IDW #89: Steampunk Arctic Explorer

**yoitisi** · January 15th, 2009, 10:16 AM

IDW #89 Topic: Steampunk Arctic Explorer

Deadline for voting: Sunday, January 25

No voting for your own entries! I repeat, no voting for your own entries

Give critiques and comments, we're all here to learn from each other!

Original thread: IDW #87: Steampunk Arctic Explorer

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**CristinaMcAllister** · January 15th, 2009, 02:56 PM

IDW # 87: Steampunk Arctic Explorer
By Cristina McAllister

[Note: this is my first IDW entry! I am generally more drawn to organic subjects, but I just love SteamPunk,so I thought I'd give it a try!]

The H.M.V. SnowTreader was commissioned by the Queen at the urging of world-renowned gentleman adventurer Sir Percival “Gully” Gulliver, after his extensive research and a (rather ill-equipped) expedition to those frigid, unforgiving latitudes uncovered evidence of an ancient civilization of stunningly sophisticated technological and mystical development.

The crack team of scientists and mechanlogists at the Royal Superior Steamworks devised this ingenious vehicle, which can support a team of four for up to three months in the most adverse arctic conditions.
Powered by the R.S.S.’ patented Compressed Fuel Steam Engine, the SnowTreader is generally slow-moving, but inexorable with its advanced paddlewheel-inspired propulsion (which can find purchase on the snow, ice and frozen ground that comprises the vast arctic plain that Sir Gulliver has determined in the likely site of significant ruins), and shock-suspended, maneuverable runners. A powerful winch on the front comes in handy to pull it through particularly rough patches of terrain.

We are eager to hear about the exploits and discoveries of the H.M.V. SnowTreader’s maiden expedition, scheduled later this year.

**Vyse** · January 15th, 2009, 07:47 PM

Heya!
This is my first entry here in IDW, too! =)

My Arctic Explorer has a walk-mode with drills for a strong hold and to reach high places as well as an drive-mode for faster use on straight ground.

**Legato** · January 17th, 2009, 07:58 PM

The EREBUS 2, sent to boldly go where no steam and wind powered walking boat has gone before!

**yoitisi** · January 18th, 2009, 09:42 AM

As per tradition, a few notes on this round:

Less entries than expected when looking at the original round, but an okay turnout after all

Legato: Good to see you've finally finished something for IDW again dude.

**Jonish** · January 18th, 2009, 11:58 AM

Legato, very nice! I like it mainly because it's the most steampunk-ish explorer.

**Dragonspit** · January 19th, 2009, 02:31 PM

all three are good entries.

Christina- liked your design and it has that overall punk style. I think this thing would work fine on the flats, but on hills with deep snow, not so sure it would work out. I think your background could be more finished.

Vyse, well rendered design and a good concept of multi use. although it has some steam punk elements, it doesnt really have that flavor. no where to put fuel though.

Legato got my vote. it was the most steam punkish of the three. although, I would have liked to see the legs more mechanical and such. I like the size to. I also loved the scooter. (something I was thinking about doing). that was a nice touch.

**Vyse** · January 20th, 2009, 07:08 AM

ChristinaMcAllister, please don´t vote for your own entry. We all can see that, and it´s not very nice.

Legato, nice one! You established a good sense of scale here.

**yoitisi** · January 20th, 2009, 07:13 AM

ChristinaMcAllister: Hm Vyse is right, voting for your own entry is kind of lame. Please let me know which of the others gets your vote instead so I can change it.

**CristinaMcAllister** · January 20th, 2009, 01:41 PM

Oops, sorry! Faux Pas!
I didn't see the rule against not voting for yourself!
Not trying to be arrogant or whatever - I actually voted for myself because I think that out of the three, mine has the most steam punk elements and flavorful description.
My rendering's not the best, though. Tech drawing is obviously not my forte, but when my Wacom tablet arrives (hopefully tomorrow!), I'll be better equipped to improve my digital painting skills.

Vyse, yours is cool, beautifully rendered and I like the drill idea, but it looks more straight sci-fi than steampunk to me.

So I'll change my vote to Legato. I like the propellers, ship-shape, and ornate decorative elements, and it's nicely rendered.