So, as I'm into tonks modeling (the german WW2 variants mostly, cos just look at all those sexy vertical easy to penetrate panels!), I decided to grab the holoviewer model and make a properly 3d printable version from that. I want a tonk on my desk! Right after I'm finished with the MSR...
Note that the following is entirely based on the Holoviewer Model, and as such, probably incorrect!
First of all, it feels smaller "in person" than the 16m length would suggest, but that's cos I'm used to ships being rather large as well...
Upon looking inside (which you can do yourself by downloading mesh lab and grabbing the model as per the instruction here
https://testsquadron.com/threads/how-do-to-download-3d-mesh-of-star-citizen-ships-from-holoviewer.1930/ ) it seems like it will be an unmanned turret, 2 driver seats in the front, and a gunner seat placed in the middle. The rear has a crew/transport compartment where you enter the tonk, and should be the place for the troops it carries. It has module panels inside for the modules to be fitted later.
Here comes the interesting bit: if CiG goes with the physicalized modules and "wiring" on the tank like on the ships, they will either:
- have to make the tank a bit larger (wider mostly) or
- make the rear compartment smaller to accomodate the modules
- add space under the floor, which there is some even now
Most module panels open into the tracks on the sides! There is no thicccc armor between the tracks and the actual inside of the tonk, and no space for any stuff like generators, coolers, comm equipment and whatever else it needs to run. There are two panels that could house some small modules without clipping into the turret operator seat area.
There are no gun racks or space for them.
Note that the pilot compartment is rather large and wastes space, but that is a necessity of the game (you need space to stand up in)
Also there is no space to the sides or the floor for the suspension to attach to yet, and the number2 roadwheels are missing any sort of linkage to the tank lol
The rear large door on the holomodel while looks cool, is a huge waste of space as well.
Now for the turret:
Looking at the main gun, depending on it's pivot point (which I assume is Not the rounded protrusions on the turret's sides), should be capable of pointing down quiet a bit, thus able to shoot what's right in front of it, and making this a good tank for fighting in a hull-down position as well. The same can't be said for the dual laser on top. It sits too low and back for any support against close targets like infantry runnin up to it.
Also, no coax, wtf CiG?
The missile rack on the back is impressive and should provide a lot of AA cover until it runs dry. 24 missiles is nothing to scoff at, so yeah,
I was wrong on that account!
But.. if the game had ricochets, the turret+hull from the front is what I believe is referred to as a shell-trap. Any incoming hard shell (or maybe even lezorz) will be bounced into the bottom of the turret from the hull, or the hull from the turret. It is good looking sci-fi design, I love the shape, it's just not very practical.
On the bottom front of the turret (in-line with the dual lasers) where the turret ring should be, there is a rectangular stepped inset, which looks like could be a window/camera port. Again, with all the armor sloped to that spot, it would be a very bad idea irl, but I digress.. So, this may be the spot where the turret operator looks through? You would have ablosuletly terrible fov though cos of the turret overhang above and the gun blocking the left. It's also highly likely it's just an interesting visual design element...
Tracks: it's RWD as of now, which means CiG will have to come up with a system that drives the rear sprockets, and place the engine accordingly. There is some space inside and above the tracks, and a little bit in the front wedge of the hull. Or they can just say it's hub-motors... I'd go with that as it's the easiest sci-fiest of them all.
It has been confirmed by CiG that the Tonk will have fully working tracks and suspension! I wonder how that will play out with the online physics model lol
Here's a render for size refernce, yes it's insanely large. figures are 185cm, green lines are 16m (length of tonk /w gun)
Also some cutaways.
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btw, how many orks would you need to lift those hinged armor plates on the sides for field repairs? lol
