Update time!
I was having trouble working out where to start with the torso build, so I decided to go with the cockpit. I had been throwing around a few ideas and settled on an "entry plug" style from . Here's a pic of one:
Obviously, the entry plug is quite massive so the implementation won't be too similar. Rather than being a self contained, removable module (the Eva entry plugs can be ejected and have thrusters for such an event), the cockpit will be a cylindrical design without any hatch or door of its own that lowers out from the abdominal armour plate area.
I didn't do any sketches worth showing, so I'll skip straight to the styrene implementation:
This will be filled and turned into a smooth cylinder with Milliput. The area where the pilot sits will be soft and padded, with just a couple of "manual" displays and control surfaces. The actual control of the Heavy Combat Armour is via neural interface. The pilot will be a separate sculpt (hopefully) by my good mate Warhound.
The reason why I settled on this design and the fact that the cockpit will extend out diagonally downwards is because when the mecha is rested (parked) on its knees, the cockpit will be very close to the ground so that the pilot can actually get in!
I've got a busy week ahead of me so don't expect to see any updates until at least next weekend.
Oh yeah I can make that....