Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Great War => Topic started by: Silent Invader on 07 November 2014, 01:13:36 PM
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<EDIT>
Intro
This thread follows the WIP build of my Tommy And Fritz project, which will be a platoon level game set in Belgium in the summer and late summer of 1914.
The thread will bounce about a bit as various elements of the project are started, continued and then completed in what might not seem like - and sometimes isn't! - any particular order.
The project includes rules, terrain, minis, vehicles and special effects.
This thread covers the WIP as it happens while my website summarises what is nearing completion or has actually been completed.
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index.html)
Elements completed:
Hasty barricades, p.13
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.180 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.180)
British Sopwith Biplane & Pilot, p.18
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.255 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.255)
Special Effects, p.28
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.405 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.405)
Belgian Minerva Armoured Car & 4 crew, p.34
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.495 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.495)
Tree branch barricades, p.35
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.510 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.510)
Terrain, p.38
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.555 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.555)
Force (minis) organisation, p.40
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.585 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.585)
Completed British & more hasty barricades, p.42
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.615 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.615)
Link to painting scheme for the British, p.43
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.630 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.630)
Link to visit to Mons, p.45 and p.46
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.660 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.660)
Link to forces (minis and vehicles) completed for BLAM 15, p.47
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.msg1019799#msg1019799 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.msg1019799#msg1019799)
Completed Germans, p.48
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.705 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72573.705)
<END EDIT>
Is anyone familiar with either of the following photographic collections:
The Great War Illustrated 1914 (Hardback) by William Langford
http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Great-War-Illustrated-1914-Hardback/p/4169 (http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Great-War-Illustrated-1914-Hardback/p/4169)
The Germans in Flanders 1914 (Paperback) by David Bilton
http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Germans-in-Flanders-1914-Paperback/p/3278 (http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Germans-in-Flanders-1914-Paperback/p/3278)
I am contemplating buying them primarily for terrain building inspiration and guidance for the 1914 summer campaign, with particular regard to British & German forces in Belgium. Btw I have 1914 (and the rest of the series) by Lyn Macdonald though my knowledge of the German perspective is much more limited (The first episode of Our World War gave something of the impression of young men persistently and unquestioningly marching into the the British musketry fire).
My inclination is to get both books but if anyone is familiar with them and knows there to be extensive repetition then I'd appreciate the advice.
Any other views, comments, guidance etc is always appreciated (btw I have bought the Mutton Chops BEF minis with the Germans to follow).
Ta very much
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Thanks very much ...... That one's a definite then :)
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This morning the postman delivered 6 packs (24 minis) of the Mutton Chop British - very nice indeed with very fast service from Empress Miniatures. So pleased, in fact, I have now also ordered 9 packs (36 minis) of the Germans.
This will give me approx 1/2 an early war (1914) platoon for each side, both to be commanded by a Sergeant. I didn't actually buy the command packs as I don't need the officers just yet but if the project expands then I could well do.
Regarding the Mutton Chop minis, there are two themes to each side
- the British are either in marching order or in light order with bayonet
- the Germans are either in Pickelhaube or Feldmutze
For my purposes, the types and numbers of each theme have worked out quite nicely as I am putting them into different infantry sections.
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another project... :o
The Mutton Chop Figures are brilliant - I have 30 of them waiting to be painted.
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lol
I tend to stock up at Xmas with stuff I need for present and future projects, which also saves my wife the angst of trying to work out what to buy me!
I've no idea how far or fast this project will proceed but I do have the terrain and rules sketched out.
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lol
I tend to stock up at Xmas with stuff I need for present and future projects, which also saves my wife the angst of trying to work out what to buy me!
I've no idea how far or fast this project will proceed but I do have the terrain and rules sketched out.
Beats the hell out of receiving socks, ties and aftershave. ;)
Looking forward to seeing this one come together, is there a spreadsheet yet? ;)
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No spreadsheets yet but some nice tables and a few scenario grids/plans in the rules :D
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I still can't believe you're not sculpting them yourself! The Mutton Chop figures do look very nice indeed.
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Oh yet another Si thread worth following! :D
When do we get to see first plans for terrain? :)
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When do we get to see first plans for terrain? :)
Oh alright then! :D
I have 3 set-ups in mind and this is the middle one: edge of town overlooking a key crossroads with drainage ditch, British in defence to slow the German advance. Other boards will be continuations to west and east as viewed: 4 more tiles to make up a town square and surrounding buildings to the left and 4 more tiles for a barn and fields with maybe a river to the right.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_10_11_14_8_07_34.png)
The table will be 3'x3'.
The rules will have the option for off-table artillery (and counter battery fire) so I'd quite like to make the houses removable so they can be in whole and wrecked forms (plus have a ton of flickering LEDs for a fire effect).
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Eventually I will also get some of those Germans. Been reading Rommel's infantry attack for inspirations.
And that looks like it would be a tough nut to crake from the attackers point of view.
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And that looks like it would be a tough nut to crake from the attackers point of view.
Yep, though the attackers will have 50% more men plus off-table artillery.....though if it is too tough I'll have to mod it :)
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Yep, though the attackers will have 50% more men plus off-table artillery.....though if it is too tough I'll have to mod it :)
At at least in the U.S. Infantry we try a 3 to 1 advantage in numbers when assaulting a fixed position. Like to have enough guys left over after the assault to maybe carry on.
Of course what the planers would like and what is realty on the ground is some thing completely different. lol
So you have a half platoon already. How big are you trying to make the forces?
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At at least in the U.S. Infantry we try a 3 to 1 advantage in numbers when assaulting a fixed position. Like to have enough guys left over after the assault to maybe carry on.
Of course what the planers would like and what is realty on the ground is some thing completely different. lol
So you have a half platoon already. How big are you trying to make the forces?
Yeah there's a bit of a fix in there for gaming purposes but if it comes to it - especially if the Tsuba plastic EW Germans turn out as good as they look - I can always expand the Germans to make it roughly 75 to the 25 British.
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I am very excited to see how the Tsuba plastics turn out.
Might lead me to start another never finished project of massed 28mm battalion actions. lol
Looking forward to seeing your Figs painted up.
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I am very excited to see how the Tsuba plastics turn out.
Might lead me to start another never finished project of massed 28mm battalion actions. lol
Hmmmm the more I think about it 25 vs 75 does seem more right lol
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I am a bad influence :D
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Thanks for the map SI, looks like we are in for another treat :)
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OI now have 24 BEF and will soon have 72 Germans (maybe the postie will deliver today ;D * ), which leaves me with Belgians to find, both infantry and refugees.
I've been looking at the Belgians by Brigade and am very interested but does anyone know how they compare to Mutton Chop?
http://www.brigademodels.co.uk/GreatWar28/ (http://www.brigademodels.co.uk/GreatWar28/)
Thanks
EDIT
*and they arrived - rather splendid they are too! 8) :-*
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I have a few of the brigade belgians but no mutton chop.
I can say that proportion wise, they are close to woodbine and empress, if that is of any help - but we know that compatibilty is a matter of taste.
anyway, the head match exactly woodbine ww1, because they will get soon replaced :D
I could try to take pictures if You don't find anything better
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Thanks former user, I think that helps just enough to swing me the way of a test order. :)
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here they are, posing as frenchies
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac61/former user_the_anarchist/Project%20FFL/IMG_0142.jpg)
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Ta very much :)
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pleasure
of paramount importance in this case is a very thorough degreasing before You coat them
You are aware of the ebor belgians I guess?
http://www.eborminiatures.com/products-page/belgian-army-of-1914/
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Hmmm. No didn't know about the Ebor so thanks very much for the tip. :)
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former user - what needs degreasing, the Brigade Models' Belgians? Just warm soapy water?
I ask as I have them but haven't painted them yet.
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Brigade Models Belgians are very nice and should by all accounts work well with others. Don't forget Battle Honours do a small range of WW1 Belgians too. The artillery piece is incorrect but the crew are fine.
It's lovely to see the Belgians receiving some attention.
All the best,
Helen
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Hi Helen. Thanks for that. Unfortunately my google foo has become google goo as I cannot find a current outlet for the BH Belgians. Ideas anyone? :)
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Old Glory 15s sell them.
http://www.oldglory15s.com/ (http://www.oldglory15s.com/)
If anybody our side of the pond does, I'm not aware of it.
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Old Glory 15s sell them.
http://www.oldglory15s.com/ (http://www.oldglory15s.com/)
If anybody our side of the pond does, I'm not aware of it.
Thanks Dylan, I believe Ebor miniatures now have the BH WW1 range. Old Glory15s still sells them in the US.
All the best,
Helen
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@von Lucky - yes, the brigade models belgians. Maybe I got a batch with too much sparation agent. they took the coating very weakly and peeled of easily on the raised surfaces. My fault probably, but I never experienced that on any other models before with the same treatment.
battle honours=kitney on the ebor site, but I am afraid for the moment it is only the WW2 range
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Thanks Dylan, I believe Ebor miniatures now have the BH WW1 range.
Are you sure about that, Helen? I couldn't see the Battle Honors range mentioned on their website, and their French and Belgian figures don't appear to be the same as the BH ones on the Old Glory 15s site.
Edit:
battle honours=kitney on the ebor site, but I am afraid for the moment it is only the WW2 range
Ah right, thanks for clearing that up.
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Are you sure about that, Helen? I couldn't see the Battle Honors range mentioned on their website, and their French and Belgian figures don't appear to be the same as the BH ones on the Old Glory 15s site.
Edit:
Ah right, thanks for clearing that up.
No probs Dylan and thanks former user for the clarification on name.
All the best,
Helen
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I have some Ebor French and a friend has a load of Ebor ns, they're nice figures.
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Thanks all, your help is most appreciated. :)
I've made some decisions on the terrain, the town element of which will start with three 30cm sq tiles. For focal points I'm going to use a mix of Italeri 1/72 plastic kits and Airfix 1/72-1/76 resin casts and plastic kits.
As these are underscale they will need a bit of work done to them: Wills plasticard sheets to extend walls/roofs and lots of brick rubble from oven-bake FIMO.
The Airfix casts/kits will need each floor level raised by 10mm. The following example is the European corner house and for demo purposes it is stood on 10mm of foamboard (which as its black blends out of sight d'oh!) that shows the effect at ground floor. Other changes that I plan for this one include removing/blocking the side door and raising the height of the 'borrowed light' window above the corner door. I'll also be cutting off the plain side wall and adding infill so as to make the room wider.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_23_11_14_2_12_02_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_23_11_14_2_12_02_1.jpg)
The Italeri kits will probably only need a 5mm adjustment to the height of each floor.
More soon.
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Interesting approach. I just recently sold bunch of those Airfix buildings, didn't even consider upscaling those.
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It looks like more effort than scratch building!
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I shall have to time myself! :D
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So I had a go at upscaling the Airfix European Corner House from 1/76 to 1/56 (approx).
To call it a house isn't quite correct as its only part of the house. The rest of the building hasn't been included in this experiment and so will need scratch building from Wills plasticard and rubble though it'll be much simpler in appearance.
Starting with this, which cost £13:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_23_34.jpg)
I used a hacksaw blade to cut it into the key sections:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_22_59_4.jpg)
Hacksaw blade, knife and file were then used to widen the corner door (and raise the borrowed light window) and remove the moulding around the unwanted side door:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_22_59_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_22_59_2.jpg)
Time spent so far of 1 hour and 12 minutes, a lot longer than I thought it'd take.
Next stage was to reassemble by infilling with layers of plasticard sheet to raise the various ceiling heights so that 28mm minis could be accommodated. This took an additional 3 hours and 37 minutes (of which about 1/2 was probably spent supergluing individual matchsticks together!).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_22_59_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_22_58_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_21_24_4.jpg)
And with the Mutton Chop minis:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_21_24_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_21_23_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_21_23_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_25_11_14_12_21_23_0.jpg)
So with a total of 4 hours and 49 minutes expended so far, I still have quite a bit to do. For example, I still need to use greenstuff for gap filling and detailing. I'll also be fitting this piece to a 30cm square board with maybe 2 other buildings that will all be wired with LEDs to replicate fire, add the plain back and side walls and incorporate stacks of rubble and other debris. All, in all, I reckon the 3 tiles will take about 60 hours. Fortunately the adjacent road, fields and copse will require a lot less effort.
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This looks great Steve but wouldn't it have been faster to build this from foamcore ?
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This looks great Steve but wouldn't it have been faster to build this from foamcore ?
That is a very good question ...... (and ditto cork tiles and framing board) :D
IMO: yes but......
Yes with cheaper materials, faster cutting, more forgiving of errors, etc.
But the Mutton Chops minis are very finely proportioned, beautiful little works of art, and to set them off I want to achieve the same with the terrain. As you know, I used foamcore for my SSS buildings but they are chunkier and so to my mind and eye sit better in a more robust environment. Without a lot of extra work, I'm not convinced that foamcore will give me something quite as 'sharp' as I hope these resin conversions will prove to be. With any whole buildings I expect that I will use foamcore, as wall and thickness would be immaterial and bracing can be hidden. For these wrecked buildings, with unsupported walls and floors are on display, the resin components enable a slighter, finer construction*.
*Until i drop them...... my SSS buildings would survive being kicked around a room.... not so these conversions. ;)
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yes, I remember certain mountains that would survive the blitz lol
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Fine effort with the upscaling, I do think that it pays off in the end and you will have nice properly ruined part of the town for your gaming table.
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Surely just buying resin mouldings, window frames, door frames, B-flaps, etc and attaching them to a foamcore 'frame' would be easier, cheaper and to your required proportons?
Looking good though - the floor boards are effective.
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and You could also use brick sheets of the right scale...
Anyway, Your conversion work is impressive, no question
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Mad bugger lol
cheers
James
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Mad bugger lol
cheers
James
Yeah and you can talk with your individually hand cut bluefoam bricks! lol
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I've got a resin ruined warehouse if you want to upscale another. ;) crazy Balaclava Steve.
Cheers
Matt.
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Yeah and you can talk with your individually hand cut bluefoam bricks! lol
At least mines not on a spreadsheet ;D
cheers
James
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TBH, I'm not sure they'd be too much in it time and cost wise as with the right timing the buildings can be picked up quite cheap direct from Airfix (they always seem to have two or three on massive discount ...,, for example the European cafe is normally £12.99 and I've paid £3.99). Also, converting them is a lot of fun so I guess it's horses for courses.... :D
Regarding the underscale bricks, I actually prefer them when there are a lot of buildings 'en masse'. Maybe it's because I tend to use smaller footprints so to me smaller 1/72 bricks look more 'right'. That said, for big buildings like those made by Jimbibbly and Thunderchicken I do think that in scale 1/56 is best.
Matt, thanks for the mention but I already have a warehouse on its way to me. (Hmmm, I have a lot on its way :o)
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whatever floats Your boat :D
hobby fun does not have to be efficient after all
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Your up scaling project is producing some very impressive ruins keep it up.
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Thanks for the comments chaps :)
Some progress with the first of the town tiles. The layout is a little different to the original plan but makes best use of the Airfix (and later Italeri) donor models. The tiles are raised on battens to allow basements in town then ditches etc in the fields.
This first tile is missing one more building (still awaited from the Airifix Black Friday mega sale) so will have 4 houses, three of which will have cobbled yards. Btw the second tile will have a church and two commercial buildings (restaurant & store) and the third four cottages and a small warehouse/workshop.
Finally, as well as that fourth awaited building there's much filling, detailing and rubble still to be done:
(NB: Iphone image quality!)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_05_12_14_12_23_07_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_05_12_14_12_23_07_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_05_12_14_12_23_06_0.jpg)
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looking bloody fantastic :-* Had these building for a while (for 20mm) and seeing you start made me buy 6 more on the black friday sale :D
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o_o
Splendid mate. I like the bomb cellars.
You could do a secret MI5 entrance ;)
Cheers
Matt
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@slayer
That Black Friday sale had some massive discounts didn't it! Btw, where I wanted to remove sections of wall to open up a building I found it quicker and less dusty to drill a line of holes then use the side of the drill bit to grind away between them. Where I wanted cleaner cuts - such as to add inserts to raise floor levels - a junior hacksaw was best.
@matt
Thanks. I think it'll have lots of uses .... Maybe even one day I'll get into VSF!
:D
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Steve, that looks blinking brilliant.
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thanks for the tip, luckily as im using them for 20mm Im just going to raise them by 5mm odd
keep up the great work
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This is positively fantastic! :o :-* I'm very impressed all this from the crazy idea of up-scaling 20mm kits
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You're all very kind - there's still quite a way to go :D
I was hoping the missing building would arrive today but it hasn't :'(
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What others have said, brilliant work. Now I'm sad I sold mine :(
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is tha from tge sale?? I git a email saying to expect a decent delay due to them selling so much.
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Great stuff mate 8)
Looking forward to seeing paint on it.
cheers
James
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Cheers chaps
Yes the missing building is from the BF sale - good news is that I've had an email to say the package will arrive Monday (I'm only 'allowed' these four buildings ahead of Christmas :D).
This evening I chopped up a block of FIMO for rubble and over the weekend will add more floorboards....... But painting is some way off! :D
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Have started adding the missing building, which is another of the European Cafes (which is a not-Cafe Gondree), with the pair comprising a small terrace of two houses that connects to the big corner house. It's not quite square but it has had a shell drop on it!
I've actually cut about a third off of this second cafe, which will go into another building (and I did only pay £3.99 for it in the Airfix Black Friday Sale, so it's a bargain that keeps on giving!).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_2_06_09.jpg)
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That looks smashing! 8)
Have your town plans evolved with these buildings or remained the same from the start?
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The are some changes from the original town plan though really only to make best use of the Airfix and Italeri kits. Essentially, the first phase is still 3 tiles with buildings, yards, alleys and roads. The biggest change is to the centre tile that will now have a church and some commercial buildings rather than houses. I expect that the church will have a crypt.
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I expect that the church will have a crypt.
As all good gaming churches should have :D
I hope you'll put a coat of primer on when it's all done so we can see before you paint it?
cheers
James
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Looking better and better Steve :)
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Ta chaps
I'll take some shots when I've done everything but the greenstuff (gap filling etc) and rubble, then again after that. And yes, I'll photo after priming too but it'll probably be black so somewhat pointless?! :D
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amazing progress on this, Steve, very well done!
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And yes, I'll photo after priming too but it'll probably be black so somewhat pointless?! :D
Not at all ;)
cheers
James
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wow that looks fantastic....seeing that makes me think I should of got more than 4 shops in the sale...
