Thursday, August 16, 2012

Ravenstar Grav Tank - The Aslan are Coming...

Late last month, Chris at Ravenstar Studios posted a picture of his new 15mm LandCore Mercury Fast Attack Grav Tank on The Miniatures Page.  Some of the posters who replied didn't much like it, citing not enough guns and disliking it's smooth, teardrop, fluted design.

I think it's marvelous!

Shown with RAFM Aslan and GZG New Anglian Confederation for size comparison.

For years, I've been looking for something to use as an Aslan AFV, and this fits the bill, nicely. It's a pity that when it comes to "alien" designs there is such a dearth of available miniatures out there. Chris seems intent on correcting this.

Casting is nice and clean, with no bubbles in the resin. The model comes in four parts - hull, turret, main gun and a small aft propulsion panel. All are in resin, so the main gun is a bit fragile and prone to breaking.  Concerned buyers might like to recommend to Chris that this last piece might be better cast in white metal.

Shown on a 1" grid

Size - the brute is enormous. The turret hatch, with modification, would easily accept a 25mm mini. It will serve as a main battle tank in 15mm and as a light fire support sled in 25mm.  While I was really looking for something in a support sled size, I will happily amend my upcoming scenario to accommodate a larger MBT.

It's just that awesome.

Show with GZG V15-20A for size comparison.

There is only a single main gun - which suits me fine. In Traveller, energy weapons are often of the "Rapid Pulse" variety, and if memory serves correctly, in a Striker II game, this tank's main gun would be able to engage between two to five targets in a turn.  For close in support, there are four small hemispheres that will work as point defense and sensors.

It took Ravenstar about two weeks to send the mini, which is fine in my book. There was an extra mini added to the order - looks like an enclosed air/raft.  Of that, more later.

To order from Ravenstar - visit his blog.

Rumour has it that Chris is preparing to release an APC model - I am hopeful that it will compliment this nicely...Ω




4 comments:

David said...

That is a nice looking tank - I seem to have missed it.

I have been thinking of Khursan's Pelagic Dominate vehicles for Aslan, but I think I like Ravenstar's tank better

kmfrye2001 said...

Hello Kobold,

The Pelagic Dominate vehicles are on a par with other manufacturer's grav tanks.

I originally was planning to use them as Aslan grav tAPCs until having trouble purchasing extra parts from Khurusan - the answer to the enquirey was a resounding "NO".

There's always someone else to buy from.

Regards,
Keith

Eli Arndt said...

I have also had the same answer from Khurasan.

Chris at Ravenstar is a great guy and not only did I get my starships from him in good time but with extras for being a little late.

-Eli

kmfrye2001 said...

HI Eli,

It wasn't the answer that I thought was a trifle offensive (his company, his choice) it was the tone.

It's past. : )

Keith