Tripod Resurrection

Hmmm good questions all. Yeah I feel you on the opponents Martians vs lawyers - the latter tend to suck your money away, then frame you into jail, whilst making it your fault - where of coarse you die rather than become some gangs 'boyfriend'. At least the Martians are up front about it. Of coarse, many politicians are former lawyers, which also explains alot. As to you query:
Hexagonal would be great in my book. Its well known that the hex is the best shape for compact space and maximum use of area - the honey bee and various wasps/hornets have known this since time began. I'd think the logical martians would have opt'd for hexagonal cyclinders and all form of their machines.
Legs are right on.
Except for reaper tentacles and claws, why do we even need a representation of the non-game related tentacles. Yeah, I know this is scared ground here - but theres no reason to have to show stuff that non-combat related in my opinion. At least on the martians. Now the developement of a heftier tentacle and a clawed version would definately be priorty - once you've put some of the hexagonal Assaults and Scouts and Grenadiers and Slavers out. You get my drift - start with the basics to see how they go over. Then, if success, its time to start working those puppies up, especially at the basic Drone has reaper tentacles (often overlooked in the game)! I'm particularly interested in what you come up with for the Gatherer tripod. With no weapons to deal with, it could be the 'basic' design for all your 'short' tripods. I'm curious why you left out the Dominator btw??
As far as the rest of your models, the Assault, et al, will really increase in power with the addition of proper assault tentacles. I like the Slaver having assault tentacles for lots of reasons. I could suggest that using color to show whether a given tentacle is assault or 'special armor...' types might make it easier. To that idea, I'd purpose terran metal (antique gold/buff color like on the Veteran tripods extra armor) and a stronger 'Martian Metal' (bright and shiney line aluminum or titainium) for the 'specials'.
Going alone with my idea on 'detection' you could have a small hexagonal box on the Scout for its limited detection use (say 2d10" range, requires no other action but the roll for) and the Scientist could have horns or other looks for its more potent detection devise (say 12" automatic functioning). I do go on! Its a great idea. I look forward to your working these up. Maybe you and scott could work out a deal for design/templates from you & his production and marketing. Just a thought. The rest of us will just drool waiting for this to happen.