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Thanks guys :D
Had a good run at this tonight (rest of household is xmas partying or working, yay for me! ;)).
I've progressed the first town tile to a finished assembly. What's left to do is the greenstuff gap filling, some realigning and detailing. The buildings have yet to be fixed as I want to paint the interiors first. When the buildings are fixed I'll add a bit more rubble, brush some sand into the debris and finish the painting.
The corner house:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_13_34.jpg)
Views from the side:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_13_02_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_13_02_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_13_02_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_13_02_1.jpg)
Views from above:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_13_01_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_12_04_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_12_04_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_12_04_2.jpg)
Buildings removed for greenstuff and then paint:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_12_04_1.jpg)
And with a couple of minis for scale:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_11_12_14_11_12_04_0.jpg)
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Looks grand :D
cheers
James
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Brilliant...http://
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That looks great!
I wouldn't mind playing a game or two with a scenery like that.
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Thanks chaps :D
A quick mention on the height of the tiles.
I glued the 6mm MDF to battens to add some height for basements and the such like. The Sydney Roundwood blog has a great series of articles on building a damaged WW1 village:
http://sidneyroundwood.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/planning-fortified-village.html?m=0 (http://sidneyroundwood.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/planning-fortified-village.html?m=0)
His church has a crypt and so will mine, though unlike the basements of my houses it will have survived the bombardment. Inspiration for a crypt also came from Jimbibbly's terrain for the BLAM15 Dorsetshire smugglers game:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=70094.180 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=70094.180)
That the boards are on plinths also gives me the below ground space for electronics such as LEDs.
Why then the additional layer of 5mm foamboard? This is there for a small drop in level when I start on the tiles for the open countryside. Basically, I want the cobbled road that leads into the town to be a little higher than the surrounding fields. That the field tiles will also be on battens will provide the depth for ditches, ponds, etc.
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More superb stuff Steve 8) 8)
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Love this...
Where are the cobblestones from please?
Best, Goat
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:D thanks
They're Wills plastic card, actually HO or OO but they work for me. I bought six packs (about £18 total) for this project, which if I've calculated correctly will cover the town on three tiles and the country road on two more tiles.
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Just caught up with this. Effing marvellous ;D
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Thanks Nick. Have been a tad busy in last week or so, so little progress but hope to break out the greenstuff soon. :D
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hope to break out the greenstuff soon. :D
And the Superglue? ;)
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lol
I'm beyond the superglue phase on this rule as all resin and matchsticks are now in position
I have started the greenstuff though:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_19_12_14_11_57_33_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_19_12_14_11_57_33_1.jpg)
They're both still wip ;)
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very nice :), where are those brick walls from?
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This project ie beyond cool. :o
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Thanks :D
The brick walls, like the cobbles, are sections of Wills plastic card - in this case the Flemish Bond
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Basically the first of the three town tiles is now built, though I'll be painting the interiors before fixing them in place, and the final layer of sand and rubble will need to follow that.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_20_12_14_2_26_54_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_20_12_14_2_26_53_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_20_12_14_2_26_20_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_20_12_14_2_26_19_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_20_12_14_2_26_19_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_20_12_14_2_26_19_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/2031_20_12_14_2_26_18_0.jpg)
Next step will be to undercoat then paint the interiors ..... And eagerly await a Christmas delivery of the buildings for the next two tiles. ;)
-
Looking good Steve. You have a nice assortment of textures and shapes in there. It's going to look ace when it's finished.
How's your Boer war table and winter castles?
Cheers
Matt
-
Splendid mishmash mate 8)
cheers
James
-
that looks great, looking forward to it being painted :)
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Mishmash? Is that code for carefully designed layout that reflects a range of period and locale-specific property types, which while working as a standalone tile will also interact with adjacent tiles in various combinations to create a gameable representation of an early 20thC Northern European town? :D
Boer War? Castles? Both are awaiting sufficient workspace to progress (my house is a bit of a building site at the mo.... Not even a Christmas tree yet ..... And so no clear space to work on multiple tiles at the same time or for any length of time :()
:)
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Mishmash? Is that code for carefully designed layout that reflects a range of period and locale-specific property types, which while working as a standalone tile will also interact with adjacent tiles in various combinations to create a gameable representation of an early 20thC Northern European town? :D
Blahblahblah ;D
cheers
James
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lol lol
-
How on earth have I missed this so far???
Bloody brilliant as usual, Steve.
:-* 8) :-*
Pushed in for a front row seat now.
:D
-
my house is a bit of a building site at the mo....
:o
You've started another scale??! I have missed the 1:1build thread so far!! I shall have to search LAF for it. I hope you have enough superglue and GS to finish the job Steve ;) lol lol
Wishing you well, and just checking up on you ;) we don't want too many stalled projects do we - unlike a certain wizards tower.
Cheers
Matt.
-
lol
Anyways, limited progress so far over the Xmas hols.
The buildings have been primed plus some thin milliput in places to resolve some gaps. I've also made the first of the trees.
The trees were a real quandary as I decided on white poplars to line the road into the town. Why white poplars? They have a relatively compact crown so don't take up too much space as I'll need to get my hand between them to move figures along the cobbled road. Unfortunately I have yet to properly visit Belgium (so far only passing through on trips to Holland & Germany) so I haven't experienced a tree lined Belgian road, though going from photos and descriptions on the handy interwebz, the White poplar does seem an ok choice.
Needless to say I couldn't find white poplars to buy so I'm having a go at making them using copper wire for the frame, foam for the body of the crown, greenstuff to skin the trunk and clump foliage for the leaves. The trees will be plugged into sockets in the baseboard, to facilitate transport and storage (something others - Jimbibbly, captain blood, etc - have previously done).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_28_12_14_12_39_57_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_28_12_14_12_39_57_1.jpg)
Btw the xmas haul included the buildings for the other 3 tiles plus the 100 or so minis, which wasn't in doubt as I actually bought them. I've also got the Fiddlers Green plans for a Sopwith Tabloid that I've rescaled to 1/56 to make flying and crashed versions that will provide for alternative scenarios.
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Great stuff mate 8) 8)
If I were to make one small criticism, your foliage is a little dense :)
cheers
James
-
Yes, I feel somewhat uncomfortable as i'm not sure how to resolve the density with a solid foam core to the crown. That said, the white poplar (populus alba pyramidalis) can have quite a dense crown:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/PopulusAblaPyramidalis.jpg/320px-PopulusAblaPyramidalis.jpg)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populus_alba (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populus_alba)
It is a quandary as the density of my model's crown does seem somewhat artificial :?
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How about getting a soldering iron a poking holes through the core foam?
Probably toxic but that's never stopped you before :D
cheers
James
-
That is an interesting suggestion!
-
James is right - the tree is wrong
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_29_12_14_12_28_29_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_29_12_14_12_28_29_1.jpg)
I shall start again.
-
lol lol lol
You bloody nutter!
I really should not be surprised, though.
lol lol
-
Next time before wrecking the environment, ask first lol lol
cheers
James
-
You fool! That was a Grade 2 listed tree!
No doubt a representative from the DCMS will be round your door at any moment.
-
Evidence has been provided, action needs to be taken:
https://www.gov.uk/report-an-environmental-incident
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You fool! That was a Grade 2 listed tree!
No doubt a representative from the DCMS will be round your door at any moment.
Nothing to worry about then, Steve.
That lot couldn't find their arse with both hands so they will never find your door.
;D
Now....show us The Tree MKII
:D
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I was going to take one of the chainsaws to it but the blowtorch was to hand and didn't require the same level of PPE! lol
More soon ;)
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I was going to take one of the chainsaws to it but the blowtorch was to hand and didn't require the same level of PPE! lol
More soon ;)
you mean more burning... lol lol
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A burning bush? I thought this was WWI not Biblical? lol
-
A burning bush?
Phnar, phnar. ;)
Love the photo of the burning tree, moving on from mutilation now eh? ;)
-
moving on from mutilation now eh? ;)
But still wearing a balaclava ;D
cheers
James
-
But still wearing a balaclava ;D
cheers
James
PPE ;)
Progress with the first of the town tiles, which has had the inside of the buildings painted, the buildings fixed into place with connecting walls connected, then more rubble and sand debris added to blend it together, followed by a coat of black acrylic as an undercoat (of sorts: it's mostly hand plastic and sand which doesn't need much undercoating).
Usual phone picture quality I am afraid:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_04_01_15_7_22_56_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_04_01_15_7_22_56_1.jpg)
And because James wanted to see it all undercoated:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_04_01_15_7_22_56_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_04_01_15_7_22_57_3.jpg)
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Looks great mate ;D
cheers
James
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Looks fantastic I can't wait to see it painted!
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Looks great mate ;D
cheers
James
It certainly does :-* :-*
-
Such dedication...truly impressed
-
Cheers chaps :D
Have started the painting .... Some of the basecoats are on but plenty more to come including the washes and dry brushing etc
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_05_01_15_11_57_17.jpg)
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Nice progress on the ruin, Steven, it's looking good.
-
This is coming along very nicely indeed, sir.
8)
-
looking very good indeed
-
Thanks chaps
Base coats are now all on and an off white wash has been applied to the bricks/rubble - when dry the tile will be given a black wash (except the mortar in the brick walls), then a highlight or dry brush of everything:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_06_01_15_4_57_13_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_06_01_15_4_57_12_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_06_01_15_4_57_12_0.jpg)
The next tile will comprise the church and commercial area though I won't be photographing that one so much.
Btw I also have the infantry painting guided written up by fellow LAFer Mark Henderson and available from his oh-so-inspirational blog : over open sights.
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Looking terribly good Steve :-*
-
The next stage: the black wash
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_07_01_15_1_46_35.jpg)
Brown wash over the cobbles then dry brushing and highlighting to follow, then I can start on the church.
-
amazing what a wash can do for looks
please don't skimp on pics of the rest of your boards :'(
-
Thanks
The overall black wash is very much an intermediate phase to set the low point for the previously applied block colours. Today I've added some more locale-specific washes (mud and grime etc) and dry brushed the final colours with a few added highlights.
Anyways, less word more image; the finished tile:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_07_01_15_8_12_55.jpg)
This is just a teaser photo as I'll be taking more tomorrow and hopefully be starting on the church.
-
I admit I held doubts in the beginning - how wrong I was!
-
More Steve more :-*
I like the rubble and bullet holes.
Cheers
Matt.
-
Great :D
cheers
James
-
Wow :-*
-
that look amazballz :o
-
Brilliant!
8) 8)
-
Thanks chaps :)
Here's the set of photos I mentioned (iPhone I'm afraid) of the completed first tile. Actually it's not quite complete as I have some electronics to add for light and sound but they'll come later. Btw each tile is 30cm sq.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_08_01_15_2_42_52_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_08_01_15_2_42_52_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_08_01_15_2_42_52_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_08_01_15_2_42_52_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_08_01_15_2_42_52_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_08_01_15_2_41_42_4.jpg)
And with a 28mm Muttonchop BEF mini for size comparison:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_08_01_15_2_41_42_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_08_01_15_2_41_42_2.jpg)
And, moving on, the main pieces for the second tile that will comprise church, restaurant and shop:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_08_01_15_2_41_42_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_08_01_15_2_41_42_0.jpg)
The church is actually two identical ends that I'll cobble into one using some odds and ends. I won't be showing as many stage by stage images of the second tile though I will photo the buildings when converted.
Thanks for the continued interest (and apologies for anything out of focus!) :)
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That is going to be a highly skirmishable table to enjoy a game on Steve - can't wait!
(But then, I can't wait for you to get back to your Boer War board either ;D :-*))
Remind me - I'm sure it says somewhere up top, but... How many tiles of ruins in this magnificent creation?
Are you planning on adding posters on the walls, street furniture (bent lampposts!) and that sort of detail?
-
:)
At the mo the plans are quite small with 3 tiles of town and 6 tiles of countryside.
Given there will be approx 25 British and 75 German minis that does make for a fairly packed 90 cm square of board but it's intentional to avoid the temptation of spread out forces, flanking moves, and other such space-requiring tactics. With say 25 BEF defending a 90 cm front, there'll still be open areas as a 12 man section will fill about 30 cm of line. Essentially what I'm aiming for is approx one diminished platoon on each side's part in a bigger battle. Rather than a skirmish wargame, the intent is to zoom on at a platoon level of an imaginery battalion-level wargame.
I do have reserve plans for extra tiles for a bit more variety but they might not happen for a while.
I therefore expect that most games will comprise columns of Germans bearing down on the British in their hasty defences. That said, there were plenty of British left behind in the retreat so there's also opportunity for more skirmish-like escape and evasion games.
Posters I've pondered but in the Belgium towns I can't see much evidence of their widespread use - in France yes but not so Belgium (if anyone could further enlighten me on this it'd be appreciated).
Lampposts are an easy later addition but only if I can find or make some I like. In the smaller towns they don't seem to have been that widespread so I think it's best to finish the board before deciding on distribution. I'd also prefer that they worked so plenty to think about there.
Ah, the Boer War table. That's at the painting stage which I really want to do all at once when I have a big chunk of time and space to work. Could be a few months yet :'( The advantage of these WW1 tiles is that they really need to be worked on one at a time, which works for me at the mo. ;)
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holy crap this thread gets better and better :-*
-
Whoa, that finished tile looks stunning! :-*
Minor thing but did you consider adding wallpaper in some of the ruined rooms? You could have torn it at some points and even burned it a bit :)
Second tile looks good but how about a graveyard around/next to the church. It could have some shell holes in it, broken cemetary fence here and there, few gnarly trees etc?
Or if you keep the current set-up, maybe a small passageway between the restaurant and the shop?
-
Thanks chaps :)
Cheers for the suggestions Pocoloco... I'm not planning to add wallpaper as TBH I'm not aiming for true scale models like the Victorian beauties that Thunderchicken builds. These have a smaller footprint so all those lovely detailing extras like drainpipes, gutters, furniture (I know you didn't suggest these - I'm just thinking aloud) and wallpaper would I think emphasise that the footprint is underscale. Also urban churches of this type seem not to have had graveyards (the town photos I'm working from have a very clustered, compact look, lacking trees, etc) but I really like your idea of an alley between shop and restaurant and so I'm going to try and achieve that. Many thanks 8)
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:o :o :o
That is one seriously stunning looking board with so many geat skirmishing possibilities.
So many nooks and crannies and places to hide figures.
Wonderful.
The wallpaper idea is worth considering.
I know you dont want them to add an unrealistic scale issue, but plain paper and stripes should not add too many problems.
But you already have enough on your hands with the builds so wallpaper may well be a step too far.
A gorgeous sight as it is, so it does not really need it.
:-* :-* :-*
-
Absolutely brilliant. :)
-
Thanks chaps :)
Have finalised the layout and assembled the main building shapes for the second of the town tiles.
A reminder that this tile combines a church, a restaurant and a small shop.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_01_15_7_30_53_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_01_15_7_30_53_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_01_15_7_30_53_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_01_15_7_30_53_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_01_15_7_29_02_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_01_15_7_29_02_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_01_15_7_29_02_2.jpg)
The next stage will be application of greenstuff and milliput, followed by assembly of the tile elements and painting of the interiors.
Both Jimbibbly and Sir Sydney Roundwood have made crypts for their churches and with such inspiration I shall be doing the same. The crypt will be beneath a lift-out floor. The crypt will have a medieval tomb for which I needed an effigy and not having one to hand I raided my Wars of the Roses project for bits (11 bits to be precise) and built my own. It still needs some greenstuff to finish it off.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_01_15_7_29_02_1.jpg)
And finally, for the two tiles so far, I've used 7 of the Airfix resin buildings with quite a few offcuts that might yet come in useful:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_01_15_7_29_02_0.jpg)
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Great stuff mate 8) 8)
Really like the tomb cover :D
cheers
James
-
The set-up for the 2nd tile looks great to me 8) And you have already finished hacking and gluing the buildings! o_o
Good point regarding the town church, a church with a graveyard next to it is more fitting for a countryside setting.
Great work with the effigy, always better if it's your own making than needing to purchase a one.
-
Wonderful.
The Perry sarcophagus is genius. Why didn't I think of that?! >:( lol
-
Thanks chaps! :D
Btw Richard, I have decided to add posters to the cafe and store - just got to find some!
-
Love the effigy :)
-
Loving this Silent Steve!
-
Smashing work so far Steve!
I like that church and your alleyways.
You could easily use the board for SSS too.. for a place a little less wintery.
-
Thanks chaps :)
Found a very useful link for vintage posters .... Most also include dates (click on the poster):
http://mamaisondepapier.be/site/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=91 (http://mamaisondepapier.be/site/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=91)
You could easily use the board for SSS too.. for a place a little less wintery.
That is very true ..... Hmmmm
Btw the church is actually two identical pieces that have been converted then placed end to end.
-
One for James: spot the difference :D
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_14_01_15_3_13_58_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_14_01_15_3_13_58_0.jpg)
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Knob!
-
This is a fantastic project. Love all of the work you are doing on it.
-
One for James
Knob!
lol lol
-
The box moved in the background ;D
cheers
James
-
lol
Anyways back to the serious stuff of progress
The two 'identical' church ends showing the changes made and how they will be pushed together:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_16_01_15_5_13_01_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_16_01_15_5_13_01_2.jpg)
The restaurant:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_16_01_15_5_15_20.jpg)
And a few bits of table debris: the finished tomb cover, a Conquest Norman dead horse with rider removed and modern saddle added, a couple of hasty barricades (based on superglue soaked paper, the superfluous edges of which will be removed idc), and a turned over wagon (an old scratch build that has been repurposed):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_16_01_15_5_13_00_0.jpg)
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I look forward to seeing these painted up :D
-
This is coming together nicely mate 8) 8)
cheers
James
-
Ta very much :)
The floors have gone onto the tile, which gives a better idea of the size of the crypt and the location of the stairs down to it
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_17_01_15_9_04_33_0.jpg)
The foamboard is shiny as it had a coat of exterior wood glue to resist the solvent Bostik that was used to fix the matchsticks.
-
my only concern so far is I had some of the same ideas, now my mates will say I just copied you lol lol
looking good, really good
-
It's always reinterpretation and advancing of ideas, not copying ;) :D
-
It's always reinterpretation and advancing of ideas, not copying ;) :D
A fundamental element of the hobby I reckon. It helps when we have such great luminaries to 'advance' or own ideas! :)
-
:D
A bit of progress with the church: addition of the font, floor, crypt and tomb.
