Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => Pulp => Topic started by: jbemmett on November 28, 2017, 04:54:22 PM

Title: French Harbor Town - Update March 14 - Combatants
Post by: jbemmett on November 28, 2017, 04:54:22 PM
Based on the success of the Lardy Days held at this year's Fall In!, the group has decided to do the same at Cold Wars. I'll be running a few games of Chain of Command that feature a section of British Commandos assisted by a group of Franc-Tireurs mounting a raid on a U-boat moored in a French town which is garrisoned by some Heer and Kriegsmarine. I'll be making the conning tower of the U-boat the objective under the guise of sabotage or Enigma Machine retrieval.

Knowing that my schedule can be up-ended at a moment's notice, I've decided to start working on this early. I laid out what I thought would be a reasonable board and sketched a map.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/map.jpg?w=490)

I want the bulk of the town surface to be cobblestone, but I didn’t want to spend a lot of resources, including time, to create something. I decided to go with a fleece photo blanket from Walmart Photo. I purchased a cobblestone mat file from Wargames Vault, and then resized it and manipulated some color levels using Affinity Photo. Here’s what the final product looks like.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_071313.jpg?w=570)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_071326.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_071403.jpg?w=1200&h=)

The level of the town needs to be about 2″ above the surface of the water, and I happened to have some 2″ foam in 2′ sections. It isn’t the best solution, but I scabbed together a 4′ x 5′ section of 2″ foam using some toothpicks and painter’s tape. I then wrapped the blanket around the foam and secured it with some straight pins.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_071936.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_072928.jpg?w=700&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_072938.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_073257.jpg?w=700&h=)

For the water I had a piece of variegated blue fabric that was close to the correct size. My wife ironed on some interfacing to prevent it from fraying, and then I cut it to size. In the past, I’ve coated fabric with Liquitex Gloss Gel to create a nice water effect so I may give this the same treatment.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_125825.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_125816.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_132753.jpg?w=1200&h=)

Next I’ll be working on some smaller detail pieces for the town.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: levied troop on November 28, 2017, 06:16:49 PM
That’s a very ingenious cobblestone solution, looking forward to seeing what else you come up with.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on November 28, 2017, 06:50:14 PM
I agree that is an interesting idea.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: fred on November 28, 2017, 07:08:01 PM
This a very promising start. Looking forward to seeing the rest, especially the submarine.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: Michi on November 28, 2017, 07:08:39 PM
I want the bulk of the town surface to be cobblestone, but I didn’t want to spend a lot of resources, including time, to create something. I decided to go with a fleece photo blanket from Walmart Photo. I purchased a cobblestone matt file from Wargames Vault, and then resized it and manipulated some color levels using Affinity Photo. Here’s what the final product looks like.

Well done that man! Very clever and smart.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update - Partial Building Layout and Greenhouse
Post by: jbemmett on November 29, 2017, 02:04:42 AM
I've decided to work my way from the town toward the U-boat so I can knock out some "low hanging fruit" to motivate myself. While I had the draft layout setup, I measured and trimmed an old fleece blanket gaming mat I had to use for some grassy areas. This was my first attempt at having a blanket printed and it ended up with some flaws, so I didn't feel bad about chopping it up. Here's the first section with the church, Dr's house, cafe and small house on it. These buildings are from Grand Manner as are the sidewalk sections.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_073747.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_075839.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_075900.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_075926.jpg?w=1200&h=)

When I run convention games I usually bring a shaker of flock with me that I'll use to dress up the transition areas, like the one below. I guess I'm willing to trash a convention hall floor, but not my basement.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_075850.jpg?w=490)

I like to add some detail pieces to my boards to dress them out, so here’s some shots of my proposed minutia.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171128_143249.jpg?w=490)
MBA Woodpile and Table and Chairs from a Dollhouse Manufacturer

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171128_143241.jpg?w=490)
Tomato Plants from Scenic Express and a Cold Frame from Petite Properties

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171128_143223.jpg?w=490)
Cross Plinth from Grand Manner

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171128_143211.jpg?w=490)
Diecast Repaint and some Flowering Hedges from Scenic Express

