Modelling: Rhino Complete Build Walkthrough

[small_dog]

Hey folks I just bought a rhino two day sago and have been preparing to put together this tutorial on complete modified assembly. During the turorial I will walk through the assembly of a fully hinged rhino from start to finish and give basic instructions for completing your own. This will include hinging the top hatches, the side doors, the personnel hatch and magnetizing the rear door. So lets get started.

 

Tools Needed For this process:

Pinning Rods

Wire (i used 28 gauge)

Exacto Blade

Files

Dremel or Pin Vise

Small Drill bit

Wire Snips

Patience

Approx. Time Spent: 3 hours.

 

I will start by tracing a line around the door frame with the exacto blade to remove it. (the sharper the easier). During this process you need to be as neet as possible, becuase this side will be visible through the other opening doors such as the top hatch.

Next continue to cut until the whole door section is out, leaving clear view through.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/2.jpg

 

The next few steps are small but to me very important and must be done early if at all. The rear sides of a rhino have three little exhaust vents in them.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/3.jpg

 

Since these holes go all the way through if can make for difficulty in gettign a clean paint job in them. Here is what I do. I add a small piece of plasticard (plastic from a blister works well also) glue it over the hole on the inside.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/4.jpg

 

Now you can flip it over and actually have something to paint in those holes. Believe me this makes a huge difference when your done.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/5.jpg

 

Next i took my exacto blade and marked a small indention in the center of the smoke stacks.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/6.jpg

 

This makes for a groove to keep the drill bit in place while drilling out the smoke stacks. I took a my dremel tool and bored out the ceters. (a pin vise will work as well)

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/7.jpg

 

Next, I will start to model the interior of the rhino.

It is very important to not glue the tread chasis together yet. This will make it much more difficult to accomplish the hinged doors later. So with the exception of the interior decor, i have not used glue on this model yet. You can see here in this image that I have added additional details to the interior of the rhino.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/8.jpg

 

Since I will be adding FW extra armor to the rhino, I have to wait to hinge the side doors. So I have moved on to the top hatch.

 

Next I used a tutorial I found here on the BNC to start hinging the doors.

 

Original Tutorial by: Brother Exodus.

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.php?showtopic=35817

 

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/10.jpg

 

Then take an exacto knife and trim out the remains leaving a neet clean area with two hinge brackets left.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/11.jpg

 

Next take the dremel again and bore out holes through the hinge brackets. This must be done carefully as to not break the plastic rings or to drill off center.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/12.jpg

 

Next you will want to test the holes by inserting your pinning rod through them its best to go all the way through each set to ensure they are lined up properly.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/13.jpg

 

The next step is actually creating the hinge. What i do is i wrap 28 gauge flowering wire aroung the pinning rod. Five wraps proved to be the perfect amount. After wrapping it around push the fold together as tightly as possible. Then twist the ends around each other as tightly as possible. I used mechanical means for twisting :rolleyes:

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/15.jpghttp://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/14.jpg

 

Once you have done both hinges take the pinning rod and the hinges and seperate them. Put the hinge in the place we carved out on the hatch door and slide the pinning rod through. After which you can trim the rod so it just fits in the hinge.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/17.jpg

 

Next you want to take your drill bit and drill a hole in the rhino top where the hinges will sit. I used the same drill bit i have been using.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/16.jpg

 

Next we just simply slip the twisted part of the hinges into the holes drilled out on the hull.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/18.jpghttp://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/19.jpg

 

Then i recommend trimming and bending the excess over to hold in in place. You could also add a dab of glue if you like.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/20.jpg

 

And Viloa! Hinged Rhino Top hatch!

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/22.jpghttp://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/23.jpg

 

(to be continued...)

[small_dog]

I have proceded to the rear rhino hatch to magnetize it. I hate having 'open-door-rhino syndrome' You know when the rear hatch of your rhino wont stay shut so you have to glue it shut. Well then you cant see inside... So here is my solution.