The font will be used as a 'handle' to lift out the floor:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_01_15_10_51_40_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_01_15_10_51_40_2.jpg)
With the floor removed:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_01_15_10_51_39_1.jpg)
I still have greenstuff tidying-up to do plus addition of rubble and exterior cobblestones etc.
Btw, the removable floor comprises thin card hardened with superglue, with matchsticks stuck to it:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_01_15_10_51_39_0.jpg)
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Fantastic- love the crypt.
-
Fantastic- love the crypt.
So do I.
Brilliant!
8)
-
thin card hardened with superglue
There are specific materials for that you know o_o lol
cheers
James
-
There are specific materials for that you know o_o lol
But he so loves the smell of superglue in the morning.... :D
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But he so loves the smell of superglue in the morning.... :D
It presumably smells of victory. :D
Really enjoying watching this come together, especially the re-scaling of the Airfix buildings, which is working out far better than I thought it would when you started.
-
The final coat of varnish is the smell of victory! :D
-
This crypt is a triumph, Steve :-*
-
Thanks :D
For completeness, a couple more photos showing the (pre greenstuff) font that doubles as a 'handle' for lifting out the crypt floor:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_19_01_15_8_20_49_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_19_01_15_8_20_48_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_19_01_15_8_20_48_0.jpg)
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It certainly needs more 'green paint' but wow, it's looking good. That baptism font is a great idea for a handle. 8)
Cheers
Matt.
-
Green paint lol
In case there's any interest, my website now has a link to a pdf download of a draft of the rules:
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_rules.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_rules.html)
This is a very early draft in that I have yet to properly play test them :o
-
Following on from the above, I've added more content to the website, including background to the project....
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_background.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_background.html)
.... plus I've summarised the terrain tile construction that is spread over a few pages here.....
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_terrain_making.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_terrain_making.html)
..... plus a few other terrain bits.
-
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_site-error.html
"Silent Invader
Error"
lol
Keep up the inspirational work.
-
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_site-error.html
"Silent Invader
Error"
lol
Says it all, really lol
-
Am thinking of adding some Francs-tireurs - Belgian Irregulars - to the project and have been looking at a pack of Muttonchop VBCW minis. Namely MC006 The Weasley Wretches 1:
http://www.empressminiatures.com/userimages/procart57.htm (http://www.empressminiatures.com/userimages/procart57.htm)
Obviously being VBCW they are intended for 20 years later. Has anyone got them and the ww1 range? Both are by Paul Hicks but are they comparable proportions?
Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
-
It's update time ;)
Firstly, I have a Belgian 'Minerva' armoured car on its way, which will make for some interesting alternative games.
Secondly, the second town tile is at the ready-to-paint stage. Btw, the interiors are painted before being fixed in place. With this in mind, there are the final touches of rubble to add that will close up gaps etc, at which point the uppermost timbers will also be blended in (they provide a 'platform' for minis to stand on).
NB: this is from my phone so apologies if photos are imperfect
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_01_15_7_18_10_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_01_15_7_18_10_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_01_15_7_18_10_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_01_15_7_18_10_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_01_15_7_18_10_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_01_15_7_16_57_4.jpg)
Alongside the first tile:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_01_15_7_16_57_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_01_15_7_16_57_2.jpg)
Plus 3 more barricades using bits from the Airfix outpost kit:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_01_15_7_16_57_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_01_15_7_16_57_0.jpg)
Might get some paint on it next week :)
-
Am thinking of adding some Francs-tireurs - Belgian Irregulars - to the project and have been looking at a pack of Muttonchop VBCW minis. Namely MC006 The Weasley Wretches 1:
http://www.empressminiatures.com/userimages/procart57.htm (http://www.empressminiatures.com/userimages/procart57.htm)
Obviously being VBCW they are intended for 20 years later. Has anyone got them and the ww1 range? Both are by Paul Hicks but are they comparable proportions?
Any thoughts greatly appreciated.
Not sure if there even were Belgian irregulars fighting, it was more of a German thought originating from the Franco-Prussian war. There were civil guards "burgerwacht" if I recall correctly but they were to maintain order and were disbanded quickly. Correct me if I'm mistaken.
-
Great work on the ruins, Steve.
I love what you have done: Plenty of debris but it wont interfere with the gaming.
Nice green stuff work too.
8) :-* 8)
-
8) 8)
Ah, that's a Silent Invader build we've come to know and love. Nice green paint, and Steve I really like how you've placed fallen beams around the board. It looks very convincing.
Cheers
Matt.
-
Splendid! Now get some paint on that so we can drool some more ;D
-
yet more pure sexiness :-* :-* :-* ( the builds lol)
-
Not sure if there even were Belgian irregulars fighting, it was more of a German thought originating from the Franco-Prussian war. There were civil guards "burgerwacht" if I recall correctly but they were to maintain order and were disbanded quickly. Correct me if I'm mistaken.
Thanks for that. :)
I think that now that I have a Minerva coming I will stick with that for my Belgian contingent.
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Progress to report (with the usual caveat that photos are by iphone posted from iphone etc)
The scatter terrain of horse, barricades and cart have been painted:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_30_01_15_11_12_05_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_30_01_15_11_12_05_3.jpg)
Example of barricades in situ:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_30_01_15_11_12_04_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_30_01_15_11_12_04_1.jpg)
And the horse:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_30_01_15_11_12_04_0.jpg)
The Minerva has arrived, which I'm pleased with. There's a review here:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=42595.0 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=42595.0)
Can't disagree with anything written. I have only 4 wheels as well, so I need to look into that. The minis are the same height as the Mutton Chop. The heads are noticeably bigger and I just might swap out the faces for more consistency.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_30_01_15_11_10_48_4.jpg)
The two tiles together, now ready for full undercoating then painting:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_30_01_15_11_10_48_3.jpg)
The church front entrance:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_30_01_15_11_10_48_2.jpg)
Inside the church:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_30_01_15_11_10_48_1.jpg)
Inside the crypt (still wip):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_30_01_15_11_10_48_0.jpg)
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looking great :D :D :D
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Nice progress, Steve.
This is already promising to be a seriously good board, up to the usual high standards that you set yourself.
:-* :-*
That poor nag, though.....
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All coming together nicely, it is going to look all rather dandy when complete.
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Thanks very much Chaps :)
That poor nag, though.....
My wife doesn't like it: apparently it is "sad" :D
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Ooh, very nice! ;D
Can't wait to see what you treat us with as the third tile :D
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That's really coming on a treat mate :-* :-*
I also rather like the cartoon style of colours and shading used on the barricades 8)
cheers
James
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I also rather like the cartoon style of colours and shading used on the barricades 8)
That's how I paint everything....... With ageing eyes comes the need for colours to be differentiated. :D
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Can't wait to see what you treat us with as the third tile :D
:D
I can tell you that it will be the less ostentatious part of town: wrecked small houses, a workshop, etc.
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:D
I can tell you that it will be the less ostentatious part of town: wrecked small houses, a workshop, etc.
Excellent, worth the wait, I'm sure 8)
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Fandabadozi!
And those barricades will be useful for all sorts of things :)
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Fandabadozi!
And those barricades will be useful for all sorts of things :)
Nooooooo not the Krankies! :o
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CGcsuT3MRAg (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CGcsuT3MRAg)
And yes, the barricades are deliberately multi period (town attack, anyone? :D)
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Not another thread derailed by the Krankies! lol
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Steve this is absolutely amazing already!
I second the multiple uses of those barricades. Now cat them up and sell them to me. lol
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For completeness, am just copying this over from the Build Something 2015 contest pages
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=75215.msg919032#msg919032 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=75215.msg919032#msg919032)
Obviously, all WIP updates will be in the contest thread. :)
For my 'Tommy And Fritz' Belgium 1914 project I shall attempt to scratchbuild a British early-WWI scout plane, the Sopwith Tabloid....
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sopwith_Tabloid (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sopwith_Tabloid)
For 'rescue the pilot games', the plane will be crash landed with an engine fire, much like in this image (not actually a Tabloid)....
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_01_02_15_1_22_11.jpg)
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I've finished the block-painting of the 2nd town tile, so like for tile 1 the next stage will be various washes, dry brushes and highlights.
Here's where it's at:
The Duck Egg (restaurant) and The Bakery by the Church; the year 1815 is etched above the bakery door (the last time the British and Prussian Armies were in Flanders at the same time ....):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_4.jpg)
The poster dates from 1905 (a bit early I know) and advertises biscuits:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_3.jpg)
The poster dates from 1913 and advertises an aperitif (the characters in the poster are the European heads of state):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_1.jpg)
And here's the block-painted tile 2 alongside the finished tile 1, which I think makes for an interesting comparison:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_0.jpg)
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Very good mate, nice little touches on them 8) 8)
cheers
James
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Glad you have a baguette shop Steve. Not to box an entire People.. but lol
8)
Cheers
Matt
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Simply just amazing!
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Thanks guys - just black washed it and it looks horrible now :D
Glad you have a baguette shop Steve. Not to box an entire People.. but lol
8)
Cheers
Matt
The workshop on tile 3 will be for bicycle repairs ;) :D
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The workshop on tile 3 will be for bicycle repairs ;) :D
lol lol lol lol
I hope you have a shop for little felt hats too :D
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lol lol lol lol
I hope you have a shop for little felt hats too :D
Needs a tonsorium for men as well.... with 'tache wax ads outside :)
2nd tile looks brilliant as it was, will surely be grand when finished with washes and whatnots.
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:D
In the meantime: tree mkII
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_03_02_15_4_47_25_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_03_02_15_4_47_25_0.jpg)
This one would be for the centre of a copse, thus the lack of lower limbs.
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Is that scratchbuilt? Looks fab !!
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How you tease!
If you don't share your recipes you're just plain rude though. Said the man who still hasn't used the scouring pads you sent me years ago.
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Thanks, maybe this one won't be for burning! :D
Yep it's a scratch build. It was an experiment of which I have one WIP photo:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_03_02_15_5_37_57.jpg)
Basically it went like this:
1.) 9 x 20cm (or was it 25cm?) pieces of 1.5mm sq or 1.0mm sq copper core from electrical cable
2.) wires twisted into tree shape
3.) electrical tape wrapped around trunk to discourage wires from separating
4.) pieces of cheap sponge torn up and threaded onto wires
5.) end of wires crimped over to secure sponge in place
6.) sprayed with black undercoat to crisp up the surface of the sponge
7.) wet Milliput smeared around trunk and exposed limbs, leaving a stalk that will be used to peg tree to board
8.) tree crown rough-painted with undiluted, cheap (ie not my Vallejos!) craft paint
9.) clump foliage is the most expensive part but straight from the pack is way to clumpy so I put it into my hobby blender for a quick whizz and I think the resulting smaller pieces will cover 4x as many trees
10.) tree brushed with exterior grade wood glue and clump applied
11.) when dry, tree shaken and gaps filled
12.) trunk painted
It seems like a lot of stages but each only takes a minute or two, perhaps a bit longer for applying the clump.
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Right, I've got a major complaint.....you made me late for work this morning! ! I was happily having my breakie this morning browsing through LAF when I discovered this!! I don't kow how I missed it before, but I couldn't put it down until I read it ALL!!
Brilliant work Steve!! All of its just fantastic!! I can't wait to see the finished result!! :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
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lol thanks Andy
It meanders a bit doesn't it !
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just love those trees...I used sponge for some of my own years back but never thought of adding clump foliage on top...
great project...
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Damn fine work
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Fine but damn fine, I say!
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Just caught up on the last four pages. :-*
Inspiring as always, love the barricades and all the little details. Awesome ;D
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Thanks :)
The second of the 3 (maybe 4) town tiles is now finished.
The camera phone shots from all the angles:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_8_01_34_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_8_01_34_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_8_01_34_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_8_01_33_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_8_01_33_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_8_00_31_4.jpg)
The interior of the church and the crypt beneath:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_8_00_31_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_8_00_31_2.jpg)
Some more detail shots:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_8_00_31_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_8_00_30_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_7_59_24_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_7_59_24_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_7_59_24_2.jpg)
A couple of shots showing the two finished tiles together:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_7_59_24_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_09_02_15_7_59_24_0.jpg)
Only 7 more tiles to go.
The Sopwith Tabloid is also near completion (all assembled, just the final gap filling then painting to do). I've also started on the RFC pilot who will be on foot and wearing the distinctive maternity tunic (I'm converting a Perry WOTR labourer, which like the Mutton Chop minis is realistically proportioned).
After that, I'm not yet sure whether I'll start on the third town tile, make the alterations to the Belgian Minerva armoured car and crew, or have a play with one of the meadow tiles for which I have bought teddy bear fur.
EDIT:
BOULANGERIE PAR L'EGLISE = bakery by the church
l'ouef de canard = the duck egg
With apologies to all French speakers for any error!
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That's great! ;D
In case you ever run out of storage space, I am more than happy to help and take these into storage ;)
Maybe you could treat us with a third ruined town tile and also with a meadow tile 8)
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Fantastic result!
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Thanks :)
I expect it'll be the 3rd town tile next.
Does anyone know a source of 1/56 bicycles that I can put into the workshop?
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Oh Steve, that rubble is fantastic :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
How did you mannage to GS the rubble above the crypt and add rubble without gluing it together? That's a master stroke.
Looking forward to the sopwith,
Matt.
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How did you mannage to GS the rubble above the crypt and add rubble without gluing it together? That's a master stroke.
Well spotted, good man ! ;)
A two part approach:
1) GS doesn't stick to copy paper (well it does, but it'll peel off with any detritus easily rubbed away with a wet finger). The basic mound shape was cut from foam and fitted to the removable floor, so it was a matter of creating the matching join. In essence, a paper divider was placed between the wall and the mound with GS closed up to the paper. When cured, the floor was lifted out, tearing away the paper.
2) With both sides of the mound created, it was then necessary to add the rubble of FIMO and sand. This was fixed in place with superglue. The trick here was to separate the two sides using a 'sheet' of brown parcel tape, folded over so that the shiny topside was on both sides. Superglue will not stick to brown packing tape. Obviously application of the superglue had to be with great care, as run off would have stuck the floor in place: I did this by using a styrene tube from an earbud to lift superglue out of a bottle cap (I guess it works by surface tension pulling a little glue up into the tube that can then be dropped or tapped out).
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Bikes can be got from Eurekaminiatures/Fighting 15s:
http://www.fighting15sshop.co.uk/transport-142-c.asp
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Thanks very much Karsten - I shall contact them :)
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Wonderful Steve. :-*
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A mighty fine looking piece.
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Brilliant Steve.
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Regarding the bikes
I found an O gauge set of 8 by Peco (pack ref LK-764) that can be seen here:
http://www.osbornsmodels.com/peco-lk-764-bicycles-8-o-gauge-33791-p.asp (http://www.osbornsmodels.com/peco-lk-764-bicycles-8-o-gauge-33791-p.asp)
Not bad at about £7 plus postage though I'm not 100% on the scale as some websites say 1/48 and others 1/43. Might look a bit too big if 1/43??????? If only I could find the dimensions somewhere!
I have a couple of 1/72 bikes from the Airfix Outpost set that will do for kids.
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Buy them and if they are too big they'll be used for your giant bicycle racing game you're going to put on at BLAM in 2018.
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I managed to find some of the Peco O gauge people photographed with a ruler and they seemed about 40mm tall, which I guess would make the bikes too big :-[
Anyways, I've started on the RFC pilot, who has jumped out of his crashed biplane and discarded his flying coat/helmet.
The first of what will no doubt be many passes of GS:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_10_02_15_9_28_19.jpg)
There's much, much more to do (obviously!).
The dolly is the medieval labourer carrying the urn from Perry WotR civilian set WR33
https://www.perry-miniatures.com/product_info.php?cPath=23_34&products_id=2690&osCsid=uuof602ltt8cuv1u88i52i2bq1 (https://www.perry-miniatures.com/product_info.php?cPath=23_34&products_id=2690&osCsid=uuof602ltt8cuv1u88i52i2bq1)
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I've now finished building the Sopwith Tabloid biplane in its crash-landed, nose down, position.
There are some vintage images of the plane at my website:
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_sopwith.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_sopwith.html)
The biplane is effectively built - there's a need for some more filling that shows up in the photos but I'll do that after undercoating. The construction scale is 1/56 and the comparison mini is a Mutton Chop BEF. I expect that the little 'ramp' beneath the fuselage (which helps with the nose weights to hold the pose) will be painted black, as a pretence of shadow.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_02_15_3_58_37_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_02_15_3_58_37_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_02_15_3_58_37_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_02_15_3_58_36_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_02_15_3_58_36_0.jpg)
Rather stupidly, in the early work I had cut out slots for flaps on the wings, then discovered that the 1914 version didn't have them but banked by a system of wing-warping. Oops - remaking was required!
NB: The camera phone lens does cause a bit of distortion.
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Biggles flies south.
:)
Splendid scratchbuilding Steve.
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It looks great to me, I'd be really chuffed with that!
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:)
And now undercoated
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_11_02_15_6_00_05.jpg)
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That is a great little build steve :-* :-* :-*
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Thanks Karl :)
And it is little.... Approx 12cm nose to tail, 14cm wing tip to tip.
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Wonderful build! :-*
Going to be a great objective to fight for.
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Great job! Its really nice how everything comes together and looks seamless when you put that undercoat on isn't it?
LB
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She's a little beauty Steve. With ground hiding the wedge and a paint job to tie it together I'm sure it will match your expectations. :)
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Thanks guys
Yes, I'm pleased with the undercoat as it has revealed less additional filling than I'd feared and I've now also managed to significantly reduce the size of the wedge. Yay! :D
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wow :-* shes a beauty
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If you showed us just the undercoated pic and said it was a kit of some sort, I'd have believed you!
Spectacular scratchbuilding, I'm sorry it's not going to appear in the Ice/Fire Build Something.
Is it going on a base or will it be freestanding so you can crash it anywhere, so to speak?
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Lovely stuff.
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Thanks chaps :)
Regarding the wedge/ramp it's now about half the size it was but is unavoidable as even with the the scrap lead I added to the nose the tail is so much more proportionately heavy than it would have been on the real thing. This wouldn't be a problem if I was going to fix the model to a base but, as I think has been surmised, I'm actually going for a free-standing arrangement. With this in mind I'm not sure how I'll finish the wedge: options are probably grass texture, smoke texture, dust texture, painted black for shadow, or painted the fuselage colour for it to blend in. I was originally going to cover it with flames but - as I can't easily fit a battery pack into the fuselage - I've now decided to skip that option.
