By VinceHoffman
Feb 24, 2021
The Banished Ghost Hijack set is a handsome but somewhat unfinished looking set. Don’t get me wrong, I think the stock build is among the best looking Ghost models MB/MCX has created. But when compared to the most recent MCX COD ATV builds, you’ll see what I’m saying.
Of the several new parts 1st seen in this set, the curvy red front cowling with it’s snap-on silver armor plates provide the basis of a genuinely game accurate looking Ghost build. Let me tell you what I did to bring the rest of the build up to the same standard as that gorgeous looking nose and the great looking stock wing design.
Starting at the front I replaced the pair of “pea-shooter” blasters with some old school MB Ghost plasma cannons. Not perfect but these parts were the closest approximation I had to the cannons on this latest Ghost. I created the mounts for the cannons by cutting up a pair of MCX part #AM73257. After sanding the cuts smooth, I used the bottom end for the plasma cannon mounts. Then with a little bit of reshaping, the cut-off portions plus a couple of 1x1x2/3rd slopes added the missing engine detailing on either side beneath the cowling. Opposite and immediately beneath the new silver engine details I added a couple of plates and a 1x2x2/3 curved slope. This cleaned up the exposed studs and portrayed the front undercarriage shape more accurately. When I compared my build progress to my reference pic I realized the wings needed to be moved forward a little. Replacing the 2x2 and 1x2 plates used for the wing mounts with a trio of 1x2 “jumper” plates easily accomplished this.
I completely rebuilt the cockpit. The handlebars and everything beneath were rebuilt with a completely different parts assortment. Embarrassingly, current Grunts were unable to grip the stock handlebar arrangement. Doooh MCX! My replacement controls are Unggoy-compatible. The included Grunt Heavy in this set fits, however some of the current super-sized Grunts have methane tank shapes (Grunt Major) which still prevent them fitting aboard. The replacement domed cylindrical engine parts I chose now protrude on either side properly and the flanged dome is visually more accurate. I added the missing foot pedals using a couple of customized 1x1 hinge tiles and added a seat using a customized 1x2 tile with reshaped edges.
Finally I added the missing flaps beneath the wings and created taller stacks of trans-clear gliders for the ghost to hover around on.
While I admired the stock model, I think the fully fleshed out rebuild looks closer to the in-game vehicle. Admittedly the placement of colors, particularly around the cockpit, isn’t quite game accurate. The new one-piece Ghost chassis needed a red paint application in order to achieve visual perfection- LOL! Perhaps next time MCX? Still, this rebuild satisfies my admittedly OCD standards for accuracy, detail, and a smooth appearance now. Not bad for an evenings effort. How about you guys? All constructive criticism is welcome. What do you think?
Of the several new parts 1st seen in this set, the curvy red front cowling with it’s snap-on silver armor plates provide the basis of a genuinely game accurate looking Ghost build. Let me tell you what I did to bring the rest of the build up to the same standard as that gorgeous looking nose and the great looking stock wing design.
Starting at the front I replaced the pair of “pea-shooter” blasters with some old school MB Ghost plasma cannons. Not perfect but these parts were the closest approximation I had to the cannons on this latest Ghost. I created the mounts for the cannons by cutting up a pair of MCX part #AM73257. After sanding the cuts smooth, I used the bottom end for the plasma cannon mounts. Then with a little bit of reshaping, the cut-off portions plus a couple of 1x1x2/3rd slopes added the missing engine detailing on either side beneath the cowling. Opposite and immediately beneath the new silver engine details I added a couple of plates and a 1x2x2/3 curved slope. This cleaned up the exposed studs and portrayed the front undercarriage shape more accurately. When I compared my build progress to my reference pic I realized the wings needed to be moved forward a little. Replacing the 2x2 and 1x2 plates used for the wing mounts with a trio of 1x2 “jumper” plates easily accomplished this.
I completely rebuilt the cockpit. The handlebars and everything beneath were rebuilt with a completely different parts assortment. Embarrassingly, current Grunts were unable to grip the stock handlebar arrangement. Doooh MCX! My replacement controls are Unggoy-compatible. The included Grunt Heavy in this set fits, however some of the current super-sized Grunts have methane tank shapes (Grunt Major) which still prevent them fitting aboard. The replacement domed cylindrical engine parts I chose now protrude on either side properly and the flanged dome is visually more accurate. I added the missing foot pedals using a couple of customized 1x1 hinge tiles and added a seat using a customized 1x2 tile with reshaped edges.
Finally I added the missing flaps beneath the wings and created taller stacks of trans-clear gliders for the ghost to hover around on.
While I admired the stock model, I think the fully fleshed out rebuild looks closer to the in-game vehicle. Admittedly the placement of colors, particularly around the cockpit, isn’t quite game accurate. The new one-piece Ghost chassis needed a red paint application in order to achieve visual perfection- LOL! Perhaps next time MCX? Still, this rebuild satisfies my admittedly OCD standards for accuracy, detail, and a smooth appearance now. Not bad for an evenings effort. How about you guys? All constructive criticism is welcome. What do you think?