[This post was originally posted to Otherverse Games & Hobbies as part of a series called Plastic to Painted, or P2P. You may see logos or references to this site and series]
Introduction
I can hear the collective gasps on the interwebs now: Ryan’s actually doing a painting article on something other than Heresy Era Alpha Legion? I’m a little shocked myself. But trust me fellow hobby enthusiasts when I say the sky isn’t falling, cats and dogs aren’t marrying each other, and the little blue and green orb that is Earth is still somehow flying steadily through the cosmos. I think the only thing of major note is that I’ve made Robert happy by actually submitting a Star Wars theme P2P BEFORE the end of the month.
Anyways… This offering for the Star Wars theme this month is none other than the lightning-fast recon craft known as the T-47 Airspeeder. Used primarily for reconnaissance, patrols, and close-in air support, the T-47 fills a number of roles in the Rebel vehicle arsenal on the cheap. Movie-wise, fans were first introduced to this air frame in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. The Rebels had a number of these vehicles that were retrofitted for cold weather deployment on Hoth. And while they served well, they were ultimately out classed and gunned by the heavier Imperial armor courtesy of AT-ATs (All Terrain Attack Transports). These were the ubiquitous walkers that the T-47 managed to stall, and even to take down a few by tying their legs with their attached tow cables. It’s a great battle sequence and the best assault scene in the Star Wars movie franchise.*
This particular model is from the Star Wars Legion game line, and I picked it up around the same time I snagged my second Boba Fett to convert to Din Djarin to do the Mando Bros article. I originally tried to go for the white and orange colors seen on the vehicles in Empire, but just couldn’t pull it off. I think if I had an airbrush it would’ve made a difference in laying the base colors on, but so is life. Instead I opted for a desert look, with most of the vehicle being painted a dark tan color. I also used pictures of the Hoth speeders to see which panels were orange, and I changed those to green to represent Green Squadron from the movies. I then weathered the laser cannon barrels and used washes on the tips to give them a heat stressed look. Lastly I wanted it to be well-weathered, so I opted for a little sponge detailing but mostly relied on gashes and gouges in the armor plating. In the end I was very happy with how everything turned out and have the ship proudly on display in the bookshelf in my basement.
With all of these Rebel vehicles floating around my basement at some point I think the Empire needs to even the odds, if even just a little.** That being said, I’ve been eyeballing the Empire’s TX-130 tank for a while, and with the kit being offered through the Legions game line it’s too easy to snag one. I like the balance between firepower, durability, and mobility, but mostly I like the aesthetic. The Rule of Cool is always a winner in my book. As I write this I can already hear Tyson telling me to pick one up if for nothing more than another P2P for next May.
*I’m a ground pounder through and through, so I tend to be a bit partial when it comes to combat scenes in media.
**Ok, it’s only two, but the Empire is still outgunned regardless.

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Ryan
A New England transplant that originated from parts westward, Ryan is a bit of a nerd that knows a little bit about a lot of things, all while claiming to know nothing about anything. Seemingly part Khajit a logistician by trade, he’s the kind of guy that can get you virtually anything if there’s coin to be had a problem to solve. Ryan began to learn the scrounging arts while serving time in parts east as a Loggie and has been perfecting them steadily over several decades. He has a problem with continually purchasing models, paints, and terrain that he doesn’t really need but his wife doesn’t seem to mind.