The small dust cloud is my current preference, as this would work whether crash landed on road (cobbles) or meadow (teddy bear fur). I have yet to get my head around how I'd do that though: maybe some cotton wool or teddy bear stuffing hardened off with PVA then fine sand attached and a paint job?
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Btw, I found a dust cloud tutorial:
http://www.flamesofwar.com/Default.aspx?tabid=110&art_id=416 (http://www.flamesofwar.com/Default.aspx?tabid=110&art_id=416)
(Edited for wrong link)
The RFC pilot has had a second pass of GS and is getting close - mostly tidying up and polishing to follow.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_12_02_15_7_23_15_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_12_02_15_7_23_15_0.jpg)
Size-wise, he works well with the 1/56 biplane, looking like he'd fit into the cockpit etc.
As mentioned previously, having crash landed he's discarded his flying coat and helmet and awaits rescue from No Mans Land (or has been taken prisoner, or is being escorted to the nearest field telephone with valuable recce news!).
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Done some tidying up of the pilot:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_14_02_15_2_05_45.jpg)
Needless to say, large photos serve to show the shortcomings in my sculpting and the pure excellence of that by Paul Hicks!
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Not really - he looks pretty good to me too (love that hair and mo').
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Thanks :)
Anyways, after I had undercoated the biplane I brushed on some more of the Vallejo Plastic Putty that I later very lightly rubbed down then re-undercoated. I hadn't used the Vallejo product in this way before but it really is a very good fine filler. I believe that it is essentially marble dust mixed with acrylic paint so it's not a putty in the sense of Milliput or greenstuff, etc, but it does seem to do the specific job I needed it for.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_15_02_15_12_25_23_2.jpg)
Here's also a couple of shots showing the pilot and plane together, to give an idea of relative sizing:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_15_02_15_12_25_23_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_15_02_15_12_25_23_0.jpg)
I'm tempted to paint this pair before moving on with tile 3, as I don't like to keep undercoated stuff sitting around. Btw, here's the pile of stuff I have to choose from for number 3:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_15_02_15_12_37_30_0.jpg)
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Nice work, Steve.
They seem perfectly matched to me.
8) 8)
That is a nice pile of goodies to be building from too.
:)
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Steve, is that the scratchbuilt plane you were doing for the Build Something Contest? :o :o :o :o Holy shit man, thats good! I think you've let everyone else off the hook with that one!! ;)
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Steve - love the plane and pilot - well done. :o
...just one thought wouldn't the propeller have shattered if the plane had plunged into the ground at that angle... ???
Giles
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I think it was a "soft" landing and then tipped forward. Like drunk falling down on their own front lawn.
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that would make sense.... :)
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Thanks chaps :D.
Yep it's meant to represent a last minute loss of undercarriage and a final nose-heavy tip after a rough landing into a meadow (probably clipping a raised road before hand).
This is the second Tabloid having just landed on its initial delivery to the RFC in May 1914. A number of factors (wind direction etc) contributed to a buckled undercarriage and the subsequent flip. The RFC subsequently specified a more robust undercarriage to better cope with grass runways (versus my meadow). :D
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_16_02_15_9_39_40.jpg)
You're too kind Andy, there's skilled and innovative scratch building in the contest ..... Also I've decided to forgo the flames and will now just have a little smoke underneath to obscure the wedge. :)
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Actually, that flipped image shows the main mistakes I made in the build (pity I didn't find it until after I'd finished ... >:(. :D.. ).
There's two errors that stand out to me:
- the angle at the rear of the side of the cowling edge (from wing to cockpit) should align with strut (but I had to cut the groove before fitting the struts so it was a bit of a wrong guess!)
- the prop is too thin (other images had misled me.... Darn it!) as it should have a wider blade tip ..... Grrrr
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Great stuff Steve, a fine bit of putty pushing on that pilot. :)
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Darn I've somehow managed to miss this thread completely. Hats off to you mate! Impressive terrain project.
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- the prop is too thin (other images had misled me.... Darn it!) as it should have a wider blade tip ..... Grrrr
maybe that the reason why it ended up on the ground... lol
Steve your painstaking and dedicated work is an inspiration - compared to my 'slapdash approach' to terrain building
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:)
maybe that the reason why it ended up on the ground... lol
The edges chipped off the prop when it hit the ground! lol :D
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The biplane and pilot are now finished.
Painting the biplane was a bit of a pain as after its first varnish I decided it was too minty clean. Varnishing was a total pain as I kept getting ridges from overlaps. It went a bit like this: paint-varnish-rubdown varnish edges-repaint patches-varnish patches-rubdown...etc. That and handling it while the varnish was still wet leaving a finger print either side of the fuselage! :o But I got there in the end :D
The Sopwith Tabloid after a soft crash landing, nose down with some smoke coming from under the engine:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_02_15_4_03_51_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_02_15_4_03_51_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_02_15_4_03_51_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_02_15_4_03_51_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_02_15_4_03_51_0.jpg)
And with the pilot, who has disembarked and discarded his flying jacket and headgear:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_02_15_4_02_26_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_02_15_4_02_26_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_02_15_4_02_26_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_02_15_4_02_26_1.jpg)
And the biplane on a flying stand. I made this stand (lead poured into the bowl of a desert spoon, drilled to take a brass rod, stuck to a paper base, covered with sand) to help with painting but I'm tempted to add an undercarriage to it (the top of the stand not the bottom of the plane) so I can also fly the plane over the battlefield:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_18_02_15_4_02_25_0.jpg)
The next phase in the project will be town tile 3, the layout of which I am pondering.
Oh, and a customer service 'gold star' to 1st Corps who very kindly sent me 2 extra wheels for the Minerva - they didn't even want postage even though I'd bought the kit secondhand and not from them direct. Excellent.
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An absolute triumph Steve, I especially like the pilot ;D
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Excellent end product 8)
Curious to see yor plans for the third tile ;D
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Marvellous Steve. What a great bit of modelling on man and machine. He hardly looks like a C15th labourer at all now! ;)
Epic adaptation with the old Green Stuff there, to say nothing of the aeroplane.
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What a great result.
Brilliant building, putty pushing and finally colouring in, sir.
:-* :-*
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The plane is great looks like a kit build now :-* :-* :-*
The pilot has turned out well
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That looks great!!!! :o
But:
(many painted images)
Surely these are photos? Or have you started yet another hobby?! lol
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What a wonderful build.
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Brilliant! :-*
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Good show old bean. She came out beautifully, and all from scratch o_o
You could leave the landing gear off, perhaps they departed on takeoff, hence the soft belly landing in a field. ;)
Cheers
Matt.
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Many thanks for the comments chaps; much appreciated :D
In case anyone is interested in the condensed story, I have summarised this little bit of the project on the website
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_sopwith.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_sopwith.html)
There isn't anything new there, it's just all on the one page ;)
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I think I have settled on a layout for town tile 3.
It comprises a cottage fronting the main road with side streets to either side, one with two linked houses and the other with a linked shop (tobaccanist or butchery, maybe?) and a workshop for cycle repairs. It's a bit contrived to have the two parallel side streets but it will provide open space versus the yards at the back of the other residences on tile 1.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_20_02_15_12_01_38_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_20_02_15_12_01_38_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_20_02_15_12_01_38_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_20_02_15_12_01_37_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_20_02_15_12_01_37_0.jpg)
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Glad to see the thread unlocked! :D
That 3rd tile arrangement looks the business. I like the two parallel side streets idea, will make gameplay interesting.
I'm sure this will be a third great tile in a row 8)
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Thanks :)
The more I think about it the more it makes sense to have 3 different road layouts to the tiles: it will make for other interesting layouts if they are shuffled around, especially if I eventually make a fourth town tile so they can form a square.
Glad to see the thread unlocked! :D
Me too! :D
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Looking great Steve :-* :-* :-*
You should build wheels for the plane though just to finish it off.
The buildings you are using must cost?
Always wanted to do a destroyed town will keep this thread for my ideas file thanks
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An interesting question on cost to which the answer is yes and no.
One angle is that the cost wasn't my problem as they were all a Xmas present from my wife lol
Another angle is that though they were from my wife I actually bought them so hunted out bargains. The first few I paid list price for, working out at perhaps twice as much as building from foam core with embellishments but perhaps half the cost of lasered Mdf without embellishments. Don't forget that the starting point is 1/76 mass production toys that are significantly cheaper than 28mm specialist collectors pieces. Even better, Airfix had an outstandingly good Black Fruday sale with many of the buildings on special. By way of comparison, the bakery was a much bigger 4 storey model costing £16.99 that I butchered almost to elimination (some you win, some you lose) but the pair of small terraced houses on the first tile cost only £3.99 each.
Obviously having many buildings to a tile increases the overall cost, as if they were individually based I'd be tempted to spread them out and use less. Maybe one day I'll work out a rough cost per tile but the meadows will, of course, significantly reduce the average spend.
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Sha-mazing!! :-* :-* :-* :-*
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:)
Progress!
Town tile 3 has had the structural alterations made to its buildings:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_02_15_8_31_41_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_02_15_8_31_40_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_02_15_8_31_40_2.jpg)
The plastic kits weren't as enjoyable to work with as the resin buildings and have been so butchered that I gained little versus making them straight from plasticard.
The cycles have also arrived. I've bought six styrene 'silhouettes' which coming from an architectural model suppliers cost a small fortune. They are 1/50 and just need a few alterations to bring them into scale.
I've also started on the test piece that is the first of the countryside tiles. This will be one of two areas of copse/wood though I need to make the rest of the trees. To continue the test, I shall probably make a tile with the road and ditch.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_02_15_8_31_39_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_24_02_15_8_31_39_0.jpg)
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both tiles looking great :) :)
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Thanks, though tbh since posting I've further butchered the plastic kit building to drop floor heights and add more windows. :)
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Nice work on those kits, Steve.
You really are getting the best out of them.
8) 8)
That mud on the countryside tile looks proper grimy.
Nice.
:-*
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That's some of the best looking earth I've ever seen. Well done Steve.
:-*
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Thanks very much but the credit really belongs to Elladen's blog, which to my mind is the gold standard of teddy bear terrain :)
http://www.elladan.de (http://www.elladan.de)
I mostly did as he did, except for a smaller surface area (39cm sq tile rather than a whole table cloth) and simpler tools (scissors, Gilette BlueII razor and a wide-toothed comb instead of the hair clippers).
As for the mud, it's just carefully burned fur. Elladen used a butane 'match' - the sort used for lighting burners and fires, it has a small flame. The gas ran out on mine so I resorted to the butane torch I use for soldering pipe joints - not recommended of course as it has the potential to burn down one's work piece, one's home and oneself. Fresh air is also essential.
Incidentally, for gaming purposes the earth area will demarcate the extent of the wood. :)
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The gas ran out on mine so I resorted to the butane torch I use for soldering pipe joints - not recommended of course as it has the potential to burn down one's work piece, one's home and oneself. Fresh air is also essential.
I do love the fact, Steve, that nearly all your wargames terrain making is dangerous somehow lol
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I do love the fact, Steve, that nearly all your wargames terrain making is dangerous somehow lol
lol lol
My thoughts exactly!
Life really is lived on the edge in the Invader household, by the sounds of it.
;)
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lol
Funnily enough, when my wargames room is eventually finished it'll also house a traversing wall (a low height 'rock face' for core training). I have all the holds but 'must' finish the kitchen first, otherwise I'll be in real danger!
lol
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lol lol
My thoughts exactly!
Life really is lived on the edge in the Invader household, by the sounds of it.
;)
Well you certainly don't wan't to be on the inside, for fear one will not be seen again... ;)
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lol
Funnily enough, when my wargames room is eventually finished it'll also house a traversing wall (a low height 'rock face' for core training). I have all the holds but 'must' finish the kitchen first, otherwise I'll be in real danger!
lol
Excellent, when finished I look forward to an invite and I will bring my sticky shoes and chalk bag. :)
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Excellent, when finished I look forward to an invite and I will bring my sticky shoes and chalk bag. :)
I bet you have sticky shoes..... ;D
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Sticky shoes are great but it'll be a 'no chalk' zone (think what it'd do to my minis! :o)
Anyways, I have a problem.......
I have the afternoon free so I'm presently sat staring at the tiles .... And I have erred ....
The cobble road is at a higher level than the meadow...... Trouble is, when two tiles come together that creates an obvious hard edge rather than a seamless transition ..... Hmmmm
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lol
Funnily enough, when my wargames room is eventually finished it'll also house a traversing wall (a low height 'rock face' for core training). I have all the holds but 'must' finish the kitchen first, otherwise I'll be in real danger!
lol
Will you be building this out of cork or blue foam ;)
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Will you be building this out of cork or blue foam ;)
There'll be foam on the floor! ;)
Incidentally, I've decided that the hard edge to the road isn't a problem as long as the adjacent meadow has long grass, which does a good enough job of hiding the join. This does mean that I shall probably lose the roadside trees, retaining just the copse/woods, as I suspect the single trees would look silly with long grass right up to their trunks.
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A small update
The first 'country road' tile is underway, which will have a drainage ditch.
The ditch comprises a slot cut through the mdf tile, which has a foam board 'box' fitted beneath
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_27_02_15_9_38_36_4.jpg)
Teddy bear fur was glued to the tile, leaving the location for the road bare
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_27_02_15_9_38_36_3.jpg)
The fur in and around the ditch was trimmed by burning
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_27_02_15_9_38_36_2.jpg)
EDIT: The fur is now being painted and detailing will follow that
In the meantime, the 3rd town tile had its ground floor timbers added, which gives a better idea of the layout
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_27_02_15_9_38_35_1.jpg)
Finally, a taster image of country and town tiles combined (though the grass and earth aren't their final colours - highlights to come - and more trees required)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_27_02_15_9_38_35_0.jpg)
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SI this is all going to be STUNNING!!! :o :o :o :o :o :o
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Wonderful stuff Steve.
I wish to book my game on this table right now please.
:)
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Wonderful stuff Steve.
I wish to book my game on this table right now please.
:)
Me too. :D
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The last picture is stunning :-* :-* :-* :-*
Great work
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Hot darn that's attractive! :-* :-* it's more like a period photo than a board game table!
I'm eager to see more Steve!
Cheers
Matt
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:) thanks for the very kind comments (Richard and Nick, hopefully you'll have noticed that I've added the game to the BLAM thread .... though I hope it's finished much sooner ;))
I've got more progress to show but wife has gone out with my phone, so no camera :-[
Today I've done more to the drainage ditch, including making a few clumps of poppies (and yes, superglue was involved). Photos later.
:)
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Most impressive work! 8)
A pleasure to see your progress with this, if those town tiles wouldn't have been gorgeous on their own already, now the new rural part takes it all up just another notch.
I too would love to book a game on that board :(
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:)
The camera has returned: yay!
EDIT: Painting is still wip
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_28_02_15_6_57_46_0.jpg)
The ditch will have water at its base to distinguish it from a trench
A bit blurry but a closeup showing the poppies and also the conduit into the base of the ditch
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_28_02_15_6_57_46_1.jpg)
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I'll jump in the boat with Captain Blut and book my self for BLAM!
Man that really looks the ticket!
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those poppies will be a lovely touch
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Wait!! What.....we need to book now?!?! Quick, put me down before the places run out!!! :o :o
BTW.... WOW!!!! :-* :-* :-* :-* Having been on here a few years now, I just have to say Steve, its been great to see your skills get better and better and better! If this is the master pieces your turning out now, I can't wait to see what you produce in another few years!
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Captain Blut
I like the ring to that, but why you didn't call him Cap'n Blod (ie the German instead of the Danish)?
More importantly - Steve the last few pages are looking fantastic. The mix of muddiness of the fields with the grittiness of the rumble is going to look great with miniatures crawling all over it.
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:) There'll be seats at Blam for the mad Viking and the Scottish craftsman ;)
EDIT: and thanks all for the comments :D
One other thing I started on today was the modification of the Minerva armoured car that will represent the Belgians in some games.
The resin cast - and it is a detailed cast - is by 1st Corps and is great though for me it's a bit big versus my smaller footprint buildings, relatively narrow lanes and Mutton Chop minis.
I know that a lot of gamers prefer larger scale vehicles against their minis, which is great, but personally I prefer 1/56 (or thereabouts) with finer/slimmer minis, so I'm going to attempt to scale it back.
The first step is to reduce the overall length, which I did by cutting sections from the bonnet and the crew cab, then gluing back together with 15 min epoxy.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_28_02_15_9_32_23_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_28_02_15_9_32_23_0.jpg)
The next steps will be to make good and take a little off the height and width.
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:-* :-* :-*
This is shamazing!
Book me in with the good Captain, the Crazy Dane and the Gifted Glaswegian!
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:) you'd be most welcome Steve :D
I've painted a bit more of the drainage ditch but the most progress today has been with the Minerva, which has been somewhat meddled with.
I want to stress -again - that I'm only meddling because the model is about 1/50-1/51 (a fairly common scale for 28mm games) whereas I need about 1/56 to look right (to me anyways) against my small footprint buildings and in my 5cm wide lanes. All that said, because I am meddling there will be some scale inconsistencies in my resulting model (but the overall aesthetic is more important to me).
Today I took the saw to the sides of the vehicle. Much like with the length adjustments I cut out sections such that the detached sides can be stuck right back. First though, the wheels are being fixed as they will determine the width of the running boards, etc.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_01_03_15_7_25_59_2.jpg)
I also took a ceramic tile cutter to the base of the vehicle ....
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_01_03_15_7_25_59_1.jpg)
..... to create a pocket for a dial cover (the rear casing from a mini buzzer with a segment cut out).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_01_03_15_7_25_59_0.jpg)
The idea is to create a counter from 0-4 to show how many of the Minerva's crew are alive. Basically, the rules will allow for each MG to have 3 crew (commander/spotter, gunner, loader) with minis individually based and casualties removed but the Minerva will also have a driver with all 4 minis fixed in place: thus the need to keep track of how many are functioning.
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Utter madness!!! :o
In a very positive way, of course :D
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cannot wait for you to get this painted, gonna be amazeballs
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Thanks chaps :D
I might get some more done tonight as family is out. ;)
In the meantime, here's some maps of what the final terrain will comprise.
In essence, 12 tiles each 30cm sq for games with the British in defence to the west and the Germans attacking from the east; the various combinations provide for varying fire positions for the British and cover for the Germans.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_03_15_8_05_03_0.gif)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_03_15_8_05_03_1.gif)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_03_15_8_05_03_2.gif)
These are variants 1 and 20; numbers 2-19 can be found on the website (they're not big files, only 17kb each).
