A new strom talon idea- input dramatically needed

[Ch@oZ]

I've recently started building something that i guess might be amusing. Seein as most SM vehicles are decidedly blocky I've decided to build a SM gunship inspired by an existing, highly blocky gunship, namely the RAH-66 Comanche, as seen here:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s196/Kiefer13/NationStates/Novariea/Military%20Vehicles/Aircraft/rah66comanche1caps2621.jpg

Some modifications will be made- namely the top rotor will have to go, replaced by typical SM vtol thrusters on the underside. The forward mounted minigun will be replaced by twin linked assault cannons (small caliber- taken from a ravenwing land speeder)- i thought using the assault cannons of land raider/storm talon size would kind of disrupt the model's flow. The swing-out missile batteries are definitely staying. I also want to keep the weird concealed exhausts, but I'm not yet sure. So here's step one of the process:

So at this step I've decided i somewhat lack air intakes and the front part is slightly wider than the cabin I've planned, therefore I've decided to incorporate air intakes inspired by the side door intakes of ferrari testarossa:

http://www.strefatestow.pl/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/64.jpg

The main engine exhaust will be also covered on the sides like the rear window of the same car:

http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/ferrari-testarossa-2.jpg

So I've built up the side intakes to get this:

And so the winglets became massive, so I've decided to join them in the front to get a "coffin-nose" look, like on this Cord 810:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Wolfsburg_Jun_2012_081_(Autostadt_-_1937_Cord_812_S-C_Sedan).JPG/640px-Wolfsburg_Jun_2012_081_(Autostadt_-_1937_Cord_812_S-C_Sedan).JPG

While keeping the front slightly inclined, as seen in my sketches:

And here's a shot of progress so far:

So my question is: Should i go with these air intakes? Are they just too big? Is it ok to build a space marine vehicle going in a decidedly different direction with the design?

[The_Chaplain]

Dude, I say go for the coffin nose. If you're going through the trouble to scratchbuild something of this magnitude, you might as well do so to an aesthetic that you like. 

[Cpt Lazarus]

I agree with thechaplain. I like where you're taking this. Can't wait to see the finished product

[Ch@oZ]

So there is some progress on the project- the front is finished, lacking only one last layer and a top covering. The cord-like nose has been achieved, i think, and the results are much better than i had expected- it actually DOES look reminiscent of the classic car. Here's the vehicle's nose in all it's be-louvered glory:

There is some minor sanding to be done and some minor adjustments as well, but so far I'm satisfied with the outcome. Here is a side view with the overall "floor plan":

An unobstructed worse side view:

And a chaos bike for size comparison:

I'm kind of battling my thoughts at the moment, as an inner demon tries to convince me to add something asymmetrical on one of the sides. I'm thinking something along the lines of one of those double-elbow contraption for aerial refueling sticking out along the canopy. After all with at least six vtol thrusters and two jets this thing would experience all the pleasantries associated with harboring a whirlpool in the fuel tank.

[Ch@oZ]

So I've finished the rotary assault cannon mount. Here are the results:

It definitely does rotate:

I'm going to build some ammo belts feeding into the guns' frames using plastruct I-beams and some IG heavy bolter ammo belts, pretty much the same way i did for my Logan Grimnar conversion:

Here's the question i need some input on: as for the exhausts- should i go the f117 route and build louvered, concealed exhausts like this:

http://www.kgwings.com/f117/f117_05.jpg

Or the f-22 route:

http://www.air-and-space.com/20031025%20Edwards/07%2032%20F-22A%20EMD%2091-4005%20412TW%20left%20rear%20take-off%20m.jpg

Or something essentially hyper concealed, like the b-2:

http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/aircraft/Northrop-B2/IMAGES/Northrop-B2-Callout-Top.jpg

Or should i stick two exhaust cones in the back? Please bear in mind, that the "rear window of ferrari testarossa" side covering idea still stands. Please help me decide

[The_Chaplain]

I really like the idea of the f117 exhausts or the b2- it has real potential.  

[Ch@oZ]

A tiny bit of progress here- I've built up the cockpit of the talon. I've decided to build a steering wheel for the pilot based on the rhino gunner hands- I'll remove the top grey bit connecting the handles at a later date. I've made some press molds of biker screens and the rhino instrument panel, but I'm sorta stuck.

And here are my spare press molded screens and the weapon of my Logan Grimnar conversion (as a bonus).

So I'm stuck at this: should I build the screens inclined towards the pilot, or is the current flat position good enough? Should I include the spare screens below the main instrument panel on top (currently a mock-up)?

And an additional question: What should i cover the hole in front with? I was thinking ammo hoppers for the assault cannons, but I'm not certain- they would be slightly inconvenient to reload.