3D modelling

[Nerei]

If you want something modern and Kirov sized with that kind of firepower then I have already made 2 fictive vessels.

1676 (rear) is a guided missile battleship and 1683 (front) is a large guided missile cruiser.

The cells are most likely Mk.41 and there are a bit over 300 on CG and just under 400 on the BBG so assuming we load them up just with Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles they will probably carry 1400-1600 missiles if we also add the Rolling Airframe misiles and the mk.141esque launchers.
It would also be possible to cram a few hundred TASM or TLAM onto these and still have quite a bit of room for AAW and ASW.

I also got an incomplete Lider. At 19.000 tonne and 230m this paper ship is notably heavier and longer than a Zumwalt (Zumwalt is itself notably larger and heavier than Burkes and Ticonderogas). It is also less than 6K lighter and about 20m shorter than a Kirov.
Basically this is probably the closest Russia has come to making a new Kirov.

As can be seen though it is not exactly very far along.

[sparky282]

Yes, I use 1683 a fair bit although 1676 seems to have totally passed me by definitely one to add to a few fictional models that one!

The Lider looks great even in this early stage it's still further on than the project itself

Any ideas on the next release I'm itching to get my hands on the Seaking

[Nerei]

Lider kinda exist in a limbo of "maybe it is cancelled" so the project might be "done" already. That said I do not think making a model of it will be that time consuming. These stealth paper warships are fairly easy to build compared to less stealthy real world warships that have a tonne of details these do not.

Not really sure when next release is. I have not really had that much time to spend on this recently.
It might also end up being just an upload as is without proper testing and then testing will happen when I have time to save time right now as that is a premium.

[sparky282]

Lider kinda exist in a limbo of "maybe it is cancelled" so the project might be "done" already. That said I do not think making a model of it will be that time consuming. These stealth paper warships are fairly easy to build compared to less stealthy real world warships that have a tonne of details these do not.

Not really sure when next release is. I have not really had that much time to spend on this recently.
It might also end up being just an upload as is without proper testing and then testing will happen when I have time to save time right now as that is a premium.

I'm happy to test the models if it's helpful?

Yes time is a commodity no one can buy

[Nerei]

Currently my plans is to upload the files to the repository in a dedicated folder with minimal testing done and gradually get that done. Once I think it is unlikely there are issues with them they can become a proper release. That should offer the best of both worlds.
Also I think keeping each set in its own contained folder is a good idea. Proper releases though will keep being everything in one package.
This way I can probably also do more gradual conversions. The process is a bit annoying so when I have a lot of models it is not something I look forward to.
Still have to do it for this set though but hopefully it will not be too long.

In the meantime here is a few updates
For a start the Merkava IIC is now mostly detailed. Still need markings and weathering though. The black parts of the bustle rack will be transparent on the final texture.

Also all versions of the Sea King are at least mostly done. The Indian version feels a bit bland in places but at the scale the game deals with most of the details on aircraft like old 66 will not be visible anyway so it should be fine.
An example of something that would be tested would be the blades of the main-rotor as their appearance on a white background like on these boards are somewhat different to what they appear like on say the dark blue ocean in-game.

Finally I have an incomplete Borei class submarine. Still a number of detailing left and naturally it will not be red in the end.

[sparky282]

The models are looking great! Borei is impressive lots of little details on it!

[Nerei]

The question though is how much will actually be visible. Still that is not the main concern when I make these.

I have not had much time to work on these recently but the Merkava IIC have been beaten up a bit and had some dirt thrown onto it.

Ignore the mirrored markings on the bustle rack. That have bene fixed but I do not have that model on this computer so I cannot make a new render.

[sparky282]

Ah yes, exhaust dirt very nice I never really thought but yes I guess the engine is in the front as the rear is a personal exit.
I find it really incredible that after all these years of tanks that the only one that has really changed the original concept since ww2 is Israel.

[Nerei]

It is more than just an exit hatch it is the hatch to what is effectively an infantry compartment. I have seen statements that the Mk.2 can transport up to 10 soldiers though most sources say 6. Still that is basically comparable to a Bradley, Ajax or Puma. This is however reducing the ammunition for the main gun. Still it does allow the tank to function as a super-heavy infantry transport or battlefield ambulance. My only concern with this system is that it might make the tank more vulnerable to magazine hits. Still it does offer some flexibility that other tanks lack.

Israeli tanks are solely build around the specific needs of the IDF and they conditions facing Israel is fairly unique. IDF having a lot of post world war 2 tank experience probably helps also. Having General Tal in charge is likely not a bad thing either.
Like all complex pieces of equipment it had some initial issues but by the mk.2 most of the pressing ones where solved.

I don't think it is as much that Israel have changed the basic concept as much as they are building to a very specific criteria which makes their vehicles different from more generic designs like the US or Russia tanks.
Also it should be said that until 1980 with the introduction of the Abrams the US was to some extend really just running with an upgraded version of a late 1940's M-26 Pershing replacement. Yes it was extensive upgrades but

Also I found a Hind.

It is not exactly finished but it is fun just how many incomplete assets I have.