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_maps.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_maps.html)
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A brilliant project. It's a real pleasure to follow your progress.
:)
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:-* :-* :-*
This is shamazing!
Book me in with the good Captain, the Crazy Dane and the Gifted Glaswegian!
Ahem, you missed one out... ::)
The latest shots look terrific SI ;D
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:) Thanks
Ahem, you missed one out... ::)
So needy! :D
A bit of a splurge of activity is coming to an end but I have finished sticking bits of plasticard and resin together.
I have finished the structural changes to scale down the Minerva, the effort of which makes sense when seen against the buildings, etc. I just have holes to fill, joins to smooth, etc. That said, I do also want to remake the crew to better match the style and size of the Mutton Chop minis.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_03_03_15_6_23_55_1.jpg)
I've also made the cycles for the repair shop that'll be on town tile 3. Basically, I bought 6 of 1/50 styrene silhouettes of bikes. As these were a bit too large and very two dimensional, I cut them down then stuck two together to make one, then added frame details, chain guard, pedals with cranks, seat and handlebars.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_03_03_15_6_23_55_0.jpg)
You can see the raw product at this link, though I bought them from a UK supplier:
http://www.schuckertz.de/en/model-parts/figures-und-vehicles/bicycles/263/bicycles-1-50 (http://www.schuckertz.de/en/model-parts/figures-und-vehicles/bicycles/263/bicycles-1-50)
Next step is a putty stage, for buildings, Minerva and cycles.
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This is really shaping up nicely ... and the little bikes are cute
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This is really shaping up nicely ... and the little bikes are cute
Thanks DD - the bikes were fun to make/convert :)
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There were questions a bit back about the trees so here's an image of the wire and sponge assemblies:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_08_03_15_5_27_12_1.jpg)
The aerial view is of a dense crown: there's room to get hands in from the side otherwise the trees will lift out as they are on pegs.
The ditch water is slowly curing ... I poured too much at the first attempt and it wouldn't cure so scraped it out and restarted with much thinner layers of the resin exterior wood glue (that dries clear) with a touch of Vallejo Air green or brown:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_08_03_15_5_27_12_0.jpg)
The rules have gone through another review with the latest set posted here:
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_rules.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_rules.html)
They're still not properly/completely play tested so read at your peril!
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Ohh that is a colourful forest Steve, better than Japan in cherry blossom season or fall I'd say :)... I'll just get my coat. lol lol lol
Is it just dish washing sponges? And you expect for figures to move through below?
It's looking rather realistic, more like a display than a game board!
Cheers
Matt.
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Yeah I was going for the cherry blossom to win James over! lol
Good practical question about movement but I think it'll be fine as with, say, the central tree lifted out of its socket all is easy to get to. :)
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What a delightful project - from ruins and burning trees to grassy patches. Can't wait to see more...
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that grass looks great, as does the poppies :)
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Thanks chaps :)
As previously mentioned, I have been pushing putty on the last set of houses (more on them soon) and the Belgian Minerva armoured car.
The car's mods are now pretty much complete and it is now small enough to look 'right' (to me) on my narrow lanes, etc. I have yet to deal with the gun as this will depend on the crew as I have 4 I want to make in different poses etc to the 3 supplied.
There are some elements to the modification that are out of scale for 1/56, for example the 'bath tub' crew compartment is still bigger but I want to fit 4 minis into it (my rules require 4). Some of the side lockers are also larger but they add support to what would otherwise be a flexible-to-the-point-of-snapping-if-breathed-on side wall. The wheels are the originals (though 1st Corps very kindly sent me an extra two so that it now has 6 with pairs at the back) so are bigger but with the bigger lockers they will I think pass.
So, the model before undercoating and fine filling:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_03_15_1_10_14_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_03_15_1_10_14_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_03_15_1_10_14_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_03_15_1_10_14_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_03_15_1_10_14_0.jpg)
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Great conversion, Steve.
8)
Ya mad bugger.... ;)
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All looking great. ;D
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Thanks chaps :)
This evening I slapped some milliput onto the wire armatures that will be the tree trunks and branches ..... Nothing too precise as any errors can be covered with clump foliage.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_03_15_10_09_03_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_03_15_10_09_03_1.jpg)
When this batch of trees is done they'll be only 6 more left to make
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A lot of work has gone into the car,But your right some of the detail has been over sized to give strength to the model.The spoked wheel was used only because the wire wheels wouldn't cast in the original resin used,as it was shock resistant,and didn't take detail well.
The wire wheels are around infact there on the french ac's.I wish I'd known how heavy a conversion you intend,as I'd have sent you the wire wheels.
Mark.
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Not to worry about the wire wheels but thanks for the thought. :)
The resin was very nice to work with and the original model is certainly a clever construct and cast: for a robust wargame (rather than static display) piece the original vehicle clearly presented many challenges (thin walls, bath tub compartment, many undercuts, etc) that were handled very well.
As I said before, the changes were simply to reflect my personal scale (which I suppose really means footprint and blockspace) preferences. As 28mm gamers seem to have preferences ranging from about 1:43 to 1:60 we are a difficult market to please! lol
I try not to get too hung up on 'wargame compromises' such as reinforced panels, as blended as well as possible their added strength means I can play with my toys rather than just look at them. The Airfix buildings (a much harder, brittler resin but it does cast detail well) that I am using have overly thick roof sections and I did read a review that criticised them for being 'unrealistic' without acknowledging that at true scale they'd barely survive a game or two! My biplane wings are similarly thick.
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Town tile 3 is now at the pre rubble/paint stage
This one has a cottage, two terraced houses, the butchers and the bicycle workshop
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_13_03_15_10_00_57_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_13_03_15_10_00_57_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_13_03_15_10_00_57_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_13_03_15_10_00_57_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_13_03_15_10_00_57_0.jpg)
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man thats looking good even without the paint :)
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Thanks :)
I forgot to say, the terraced building made up from bits of Italeri and Airfix kits was much harder work than converting the Airfix resins - maybe 2 to 3 times more effort. Where the resin casts saved time was in having the windows, doors and their respective detailing mostly already in place, plus the building footprint was driven by the cast which reduced the design/layout thinking-time etc.
If I make more town tiles I doubt I'll use plastic kits but stick with converting resin casts.
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More excellent progress Steve :o
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Really an impressive undertaking!
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Thank you kindly :)
A little jump back to the Minerva, which I under coated before spot application of Vallejo Plastic Putty and more rubbing down with No.600 wet'n'dry.
The Minerva has distinctive rivets (though they might be bolt heads) that secure the steel plates and I'd scraped these off the resin cast as partly because they were now a bit big for my reduced size model but mostly because they'd have impeded rubbing down.
With the body now much smoother, it was time to add back the rivets. I cut them from 1/72 pick axe handles (as came with the Airfix fortified outpost plastic kit) and positioned them with the tip of a scalpel onto a dot of superglue that had been applied using a stylus cut from an earbud shaft. I added 60 to the model and quite a few more to my fingers, my clothes, the table, the floor and possibly the dogs.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_14_03_15_1_30_41.jpg)
Next steps are to paint the Minerva, paint the current crop of six trees and flock them, and paint town tile 3.
After that I still need to make another six country tiles (with 6 more trees), do the 4 Minerva crew, paint about 25 British, about 75 Germans and watch out for release by Mutton Chop and Empress of the Maxim teams. Oh, and test the rules. :D
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This whole thread is really becoming a triumph, I cannot wait to see it finished ;D
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Looking good :-* :-* :-*
I first thought that the car had winter camo
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Many thanks :D
I first thought that the car had winter camo
lol
The biplane had a similar effect before it was painted
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Fantastic Steve!! :o :o :o
How are you planning on hiding the joins between the plastic cobble stone sheets?
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:)
I've been using sand and rubble to hide the cobble joins within each board - mostly the joins are placed where rubble will have fallen. Obviously I can't hide the joins between tiles.
If there wasn't so much debris about I'd either have had to use something different for the cobbles or sculpted in the joins with GS :o
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Marvelous work once again.
I think the third board will look lovely busy when the rubble and all that will be in place. And re-riveting that Minerva, pure madness! :D
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The Minerva actually look like a car in a body shop at the moment!
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Thanks :D
lol I suppose it is in the body shop!
And now for something a little bit different ;)
Earlier I wrote....
After that I still need to make another six country tiles (with 6 more trees), do the 4 Minerva crew, paint about 25 British, about 75 Germans and watch out for release by Mutton Chop and Empress of the Maxim teams. Oh, and test the rules.
.... Which overlooked the plans for special effects!
Lighting is pretty simple, which 'should' comprise flickering LEDS in the dark pits beneath some of the houses.
Sound has been a bit more of a problem as with other projects I have struggled to find an elegant solution for the sound board. By elegant, I mean that, including the sound files, is a self-contained document file that can be read on most devices with content that is customisable to the game with sound files that can be played simultaneously rather than merely one at a time. For the hardware, I long ago settled on an IPhone 4S or IPod Touch with Bluetooth speaker which left the software to resolve.
I've finally settled on combining the sound files into an eBook using the .ePub file format. These files can be read using iBooks and I also understand - but haven't checked - that the cross-platform Firefix browser has a plugin.
I built the document using the Book Writer app (£3.99 from the Apple AppStore though there's also seems to be a free version):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_03_15_1_26_28_2.jpg)
One downside is that it takes the sound files from the inbuilt Music app so it seems to be limited to tracks downloaded from iTunes, though there are 100s of sound effect files available as whole albums or as single tracks (typically single tracks are £0.79 each).
I've worked out a layout for the document that allows the most efficient access to selection of one, some or all effects at the same time. The two page doc looks like this:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_03_15_1_26_28_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_03_15_1_26_28_0.jpg)
The file comes out at 4.5mb in size so I'm not going to attach a download link but hopefully you gets the idea. ;)
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Ooh that's interesting... Sad there won't be spittle flying from the gamers mouths as they 'pew pew' each other and pretend to be a damaged sopwith tabloid. (That's my favourite part ;) )
Very professional Steve. Your end products are always quite polished.
Cheers
Matt.
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Ta :)
The tree nursery:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_16_03_15_2_43_27_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_16_03_15_2_43_27_0.jpg)
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Wow, soundboard and all! :D
Those trees do look pretty proper I say 8)
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So do you drench the trees in somethign afterwards to stop them from from behaving worse than the vicars dandruff?
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Thanks chaps :)
The trees are still wip, so basically they were built, then sprayed black followed by a thick coat of acrylic to the crown and trunk. What you're seeing in the above pic is the application of the clump foam. This isn't used straight from the pack but is put through a blender to turn it into smaller pieces, which are then patted onto a generous coat of the exterior grade glue.
When dry the trees will have any excess shaken off, be patched if necessary, then have the final paint on the trunk and branches. The specimen I made is holding together without anything sprayed over it so I'm hoping these will be fine too.
EDIT: change of plan - I sprayed with a matt sealant.
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trees look great, gonna pinch that idea ;)
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Your welcome :)
Btw, I have updated the wip summaries over at my own website .... Just condenses and collates some project elements that are fairly scatterred about this thread
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index.html)
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Town tile 3 was finished and then I undercoated it. With everything tied together by the same colour, something looked odd. What was missing was some roof tiles to denote the height of the terraced houses. I resolved this by adding a small section of first floor wall (plasticard) with roof above (waste from the resin buildings). With the tops of these houses and the butchers shop now being the same height, I think the whole is better balanced.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_20_03_15_3_33_16_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_20_03_15_3_33_16_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_20_03_15_3_33_16_0.jpg)
In the meantime the wooded countryside tile is finished - maybe a photo later - though the ditch water is still curing from white.
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Sweet, great addition those roof tiles 8)
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agreed does look better, but youre still mad for redoing that lovely paint job ;)
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but youre still mad for redoing that lovely paint job
That's a tad excessive, it says "slightly insane" on the tin.
This is a glorious project, BTW.
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Thanks chaps though I must say that thus far town tile 3 has only been undercoated, so no major pjs were sacrificed :D
And to the business of the day, a bucket-load of images of everything completed thus far (albeit I've also included the merely undercoated town tile 3). NB: Terrible lighting - such a dull day - and iPhone camera.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_33_32_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_33_32_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_33_32_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_33_32_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_33_32_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_32_29_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_32_29_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_32_28_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_32_28_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_32_28_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_31_19_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_31_19_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_31_19_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_31_19_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_31_19_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_30_05_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_30_04_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_30_04_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_30_04_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_21_03_15_4_30_04_0.jpg)
A few extra comments: the trees lift out for access, the ditch water isn't yet its final colour (some whiteness in there pending a full cure) and the comb is used to keep the grass tidy.
EDIT: forgot to add, 6 more countryside tiles to do
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Your table is turning out great.
Love it.
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Great looking terrain boards.
I particularly like to poppy's
Tony
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:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
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Very very nice! Like the typical belgian ditches!
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Spectacular Steve. Keep at it! It looks fabulous.
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I like your style steve! :-* :-*
Your summery tones show off your work so much better than detailing everything, before covering in a smacking of snow. ;) lol
Now, where is that boulangerie? ;)
Cheers
Matt
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Sa-weet!! :o :o :o :o
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All the dedication surely shows on those tiles 8)
Even if in ruins, that terrain is surely worth fighting for :)
So six more boards to do... and then some more of the ruined town? :)
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Superb! :-*
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Thanks chaps :)
The poppies were made by punching out paper disks then attaching them to paint brush bristles embedded in a spot of hot glue. I did 'cup' the poppy heads but a coat of superglue to toughen them up seems to have flattened some out. Darn!
The hard edge on one side of the roads really stands out to me but it's there to enable road sections to be set up side-by-side. A dip would look silly in the middle of a double-width road but sobwould a rise at the edge of a grass tile (the road being higher than the grass). To introduce a sense of irregularity to the straight road edge, I'm now thinking that I could have patches of mud/dirt at the hard edge, though I would need to match the join for these on all road sections so that when they are mixed up for a double-width the mud/dirt spreads across the join in the middle of the road.
I won't be making more town tiles just yet as I want to paint up the minis and play some games. As I'm mostly a solo player I've come up with 20 terrain maps and 20 force compositions/objectives that I can dice for to give me some unexpected variety. Here's one of the terrain maps:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_22_03_15_11_34_03.jpg)
I expect I'll make some more town elements but at a much later date. I like to leave room for something more to do (otherwise it'll seem redundant and will languish for a while before being sold). Anyways, I've decided against using more plastic kits as the Airfix resins were much more fun to convert: the Hornby (same company) Scaledale range has a few that will work in a European setting so when the time comes I shall probably work with them.
Next steps are to paint town tile 3 and the Minerva, do the Minerva crew, build the 6 country tiles, acquire the MG crew teams (a Salute release?) and a few more infantry, paint the minis, test the rules, play some games. Hmm, seems like quite a lot. :-)
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I've finished the block-painting of the 2nd town tile, so like for tile 1 the next stage will be various washes, dry brushes and highlights.
Here's where it's at:
The Duck Egg (restaurant) and The Bakery by the Church; the year 1815 is etched above the bakery door (the last time the British and Prussian Armies were in Flanders at the same time ....):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_4.jpg)
The poster dates from 1905 (a bit early I know) and advertises biscuits:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_3.jpg)
The poster dates from 1913 and advertises an aperitif (the characters in the poster are the European heads of state):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_1.jpg)
And here's the block-painted tile 2 alongside the finished tile 1, which I think makes for an interesting comparison:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_0.jpg)
I just saw the photo of the bakery. good work, but in France we do not say "boulangerie par l'église" but "boulangerie de l'église"
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It's a triumph Steve. Awesome sauce ;D
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Buggery bollocks! :o :D
That serves me right for using Google Translate rather than asking a French or Belgian LAFer
So it would literally be 'bakery of the church' rather than 'bakery beside the church'? I'm also missing an accent so when I add that in I shall have ago at correcting the par to de. Thanks very much. :)
While on the subject, would 'boucherie' be ok for 'butcher shop' and
'atelier de vélo' for a bicycle workshop? Much appreciated.
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The whole thing is looking splendid. Enjoying following the progress on almost a day to day basis. Bravo!
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yes it is!
you can also write "butcher" followed by a name. for example "vandevield butcher"
for bicycle workshop early in the century the term was more appropriate cycle, followed by a personal name, trademark or city. for example cassel cycle Hoping that the action does not happen in Flandres ... because I do not speak Flemish lol lol
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Thanks very much chaps :D
Scrivs: the regular updates are really a very selfish act on my part, as it helps me keep track of the project while picking up useful bits of advice like the following ;)
Dulhammel: cheers for the language advice, which I shall put to good use :)
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A bit of applause for 1st Corps and whoever mastered, moulded and cast the Hotchkiss 1909 machine gun that comes as part of their Minerva kit. Hadn't particularly looked at it until last night when I prepped it for painting. It really is a gem with a ton of detail. Very nice work indeed. 8)
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To introduce a sense of irregularity to the straight road edge, I'm now thinking that I could have patches of mud/dirt at the hard edge.
I think that might be the answer, Steve. The hard edge does stand out a little bit as it is...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/20/2031_02_02_15_7_26_55_1.jpg)
Something about these shots reminds me of Croydon... ;)
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after the riots I assume...
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lol
Anyways, painting has progressed with the Minerva nearing completion (with apologies for out of focus and poorly lit image)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_27_03_15_7_47_18_0.jpg)
Despite numerous attempts I just can't get the font right for the 'MINERVA' . Darn.
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Looks great!
Font looks good too, who on earth would be able to write any better with artillery shells falling around :)
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Looks good (font and rest of the paint work). Which colour(s) did you choose for the body work?
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Ta chaps :)
The font was quite a distinctive one - sort of Tuetonic in style - so I might gloss varnish it tomorrow then try touching in some arches and angles .... It'll wash off if it goes wrong .
The bodywork was painted with VMC French Mirage Blue, then a wash of dilute VMC Black, then a thinner than the first coat repeat of the VMC FMB, to which I added increasing amounts of VMC Off White for another 4 or 5 graduated layers and highlights.
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Nice work on the Minerva auto-tourer.
Will be lovely to see what you do with the crew.
Cheers,
Helen
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Very nice, also looking forwards to seeing it with the crew in place.
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Missed the last few updates on this (you're too quick lol ).
Cracking stuff all round mate 8) 8) 8)
cheers
James
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Lovely work Steve :-* :-* :-*
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Missed the last few updates on this (you're too quick lol ).
So did I.... ::)
Quite mind blowing to get all that lot at once.