I had some empty space by the Dr’s house that I wanted to add a greenhouse to. I already had the piece from Warbases and decided to detail it a bit. I covered some of the seams on the structure with cardstock, and then fashioned some potting benches out of Renedra bases and plastic rod. The flower pots are from Scenic Express, the tools are from true2scale and the other bits came from the spare parts bin.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_080036.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171125_080123.jpg?w=1200&h=)

Some paint slapped on and voila. I decided to add a plant that I hacked together with a pot from the craft store and a small scale Woodland Scenics tree. The brick on the floor is cardstock. I downloaded the texture from Paperbrick. I added in some “glass” by cutting an old sheet of inkjet transparency.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171128_132434.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171128_132407.jpg?w=1200&h=)

Here’s the final product with the base flocked. I added a few garden tools on the outside, also from true2scale.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171128_202410.jpg?w=1200&h=)

[img]https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_20171128_202427.jpg?w=1200&h=/img]

Next I’ll be ginning up a small memorial park for the town square.

Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: Poiter50 on November 29, 2017, 02:20:11 AM
Looking great, impressive work.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: tomrommel1 on November 29, 2017, 07:33:24 AM
very very inspirational and really well done :-*
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: Hammers on November 29, 2017, 07:38:05 AM
It is looking quite good. I have never heard of a service like fleece photo blanket from Walmart Photo before. It seems like a splendid idea for mobile gaming terrain.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: Norm on November 29, 2017, 08:13:54 AM
Impressive detailing which will be a joy to game over.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: jbemmett on November 29, 2017, 11:21:07 AM
Thanks all for the kind words and encouragement.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on November 29, 2017, 01:55:48 PM
That looks really good.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: Sangennaru on November 29, 2017, 02:09:05 PM
Very nice start! Following with interest!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: SABOT on November 30, 2017, 01:54:58 AM
Really great work and I am finding it great inspiration for my current project.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: punkrabbitt on November 30, 2017, 05:04:58 AM
That's some pretty amazing work!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: DintheDin on November 30, 2017, 08:22:38 AM
Really great work and I am finding it great inspiration for my current project.

 :o Excellent! Please, keep posting!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: The Dozing Dragon on November 30, 2017, 09:39:55 AM
Marvellous.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: lou passejaire on November 30, 2017, 11:10:18 AM
want to see more  :o :o
Title: Re: French Harbor Town
Post by: miltiades on November 30, 2017, 01:08:53 PM
A wonderful and VERY inspiring scenic! That's what I will do with my terrain in Peking! Thanks for posting!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update - Memorial, Water Pump and More Buildings
Post by: jbemmett on December 01, 2017, 12:05:46 PM
Mid-week I've been working on rounding out some of the bits and bobs for the town and adding in the remaining buildings.

I've used this WWI memorial statue "as is" for a few years now, but always felt that it needed dressed up a bit, so I put together a small memorial garden to surround it. I cut a base out of plastic card, and then added some HO scale hairpin fence around the perimeter. I then painted and flocked the base, and added some bushes and flowers. I'm not completely satisfied with it - I feel there's too much red going on - so I may circle back and add some different flora.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_111803.jpg?w=1140)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_135058.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_111857.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_194431.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_194455.jpg?w=4000&h=)

Thomarillion has this nifty cast iron water pump that I picked up a while ago, and I thought it would make a nice bit for the town. I scratch built a concrete catch basin by making a box with balsa and covering it with Liquitex Stucco Texture. Then it was just a matter of some paint and washes.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_161041.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_194556.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 1 - Memorial, Water Pump and More Buildings
Post by: jbemmett on December 01, 2017, 12:24:23 PM
Here’s the remaining buildings for the town, again from Grand Manner. The warehouse truck is from Blue Moon and the clothes line was made from balsa and an old foil wine label.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_202819.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_202801.jpg?w=810&h=&zoom=2)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_202734.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_202723.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_202710.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_202700.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171130_202645.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

Next I’ll start working on some walls to delineate the town from the dock area.

Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 1 - Memorial, Water Pump and More Buildings
Post by: Michi on December 01, 2017, 12:44:53 PM
This is so wonderful to see developing...  :-*
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 1 - Memorial, Water Pump and More Buildings
Post by: DintheDin on December 01, 2017, 01:08:00 PM
The whole project is stunning!
Your buildings are outstanding! Cheers!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 1 - Memorial, Water Pump and More Buildings
Post by: Eclaireur on December 01, 2017, 04:28:22 PM
Have to echo the others in my admiration of your modelling skills and attention to detail - the greenhouse being a great example.
Are your Grand Manner buildings from their old 'Carentan' range? I don't think they're obtainable any more...
EC
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 1 - Memorial, Water Pump and More Buildings
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on December 01, 2017, 04:35:28 PM
Very nice.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 1 - Memorial, Water Pump and More Buildings
Post by: jbemmett on December 01, 2017, 07:28:51 PM
Have to echo the others in my admiration of your modelling skills and attention to detail - the greenhouse being a great example.
Are your Grand Manner buildings from their old 'Carentan' range? I don't think they're obtainable any more...
EC

Thank you very much.

They are from the Carentan line. I'm not sure if Dave retired those permanently or if they're going through some sort of "refit".
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 1 - Memorial, Water Pump and More Buildings
Post by: fred on December 01, 2017, 08:56:20 PM
Very nice, starting to feel very French now.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 1 - Memorial, Water Pump and More Buildings
Post by: SABOT on December 01, 2017, 09:58:35 PM
Terrific work.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 4 - Walls, etc.
Post by: jbemmett on December 04, 2017, 01:13:02 PM
I had a few moments this weekend to devote to finishing up the “non-dock” part of the board. Wanting something to delineate the commercial/residential area from the mooring area, I painted up a few sections of walls from Charlie Foxtrot. I also added in a checkpoint from 4Ground and some sandbag sections that I believe are from Warlord.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171203_151341.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171203_151356.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171203_151411.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171203_151454.jpg?w=810&h=&zoom=2)

Also I added in a few more detail pieces. The doghouse is from Warbases and the small stack of newspapers is some parchment paper glued together, painted and then soaked in the bottom of my afternoon tea for a few minutes. Thanks to my friend Richard of Warpstone Pile (http://www.warpstonepile.com) for sharing his technique for the newspapers.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171203_151322.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171203_180852.jpg?w=810&h=&zoom=2)

While I’m waiting on a new air compressor to show up, I’ll be working on some detail pieces for the mooring area.

Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: jbemmett on December 08, 2017, 12:26:30 PM
My new compressor showed up so I was able to complete the storage shed. It’s a Things From the Basement kit, and I built it straight out of the bag. The miscellaneous supplies are from various sources. The pallets and cable reels are from Things From the Basement, the fuel drums are from Tamiya, the stack of sacks and the grey boxes came out of my 1/35 scrap box, the bundle of crates and barrels are from Grand Manner, the other crates are 4Ground and the single barrels are pre-paints from an unknown source.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171109_1357221.jpg?w=810&h=&zoom=2)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171207_1929342.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171207_1930002.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171207_1927202.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171207_1928542.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171207_1934322.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171207_1934442.jpg?w=4000&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171207_1934562.jpg?w=1441&h=&zoom=2)

Next up, the harbor crane.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: Michi on December 08, 2017, 01:05:14 PM
The storage shed is a good addition. Please correct me if I am wrong, but I think that pallets (for forklifts) were not yet in use during the period you put on display. I can not find a trace in any photo of harbours or warehouses that I looked at.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on December 08, 2017, 01:07:05 PM
Very nice. I especially like the shed.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: jbemmett on December 08, 2017, 01:14:58 PM
The storage shed is a good addition. Please correct me if I am wrong, but I think that pallets (for forklifts) were not yet in use during the period you put on display. I can not find a trace in any photo of harbours or warehouses that I looked at.

