japan and took part in the evaluation process, which encompassed both clinical trials as well as field tests that would prove the concepts and uncover strengths and weaknesses of the three designs.

In December 1999 the ARV-99 was chosen as primary Rescue Labor for the Tokyo Fire Department – and the rejection of SEE's Type-8FF was even more bitter as the CRL-98 was ordered into production, too – only as a supportive vehicle, but it was also promoted to private/industrial fire-fighting units in the Tokyo region. The "Florian" did not enter production for Japan, since it was deemed to be too large for the Japanese urban environment – but it was developed further for the European market, eventually entering rescue services in Germany, France and Great Britain.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/410/19438640140_e4dfb6203b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vBJ7tW)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vBJ7tW) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/282/19005669273_dffd947a0b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uXt2jZ)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/uXt2jZ) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/260/19438641980_faa7d28487_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vBJ82E)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vBJ82E) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


A final, rather disturbing note is that it is uncertain where the two Type-8FF prototypes ended up. SEE took them back into custody after completion of the competition process in early 2000, but there has been no official record or documentation that the vehicles actually left Japan. Rumor has it that they are still on private SEE ground in the Tokyo region.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/460/19440034129_eecbe17b79_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vBRfSe)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vBRfSe) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/296/19005684783_6f88ca7cf3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/uXt6Wp)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/uXt6Wp) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr





General and technical data:
   Code name: Type-8FF "Florian"
   Unit type: fire emergency labor prototype
   Manufacturer: SEE (Schaft Enterprises Europe)
   Operator: SEJ (Schaft Enterprises Japan), proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department
   Rollout: April 1999 AD
   Number built: 2
   Accommodation: pilot only, in heat- and ABC-insulated cockpit in front torso

Dimensions:
   Overall height 10,50 meters
   Overall width 5.40 meters
   Minimum revolving radius: 6.0 meters

Weight:
   Standard 7.05 metric tons
   Full 8.81 metric tons

Armor materials:
   none

Powerplant:
   unknown

Maximum weight lifting capacity:
   4.00 metric tons

Equipment and design features:
   Visual and acoustic sensors, range unknown
   Highly articulated manipulator hands
   White and IR searchlights
   2x water cannon, mounted on shoulders and on right forearm
   Extendable hydraulic crusher  on left forewarm
   Auxillary CO2 tank, mounted on backpack
   Autonomous water turbo pump for in- and external operation
   Winch (2.00 metric tons)

Fixed or optional armaments:
   none

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/543/19438594498_b5501d1af1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vBHSV1)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vBHSV1) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/255/19626638685_7dd292bb63_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vUkDUa)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vUkDUa) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/514/19438623950_54f19981e9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vBJ2EN)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vBJ2EN) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/19631020111_9cb2dc6b7b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vUJ7kZ)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vUJ7kZ) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/19619592932_237743bc25_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vTHxrE)Patlabor +++ 1:60 Schaft Enterprise Europe Type-8FF "Florian One" Rescue Labor, prototype proposed to the Tokyo Fire Department, 1999 (Whif/modified 'Brocken'Bandai kit) (https://flic.kr/p/vTHxrE) by dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr


Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: zenrat on July 12, 2015, 03:11:38 AM
Very good.  well done Dizz.
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: NARSES2 on July 12, 2015, 07:47:54 AM
OK I've been watching this come together without the faintest idea of what the heck was what. However I can recognise a good model when I see one  :thumbsup: :bow:

I'm afraid the world of Mecha (or whatever it is) is not even on the outer edge of my radar. It's slipped past me completely. Getting old I suppose  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: kerick on July 12, 2015, 08:04:31 AM
Very impressive!
I've always wanted to do something like this to a MaK design.
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 12, 2015, 10:40:56 AM
Quote from: NARSES2 on July 12, 2015, 07:47:54 AM
I'm afraid the world of Mecha (or whatever it is) is not even on the outer edge of my radar. It's slipped past me completely. Getting old I suppose  :rolleyes:

That's easy to understand. It's an exotic, if not bizarre, realm - even if you are into the genre it's hard to get an overview of even the most major series where these "things" belong to. Outside of Japan it is hard to get hands on the kits, too, even though domestically it's a huge market. Very special - but one hope of mine is to demonstrate that there is more to the mecha genre than oversized robots that kick a$$, silly metal mayhem and shocking colors. There are some "universes"/series with a seriosu approach - Patlabor is one of these, and the Florian is supposed to be a worthy tribute build, beyond being a GB entry. :)

And thanks a lot to everyone for your interest and having a look at this strange build!  :cheers:
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: PR19_Kit on July 12, 2015, 12:47:12 PM
Quote from: NARSES2 on July 12, 2015, 07:47:54 AM
OK I've been watching this come together without the faintest idea of what the heck was what. However I can recognise a good model when I see one  :thumbsup: :bow:

I'm afraid the world of Mecha (or whatever it is) is not even on the outer edge of my radar. It's slipped past me completely. Getting old I suppose  :rolleyes:

Almost EXACTLY my thoughts too Chris, but as you say, it's a great piece of modelling!  :thumbsup: :bow:
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: Old Wombat on July 12, 2015, 06:19:14 PM
Quote from: PR19_Kit on July 12, 2015, 12:47:12 PM
Quote from: NARSES2 on July 12, 2015, 07:47:54 AM
OK I've been watching this come together without the faintest idea of what the heck was what. However I can recognise a good model when I see one  :thumbsup: :bow:

I'm afraid the world of Mecha (or whatever it is) is not even on the outer edge of my radar. It's slipped past me completely. Getting old I suppose  :rolleyes:

Almost EXACTLY my thoughts too Chris, but as you say, it's a great piece of modelling!  :thumbsup: :bow:

The essence of Whif modelling: We can appreciate a well built & though-out model without having to fully understand its context! :thumbsup:

Unlike some JMN's who, without a RW context, don't even recognise it as a model. :banghead:


Great build, Dizzy! :bow:
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: Mossie on July 13, 2015, 01:50:47 AM
Worth waiting for (which wasn't that long!), I've enjoyed seeing it all come together.  :party: Looks fantastic! :wub:
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: Sticky Fingers on July 13, 2015, 11:50:34 AM
I can picture him walking around in an old Patlabor episode no problem  :thumbsup:
Very nice modifications :)
Title: Re: De-militarized 'Brocken' Labor (Patlabor/Anime)
Post by: Weaver on July 13, 2015, 07:02:25 PM
Well done Dizzy: the end result is really special and the firefighting mods completely look the part. :bow:


Quote from: Weaver on June 21, 2015, 03:52:41 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 21, 2015, 01:14:51 AM
It's German - from a Japanese designer's point of view, though, and a potentially unedicated audience that just knows clichés!

Thing is though, that gun isn't a cliché. There's nothing quintessentially German about it, like a Luger, an MP-40 or a Heckler & Koch MP-5. It's just a relatively obscure, technically unremarkable* SMG, from a company better known for it's pistols, that sold moderately well for a while but ceased production in 1985. I'll bet anyone who isn't some level of gun nut has no idea who makes it or where. My suspicion is that the designer just looked through Jane's All The World's Guns until he found something German he like the look of... ;D (or maybe it's the association of Walther with James Bond: "hey the PPK's kinda weedy actually; what else do they make?")



*It has a over-hung solid bolt that's an interesting alternative to the more common Uzi-style, but that's about it.

Ian at Forgotten Weapons just put up a good video about the MPL if anyone's interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQSilZnqdlA&feature=em-uploademail
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 13, 2015, 11:50:19 PM
Thank you all for the positive feedback on this one!  :bow:
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: Cobra on July 14, 2015, 12:01:04 AM
Superb Job,Dizzy :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: PM me if You want to know what MMW1 stands for. Stay Cool :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:  Dan
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: Dizzyfugu on July 30, 2015, 04:59:04 AM
A late addendum: the Florian did not go unnoticed! I had a request from US-based "Model Geek" magazine, or better its online edition/forum, and the Florian got an extensive 'guest work' article!  ;D

Check this: http://modelgeek.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=features&file=view&artid=6656   :ph34r:
Title: Re: SEE Type 8-FF 'Florian', a Fire-Fighter Labor (Mecha); pics @ p. 5
Post by: zenrat on July 31, 2015, 03:57:26 AM
Congratulations Dizz.  That's excellent.