First things first we have to prep the area where the magnets are going to go. I did this buy taking a drill bit the same diameter of the magnets and drilling out an indention to place the magnet in. You can see here and indention and one with the magnet in it.You will see a bit of tape coverign the magnet. I do not glue the magnets in right away. Tape them in place, once you glue a magnet in a whole like that... its VERY difficult to remove without destroying the plastic.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/24.jpg

 

Next i took a think sturdy piece of plasticard, cut out a small piece and glued it to the door frame even with where the magnet on the door will line up.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/25.jpg

 

Next place the other magnet on the plasticard... now this one I glue in place. Also something i did, but is not a must for this project, is I filled down a recessed part for the magnet. It gives it a bit of a more sturdy placing when if has somewhere to fit. But you can glue it straight on the plasticard if you want.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/26.jpg

 

At this point you have both magnets in place you want to try to close the door and make sure you have the magnets facing the correct direction. If one is reversed they will reject each other instead of attract. That is why we taped the first one in place, just in case. Once you have checked the alignment you can go ahead and glue the door magnets in place.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/27.jpg

 

Now the strength of the magnets i use is very strong and only one set is needed to hold these doors shut. You see I added two to the door though, i only did that for symetrical reasons. When i paint it i want it to look the same on each side.

The last thing I did was took a file and filed the plasticard around the magnet. It gives it a clean look and when you paint it it will look like part of the model.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/27.jpg

 

A good thing about this conversion, is it CAN be done after complete assembly if you forgot to do it.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/28.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/29.jpg

 

Ok this is where people usually start looking at me funny and calling me crazy...

The next step is probably the most difficult of the hinges. Its the personnel hatch in the front of the rhino.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/30.jpg

 

Now I didnt photgrapgh the actual hinge process becuase its the same as the the other doors. Although when attaching the hinge to the porthole you do have to make some modifications. First thing is we will drill the hole where the hinge is to attach...

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/31.jpg

 

The modification comes from the other side of this piece where we will have to cut out a small portion of the plastic in order for the hinge to lay flat and allow the porthole to still fit on top the rhino.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/32.jpg

 

So attach the hinge as normal and then bend it over into the recess we just made. I highly recommend glueing the bent over piece this time.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/33.jpg

 

And thats it. Easy as PI.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/34.jpghttp://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/35.jpg

 

Next I will be adding the Forge WOrld Reinforced armor. First I glued the center door hatch onto the rhino and placed all the rest next to it just for fit testing. Always glue the middle first.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/37.jpg

 

Then I prepared the door hinges as described before. One thing you will notice is the number of threads on each hinge differes. Make sure you fit check your hinges in thier respective spot to ensure proper hinge.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/36.jpg

 

Next you will want to disassemble the tread chasis from each other leaving you with just the outer visable side. Go ahead and drill your two hinge holes all the way through the resin and the plastic tank.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/39.jpg

 

Next insert the door into the hinge holes.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/40.jpg

 

Then flip the piece over and bend the ends over to hold it in place. I reccommend glueing these down.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/41.jpg

 

There you have it... reassemble your rhino... and open for business.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/42.jpghttp://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/43.jpg

 

(To Be continued...)

[small_dog]

I still ahve a few more finishing touches before final glueing. At this point very few items are actually glued together.

Next I am going to ad handles to all the doors that open. Lets start by bending some rods. I use the width of my needle nose plies to judge the width of the handle that way they are both the same.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/44.jpg

 

Next use the handles to creat a small mark on the door and then drill out a small hole. I did not drill all the way through the door just enough to have somewhere for the handle to rest.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/45.jpg

 

Next trim the handles down to the appropriate height, what ever you feel looks good. Dab a little glue on the ends and place them in thier spot.

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/46.jpghttp://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff149/small_dog_minis/The%20Rhino%20Project/47.jpg

 

And that is how I assemble a rhino. :rolleyes: Thanks for reading.