Not sure about Europe, but they were in use in the states - maybe not quite in the form that I'm using. Here's some edge of your seat reading. https://packagingrevolution.net/pallets/history-of-pallet-usage/ (https://packagingrevolution.net/pallets/history-of-pallet-usage/)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: Poiter50 on December 08, 2017, 02:30:27 PM
I like that storage shed, very Asian looking to my mind, the sort of thing you would see near the local hardware.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: Dr. Zombie on December 08, 2017, 03:27:23 PM
This is a most awesome looking town.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: SABOT on December 08, 2017, 07:48:43 PM
Great update . Keep going mate. 👍
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: dhtandco on December 08, 2017, 11:15:43 PM
Really nice town and some great ideas
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: gamer Mac on December 09, 2017, 12:12:14 AM
Really starting to come alive with all of you additions. :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Great work keep it up
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: Rabbitz on December 09, 2017, 06:23:38 AM
Fantastic!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on December 09, 2017, 08:22:26 AM
Good point on the pallets.

Pallets make forklift trucks more efficient. Forklift trucks require small efficient internal combustion engines and fuel. Neither would have been available.

Horses were still in use at that time.

Large scale pallets would possibly be used with cranes.

I do not remember having seen palletised goods on model railways of that period (post war British Railways designed a new type of wagon specifically for the newfangled palletised goods).

Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: Lost Egg on December 09, 2017, 08:46:14 AM
Lovely work, I envy your attention to detail.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: lou passejaire on December 09, 2017, 11:01:45 AM
on the pallets :
No use in France till late june 1944 ... and they were US  ;)
nets were in use for the loads unloaded using cranes .

nice job on the town ...

just one thing, if it's for occupied France,  the sentry box , IMO, must have been painted in red-black-white stripes :
(http://i19.servimg.com/u/f19/12/50/38/85/0u3h110.jpg)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: Michi on December 09, 2017, 01:35:43 PM
Not sure about Europe, but they were in use in the states - maybe not quite in the form that I'm using. Here's some edge of your seat reading. https://packagingrevolution.net/pallets/history-of-pallet-usage/ (https://packagingrevolution.net/pallets/history-of-pallet-usage/)

Very interesting read - thank you very much. I learn something new every day!  :)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: jbemmett on December 09, 2017, 01:45:13 PM
Very interesting read - thank you very much. I learn something new every day!  :)

 ;)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: DintheDin on December 09, 2017, 06:11:21 PM


just one thing, if it's for occupied France,  the sentry box , IMO, must have been painted in red-black-white stripes :


I think you are right!

Moderator note: I’ve removed the pic of re-enactors because I believe the SS runes infringe the forum’s symbol use rules: http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=9125.0
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: jbemmett on December 09, 2017, 06:27:01 PM
To my knowledge sentry boxes didn't have regulations regarding their paint schemes. Normally the local command dictated the colors, with the scheme being geared toward safety - as in "don't run a vehicle into this thing".

While the red, black and white scheme was probably more common I prefered the black stripes on white. However I have noted that this is also inaccurate as it should be white stripes on black.  ;)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: Michi on December 09, 2017, 06:40:37 PM
To my knowledge sentry boxes didn't have regulations regarding their paint schemes. Normally the local command dictated the colors, with the scheme being geared toward safety - as in "don't run a vehicle into this thing".

While the red, black and white scheme was probably more common I prefered the black stripes on white. However I have noted that this is also inaccurate as it should be white stripes on black.  ;)

German military tradition sported the national colours on sentry boxes. The striping pattern had nothing to do with the safety aspect. White-Blue for Bavaria, Red-White for Hanse, Black-White for Prussia, Black-White-Red for the Reich, Black-Red-Yellow(Gold) for Bundeswehr and Volksarmee. You may google for "Schilderhaus" - the German word for sentry box.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: jbemmett on December 09, 2017, 06:44:25 PM
German military tradition sported the national colours on sentry boxes. The striping pattern had nothing to do with the safety aspect. White-Blue for Bavaria, Red-White for Hanse, Black-White for Prussia, Black-White-Red for the Reich, Black-Red-Yellow(Gold) for Bundeswehr and Volksarmee. You may google for "Schilderhaus" - the German word for sentry box.

Thanks. I humbly stand corrected.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: Idle Doodler on December 09, 2017, 07:49:15 PM
What a great set up, and that fleece mat looks very effective. You mention that there were errors in your old grass fleece - what sort of thing ought one look out when approaching fleece printing (other than pixelation?)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 8 - Storage Shed
Post by: jbemmett on December 09, 2017, 08:35:08 PM
What a great set up, and that fleece mat looks very effective. You mention that there were errors in your old grass fleece - what sort of thing ought one look out when approaching fleece printing (other than pixelation?)

Thanks - much appreciated!

Actually you nailed it with the pixelation. Those digital files are sized for 48" x 72" and the blankets are available in 50" x 60" and 60" x 80". I can't remember if I let the online tool resize the image, or if I did it myself and picked the wrong resampling method. Either way the edges came out a bit blurry. Nowadays I resize the image first using bilinear resampling and then upload it.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: jbemmett on December 10, 2017, 11:56:28 PM
When I started laying out this board in my head I knew I was going to want to fill up some space by the mooring location with something other than a building. I thought some sort of crane would be visually interesting and tie in with a few other bits I was planning on having in the vicinity.

I wanted something that was good and tall - a good place for an MG team or a sniper. Also I wasn't too concerned with historical accuracy, looking for something that would fit in an Alistair MacLean story.  Not having much faith in my scratchbuilding skills I was delighted to find this Things from the Basement kit at Fall In. It's a bit modern but I figured I could change it a bit.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171109_134230.jpg?w=490/img]

I built the base and the rails straight form the kit, only adding some sand texture to the platform.

[img]https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171121_075612.jpg?w=490)

I ended up taking quite a few liberties with the cab using some various kit and spare parts. Here’s what I came up with. I’m not sure if the physics would work for the winch, but visually I like it.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171121_175230.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171121_175247.jpg?w=1200&h=)

Here it is almost complete. I have some cable and a hook to add, but am waiting to complete other things before I commit to the length.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171210_184418.jpg?w=700&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171210_184447.jpg?w=1200&h=)

Next up I’ll be working on a few vehicles, some u-boat mines and a torpedo cart.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: d phipps on December 11, 2017, 12:07:05 AM
Excellent! THANKS for posting.  :-*
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: Panama on December 11, 2017, 08:36:12 AM
Wow lovely job  :)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: DintheDin on December 11, 2017, 08:51:24 AM
The crane came out impressive!
Following your project with great interest!
Cheers!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: jbemmett on December 11, 2017, 12:19:18 PM
Thanks all.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: Sunjester on December 11, 2017, 12:33:47 PM
That set up is looking superb! Well done.  :-*
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: Traveler Man on December 12, 2017, 06:33:14 PM
Seriously impressive!  :o :-*
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: Codsticker on December 13, 2017, 12:37:31 AM
What a fantastic table- great work!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: levied troop on December 13, 2017, 07:46:32 AM
This is looking fantastic and I love the attention to detail.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on December 13, 2017, 11:59:10 AM
Isn't it great when you casually drop in on a topic you'd previously overlooked and find it fascinating and inspirational? That's how I feel about this one. Great stuff and particularly enjoyable to read the whole thing from the beginning on first visit.

Looking forward to more.

Thanks for this excellent contribution.

Doug
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: jbemmett on December 13, 2017, 12:12:29 PM
Thanks again all for the lovely comments.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: jbemmett on December 13, 2017, 12:13:48 PM
Isn't it great when you casually drop in on a topic you'd previously overlooked and find it fascinating and inspirational? That's how I feel about this one. Great stuff and particularly enjoyable to read the whole thing from the beginning on first visit.

Looking forward to more.

Thanks for this excellent contribution.

Doug

Thanks Doug. It's nice to know that as mostly a "lurker" that I can give back a little to a community that I take so much from.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update December 10 - Crane
Post by: Vagabond on December 13, 2017, 10:40:49 PM
Not only is it excellent quality but a fantastic work rate. Brilliant.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town -
Post by: sglancy12 on December 22, 2017, 10:15:07 PM
Just fantastic work so far. Really love that Great War Memorial. Just beautiful.

Can't wait to see your U-boat.

A. Scott Glancy
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: jbemmett on January 04, 2018, 07:34:36 PM
Happy New Year everyone. I was able to work a little over the holidays to add some details to the board.

I'm sure it's somewhat hypothetical, but I wanted a cart with some torpedoes on it. I took a chance and bought a Sarissa Bomb Trailer Set in the hopes that I could modify it to fit some 1/48th scale resin torpedoes I found. Thankfully it worked out pretty well. I only had to shift the cradle pieces up a bit to accommodate the length of the torpedoes. The "fish" are probably meant to be for aircraft, but they work for me.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20171227_072737.jpg?w=700&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20171212_112604.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20171212_130235.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180102_143724.jpg?w=700&h=)
 
To add some more weapon supplies to the dock I ginned up these mines. Again not very historically accurate, but that's okay by me. I took some bits and whatnot from around the house and painted them up. I have an Opel Blitz that I'm going to put these in, but it has been so cold here that I am unable to airbrush in the garage.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20171231_112715.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180104_141413.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180104_142051.jpg?w=700&h=)

Up next I'll start working on the sea wall and some electrical poles.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: Wirelizard on January 04, 2018, 09:30:06 PM
Please tell me you'll include rules for shooting the mines to make them go off!

Probably not realistic for mines stored on a dock waiting to be deployed, although this is sometimes how this sort of mine would be destroyed from a distance if they were found floating at sea.

This is looking great, can't wait to see it all finished.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: clanmac on January 04, 2018, 10:07:15 PM
This looks superb, love the mines.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: Codsticker on January 05, 2018, 01:45:40 AM
Outstanding stuff jbemmett.*thumbs up*
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: ivor13 on January 05, 2018, 03:42:57 AM
This is just absolutely amazing stuff all around  :o
Not all heroes wear capes  lol
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: von Lucky on January 05, 2018, 10:24:32 AM
Lovely details you're creating - that last mine photo is a safety officer's nightmare!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: gamer Mac on January 05, 2018, 12:02:03 PM
Lovely details :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: fred on January 05, 2018, 06:25:32 PM
I do like the mines - when I saw the unpainted photo, I couldn't work out what they were, they looked like some kind of robot, I think due to the pink bead throwing the visual look completely. Then when I saw them painted - the penny dropped.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: Patrice on January 05, 2018, 07:05:12 PM
I've just discovered this thread... Superb! Very nice work. :o

Some views of the Resistance Museum in Saint-Marcel (Brittany, France) for inspiration: :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSzdlKK6ZCs
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: jbemmett on January 05, 2018, 07:09:45 PM
I've just discovered this thread... Superb! Very nice work. :o

Some views of the Resistance Museum in Saint-Marcel (Brittany, France) for inspiration: :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSzdlKK6ZCs

Thank you, and thanks for the link!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: sglancy12 on January 05, 2018, 07:37:13 PM
This set just keeps getting better and better.

Amazing work jbemmett. Simply amazing.

A. Scott Glancy
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: Billchuck on January 05, 2018, 09:30:18 PM
This is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: jbemmett on January 08, 2018, 01:04:15 PM
Please tell me you'll include rules for shooting the mines to make them go off!

Probably not realistic for mines stored on a dock waiting to be deployed, although this is sometimes how this sort of mine would be destroyed from a distance if they were found floating at sea.

This is looking great, can't wait to see it all finished.

I like the way you think... :D
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 4 - Torpedoes and Mines
Post by: War In 15MM on January 14, 2018, 03:23:14 PM
Really outstanding work!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: jbemmett on January 16, 2018, 05:30:54 PM
We finally had a short break in the weather, so I was able to fire up the airbrush and finish the Opel Blitz and the sea wall. The truck is from Rubicon and built straight from the box.

