Ice Station Zebra - The BLAM Game 12-15 Oct

[sukhe_bator]

I echo everyone's sentiments. A cracking good film from my childhood that made me immediately want to get a white parka with furry hood. It would translate well into a wargames scenario.

Looking great so far... you could also use the Norwegian base from John Carpenter's 'The Thing' for inspiration or the derelict whaling station from Alien v Predator. These were of a more traditional wooden cabin type construction that would be in keeping with the 50's era you are trying to achieve. As for the ice block littered snow field - that's what styrofoam was made for!

There may well be figures out there from the Pulp and Cold War era ranges that will do, I don't know. You could conceivably get away with the Copplestone Polar explorers for the civilians. I'm not sure how much the Soviets will have changed in look and equipment between WWII and 1950's but in the absence of appropriate special forces of the period these WWII Soviets from Victory Force Miniatures might do at a pinch with the addition of more cold weather gear, particularly those funky red snow goggles etc.
http://pxhst.co/avaxhome/7e/61/001f617e_medium.jpeg
330601B Soviet leader directing w/ fur cap (winter)
330606B Soviet leader (winter)
330611B Soviet leader running directing (winter)

This is not really my period but I am really looking forward to seeing how this is takes shape...

[Poiter50]

Tiger Miniatures has some suitable figures in their cold weather gear.

[Hu Rhu]

I love that film. I've lost count of how many times I've seen it. What scale are you using to fit in with that sub?

I will be following the book story line, rather than the film, so don't expect Russian paratroopers.  However it will be 28mm although the sub (which is a smaller scale - nearer 18mm) will be for visual effect only.

Thumbs up Gary - will watch progress with interest

Please do.

I echo everyone's sentiments. A cracking good film from my childhood that made me immediately want to get a white parka with furry hood. It would translate well into a wargames scenario.

Looking great so far... you could also use the Norwegian base from John Carpenter's 'The Thing' for inspiration or the derelict whaling station from Alien v Predator. These were of a more traditional wooden cabin type construction that would be in keeping with the 50's era you are trying to achieve. As for the ice block littered snow field - that's what styrofoam was made for!

There may well be figures out there from the Pulp and Cold War era ranges that will do, I don't know. You could conceivably get away with the Copplestone Polar explorers for the civilians. I'm not sure how much the Soviets will have changed in look and equipment between WWII and 1950's but in the absence of appropriate special forces of the period these WWII Soviets from Victory Force Miniatures might do at a pinch with the addition of more cold weather gear, particularly those funky red snow goggles etc.
http://pxhst.co/avaxhome/7e/61/001f617e_medium.jpeg
330601B Soviet leader directing w/ fur cap (winter)
330606B Soviet leader (winter)
330611B Soviet leader running directing (winter)

This is not really my period but I am really looking forward to seeing how this is takes shape...

Tiger Miniatures has some suitable figures in their cold weather gear.

Thanks for the tips on miniatures.  I am planning on using a mix of Copplestone, Pulp Figures and Eureka. But I shall take a look at the Tiger miniatures as well.

[S44lade]

Some inspiration for you

[sukhe_bator]

I can hear it now da da dah daah, da da dah daah, ping... ping... 
that and the sounds of teeth chattering!

[Malamute]

Brilliant idea, looking forward to seeing it develop

[gamer Mac]

Ok so no one else has said it so I suppose it has been left to me
                              COOL IDEA
Sorry
Book me a place at BLAM

[Mason]

Having not seen the film, I have no idea of the plot but can imagine the idea easily enough (I reckon...).
Sounds like a blast.

Great idea, mate.
 

[NurgleHH]

After thinking about it, I see a very high jump for you. But I think it is very possible for you to make it. I try to go to it without any ideas from the film or the book, it should not influence me. A very good choice for a 10th anniversary.

[Hobbit]

I trust that the Russians will have those early model stealth jets. You know, the ones that morph back and forth between MiG-21s and Phantoms 

[Hu Rhu]

Ok so no one else has said it so I suppose it has been left to me
                              COOL IDEA
Sorry
Book me a place at BLAM

 

Having not seen the film, I have no idea of the plot but can imagine the idea easily enough (I reckon...).

I have no idea about the plot either. But since I'm basing it on the book not the film, you aren't missing out, 

I try to go to it without any ideas from the film or the book, it should not influence me.

That's the attitude.  And then you also can't be disappointed either. 

I trust that the Russians will have those early model stealth jets. You know, the ones that morph back and forth between MiG-21s and Phantoms 

Not based on the film but the book.  So no planes (Russian or US).    Just a good old fashioned spy novel... with the odd twist or two.   

Brilliant idea, looking forward to seeing it develop

Thanks - so am I.  It will be a challenge given that the terrain is all white.

Some inspiration for you

Thanks for the photos. I have collected quite a few but good shots are always useful, especially to get colurs and shapes right for the snow and ice.

[Poiter50]

Rich Clarke did a good lot of ice floes for one of his games set in the Arctic. I think it was in a TFL Special, perhaps last Xmas?

[Hu Rhu]

Rich Clarke did a good lot of ice floes for one of his games set in the Arctic. I think it was in a TFL Special, perhaps last Xmas?

Thanks for the heads up.  I will try and find it.

[Elk101]

Thanks for the heads up.  I will try and find it.

It was the 2015 Christmas Special. There was a polar terrain article called 'Going with the Floe'.

http://toofatlardies.co.uk/blog/?p=5332#

It's still available here for £5 (I assume in pdf):

http://toofatlardies.co.uk/product/2015-christmas-special/

[Hu Rhu]

Thanks for the link.