The Tapir was commissioned by Shangri-LA following the success of the Devil Ray light tank. Intended as a first-strike weapon system capable of neutralizing heavily armored units including tanks and walkers, the Tapir would provide Shangrilese forces with devastatingly powerful and accurate firepower at a moment’s notice.
The tank's venerable Xolotl laser cannon, a massive direct fire beam weapon capable of producing 6-terajoules of kinetic energy, grants the Tapir unsurpassed firepower on the modern battlefield. Known as a “bunker buster”, the Xolotl is capable of punching holes in reinforced static defenses and can obliterate armored vehicles with even a glancing blow. Absurdly destructive, the Xolotl system draws tremendous power from the Tapir’s micro-fusion plant requiring additional batteries to prime the cannon for firing. Because the Xolotl is such a energy drain the cannon is only capable of discharging for ten seconds before draining the weapon’s batteries – necessitating cell replacement by the tank’s crew. Originally designed as a single-person tank, the interior was expanded to allow for a loader to attend to the Xolotl cannon’s voracious battery needs.
At the time of Shangri-LA’s schism the Tapir fleet was undergoing retrofits to add a more powerful fusion plant to address the vehicle’s power consumption issues. Most Tapir units were held by Shangri-LA and presumably salvaged for materials; however, a dozen tanks were liberated from a Shangrilese armory on the Mojave border by Gaia First! forces in April of 2087. Those tanks had not received the upgraded powerplants and still suffer from energy concerns during combat.
Destroying the remaining operational Tapir remains a high priority for Shangri-LA’s forces as the tanks provide a very real threat to the AI’s central processing units hidden deep within the San Bernardino Mountains. Aware of the opportunity they present, Tapir are never alone on the field, often escorted by other hover units like Devil Rays or multiple teams of armored Moose with Locust drone carriers acting as pickets.
***Please Note***
Flight stand not included.
This 5-piece resin model comes unassembled and unpainted.
Model dimensions: 6.5" (16.25cm) long and 4" (10cm) wide.
Contents include:
1x hull1x Xolotl cannon
1x rear-hover skirt cover2x jerrycan brace
1x 4x6" schematic card
Assembly and painting required.
Please see our care instructions for handling, cleaning and modeling with resin.
Tapir Hunter/Killer
Model Preparation
Due to the casting process resin models require clean up before attempting assembly or painting. To release casts from a mold requires a mold release agent which is greasy and can hinder glue bonds and prevent paint from adhering to a model's surface. To ensure ease of assembly and painting please wash and scrub all resin pieces in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. An old toothbrush is useful for scrubbing models as the bristles won't damage the resin.
Some mold release is particularly stubborn to remove and requires soaking the models in soapy water for an hour or more. After soaking, scrub and rinse the models well and let them air dry before attempting assembly. Household dish detergent works well for washing resin and is generally cheap and easy to find!
Safety Recommendations
Resin models are recommended for advanced modelers.
While curing, resin models may retain small air bubbles or imperfections which require clean-up before painting.
To fill small holes use modeling putty - most game and hobby shops carry some kind of 2-part epoxy putty available for purchase.
Mold lines or other raised imperfections should be removed with either a sharp hobby knife or sanded.
Please use caution when using any hobby knives and remember to use clean, new blades and ALWAYS cut away from your body.
When sanding resin be sure to wear protective coverings for your mouth, nose and eyes as resin dust can be harmful if inhaled. Also, always sand your models in well ventilated or outdoor areas and take caution to contain any dust while cleaning up your workspace and tools afterward.