by Dec Sibley

Despite the general consensus that the Trade Federation Droid Army was an expendable asset, it was noted that there was a limit to the number of droids that could be lifted into a operational area. If a battle was to go unfavourably then re-enforcements might not be able to be brought in quick enough to change the course of events.

A requirement was issued for an immediate repair facility that could move along side the infantry units to carry out “first aid” to damaged droid units, replacing or repairing limbs and re-routing damaged internal electronic systems. The same Trade Federation Droid chassis was used so that compatibility with the MIT was maintained and to reduce logistic problems. A welding probe was mounted along the back of the left wrist connected to twin conduits for the Gas and Oxygen pumped from tanks mounted in the armoured back pack. The probe can vary its intensity to either cut or weld. Grills along the top of the pack help cool the unit. Further tools are contained in a thigh-mounted box.

Grey body panels distinguish the Med-canic droid and an Anti glare panel on the front face piece reduces glare from the welding arc.

I wanted to create a diorama that conveyed the same feeling as that of a GI shouting for the courageous Medic who runs over through enemy fire to aid his comrade. This idea had been floating around with me for a while using the AMT Droid kits. Commitment came when I decided to destroy a WWII diorama to give me a base big enough for the idea and finally glued the two droids together to get an idea of layout.

The models are both from the “Trade federation Droid with STAP” kit from AMT. The variation to the Med-canic is as listed above, the armoured back pack a segment sawn from the top of the STAP, with an truck engine grill added and filed to shape. Various plastic tubing was used for the welding probe. The joints of the Droid were changed and filled to give the running stance. The injured comrade is built up as normal with changes to the hands and the right lower leg left off, part used and exposed in the mud with wire and odd bits used to add detail to the broken limb. Much time was taken with the pose to try and convey feelings of pain. I used subtle weathering and oil stains and water runs to give some characteristic to the face of the Droid. Most time was spent on removing joins as overall the fit was poor but the size made it fun to work on. The base is expanded foam covered in plaster wall filler.

Painting was done with brush and airbrush; masking was a real pain and something I wish I could do better. I should have painted it as sub-assemblies. Enamels and oils were used for the droids with acrylics for the base. Dressing on the base was Railway Scenics and rails from the spares box laced with picture wire. A coat of PVA gave a wet finish to the low green mud in the shell hole.

Image: The hero

Image: Looking over the medic's shoulder

Image: From the right

Image: Wounded droid