Mithosphere
New Member
The Design
In browsing various forums, threads, pictures and video of the classic Space Marine Power Armour, there seems to be a general trend to make it look as pleasing as possible, but restricting the functionality and movement. As most designs are either constructed of foam or a fiberglass (or fiberglass alternative), they are considerably lighter, cheaper, and easier to work with than metal. Yes, a real set of Power Armour as intended by Games Workshop would be far too cumbersome (un-powered of course) and large for any human. The design I have been working on requires, as I am but a simple human and not an Astartes, a few additions so that I may effectively wear the Power Armour:
A little explanation of each point:
1. The exoskeleton is needed because the individual armor plates need something to rest again and attach to. Below the exoskeleton will be a thick canvas-like suit to prevent my skin from being consistently pinched with every movement. In addition to this, there will also need to be a separate layer on top of the exoskeleton for aesthetic purposes (the joint areas on the Power Armour).
2. A cooling system seems necessary as many people describe situations where they are encased in their Armour for long period of time. In some situations, in hotter climates, the wearer only has the Armour on for a few hours. Many seem to include a fan built into the backpack that circulates air into the chestpiece or a fan inside of the helmet. While a fully enclosed climate system would be wonderful, a simple cooling system like those used in the automotive industry would work fine. Cooling vests are easy enough to wear and the cooling tank can be placed in the backpack with quick-disconnect tubing running between the chest and the backpack. In addition to the cooling vest/tank, a water pack could be included.
3. Full steel construction of the Power Armour... this is likely the most expensive part of the design. I've mocked up the simple pauldron (scaled to fit me) and with a 24 gauge steel (quite thin compared to the thick Ceramite plates), each is expected to weigh between five and seven pounds. I double this figure as this does not include the complete pauldron, but just the outer shell. Why steel and not aluminum? Some parts need to be welded together and a thin steel is often as strong as a thicker aluminum, but can withstand the temperatures needed for welding better. As the individual parts will be attached to the exoskeleton frame, some of the parts need to be split into several pieces and then screwed into place (likely with hexagonal socket head screws). This may also help reduce the cost, as pieces can be made in smaller forms and some parts can be doubled.
4. Most people use a large sport gloves, which I will likely use as well, but a few people have constructed Power Fists. Many can hold light objects, but struggle with actual pressure on an object. Ideally, I would create electronic assisted hands, but would need to have a serious battery system for adequate pressure. The alternative is to rig up some sort of air pressure system, but this would likely be heavy and expensive. I still need to work on a design for a better hand.
5. Movement is crucial to using the Power Armour. I need to bend, crouch, kneel, stoop, and otherwise do anything I could normally do (within reason) with both my arms and legs (the head is less of an issue). As such, the exoskeleton needs some springs or tension to allow and assist in certain movements. There are already quite a number of pictures and specific designs for the exoskeleton that can be modified for a simpler system not requiring hydraulics, air pressure, or motor-assisted.
The Beginning
My primary design will be following this picture with the addition of an exoskeleton no too dissimilar this design, but with a few changes. This will be a very long process, as some parts need to be fabricated and tested. I'll attempt to upload some drawing I have of potential designs for how the Armour will attach to the frame.
In browsing various forums, threads, pictures and video of the classic Space Marine Power Armour, there seems to be a general trend to make it look as pleasing as possible, but restricting the functionality and movement. As most designs are either constructed of foam or a fiberglass (or fiberglass alternative), they are considerably lighter, cheaper, and easier to work with than metal. Yes, a real set of Power Armour as intended by Games Workshop would be far too cumbersome (un-powered of course) and large for any human. The design I have been working on requires, as I am but a simple human and not an Astartes, a few additions so that I may effectively wear the Power Armour:
- An exoskeleton
- A cooling system
- Complete steel shell construction
- Usable hands
- Nearly unrestricted movement
A little explanation of each point:
1. The exoskeleton is needed because the individual armor plates need something to rest again and attach to. Below the exoskeleton will be a thick canvas-like suit to prevent my skin from being consistently pinched with every movement. In addition to this, there will also need to be a separate layer on top of the exoskeleton for aesthetic purposes (the joint areas on the Power Armour).
2. A cooling system seems necessary as many people describe situations where they are encased in their Armour for long period of time. In some situations, in hotter climates, the wearer only has the Armour on for a few hours. Many seem to include a fan built into the backpack that circulates air into the chestpiece or a fan inside of the helmet. While a fully enclosed climate system would be wonderful, a simple cooling system like those used in the automotive industry would work fine. Cooling vests are easy enough to wear and the cooling tank can be placed in the backpack with quick-disconnect tubing running between the chest and the backpack. In addition to the cooling vest/tank, a water pack could be included.
3. Full steel construction of the Power Armour... this is likely the most expensive part of the design. I've mocked up the simple pauldron (scaled to fit me) and with a 24 gauge steel (quite thin compared to the thick Ceramite plates), each is expected to weigh between five and seven pounds. I double this figure as this does not include the complete pauldron, but just the outer shell. Why steel and not aluminum? Some parts need to be welded together and a thin steel is often as strong as a thicker aluminum, but can withstand the temperatures needed for welding better. As the individual parts will be attached to the exoskeleton frame, some of the parts need to be split into several pieces and then screwed into place (likely with hexagonal socket head screws). This may also help reduce the cost, as pieces can be made in smaller forms and some parts can be doubled.
4. Most people use a large sport gloves, which I will likely use as well, but a few people have constructed Power Fists. Many can hold light objects, but struggle with actual pressure on an object. Ideally, I would create electronic assisted hands, but would need to have a serious battery system for adequate pressure. The alternative is to rig up some sort of air pressure system, but this would likely be heavy and expensive. I still need to work on a design for a better hand.
5. Movement is crucial to using the Power Armour. I need to bend, crouch, kneel, stoop, and otherwise do anything I could normally do (within reason) with both my arms and legs (the head is less of an issue). As such, the exoskeleton needs some springs or tension to allow and assist in certain movements. There are already quite a number of pictures and specific designs for the exoskeleton that can be modified for a simpler system not requiring hydraulics, air pressure, or motor-assisted.
The Beginning
My primary design will be following this picture with the addition of an exoskeleton no too dissimilar this design, but with a few changes. This will be a very long process, as some parts need to be fabricated and tested. I'll attempt to upload some drawing I have of potential designs for how the Armour will attach to the frame.
