WIP Custom Rolling Thunder part 1: Planning

I always wanted a challenge.

My Cobra Battle Barge saw use as a towed gun platform since it did not always flood at home and I wanted Cobra personnel to have a seat when it is time to bug out. It was made from rubber band, a frame, wheels, and a slip knot device so that it could unhitch from the Cobra Stinger anytime it wanted. As the old British Army recruiting advert stated, there’s less foot slogging in today’s army.

I wanted something similar with my new 25th Anniversary line and my thoughts, once again, turned to my missed opportunity to get a Rolling Thunder decades back. This battleship on wheels had the floor space to carry troops, in addition to 2 ballistic missiles, and the firepower to be almost unstoppable. Assuming, that is, its transparent canopies is shatter proof and bad guys could never do head shots.
G.I. Joe Rolling Thunder during its Glory Days

Rolling Thunder Today

Somehow, I knew it was temporary setback and, later, I was able to get 1 in not so good shape. That is just fine with me! That’s exactly what I need, right now. Parts are hard to find and even harder to ship here, so I figured, it is definitely time to do what any enterprising individual would do. Upgrade to bigger guns and better armour.

Mobility

Obviously, there are parts I cannot do without. I’ll need to get replacement wheels for all, if I can manage. I could substitute a few from a GI Joe General vehicle.

Armament
The original gun stations had cushy seats with no armour at all. That will not do in this day and age. I intend to use laminated armoured cupola with lexan and some sort of gun. Maybe a 40mm gun or an AGL.

The missing main gun and turret can be purchased, but at a somewhat high cost. In addition, I will still need the original mount. A very tricky dilemma but, should things go the way they currently are, I will definitely fabricate a new mount and a 2 crew main battle tank turret. It will most probably be from an M1A1 tank, as it complements the angled chassis.

Interior Layout

I am still debating with myself whether the ballistic missiles should be added, at all. I could substitute the missile system with a Command and Control/Electronic system or troop carrying compartment. Perhaps even both. Both will mean, however, drastic changes to the floor and a lot of planning on the final layout. Maybe that missile system is not so bad, after all…

This is a feature I do want to keep. The handy little vehicle. At least, it came with one of the ramps. I will have to get its other half, as well as, the other roof panel. I can live without the little missile carousel.

It is definitely a challenge to put this together. I wanted this custom vehicle to have some character with more firepower, armour, and troop capacity. An old war horse given a new lease on life and such.

I can afford to make some radical changes since I have pretty much decided it will let go of its ballistic missile system to make room for it. Well, we will soon find out.

As always, comments and suggestions are most welcome!

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