Next step was to create a hole in the body where the Arm Hatch would go.
In the concept art we see how the arm would extend from this hatch.
However, in the actual game Metal Gear mkII only uses the arm once to disarm a bomb early in the game and in piece of artwork only in the early Japanese MSX version of the game.
Despite it barely existing in the game, I want to go to the trouble of recreating this feature.
Sigh.
Here we go.
I outlined where the Hatch should meet the edge of the body and them proceeded to cut it out with a rotary tool and cutting wheel.
After all cutting and sanding was finished I was ultimately unhappy with how it fit in the hole. I t was a close fit, but not perfect. The top an bottom of the hatch dipped down below the opening a couple milimeters below where I wanted them , so I started over with a new approach to the hatch.
The front end of the body has a long red glowing area that will eventually be lit by an led, so I drew out the shape and cut it out.
Cutting wheel, large flat file, and then cleaned up with needle files.
I also was able to work on the rear section of the body a bit.
Instead of carving in the panel lines to define the backside panels of body I decided to cut out some pieces of styrene and glue them the body to give a raised surface feel to the area. It will hopefully add a touch of sculpturally variety.
I also centered and glued together the waste pieces.
I was however getting really close to having all the masters for the parts finished.
Group shot!
Next up- Perfect Hatch!