 

Next I will be painting the interior. Might not paint the exterior so the fianl owner can make it match thier own army. I hope you all enjoyed.

[krangnes]

Marvelous!

 

Thanks for putting it all together. Appreciate it. Considered it bookmarked

 

I seen the hinges before, but the handles is a brilliant touch.

[The Defiler]

Great tutorial Small Dog !

Thanks a lot !

 

 

:P thedef' ;)

[darkmarauder]

Fantastic! Will be used on my first rhino!

[Merkava]

This is awsome! I think I'll be super detailing my next rhino as a display model! Consider this thread bookmarked!

[Mud]

Damn, I think I found Nirvanna, bunch o conversion nerds like myself! Nicely done my friend ;) Ids ther e place for guard conversions like this site or can I add my Baneblade as I am using it along with my marines for apoc?

 

Anyways, nice job!

 

Mud

[small_dog]

Mud: well, the marines used a tank called the "Hellhammer" I bielieve. So if you were making one of those (basically a baneblade) with Marines icons, and marine crew then you could, I have seen a few around here.

 

Everyone Else: Thanks for the coments, I hope it helps in the future modeling of your rhinos.

[MithrilForge]

Cool stuff, :lol:

Question:Do the side hatches lose their spring after a while? or does it just depend on if the wire is tensile enough?...

A very good tutorial,would like to see the inside painted for more inspiring reading :P

 

Mithril.

[Grey_Death]

Most comprehensive tread headed conversion run down I've seen. Great stuff. I might give a few of these Ideas a go ^_-

[Kurgan the Lurker]

Jobs a good'un Small Dog. Moving this over to tutorials.

[Mud]

Damn, I think I found Nirvanna, bunch o conversion nerds like myself! Nicely done my friend :teehee: Ids ther e place for guard conversions like this site or can I add my Baneblade as I am using it along with my marines for apoc?

 

Anyways, nice job!

 

Mud

 

Hey thanks for the info, looks like I get to build another monster machine B) So my plan is to use the Baneblade for the guard (as originally planned) and pick up the second and make that a Hellhammer for my marines (maybe) I got piles o Space marine tanks already but whats one more?

[small_dog]

Mithril: the side doors never loose thier 'spring' so to say, its not actually a spring. The only part that actually moves is the brass rod through the center of the coils. So it keeps its same tension for ages. Granted, Maybe 'one-day' it could happen, but i have never seen a problem with the side doors. But if your unsure you could always take the rear-door magnet section and apply it to the side doors as well.

 

Kurgan: Thanks for the move!

[Ferrus Manus]

This should be in the librarium

[Brother Shrike]

well first off: great tutorial, definitely librarium worthy.

 

any chance someone could make a tutorial for the inside side doors, to make them slide or something?

 

also: hellhammers AREN'T the marine version of a baneblade. that would be a fellblade (no joke)

 

hellhammers are just an alternate weapon set for the baneblade. one is (supposedly) anti infantry. the GWUS store says that hellhammers are anti infantry, but they have lots of lascannons, so I would say that hellhammers are anti tank, and baneblades are anti-infantry. (correct me if i'm wrong) :sweat:

[Baal Dropout]

Indeed...

 

I've come upon the hinges tut waay back then, it really adds (helluva) lot to the look of this workhorse, adding the (hinged) hatch + the handles on them adds more :teehee:

(bought myself a battleforce recently (the old skul one - 1 tact, 1 ass, 3 bikes, 1 rhine + trees) might do exactly this one :rolleyes: )

 

K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid! works everytime ;), of course, said positively ;) )

[Sigismund Himself]

As others have said, definitely Librarium worthy :tu:

 

PM sent.

[kamedake88]

Sticky. if you don't the emperor will cry and you'll have to clean it up admins

[Sigismund Himself]

Nowdays we have an alternative to stickying. It's the B&C Librarium. Here is where all the really useful threads and tutorials are stored as an article. This has already been entered as an article. Right here. Enjoy :wink: