FutureShock:2o5o> Explorers...


(A Preview of...)

Zen's Explorer ATV LS* Cortez...






*LS (LandShip): The LS or LandShip trademark of Explorer ATV refers to a specific, specialty class that combines key elements of a sea-faring vessel with a super-duty excavation tractor, resulting in a truly amphibious and uniquely versatile vehicle.
--(From the FS:2o5o General Technology Index)























A brutish wastelander, Zen's Explorer ATV LS Cortez...



"She's more than a vehicle to me. She's a home..."
--Zen Judah, Bush Mapper & Claim Tracker/Cortez Owner








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Again, this is just a preview. More to come. As always, thank you!

JZ

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WOW, that's a vehicele, so much detail...where to begin... awesome work.

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I'm in freaking aww!!! My only critique is that you NEED to start taking some W.I.P. pics for us! What the heck did this start as?

Nice work!

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That is beautiful. Seriously beautiful.

It inspired me to pull out my Tim Truman comics of Scout:War Shaman, which has the same feel as the vehicle.

Awesome.

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That thing is gorgeous.

Does it open up for interior detail?

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*Golf claps* Now that's a serious looking custom.

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Holy "LASER BLAST" that's cool. Had you handed me a pic and said it was taken from the set of the Road Warrior or any other genre movie, I would have believed it 100%.

I also echo the question about whether the interior is also decked out. The interior work on your other vehicles (I'm thinking of the xeno-mobile science lab for one) is some of my favorite work of yours, so I truly hope so.

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Thanks, guys. I appreciate the comments very sincerely, always.


Cap-- I'm not familiar. That's interesting, though. It's always a pleasure, brother.Thank you.


Danielb, Bindy-- yes it does, my friends, yes it does. Thanks, guys!


lordnestor-- thank you. No, no WIPs - but It was scratch built up from an Ultimate Soldier tank chassis. I will cover more regarding the construction though, in the full post, I'm sure. Thanks again.


JBYRRD and John-- thanks!




Further interior details and specifications for all of the features will be forthcoming, but by way of a proper preview, here are a few interior shots...













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This is just a work of art. There is no other customizer out there that gets the bleak realism into their stuff as you do.
Congrats mate. Looking forward to more pics.

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Yep, this is amazing. I think the last time you posted, I said 'this is the most impressive thing you've done,' but now I gotta say it again because THIS thing rules. It reminds me of a tricked out, scuzzed up version of the old JOE Mobile Command Center which was always my fave of the bigger vehicles. If this was out in the stores today, I'd have a hard time saying no to it.

DH-- Big thanks, brother! And a special thank you for noting the brand, as it were, as well.

Lee-- Thank you, my friend. I hope that impression can be lasting. Both Juggler and the Cortez are recent works. Thanks again for the kind comments.

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Construction Notes:

I want to show a few of the features here, such as the way this vehicle opens up for interior access and play.



The Hatches:

The Cortez has two main access hatches, where figures can enter and exit the vehicle:

The fore-hatch, located at the forecastle of the vehicle, just atop the port-side ladder...







And the rear hatch, which latches closed at the top as can be seen here...









The rear hatch platform also extends (made with parts to a printer tray)...






Bridge Access:

There are two hidden tabs at either side of the forecastle, just behind the swivel lights...







These tabs slide out of their sheaths, and the forward section of the roof folds up and back. The tabs also hold the roof in the open position for easy play inside the bridge area...









When the top of the roof section is closed, the tabs slide back into position, snug shut...






Main Cabin Access:

The top, exterior rear deck portion was made from a plastic bin lid, that snugly fits over the largest of the vehicle's interior play areas, the main cabin...






It can be easily removed, exposing the main cabin (including stowage bays and the captain's loft)...











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Thanks, and more Construction Notes will follow...

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Holy...What the...how...Sweeeeet! This is not a vehicle..... It's play-city!


No..Seriously, this should not end up on the vehicles list, it should be on the playsets/dio list.

Great work man.

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The level of detail and versatility in this piece is astounding.

From a dio-set perspective, I'm green with envy.

Thank you, sincerely.

Personally, I think of it as a vehicle first, a playset second. As a dio? Only by happenstance, really.

Thanks again, guys!

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Construction Notes:

AIS Command Access Panel:

The access panel is on a hinge that pivots down, allowing Zen to interface with the AIS (Automated Intelligence System), to operate the vehicle's features, such as the rear hatch...









Or the retracting stern ladder...








Window Grating System:

The window grating/shielding is on a three-panel sliding track on each side, allowing various configurations. I used clear plastic for the windows themselves...











The interior cabin also features a sliding door annexing the bridge and main cabin areas...





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Thanks again, and more Construction Notes to come!

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That is totally radical! The concept is inspiring, and the detail is insane! One of the best custom vehicles I have ever seen.

-Todd

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