:o :o
Wonderful stuff, Steve.
:-*
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like the Minerva !
Carl
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Thanks all :)
I had another crack at the lettering on the side of the Minerva and am now content. As I anticipated, I gloss varnished the vehicle then over (and over, and over!) painted the lettering, which I'd guess is about 1mm to 1.25mm tall and is on both sides.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_28_03_15_4_51_14.jpg)
The real thing had a lot more wordage to both sides plus front and back but the vehicle title is my limit. :o
Proper photos once it's properly varnished, etc.
When I've finished painting town tile 3 I'll crack on with the crew. The kit comes with 3 but I want 4 that are also stylistically similar to the Mutton Chops infantry. I've picked out 4 Perry medieval labourers who are in suitable poses and I might well have a go at redressing them.
Edit: BTW, the model is stuck to a nail for painting and while twizzling it I dropped the darn thing. In the photo there's a slight bulge to the inside next to the drivers side viewing aperture ..... I'd superglued it back together and filled some cracks so it looks fine on the outside but I can't bring myself to rub down that slight bulge on the inside. Hopefully the drivers head will obscure it! Never mind. :)
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Quite a bit of time spent faffing around with making the casualty dial, which can show crew as being 0 to 4, which in the rules will affect the firing rate for the MG. I've yet to do the crew but they will be fixed in place, which is why the dial is necessary.
The dial screen was drawn in GIMP with rare earth magnets superglued into holes drilled at the points of (what would be) the pentagon. The mini screws are from an old pair of sunglasses and the one by the viewing aperture appends itself to the relevant magnet (it also serves as a turning knob) to hold the dial in place.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_03_15_6_56_39_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_03_15_6_56_39_1.jpg)
And pictures of the finished vehicle (tho if the MG looks at all wobbly that's because it won't be glued in place until the crew are ready).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_03_15_6_56_39_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_03_15_6_55_48_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_03_15_6_55_48_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_03_15_6_55_48_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_03_15_6_55_48_1.jpg)
And with a Mutton Chop Miniatures BEF for size comparison:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_03_15_6_55_48_0.jpg)
EDIT: I've now updated the relevant website page, which summarises the Minerva's part in the project:
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_minerva.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_minerva.html)
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Wonderful work with that but is it going to be somewhat difficult with the dial situated in the underside?
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Wonderful work with that but is it going to be somewhat difficult with the dial situated in the underside?
The vehicle isn't going to be based so it can be picked up to change the dial. Also, with the dial out of 'normal' sight there's the chance of players forgetting how many crew are manning it, which might affect their tactics. :)
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Also, with the dial out of 'normal' sight there's the chance of players forgetting how many crew are manning it, which might affect their tactics. :)
quite a devious plan 8)
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Lovely work :-* :-* :-*
But you are mad you know? :D
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Lovely model Steve.
As ever, your attention to detail is astonishing.
Now stop messing around with The Great War and get back to The Wars of The Roses ;) :D
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Clever bugger, if a tad mental ;D
cheers
James
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Great work Steve! :-* :-* :-* :-*
That lettering has worked a treat! ! o_o o_o o_o
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Thanks all! :D
Have now started painting the third town tile. :)
And yes, more Wars of the Roses is on the cards for later this year! ;)
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Everything in this thread is great! Thanks for sharing all the process.
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Everything in this thread is great! Thanks for sharing all the process.
Thank you and you're welcome :)
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Clever bugger, if a tad mental ;D
Yarp!
:D
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Just catching up on this; the Minerva is a triumph! I also very much like the terrain tiles, with the ditch an especially nice addition. As regards softening the edge if the road, would an occasional clump of static grass at the roadside help as it would detract the eye from the linear edge and just appear as a slightly off centre clump if you widened the road with an additional section?
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Ta chaps :D
That's an interesting suggestion Steve - I shall have an experimentation as it just might work very well with short grass. 8)
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As I'm finishing off tile 3 I've taken the opportunity to add the 'connecting patches' of sand to the other road sections, as indicated by the white glue areas in the image below. I've also decided to add more rubble to the interiors of tile 1 as compared to the others it was a bit bare.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_04_15_2_12_35.jpg)
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You are going at this like a man possessed. (which is fantastic as the speed that we are seeing the updates is amazing) :)
Keep going, I'm loving seeing it come together. ;D
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Me, possessed? :o :D
EDIT: Hmmm, this morning I was writing notes for my 2016 project so maybe I am......
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Me, possessed? :o :D
It would explain quite a lot......
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The bicycles have been placed amongst the workshop debris (painting to follow):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_03_04_15_9_12_47_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_03_04_15_9_12_46_1.jpg)
Also, just to note that the addition of a small section of roof and its accompanying loft floor (left-hand house) has created an additional, high-level firing point.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_03_04_15_9_12_46_0jpg)
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that debris looks great now :o
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Great stuff :D
cheers
James
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Cheers :D
I watched All Quiet on the Western Front (1970s version) the other day, which has great cinematic (as opposed to documentary) footage of a wrecked town and something that stood out to me was the small fires, presumably from ruptured gas pipes. If all goes according to plan, I should be able to have flickering LEDs in the small holes in the floors of some of the buildings, which might give the impression of fire.
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Wo, wo, wo. :o
Your telling us Steve, you bought expensive styrene bikes, converted and added chain guards, only to chop them up??! You are a mad man! o_o
but if that's what your going for - I'd have thought heating with flame and bending would have been more realistic for damage to steel/aluminum from bombs.
Cheers
Matt.
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Excellent work on that rubble, it looks great!
8) 8)
??! You are a mad man! o_o
Something that a few have known for a while.
The proof:
Cheers :D
I watched All Quiet on the Western Front (1970s version) the other day, which has great cinematic (as opposed to documentary) footage of a wrecked town and something that stood out to me was the small fires, presumably from ruptured gas pipes. If all goes according to plan, I should be able to have flickering LEDs in the small holes in the floors of some of the buildings, which might give the impression of fire.
I rest my case....
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lol
More seriously, I did consider heating and bending them but decided they'd just end up as twisted pipes barely recognisable as bikes. And I so wanted them to look like bikes for that cycle workshop flavour. :D
(Ps: It probably won't be obvious until they are painted but the bikes are part buried under the rubble).
Edited for numerous typos (I blame my cold and not the large glass of wine ;))
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I'd blame the second large glass of wine ;D
Oh ok, burried in rubble would probably work well. I'm sure you will pull it off either way.
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Gosh a week since last update :o
Nothing went as planned as 'I ain't been well, ma' ...... So when able to I got on with resolving the LED lighting.
I first used LEDs back with my Aliens game from 2011. This Jan 2012 report by Captain Blood gives some idea of how the lighting added to the game:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=37419.0 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=37419.0)
But that game was played in 'the dark' so the lighting was also part of the game playability, whereas this current project - Tommy And Fritz - is played in normal light so all the time, trouble and expense of LEDs is for aesthetic and atmospheric reasons, rather than as a necessary part of the game mechanic.
So is it worth it? To me yes, as the aesthetic and atmosphere (alongside the attitude of the other players and the action of the game) are what will engage me and bring me to the tabletop.
Anyways, each of the three town tiles has two buildings with a hole in the ground floor. Flames flickering beneath the holes indicate fires from broken gas pipes, etc. These fires can influence game play (for example by restricting access) though LEDs weren't essential for this as other markers (such as cotton wool) could perhaps have been used.
So with up to six fires, each has its own LED array with switched power supply. The components for each set up are as follows:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_10_04_15_9_30_20_2.jpg)
The LED array comprises 3 flickering LEDs (2 red, 1 yellow) wired in parallel that with a 9v supply do not need (according to supplier specs!) series resistors. The LEDs are taped to create a 'plug' with a piece of black-painted aluminium mesh over the lenses. The array plugs into a socket cut from plastic overflow pipe that is cut at an angle to be fitted beneath the hole. As the pipe is cut at an angle the fit is oblique, so the LED lenses are installed to the side of the hole rather than directly beneath it.
In normal daylight, the black painted ally mesh works with side fitting and any adjacent debris to obscure anachronistic LED lenses. For example (tile 3, still to be painted):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_10_04_15_9_30_20_1.jpg)
And in daylight with the LEDs lit, showing the cast of light (but not the flicker!):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_10_04_15_9_30_20_0.jpg)
I'll add some more photos later, which will show the rigs in situ.
In other news, I also made a static grass applicator to add some fine greenery to the road edges (yet to be tested) and have ordered the Mutton Chop MG teams plus extras for more ammo carriers (yet to arrive but eagerly anticipated).
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Looks very effective :-*
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This certainly will looks the nuts.
8)
I still think that you are totally bonkers, though.....
o_o
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I thank thee :D
The view from beneath:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_10_04_15_12_41_20_1.jpg)
The battery boxes (actually, terminal strip cases) were epoxied to the mdf tile, the lighting pipes were also epoxied and reinforced with milliput, while the terminal connectors were hot glued. The switches mean that lights can be turned on/off without up-ending the tile.
Bonkers you say?! What was bonkers was that for a short while I contemplated custom-fitted Bluetooth speakers for each tile. That was a thankfully short diversion and I just got one of these from ASDA instead......
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_10_04_15_12_41_20_0.jpg)
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Great stuff and very inspirational.
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What a great idea SI 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Darrell.
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Brilliant! :-* :-* :-*
...but we're going to have to start calling you crazy! There's a certain viking who's going to be worried you're taking his title!! :o
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Wow :o
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So is it worth it? To me yes, as the aesthetic and atmosphere (alongside the piss taking of the other players and the action of the game) are what will engage me and bring me to the tabletop.
Changed that for you ;D
Bonkers but at the same time, very inspirational 8)
Will the speakers be for Edith Piaf?
cheers
James
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Thanks all, including for the concerns for my mental state! o_o :D
Edith Piaf? I regret not...... ;) lol
The speaker is for an ebook that acts as a holder of various short sound files that can be played by tapping away at the various icons. I covered the making of it earlier in this thread but there's a summary on my website here:
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_effects.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_effects.html)
That page doesn't include a link to a functioning example but for a short time only (it's 3MB) and at your own risk ( ;)) the ebook can be downloaded from here:
www.silentinvader.uk/sounds_taf_laf.epub (http://www.silentinvader.uk/sounds_taf_laf.epub)
I only use it in iBooks so no idea if it will work elsewhere.
Basically, I open it on my iphone or iPod in the iBooks app, connect to the Bluetooth speaker, and irritate the hell out of my family. It's great. :D
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I tried out the static grass applicator and am rather pleased with the result. I also painted the 'matching' mud patches. (I had coloured the glue for the grass the same as the mud, VMC US Field Drab). The combination of the two takes away some of the harshness of the hard line at the cobblestone edge.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_04_15_5_28_52_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_04_15_5_28_52_1.jpg)
All that said, I have decided to change the overall tile mix so that road sections now combine for a double width, which has a much tidier join:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_04_15_5_28_52_0.jpg)
Edit: Ps:: I also corrected the error in the bakery title
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Wow!
This is looking fantastic, really like the work on the cobble and may have to borrow that.
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Much better 8)
cheers
James
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Ta :)
really like the work on the cobble and may have to borrow that.
FYI I've now added the method for the cobblestones to the website (bottom of page):
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_terrain_country.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_terrain_country.html)
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Town tile 3 is now finished with the butchery, the cycle repair shop, a cottage and a pair of houses. With apologies for the iPhone photos (and stray bits of static grass - now vacuumed away!).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_12_23_53_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_12_23_53_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_12_23_53_2.jpg)
The cycles partially buried by rubble. The crates inside the workshop allow minis to 'reach' the high-level window, so it works as an additional firing point.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_12_23_53_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_12_18_12_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_12_18_12_3.jpg)
Some shots of the LED 'gas pipe' fires, which flicker red and yellow (and so sometimes orange) but it's impossible to catch the full effect in a still image. These photos were taken in good light and for LEDs the gloomier generally the better!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_12_18_11_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_12_18_11_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_12_23_52_0.jpg)
Note the pastel blue on tiles 1 and 2, which is also the colour of the butchery door on tile 3. I used this colour as a key to tie all 3 tiles together - I have no idea if it's realistic but I like the brightness compared to the drab of the rubble.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_12_18_11_.0jpg)
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Yet again Steve - Fantastic :-*
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Great stuff.
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Oh steve, them burried bikes turned out great! 8) 8) 8)
You must be proud as punch looking at your handiwork like that.
Matt
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Wonderful Stuff Steve. ;D
It just gets better with each new photo. :-*
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Thanks very much all :D
To give an idea of overall progress, this map shows all of the tiles.....
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_15_04_15_4_46_33.gif)
.... the ones in orange are finished, the two in yellow are next on the schedule of works (the petal-like markings are notation for shell holes and the thick black lines are water-filled ditches).
The MG teams are on their way from Empress, which is great as I want to paint them as test pieces before I start on the main actors, the platoons of infantrymen. I might work on the Minerva crew at the same time.
Thanks for the continued interest. :)
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simply awesome :-* :-*
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Thanks :)
A couple of extra shots
The town frontage
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_16_04_15_9_27_23_2.jpg)
And the Minerva alongside the buildings
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_16_04_15_9_27_22_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_16_04_15_9_27_22_0.jpg)
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Most spectacular.
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You must be very proud - fantastic stuff
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Thanks very much chaps :)
Not so much proud as pleased :D
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Looks like the crew has popped into la boulangerie for a few crêpes or gaufres perhaps? Nice.
Robert
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This is looking more splendid with every update.
Bravo!
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Thanks :)
Minerva crew are indeed taking a break for elevenses.... :D ..... They should return soon.... ;)
I forgot to add the advertising posters to tile 3, which I've now done. Both date from about 1910 (which is close enough).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_04_15_10_10_03_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_04_15_10_10_03_2.jpg)
A bit further back I mentioned that I wasn't happy with a hard cobble edge, where road on one tile met long grass on another. This has almost been eliminated by widening the road widths so there are cobbles on both tiles but on 5 of my planned tile layouts there's still a 25cm strip where the problem persists. My solution is a trimmer in the style of a hedge. It just slots into the edge of the grass, backed-up against the cobbles. It looks a bit bright in isolation but won't actually be used in the position shown and will also be complemented by trees with the same colouration. The trimmer is a strip of 1.5mm black plasticard, thickened with additional layers to 4.5mm, with clump foam clear-glued into place then given a spray of Matt sealant.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_04_15_10_10_03_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_04_15_10_10_02_0.jpg)
PS: The Mutton Chop MG teams just arrived from Empress. They are lovely sculpts. I'll be adding a fourth man to each team as an additional ammo carrier, which I'll be working on alongside the Minerva crew.
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Those posters are great and that is a very tidy solution to the edges.
Genius, almost.
8) 8)
This is really starting to come together now, Steve.
It is going to look amazing when you have finished.
:-* :-*
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SI,
The posters as well as *all* of the extras are really bringing this together nicely!
LB
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Yep, it's really beginning to knit together- looks superb too :-* :-* :-*
Darrell.
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Thanks chaps, much appreciated. :D
So my order from Empress had arrived and excitement spurred me on ..... I've assembled the MG teams. Each team comes as a kit comprising the multi-part gun, gunner, loader and ammo carrier. I'll be adding a fourth figure as an extra ammo-carrier. EDIT: er, no I won't! If I'd remembered my own rules I'd have bought the correct extra minis, as the fourth MG team member is a commander (corporal), not an extra ammo carrier.
First up, I'm not a WW1 'expert'. To assemble the Maxim and Vickers I resorted to googled images and so I hope I've got them right. The German Maxim was the fiddliest of the two, as the stand came in three parts that as a dry-fit weren't self supporting.
My solution - but I'm sure there are better ones! - was to fit the gunner's loose arm and hollow out the hands just enough that they could tightly 'grip' the MG handles. The MG kit includes a small elevation device that fits between gun and stand, which was first superglued to the gun. With the gunner, gun and main section of the stand on a level surface, I then superglued hands to the handles and elevation device to the stand, all the time holding the gun and stand in alignment.
With the gunner, gun and main part of the stand fixed together, I superglued them to the base then fitted the final (front) part of the stand before adding the cooling hose and canister.
Incidentally, the parts have various lugs and holes to help with assembly. Though it was probably unnecessary, I did drill out most of the holes for a deeper fit.
My two German Maxims:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_18_04_15_9_42_03_2.jpg)
The British Vickers was pretty much a breeze to assemble. I followed a similar approach to that for the Maxims but with the elevation device already moulded to the gun and the use of a one-piece-cast tripod rather than a two-part stand, gravity was no longer my enemy!
My single British Vickers:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_18_04_15_9_42_03_1.jpg)
The Maxims have kneeling loaders whereas that for the Vickers is prostrate. I have no idea if this represents the guideline operating positions of the time but I can't deny that for wargaming my personal preference is to avoid minis that are lying down, as I find them to be less practical. I did contemplate converting a kneeling rifleman into a replacement loader but decided not to as (to my uneducated eye) the set as sculpted looks spot-on. This gunner therefore gets the accolade of being the only prostrate mini in the entirety of my wargame collections!
As can be seen here, despite the extra depth required by the prostrate loader, the pairing will fit into quite a tight space:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_18_04_15_9_42_03_0.jpg)
Incidentally, the above image also shows where I hollowed out the hands. IDC I'll add back the thumbs etc with a spot of greenstuff.
All-in-all, an excellent product and service from the two Pauls (Muttonchops and Empress).
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This continues to be truly inspiring thread :D
On the Vickers, the later (1940) manual has the loader lying down even when the gunner is in the sitting position,
(http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll268/vickersmachinegun/Website%20images/1951/plate9.jpg) (http://s290.photobucket.com/user/vickersmachinegun/media/Website%20images/1951/plate9.jpg.html)
With the aim being to reduce potential expose to fire as much as possible, the gunner might also try and lie down, and use the loader's knees as a back support,
(http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll268/vickersmachinegun/Website%20images/1951/plate11.jpg) (http://s290.photobucket.com/user/vickersmachinegun/media/Website%20images/1951/plate11.jpg.html)
http://www.vickersmachinegun.org.uk/training-mgtrg.htm (http://www.vickersmachinegun.org.uk/training-mgtrg.htm)
Unfortunately the 1915 manual lacks such photos,
http://www.tommy1418.com/uploads/1/2/7/3/12733599/36291497-handbook-of-the-vickers-machine-gun-model-1915-with.pdf (http://www.tommy1418.com/uploads/1/2/7/3/12733599/36291497-handbook-of-the-vickers-machine-gun-model-1915-with.pdf)
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Thanks and interesting photos/links :) 8)
The only early war photo I found of a kneeling (or squatting, or sitting, it's not 100% clear) loader is this one, but it could be due to the angle of the gun due to the slope of the ditch, etc
(http://www.silentinvader.uk/image_w_taf_vintage%20_british_roadside.jpg)
And the loader does appear to be more exposed than anyone else
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Almost as exposed as the photographer ;)
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Almost as exposed as the photographer ;)
lol
But less than the guys wandering down the lane :D
Strangely, there also appears to be a spare rifle beside the gunner.
