Ironclad Miniatures War of the Martian War Machine (Tripod).

 Something a little more unusual.

I have always liked H G Well's 'War of the Worlds' and the iconic Martian Tripods, as well as having a passing interest in the Steampunk genre. Now in my idle curiosity I searched for a Martian Tripod miniatures, and whilst there were all sorts of smaller scale versions or 1950's/ Tom Cruise War of the Worlds/Justin Hayward versions, I chanced across another, older styled version.

This older version is based partly on HG wells own sketch, and was then illustrated more formally later (1902) by Alvim Correa The model kit can be found for sale at Ironclad Miniatures at the link below:

https://www.ironcladminiatures.com/ourshop/prod_3335727-Steam20.html

The miniature itself is mainly good quality hard resin, with metal legs, feet, 'tentacle arms' and heat ray. Assembly was easy. There are holes on the underside of the body in which to insert the metal parts, which require a minimal amount of drilling to made the holes a little more of a snug fit. The body was also easy to assemble. I mounted the whole on a 150mm circular plastic base for extra stability.

Painting was interesting. Conventionally Martian War Machines are usually painted silver/metal in colour. However reading the description of the War Machine it noted it was metallic with a brazen hood. So I went for a mid metal look, with a brass looking hood. It also gives a slightly more steampunk look, suitable for a late Victorian aesthetic. I did how ever opt for a for Justin Hayward approach for the 'eyes'/portholes, painting them an alien looking green, rather than the big googly eyes present in Alvim Correa's artwork.

For the base I added a little rural fence to give the idea of it wondering around the Southern English countryside. The tufts on the muddy base also give that impression as well. Overall I am very happy with how it turned out, and it made a nice change to do something novel. I have a back-burner project to buy another eight more and have three groups of three, but this one is enough for now. So Victorian Surrey and England is reprieved.
                                                  For now!...

Enjoy :)

The kit parts.

Assembled.

Painted and based.

Rear view.

Close up of the tentacled arms and heat ray.

Alvim Correa's illustrations.

Another of Alvim Correa's illustrations.

Next update will be Iron Claw goblins. Yes, goblins!!!