Ghost in the Shell - "Think Tank" Mecha
Below are several Custom 3D model wallpapers I created based on Masamune Shirow's Ghost in the Shell/Tank Police series (Tachikoma, Fuchikoma, Uchikoma, Boneparte, etc.). They're widescreen 1630 x 850.
Wikipedia is too restrictive to have many images with their articles, so I incorporate, here, their text with images for an overall better understanding of the subject matter.
Right-click and "save link as" to save them to your computer.
Again, these models are based on works by Masamune Shirow. Many hours of research were invested from many sources to produce the most accurate models reasonable. All renders (c) cmorley 2009.
Uchikoma
Tachikoma - Blue
The think-tanks seen in the last episode of 2nd GIG are named Uchikomas (ウチコマ), similar to the Fuchikoma think-tanks used in the original Ghost In The Shell manga. In design terms too, they represent a fusion of the design features of the Tachikoma as seen in the series and those of the Fuchikoma, with "faces" and "abdomens" similar to the Fuchikoma and legs and "thorax" more akin to those on a Tachikoma. Together with the setting, intended to recall the opening scene of the manga, and new costume design for the human characters reminiscent of armour seen in the 1995 film, the closing scene of 2nd gig strives to blend all the strands of the Ghost In The Shell stories.
"Uchikoma" is the correct pronunciation, as clearly indicated in Japanese literature dealing with the subject, where they are referred to as Uchikoma (ウチコマ). The subtitles on volume 7 of the Region 1 DVDs, released by Bandai Entertainment, unmistakably call the new think-tanks "Fuchikoma", which is incorrect. The packaging art for the model kit, however, clearly labels the units "Uchikoma".
Manufacturer: Kenbishi
The Tachikoma is featured prominently
throughout SAC and SAC 2nd GIG. They have advanced artificial intelligence
and active camouflage. Tachikomas have a pair of manipulator arms
with machine guns and a grenade launcher between them.
There
are several Tachikoma models seen in video, manga and after-market
toys. There is a brown one with a more squat rear end, a yellow
"construction" version, as well as yellow and red "cyber"
versions named Musachi and Max.
A prototype Tachikoma is seen
in the PSP game Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex - Territory
of Hunter. In SSS Tachikoma appear who have their own names.
Tachikoma - Yellow/Construction Bot
Tachikoma - Camo
Tachikoma - Brown
Tachikoma - "Spidey"
"Max" and "Musachi" are "cyber" Tachikoma who appear in the Ghost in the Shell 2nd Gig series. Coincidentally, the names Max and Musachi are also used for Motoko's 'personal assistants' (pig bots :)) in the manga Man Machine Interface.
Fuchikoma - Brown
Fuchikoma - Red
The Fuchikoma is a four-legged tank
which may have wheels for rolling. It has two arms which it
can also stand on. Used by Section 9, they could carry one person.
They have artificial intelligence and can independently assist operatives
in the field.
Their look varies from the red models, to the army
green version. Leg, guns and rear end also vary depending
on the manga.
T08A2 (R-3000) - Tank
EW-205 - Tank
The T08A2 was featured in the original Ghost in the Shell film and is similar in size to the HAW206. It is the only six-legged think tank and has at least one manipulator arm hidden beside its front leg. Like the Tachikomas, it can move its head and has active camouflage.
Motoko unsuccessfully attempts to open the hatch of the tank on its 'head'. The pilot of the tank sits in the head. The T08A1 seems is not shown with the main tank gun, smoke grenade launchers, and wheels featured on its SAC-era four-legged cousins. However, it does have a pair of explosives launchers and can swivel its body over its legs like a turntable.
Manufacturer: Kenbishi
The EW-205 tank is seen in one episode of both SAC and 2nd GIG, in the Ghost in the Shell PS2 game and as a UN tank (painted white) in the Ghost in the Shell video. It has vertical tracks and a long tank gun, which make it resemble a conventional tank.
HAW-206 - Tank
Section 1 "Think Tank"
Manufacturer: Kenbishi
The HAW206 resembles a scaled-up Tachikoma, but lacks a middle grenade launcher and has red glowing 'eyes' on its front. It is the focus of the second SAC episode and is seen at the end of 2nd GIG, wielded by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Army in olive drab.
The HAW206 features a short tank gun and a pair of manipulator arms with Gatling guns. Its main gun ejects spent cases somewhat like a firearm rather than a tank.
Appears in: Ghost in the Shell (manga)
A Fuchikoma is fascinated by a German tank destined for Section 1, who has 'head' much like the HAW206, and six legs, two manipulator arms, and a tail styled like the T08A2. Similarly, in SAC a Tachikoma is impressed with the HAW206. It is able to climb sturdy walls and is the first vehicle in the original manga described as a 'think tank'.
Motoko's 'personal assistants' (Pig Bots)
Bonaparte - Tank Police
Appears in: Man/Machine Interface
Several small, rounded, artificially intelligent humanoids serve Motoko in the real and virtual worlds much like the Tachikomas in SAC and have their own names (Rocky, Conan, Max, Masashi, Lex, Chui, Shiva, Hannibal, Vector, Xenon, Dante, Loki and Valkrie).
While not part of the Ghost in the Shell universe, Leona's tank "Bonaparte" is still part of the Shirow family.
"Leona Ozaki Voiced by: Hiromi Tsuru (Japanese), Toni Barry (English)
Manufacturer:
Kenbishi
A young female officer in the Tank Police. Extremely
enthusiastic about her work, and obsessively protective of her tank,
which she calls "Bonaparte."
With a larger and more structured Tank Police, Bonaparte is no longer a unique vehicle created by Leona. Now the backbone of the Tank Police, the Kenbitsu Heavy Industries Bonaparte Mark 9 is a modular urban combat vehicle used by all Tank Police platoons.