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That would make sense given that field artillery crews also had rifles issued to them.
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Astonishing throughout, a real labour of love. Are there plans to take it to a show when finished?
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Thanks very much but no plans for public shows I'm afraid. :)
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But Steve - all the Infantry are lying down in your piccie...time for a rethink on whether this posture should be banned from your forces ;)
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But Steve - all the Infantry are lying down in your piccie...time for a rethink on whether this posture should be banned from your forces ;)
Funny man :D
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I'm really looking forward to seeing the Mutton chop early WWI mini's painted up..... 8)
Darrell
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Will we be seeing these added to the project?
(http://www.brigademodels.co.uk/Blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Carabineer-cyclists.jpg)
http://www.brigademodels.co.uk/Blog/2015/04/the-salute-sticky-page/
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:)
Darrell - it'll be a few weeks yet before the Mutton Chops see paint as I want to finish the Belgian Minerva crew first
Karsten - I really like those cyclists but I don't expect that they'll be joining the project this year (but if it expands in later years, maybe)
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:)
Darrell - it'll be a few weeks yet before the Mutton Chops see paint as I want to finish the Belgian Minerva crew first
Will the game be put on at any shows of note?
Darrell.
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Will the game be put on at any shows of note?
Darrell.
I'm afraid not Darrell, these projects are very much for my own selfish amusement. That said, the plan is to take it to BLAM later this year. :)
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I'm afraid not Darrell, these projects are very much for my own selfish amusement. That said, the plan is to take it to BLAM later this year. :)
Ah well, one cannot have everything :).
Please take a lot of pics of the game and post them up here(?).
Darrell.
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Sure thing, game reports will follow idc*.
*It'll be a while though, as there are a fair few (for me!) minis to paint. If anyone is interested this page of my website has info on which minis were purchased and how they will be formed up as British platoon and German zug:
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_miniatures.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_miniatures.html)
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Sure thing, game reports will follow idc*.
Cool 8)
Darrell.
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When you do your Minerva crew you can put them all in different uniforms.
Carl
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The Minerva crew are nearly done :)
I went for the (double-row of buttons) jacket that the Brigade cyclists are wearing, with two in the peaked hat and two in the floppy cap.
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A small update, I added a commander mini to each of the MG teams. A simple little conversion of kneeling loading mini from BEF3/GER3, I just cut away the finger tips holding the charger strip, hollowed out the hand a tad, inserted some binos made from plasticard rod carved/sanded to shape, then added back some greenstuff fingers. These are ready for painting now.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_24_04_15_6_31_08_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_24_04_15_6_31_08_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_24_04_15_6_31_08_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_24_04_15_6_31_08_0.jpg)
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Tidy little fiddly bit of GS work there, sir.
8)
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Loving the way the bases fit together but the figs are separate mate! I may have to
steal borrow that idea for my wee Desert Rat army!
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Thanks gents :)
Andy, I used my normal 20mm washers - about 1.25mm thick and extended them using 1 mm plasticard, superglued them together, superglued the mini, then tapped on beach sand that I superglued into place .... They are indestructible! ;)
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Top notch work on the MG crews SI :-*
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Thanks :)
Awful photos but first look at the Minerva crew: commander, gunner, loader and driver
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_25_04_15_10_22_47_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_25_04_15_10_22_47_0.jpg)
Still some to do, but much of that will be dependent on their fitting into the vehicles cab (contact points for hands, feet, etc) which is the next step.
All four were previously Perry medieval labourers though I also used the drivers backside and upper legs plus the charger clip from the original (supplied) crew.
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But of a fiddle and some finishing required but the Minerva crew actually fit into their respective positions! Phew :)
Each has a foot pegged into a hole. They'll be tidied and painted before being glued into position, then the hands will be finished off.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_26_04_15_2_59_43_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_26_04_15_2_59_43_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_26_04_15_2_59_43_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_26_04_15_2_59_42_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_26_04_15_2_59_42_0.jpg)
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great job! Now off to the Russian front with you.
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great job! Now off to the Russian front with you.
Thanks :)
So I undercoated the minerva crew but thought I ought get a messy job out of the way before starting painting: cutting excess foam from the next three terrain tiles.
In case anyone is interested (and to remind me when I do the next three ;)), these three tiles will comprise road and meadow with two having added shell holes, so will be covered with teddy bear fur, plasticard cobbled sheeting, and beach sand to blend the two:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_27_04_15_7_36_01_2.jpg)
Close up of the shell holes, which will be covered in fake fur to be burned away for a soil effect:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_27_04_15_7_36_01_1.jpg)
And what they look like from underneath:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_27_04_15_7_36_00_0.jpg)
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Can't believe it took me this long to find this project, SI does it again! :-* Can't wait to see some figures in the town.
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Nice WIP Steve! That looks good, you have some nice variation in height and depth. 8)
The shell crater will look good.
Cheers
Matt.
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Thank you both :D.
Regarding these latest tiles, some of the height variation will close-up as the tiles are surfaced and so in-game it will mostly be about how the depressions (the ditches and the shell holes) help or hinder an attack on the town..... Will they slow or fracture a charge or provide locations for jump off points and covering fire, etc.? Let's hope the rules work!
As an aside, I was laid up most of yesterday and did a heck of a lot more research (lots more time for a little more info) on uniform colours for the Minerva crew ..... subsequent to which I decided to modify the figures slightly so that there will be two as cavalry# and two as infantry*.
#Edit: the commander and driver will be clothed as men from 2eme Régiment de Chasseurs à Cheval, who in 1914 were garrisoned at Mons and whose uniform is I believe worn by the crew of the 1:1 Minerva replica that was built for Belgium's 2014 '100th anniversary' commemoration events.
*Edit: to be more specific, the gunner and loader will be depicted as grenadiers, in a nod to Lt Charles Henkart (who had the first two Minerva armoured cars made from his personal vehicles) who I have read was a grenadier officer.
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You could of course do Henkart in his favourite long leather coat 8)
or somebody in a green and red guides uniform for a bit of colour
Carl
(some years back i wrote a Wargames illustrated article on these Minerva's ;)
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Great suggestions Carl but I'm already about half way with the painting: just the shading and highlighting to do.......
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_29_04_15_10_42_23_0.jpg)
Well done on that article: I've seen it on the internet and it was a most useful find during my research :)
EDIT: the advantage of interim photos .... I just noticed I left off some chin straps ..... A tad more greenstuff required!
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Usual iPhone photos ....
The Minerva crew are now painted, though hands in contact with the vehicle will get a touch more greenstuff etc once they have been fixed inside the vehicle.
Two mounted riflemen as commander and driver, and two grenadiers as gunner and loader (converted from Medieval labourers by Perry Miniatures). Plus a couple of Mauser M-1889 rifles that can be stashed in the vehicle and used to protect the MG (converted from 18thC muskets by Conquest Miniatures).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_04_15_8_31_10_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_04_15_8_31_10_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_04_15_8_31_10_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_04_15_8_31_09_0.jpg)
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Smart paintwork Steve :)
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Smart paintwork Steve :)
Indeed :-*
You're one dedicated and creative man as regards to the hobby that's for sure! 8)
Darrell.
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Thanks gents :D
(It keeps me sane Darrell ;) :))
I forgot to mention that there's more about the unit/uniform choices on my websites Minerva page
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_minerva.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_minerva.html)
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Great work on the Minerva crew. Well done to you and thanks again for sharing your project.
Cheers,
Helen
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Well done to you and thanks again for sharing your project.
Actually yes, thanks for sharing, that is probably not said enough as this serves as inspiration to me and I would hazard a guess and say many others too 8).
Darrell.
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Those crew look superb.
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Thanks Helen and Darrell, that is much appreciated :). The thread isn't at all a chore but actually helps me keep the project on track and, of course, the feedback is always helpful. :D
And thanks too, Phil :)
The next update will be the completed Minerva, with the crew in situ etc. Where to put the rifles is my current conundrum, as there isn't a lot of space.
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A teaser photo just to show that the minis and rifles do fit .... Yay!
I've yet to add back the gunners fingers and touch up a few spots but it's gratifying to know that all does fit into its allocated space. :)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_07_03.jpg)
When the final few details are finished I'll post some shots from all angles.
Edit: accidentally deleted image so replaced !
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Ace!! And a true illustration of your skill :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
you're very quick too!
Darrell.
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Great work as usual! 8)
What will be next after the finished Minerva?
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Thanks guys :)
After the Minerva I'll finish up as follows:
- the three terrain tiles that are half way done
- the British and German MG crews
- the last three terrain tiles
- the 100+ British and German infantry
Probably in that order
Then test the rules and play some games!!!!
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Looks too good with an early war crew lol
Now I'm going to have to make an early war crew(the emails have started!).That aside still nice work.
Mark.
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Yep Mark, it'd seem a good move for you/1st Corp to do an early war crew for the vehicle kit, maybe with a Lt Henkart option as suggested by Carl (cdr) above. I'd like to think it'd sell well (and I doubt that anyone else will rush to manufacture a 28s Minerva as the open crew cab, numerous recesses and other detailing must have made it quite a difficult vehicle to master, mould and cast). ;) :D
It's been a lot of fun converting the vehicle to my particular scale preference and thanks for the interest (and for the base vehicle, without which this would never have happened!) :)
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For some reason it makes me think of Trumpton :D
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For some reason it makes me think of Trumpton :D
Noooooooooo ....... Don't put that image .... that tune .... into my head! :o :o :o lol
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Gorgeous, mate!
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Now all you have to do is fit a barrel into the crew compartment: ;)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/saigneurdeguerre/14524207100/in/photostream/
Robert
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Thanks CS :D
Now all you have to do is fit a barrel into the crew compartment: ;)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/saigneurdeguerre/14524207100/in/photostream/
Robert
That is hilarious lol
(And by barrel there was me thinking you meant spare barrel for the Hotchkiss!)
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And so are the clogs.
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Brilliant, mate.
8) 8)
It must have been a very tight fit in one of those.
The crew probably knew each other far better than some would have appreciated.
;)
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Apparently it could be crewed by up to 6 :o
The commander is actually stood on the passenger seat but there's a tad of room either side of the MG: discomfort and intimacy do definitely spring to mind!
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And the Minerva car and crew are finished :)
The completed assembly with the crew depicted as if readying the gun for action (firing would have required the gunner to be posed with his right hand on the lower pistol grip whereas both hands to the rear was a much simpler compromise):
Edit 5/5: the loader is ramming home a cartridge strip not feeding a very short belt :D
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_10_17_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_10_17_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_10_17_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_10_17_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_10_17_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_08_48_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_08_48_3.jpg)
And passing through a Belgian town: Monsieur Aviatuer, avez-vous besoin d'un tour?
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_08_47_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_08_47_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_02_05_15_6_08_47_0.jpg)
I've also updated the Minerva page of the project website so that it is now complete, with all my Minerva car and crew content summarised in one place:
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_minerva.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_minerva.html)
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The effort certainly has paid off.
-
:-* :-*
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Glorious Steve! Oh that does look good! :-* :-* :-*
Cheers
Matt.
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That is a little gem.
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Excellent! 8) 8) 8) 8)
That wee car is really worth the effort!
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Thanks folks :)
Have moved onto more terrain tiles now :)
-
the crew in real live
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Their 1/1 build was a magnificent achievement 8)
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Cracking work mate, love the 'scenes' :-* :-*
cheers
James
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Cheers James :D
Not much of an update but I have added another page to the website: the paint schemes used on the minis
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_paints.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_paints.html)
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Brilliant!
Well worth the extra effort.
8) 8)
That scenes are great too.
Magnifique!
:-* :-*
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Thanks Paul :)
Folks: I've managed to wangle a trip to Mons and (probably) a return via Le Cateau etc and am after an anecdote-rich text. This one looks interesting:
Retreat and Rearguard 1914 (Hardback)
The BEF's Actions From Mons to the Marne
By Jerry Murland
http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Retreat-and-Rearguard-1914-Hardback/p/3277 (http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Retreat-and-Rearguard-1914-Hardback/p/3277)
Has anyone read it? Recommended?
Is it wholly about the BEF or does it include the German experience too?
Cheers :)
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For the German perspectives, I would suggest:
'The Mons Myth: A Reassessment of the Battle' by Terence Zuber - a reasonable review of the German aspect of these battles but his conclusions must be treated with caution and his assessment of the BEF is woeful.
'Le Cateau' by Jack Sheldon and Nigel Cave - part of the Battleground Europe series and provides more material from a German perspective.
'The Battle of Mons: The Official German History' by Holger Puttkammer and me. This is a translation of Die Schlacht bei Mons, which was released in 1919 by the German Great General Staff. It is the definitive German account of this battle.
Robert
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Thanks very much Robert, I'll have a look at those. :)
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That is great well worth the extra effort you put in.
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Thanks :)
Am now working on more country tiles, which have shell holes
The basic structure, with the ditches about 1cm deeper than the shell holes.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_05_05_15_2_56_47_0.jpg)
After coating everything in exterior wood glue, I fitted the fur, then when it had dried I burned away what will be the bare earth areas
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_05_05_15_2_56_47_1.jpg)
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Looks great Steve....
Minerva looks brilliant but I can't help feeling that the crew would just get in the way of each other in a fight.. ???
Can you post some piccies up on how you 'paint' your fur as this is something I need to do in the near future.
Always good to learn from a master :)
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Your being way too kind Giles: I'm not a master! :) The teddy bear fur master is definitely Elladan ;) :D
http://www.elladan.de/ (http://www.elladan.de/)
I modified his approach for my painting of the fur, as (1) I don't have a spray gun and (2) I'm doing 30cm sq tiles rather than a whole cloth.
I did break down my painting technique on the website ....
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_terrain_country.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_terrain_country.html)
.... and it amounted to this:
The paint scheme was as follows, with regular combing during and between coats to discourage knots from forming:
- undiluted, Burnt Umber craft paint (i.e., not Vallejo!), worked into the entirity of the fur (earth and grass) using a 3/4" flat brush
- when nearly dry, Yellow Ochre craft paint was dry-brushed onto the fibres (grass)
- when nearly dry, Sap Green craft paint was dry-brushed onto the tops of the fibres
- when dry, VMC Golden Olive applied with a wet round brush, swiped horizontally across the tips of the fibres
- when dry, the exposed earth was dry-brushed with VMC German Cammo Beige
- when dry, to help fix the paint to the fibres the grass was lightly coated with hair spray (ASDA non-sticky, glossy sheen, non-tangling)
There's some pictures on the website and I'm not sure that more will actually add anything but when I paint this current lot I'll certainly bear it in mind :)
Regarding the Minerva, posed images do show the crews all inside but in combat I really don't know ..... With a full load of 6 I imagine it'd be horribly cramped but with just two in the main cab they could probably serve the gun efficiently enough. There is video on YouTube of the Hotchkiss being fired (on the ground, not from a Minerva) and the gunner, gun and loader are as close as in my model. Perhaps something to bear in mind, the Hotchkiss at this time wasn't fed by belt but with cartridge strips that required ramming home, so the loader had to be very close.
Edit: Just to clarify, in my model the loader is ramming home a cartridge strip not feeding a very short belt. :D
Update on the shellholes: sand glued into place (more sand to blend cobbles to come):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_05_05_15_7_22_06_0.jpg)
Edited for typos and missing image!
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That should work. Clever modelling Steve.
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Thanks Richard :)
You can't see it in the finished shots as I didn't take one from the right angle but the loader is actually holding the next cartridge strip in his right hand, as can be seen in this earlier WIP photo:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_30_04_15_8_31_10_3.jpg)
:)
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A small diversion, I made a few more hasty barricades.
There's a bedroom piece (wardrobe, mattress, etc), a commercial piece (milk churns, crate of beer bottles, sacks of potatoes) and a rubble piece. There's also an HQ marker With the idea stolen from Sir Sydney Roundtree's inspirational blog: table, map, bottle with candle.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_07_05_15_12_45_30_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_07_05_15_12_45_29_0.jpg)
Edit: incorrect image link corrected
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Lovely work :-* :-* :-*
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Love those barricades!
:-*
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Lovely. I can however see soldiers crowding to take cover by the beer barricade. :D
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It seems strange to make this comment because of barricades, lol but your sculpting (which was good to begin with) has gotten better since I first joined the site. :) Keep up the good work!
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Cracking Steve! 8) 8) 8) 8)
Where's the wardrobe from?
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Thanks very much folks :D
A few of the bits (corrugated panels, sign post, planking) are from the 1:72 Airfix outpost kit. The wardrobe uses the door from a 1/72 Italeri wrecked house kit with some plasticard sheet and stretched sprue legs/feet. The bottles are also stretched sprue, the idea stolen from Constable Bertrands shanty build. :)
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Another couple of barricades, this time branches etc dragged across the road, can be used as a pair or as two singles:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_08_05_15_3_28_55_3.jpg)
They're made from twisted electrical wire .....
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_08_05_15_3_28_55_0.jpg)
Covered in greenstuff ,,,,
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_08_05_15_3_28_55_1.jpg)
Painted, clump foliage added, etc
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_08_05_15_3_28_55_2.jpg)
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The before-and-after with the clump foliage is really surprising, they work really well!
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:D To be honest, I didn't show them earlier as I wasn't sure if the approach would work : looking as they did like some sort of twisted, green sea monster before painting and foliage!
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You are quite the terrain ace!
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Thanks very much folks :D
A few of the bits (corrugated panels, sign post, planking) are from the 1:72 Airfix outpost kit. The wardrobe uses the door from a 1/72 Italeri wrecked house kit with some plasticard sheet and stretched sprue legs/feet. The bottles are also stretched sprue, the idea stolen from Constable Bertrands shanty build. :)
Stretched sprue bottles? That's genius! 8) That's another idea that will be shamelessly stolen! ! :D
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Thanks chaps :D
Stretched sprue bottles? That's genius! 8) That's another idea that will be shamelessly stolen! ! :D
When I read about the bottle technique on Matt's thread I thought 'Belgian Beer'! lol
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Rather than start painting the minis I decided to finish the remaining tiles that will complete the terrain for this phase of the project - so I have six 'country' tiles on the go at the moment.