I created the sea wall by 3D printing the stone cap pieces which I then affixed to lengths of 90 degree angled styrene. I then created the wall by cutting sections of G-scale corrugated sheet and gluing them to the angled pieces. The backside of the plastic sheeting had the shape I wanted for the wall corrugations. The dock cleats are an O-scale model railroading product. I may circle back and airbrush the stonework a bit more if I have enough time.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180116_100839.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180109_144321.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180109_144343.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180111_100721.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180116_100855.jpg?w=1200&h=)

Up next I’ll start working on the U Boat.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: Codsticker on January 17, 2018, 12:24:40 AM
Lovely work- outstanding table.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: DintheDin on January 17, 2018, 07:42:32 AM
A giant project and you've done already a fantastic progress, methodically covering your table from side to side with items one better than the other! Following your project with great interest! Cheers!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: Hammers on January 17, 2018, 08:52:41 AM
Looking super. That Blitz loaded with mines just screams 70ies war movie.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: BillK on January 17, 2018, 02:06:28 PM
This thread has officially become one of my two favorite "drop in" threads.
A fellow doing an OpSealion project with airfield, gardens, phone booths, etc... being the other.
Both provide wonderful inspiration and eye candy.
Wonderful work. Plz keep it coming.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: Poiter50 on January 17, 2018, 02:14:41 PM
Not sure I have seen that one, can you post a link?

This thread has officially become one of my two favorite "drop in" threads.
A fellow doing an OpSealion project with airfield, gardens, phone booths, etc... being the other.
Both provide wonderful inspiration and eye candy.
Wonderful work. Plz keep it coming.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: Rob_bresnen on January 17, 2018, 02:15:26 PM
Its like a crazy dolls house for wargaming...I Love It!  o_o o_o o_o o_o o_o
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: Traveler Man on January 17, 2018, 03:06:08 PM
I never cease to be amazed at your creativity here.  :o :-*
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: Ockman on January 18, 2018, 02:22:45 PM
What an amazing table, love it!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: Johnnytodd on January 21, 2018, 11:25:59 PM
So Fine!  What a great world you've created.  This thread has really inspired me to scratchbuild an S-Boot
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: lethallee61 on January 22, 2018, 01:38:46 AM
Simply sensational. Such talent and dedication on display is always inspiring.

Well done.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: SABOT on January 22, 2018, 12:31:35 PM
Terrific work.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: Hitman on January 22, 2018, 02:56:13 PM
This is absolutely stunning...the detail is beyond compare!! WOW!!!!

Thank you for sharing your masterpiece. Your talents are beyond us mere mortals!!

 :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*

Regards,
Hitman
 8)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 16 - Opel Blitz and a Sea Wall
Post by: jbemmett on January 31, 2018, 08:15:42 PM
Thanks again all for the wonderful comments.

So finally I finished up the impetus for this project – the Brigade Games U Boat.

Being a gaming piece first and foremost I wanted it to be easy to store and transport, so decided to not go overboard (see what I did there) with the detail. I made the decision early on to leave it as a three piece affair and to magnetize as many pieces as possible.

The kit came with a single 20mm, the 8.8cm deck gun, two periscopes, an UZO pedestal and the posts for the railing at the aft of the conning tower. Surprisingly missing were the iconic (to me) horseshoe shaped life rings. I was able to find some 1/48th scale ones on Shapeways along with a more detailed UZO and a circular range finder.

Assembly of the guns was pretty straight forward, and I magnetized the bases of these along with the periscopes and the UZO. I then used some solder to create the aft railing. I affixed the life rings but decided to leave off the RF antenna. It was housed in a box and I didn’t want to sacrifice any more real estate in the conning tower as I wanted to cram some based figures in there.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180123_102229.jpg?w=700&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180118_114026.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180123_145652.jpg?w=1200&h=)

After that it was a matter of firing up the airbrush and giving it a coat of paint. The markings are hand painted and are my interpretation of the U-201 coat of arms and snowmen.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180131_145755.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180131_145715.jpg?w=700&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180131_145641.jpg?w=700&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180131_145624.jpg?w=1200&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180131_145615.jpg?w=1200&h=)

Additionally I scabbed together a couple of gangplanks from basswood strips. The rubber dinghy is from Bandai and the supplies are from the scrap box.

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180131_145604.jpg?w=700&h=)

(https://herrbrush.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_20180131_145551.jpg?w=1200&h=)

Finally I’ll put the finishing touches on the figures for the orders of battle and gin up a few play aids.

Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 31 - Das Boot
Post by: Traveler Man on January 31, 2018, 08:33:11 PM
Awesome!  :o  :-*
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 31 - Das Boot
Post by: Michi on January 31, 2018, 10:10:23 PM
That is epic! I always wanted to build such a scene - you did!
Never managed to do the U-Boot...  :(

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUcSVnZ2BdA/T-oDK0qqxnI/AAAAAAAAFIU/a3-XBHo4M1o/s1600/Kn%C3%B6pfchenbilder+1098.jpg)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 31 - Das Boot
Post by: commissarmoody on January 31, 2018, 10:39:28 PM
Magnificent!  :-*
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 31 - Das Boot
Post by: jbemmett on January 31, 2018, 10:41:27 PM
That is epic! I always wanted to build such a scene - you did!
Never managed to do the U-Boot...  :(

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUcSVnZ2BdA/T-oDK0qqxnI/AAAAAAAAFIU/a3-XBHo4M1o/s1600/Kn%C3%B6pfchenbilder+1098.jpg)

That rail line is tremendous!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 31 - Das Boot
Post by: Codsticker on February 01, 2018, 02:09:17 AM
Spectacular work jbemmett!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 31 - Das Boot
Post by: Panama on February 01, 2018, 04:15:26 PM
Wow just wow, I'm totally blow away : )
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 31 - Das Boot
Post by: Ockman on February 01, 2018, 06:29:07 PM
Wow, amazing work!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update January 31 - Das Boot
Post by: Hammers on February 02, 2018, 08:19:04 AM
Wow. That's lovely. I have had that Brigade kit on my shelf for some time and now I really want to do something with it.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update March 14 - Combatants
Post by: jbemmett on March 14, 2018, 07:18:08 PM
Well , the quality of the photographs matches the quality of the paint jobs, but they're done. Next stop, Cold Wars.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/31/8034-140318195843.jpeg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/31/8034-140318195929.jpeg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/31/8034-140318200039.jpeg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/31/8034-140318200007.jpeg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/31/8034-140318200208.jpeg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/31/8034-140318200117.jpeg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/31/8034-140318200319.jpeg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/31/8034-140318200243.jpeg)

Packed and ready to go. Post-convention pics forthcoming.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/31/8034-140318200426.jpeg)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update March 14 - Combatants
Post by: DintheDin on March 14, 2018, 07:23:01 PM
I think the quality if the paintjobs is much higher, nice minis you got there!
Good luck to your game!
Eager to enjoy your excellent table set up in full deployment!
Cheers!
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update March 14 - Combatants
Post by: fred on March 14, 2018, 07:25:14 PM
Lots of figures, which do look good.

Good luck with the game.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update March 14 - Combatants
Post by: sglancy12 on March 14, 2018, 09:32:23 PM
This really is looking absolutely bad ass.

I'm especially impressed with your Kriegsmarine crewmen. That's my next stop for purchasing and painting.

A. Scott Glancy
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update March 14 - Combatants
Post by: rumacara on March 14, 2018, 09:46:37 PM
Just noticed this thread.
Just lovely. :-* :-*
Pure eye candy.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update March 14 - Combatants
Post by: jbemmett on March 15, 2018, 02:08:35 PM
This really is looking absolutely bad ass.

I'm especially impressed with your Kriegsmarine crewmen. That's my next stop for purchasing and painting.

A. Scott Glancy

Thanks. They were really fun to work on. They're a mix of Brigade, Empress, Tsuba and Warlord.
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update March 14 - Combatants
Post by: Panama on March 15, 2018, 02:20:55 PM
Really cracking stuff, well done :)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update March 14 - Combatants
Post by: Calimero on March 23, 2018, 09:28:01 PM

Just... Wow! 8)
Title: Re: French Harbor Town - Update March 14 - Combatants
Post by: Ignatieff on March 24, 2018, 10:48:40 AM
Just blown away, this is so good.  The imagination, conception, the artistry and the execution.  Just all awesome.  Well done fella!