This will give me the following terrain:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_05_15_12_37_52_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_05_15_12_37_52_1.jpg)
I'll be fighting over this with up to about 25 British and 75 Germans, the narrow front being deliberate so as to discourage sweeping flanking moves etc for a more head-butted-against-head game. I have settled on 20 layouts for these tiles that give a variety of offensive/defensive advantages/disadvantages.
For next year, the current plan is to add 6 more 'town' tiles that will provide a canal and a railway. They'll add another 17 buildings with another 12 LED units but will provide for another set of scenarios.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_05_15_12_37_52_0.jpg)
With the bigger board, I might add some cavalry to each side (I believe that Mutton Chops have them planned) with dismounted alternates. I also quite fancy some field artillery (a maternal great grandfather was an 'old contemptible' field artilleryman) but that might require a little more length to the table in the form of another row of 'country' tiles.
:)
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Oooh! The future plans sound great! :o Now, hurry up and start making that terrain already during this year :D
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:D
Here's the final six country tiles of phase 1:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_11_05_15_8_08_41.jpg)
Some more sand, poppies and 4 trees required then it'll be on with the painting
PS: they're not level because the table isn't level ;)
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Can't wait to see this all together in it's finished state - it's going to be brilliant I'm sure.
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Thanks Mark - there should be enough time between now and Blam to paint all the minis :)
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I was asked for some photos of how I paint the teddy bear fur, so here goes. :)
This is the first stage of painting - which is a wet blending - to arrive at the base colours for the grass and earth. I'll add images of the dry brushing and highlighting stages, for which this stage needs to be dry, in the next few days.
A word of caution: I've no idea if this technique will work on fur that isn't glued to a base board. For example, the absence of the underlying waterproof glue might result in more fur being pulled out during combing.
The tile of fur, sand and plasticard on an mdf and foam board base:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_3_59_47_1.jpg)
Undiluted Burnt Umber craft paint (i.e., not Vallejo!), worked hard into the entirity of the fur (earth and grass) using a 3/4" flat brush:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_3_59_45_0.jpg)
With the fur and sand completely covered, the fur is brushed through to separate and 'stand it up' using a wide tooth plastic comb:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_3_58_48_4.jpg)
Which ends up looking like this:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_3_58_48_3.jpg)
The tile is left to stand for a short while (I work on 2 or 3 at a time) to dry a little but not too much, as the next step is to lightly brush on undilute yellow ochre (the emphasis is on lightly brush, for a coating to the top half or so rather than a plastering of everything):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_3_58_48_2.jpg)
This is then combed into the fur for the wet blended effect (note the colour change):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_3_58_48_1.jpg)
After combing, the tile again then stands for a short while but must not dry as there is more wet blending to come:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_3_58_48_0.jpg)
Undilute Sap Green is then applied in the same manner as for the Yellow Ochre:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_4_41_40.jpg)
Which looks quite vivid immediately after application:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_3_54_12_3.jpg)
It is then also combed through to achieve the wet blend:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_3_54_12_2.jpg)
I tend to repeat the Sap Green stage to get what I think is the right base colour for the grass:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/21/2031_17_05_15_3_54_11_1.jpg)
Dry brushing and highlighting to follow (Edit: before which the grass will need a good combing through as when this base coat of paint dries it leaves it quite stiff, thick and knotty). :)
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Thanks for the walk through :)
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Looks very effective Steve.
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Brilliant . thankyou
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Fantastic grass. Thanks for the tip.
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Looks very effective Steve.
It certainly does and a very effective way of producing it. ;D
Good to see you are wearing your white latex gloves. You don't want to be leaving fingerprints... ;)
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Good to see you are wearing your white latex gloves. You don't want to be leaving fingerprints... ;)
One can never be too careful ;) :D
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hope you add some "dogs of war"
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or the live ones
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Great photos 8). Thanks :)
I would like to add a fuller Belgian contingent at some later stage ... Maybe in 2016... And the dog carts are especially distinctive.
General update: I have been short of 'blocks' of hobby time this week but hopefully will be able to make progress with the terrain tomorrow. ;)
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If you haven't a particular set in mind then I'll be more than happy to sculpt a dog section,as its one of those sets I keep meaning to sculpt anyway.but keep putting on a back burner.
Mark.
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That's a kind thought and offer Mark. :)
Tbh I haven't made my mind up yet but as much as possible I want to stick to one manufacturer for the minis (I do this with projects, for example Late Medieval and WW2 are almost exclusively Perrys). If I do go down the Belgian route it'll probably be with Brigade, what with their range being as wide as it is. That said, it's also entirely possible that I'll hang on just in case Paul Hicks does something, as Mutton Chop are the main focus of this project.
Please don't let me discourage you though. I'm sure that if you make one there'll be a queue for it! :D
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That's fine,I've just finished Frams figure,and have started on a jack Churchill figure.these are just distraction projects to fill the dead time you get when your waiting for work to dry/cure.plus there also fun!
Still interested to see where you go next though.
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:)
A small update: colours of this snapshot aren't so good but the grass and earth are highlighted, the road is base coated and the first layer of water has been added to the ditches
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_25_05_15_7_32_28.jpg)
Tomorrow evening I hope to make and add the poppies and put some washes onto the cobbles; I might also add the clump foliage to the trees
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Poppy farm!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_29_05_15_9_23_56.jpg)
A few days behind on plans. What can I say? I got distracted by the arrival of some items for my WW2 project so instead of sticking together fiddly bits of paintbrush fibre and paper circles I've been sticking together fiddly little bits of Perry plastics. :D Back on track now tho ! ;)
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The terrain has reached the final sprint to the finish. Yay!
Just the static grass to go onto the boards, some patching with clump foliage of the tree crowns and painting of the tree trunks to go:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_01_06_15_12_00_53_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_01_06_15_12_00_53_0.jpg)
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Looking very good Steve. Can't wait to see it all together...
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I'm rather looking forward to it too! I shall, of course, be taking pics of all 12 tiles laid out ;) :D
Then it'll be time to start painting the minis, which is a bit daunting. :o.
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It is all coming together very nicely.
Another triumph in the offing, I reckon.
:D
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Superb!
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Then it'll be time to start painting the minis, which is a bit daunting. :o.
Ah yes, terrain making is a much more leisurely and enjoyable pursuit than the forced-march slog of having to paint a whole batch of figures you have committed to...
(And I speak as one midway through painting 50 assorted additional cavemen and animals... ::))
My answer is to do them in small batches, five or six at a time. The LPL is actually a big help!
If I sat down with 50 miniatures looking at me, I would simply not be able to tackle them. Too much of a mountain to climb.
How people paint entire Napoleonic and ancients armies of 200-300 figures in bulk is beyond me... :(
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Thanks Chaps :)
I usually restrict myself to 6 to 12 at a time but I'm going to try to do 25 of these, which means 5 'sittings' (maybe!!!!)
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Thanks Chaps :)
I usually restrict myself to 6 to 12 at a time but I'm going to try to do 25 of these, which means 5 'sittings' (maybe!!!!)
Oh, but you must do it, you know. :D
We are all counting on you for entertainment at BLAM. ;D
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We are all counting on you for entertainment at BLAM. ;D
The response to that is either "why thank you" or "oh shit", or both with varying degrees of emphasis depending on the length of the paint queue and time remaining! lol
Seriously though, I haven't over-extended myself this year and I am of a more positive frame of mind, so it should be do-able. ;)
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If I sat down with 50 miniatures looking at me, I would simply not be able to tackle them. Too much of a mountain to climb.
How people paint entire Napoleonic and ancients armies of 200-300 figures in bulk is beyond me... :(
....or 17,000 depending on which thread you read!! :o
Looking good Steve!! I'm another one who can't wait to see it finished!
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17,000? Madness!
Thanks Andy :)
Static grass now added (using bug zapper thingy) so just waiting for the water to cure clear (well, clear stained greeny-brown) before it gets its blast of hairspray. :)
This one is a shell hole next to the road, with displaced earth having partly filled the ditch:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_01_06_15_3_37_38.jpg)
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Brilliant...the poppies are gorgeous... :o
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Brilliant...the poppies are gorgeous... :o
Yep, its in the detail :)
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My answer is to do them in small batches, five or six at a time. ...
If I sat down with 50 miniatures looking at me, I would simply not be able to tackle them. Too much of a mountain to climb.
How people paint entire Napoleonic and ancients armies of 200-300 figures in bulk is beyond me... :(
My thoughts exactly. lol 5-6 really does seem to be the sweet spot; if they're all similar figures then it's a small assembly line that doesn't turn into a slog, and if it's a mish-mash of figures, then there's enough variety to keep it fresh.
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Many thanks :)
It's a great moment in a project when a milestone stage is reached ..... Apart from the bottle of hairspray and wide-tooth comb that will add the final finish to the long grass, all of the terrain-making tools and materials have now been cleared away to storage (and shan't reappear until I start on my Sicilian hillside probably Nov/Dec). Put another way, the decks have been cleared for prepping and painting the minis. :D
I hope to be able to lay out the whole board tomorrow afternoon and, obviously, pics will follow. ;)
Thanks everyone for your advice and encouragement: much appreciated. :)
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Excellent, I'm looking forward to seeing it laid out in all its glory :)
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Really looking forward to seeing it all out as all the steps/processes have been worth watching 8) 8) 8)
cheers
James
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Great news Steve, I'm glad your cracking along :D
You really have done some hard work on this set, it looks fantastic! 8) 8)
Cheers
Matt
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Thanks chaps! :)
Well a day late but here are 30 images for your perusal ;)
It's two sets of 15 as I took photos of 2 of the table layouts. I have 20 planned layouts in all, which can be seen at the project website, which is now all up to date with the work to get to the finished terrain (just have to add these images).
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_maps.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_maps.html)
I tried to get some aerial recce shots but they were rubbish, so when I eventually get my gaming room I've added an overhead camera to the list! In the meantime I've included the relevant maps below, to give an idea of what is where. The board is 4' by 3'.
One other thing: it's not a perfect rendition, for example, during the few weeks that the games will represent it was hot and dry, so this terrain is quite likely greener and wetter than it was. My Sicily project will have an arid board so this one has benefited from the artistic licence of a little extra rain! There are also a few 'technical' errors, one in particular that niggles me .... which will probably (hopefully) pass. :D
LAYOUT 1 of 20
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_48_07_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_48_07_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_48_07_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_48_07_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_48_07_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_29_03_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_29_03_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_29_03_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_29_03_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_29_02_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_27_49_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_27_49_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_27_49_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_27_48_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_27_48_0.jpg)
LAYOUT 20 of 20
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_49_27_1.jpg)
The observant will notice that I managed to swap over two tiles ....
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_26_42_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_26_42_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_26_42_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_26_42_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_26_42_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_24_59_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_24_59_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_24_59_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_24_59_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_24_59_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_23_42_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_23_42_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_23_42_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_23_42_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_6_23_41_0.jpg)
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Jaw droppingly good.
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Absolutely amazing, Steve.
:-* :-* :-*
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Totally brilliant Steve. The vision, planning and execution. Can't wait to play a game on it :)
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:o
Jaw droopingly amazing!
Would be great to have an "aerial photo" of the whole layout :)
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Done yourself proud :-* :-* :-* :-*
Cracking job Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh
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Droppingly good!
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To echo the other posts, this is excellent work.
Bravo sir.
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A truly outstanding piece of work :-*
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Thanks for the very kind comments :)
It's been a lot of fun making it.
Would be great to have an "aerial photo" of the whole layout :)
So I got the stepladders out:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_10_04_25.jpg)
:)
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Fantastic work, well done.
Cheers,
Helen
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Thanks Helen :)
Aerial recce (Best I could do with my phone!)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_11_28_32.jpg)
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Superb!
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Oh that looks great! The grass turned out a treat, as did the water effects and town rubble.
I like the baguette shop and cycle shop ;) lol
Cheers
Matt.
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Fabulous results - let the die rolling begin lol
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Thanks Helen :)
Aerial recce (Best I could do with my phone!)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_06_15_11_28_32.jpg)
You have serious talent sir!! 8) 8) :o
I doff my hat to you :)
Darrell.
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I can only echo everyone elses sentiments. ....brilliant, fantastic, WOW!
I can't wait to see some battle reports and some games on that!
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you should be very proud of your self...when are you adding the snow? ;)
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Many thanks for the amazing recce pics :-*
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Bravo!!
Somewhow the b&w pics make it look like the action has only just finished.
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Bravo!!
Somewhow the b&w pics make it look like the action has only just finished.
Yep, I really like the B&W photo, looks very realistic ;D
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Wow, that's outstanding!
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Thanks chaps ..... now mini painting awaits! :)
when are you adding the snow? ;)
lol
(two winter projects is enough ;))
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Cycle repair shop with a hole in it - fantastic!
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:D Thanks
In case of interest, my project website is now fully up to date with all Tommy & Fritz content.
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index.html)
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So 6 weeks later, having been away (and, ahem, working on other projects) I have finally organised and prepped the minis.
Prepping is the only bit of the hobby I don't enjoy as I always seem to miss mould lines that only become apparent after I've under coated. Anyways, it took quite a while to prep this lot, including the beach sand with bricks texture for the steel washer bases. Germans are in the left tray, British the right.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_25_07_15_6_08_29_0.jpg)
Command and control will be very important in the game and all minis (except the Maxim teams) have been allocated to a section in their respective platoon. Note that the British platoon - which will pretty much always be on the defensive - is at half strength.
EDIT- please ignore the numbers in the left hand column as it is the right hand series of numbers that make up the platoons for the game (Maxim teams excluded)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_25_07_15_6_08_29_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_25_07_15_6_08_29_1.jpg)
As part of the prep, each mini had its base marked with its section number and rank (for which I used British notation to keep it simple. This example shows a private in the second section and a corporal in the first:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_25_07_15_6_08_29_3.jpg)
To assist with tabletop troop management, in most cases troops in a section are identically equipped (all with bayonets fixed, etc)
Painting to follow, probably starting with the British.
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Missed the table pictures earlier ::)
It looks absolutely cracking mate, grand job 8) 8) 8)
And it's a typical 'Steve' way of doing the figures lol
cheers
James
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Systematic!
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:D thanks chaps
Systematic!
It doesn't really show in the image but for painting purposes the Germans are segregated by type of headwear ;)
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Can't wait to see some paint on them!
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Thanks :)
I've started with the British and am attempting all 31 in a single batch...... :o
I'm using a triad* of Vallejo colours derived from the work of other LAFers (mostly Over Open Sights).
*what with the Germans also to do, it was an opportunity for a major paint restock ;)
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I've started with the British and am attempting all 31 in a single batch...... :o
:o :o :o
Hardcore!
Rather you than me.
Bon chances, mon ami.
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lol
If it works I'll probably split the Germans into two batches of 41 each. Fingers crossed.
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Thanks :)
I've started with the British and am attempting all 31 in a single batch...... :o
You are either very brave or have a high boredom threshold, maybe both. At least they are quicker than Germans (bloody piping on uniforms, whose daft idea was that?)
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:D. I'm just a dog with a bone!
Anyways, 31 uniformed figures was quite a productive way of working and they are almost there.
Here's a poorly lit and out of focus photo as evidence!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_31_07_15_9_43_12.jpg)
I won't be adding the chevrons until after they are varnished as the ranks are indicated on the underside of the bases and so at the mo I can't see what they are.
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Very nice Steve, :-* I like the bricks on their bases :)
Cheers
Matt
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Look great for a poorly lit and out of focus photo lol
LB
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:D. I'll take some better photos when they are done! ;)
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I did a 40 man ashigaru unit in one go once and I hated it, ten is my max now.
What you've done there is great although I do think a better photo is called for ;)
cheers
James
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They look great! :D
Any spreadsheet of the paints used? :)
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I found the production line approach quite rewarding, though it only worked because of the identical clothing/equipment etc. I think I'll try all 82 Germans in one batch....
FWIW the minis were mostly a joy to paint, with plenty of detail helping/guiding the colouring in. I did have some frustration with some very, very fine mould lines on some of the minis, which didn't stand out to me until after the block coats had gone on. It's always frustrating to have to scrape paint away to get back at the metal. The 'final photos' will reveal if there are more that I missed ..... I hope not!
Regarding paints, I was heavily guided by the scheme (but with less ability, LOL) of Over Open Sights (Mark) - on his blog he has info to request some excellent PDFs complete with coloured in examples. I did make some changes to the paints used which for me were all Vallejo plus a GW shade. There are about 40 stages to my production line approach and I will be adding it to my project website in due course. :)
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Respect - I struggle to crack eight Germans in one go!
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I found the production line approach quite rewarding, though it only worked because of the identical clothing/equipment etc. I think I'll try all 82 Germans in one batch....
Mad.
:)
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Mad.
:)
Completely, utterly, Barking ;) lol
Smashing work Steve, they look great and so fast too. ;D
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There are about 40 stages to my production line approach and I will be adding it to my project website in due course. :)
What, you mean it's not just scrape, prime, paint, varnish then ???
Unless you added the '0' by mistake ;)
cheers
James
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40 stages? o_o
I should give up this hobby asap :? :-I :'(
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What, you mean it's not just scrape, prime, paint, varnish then ???
Unless you added the '0' by mistake ;)
cheers
James
lol
I should have said about 40 (yes, forty) stages to the painting process, though that also includes priming and varnishing. By way of example, from my notes:
8. Base coat of Sky Grey to bino lenses
18. Base coat of Flat Earth to rifle woodwork, ET handle, bayonet grip
30. Highlight of Yellow Green to felt water bottle cover
38. Highlight of Mahogoney Brown to chin strap, bayonet scabbard
Can you stand the excitement?! ;) :D
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lol
I should have said about 40 (yes, forty) stages to the painting process, though that also includes priming and varnishing. By way of example, from my notes:
8. Base coat of Sky Grey to bino lenses
18. Base coat of Flat Earth to rifle woodwork, ET handle, bayonet grip
30. Highlight of Yellow Green to felt water bottle cover
38. Highlight of Mahogoney Brown to chin strap, bayonet scabbard
Can you stand the excitement?! ;) :D
Here is the proof that you are indeed mental.
Please stop now, the excitement is far too much.
;D ;D
Weirdo.......
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:D
I finished with 51 steps in total though the last - Matt varnishing - was repeated and repeated as I seemed to keep missing glossy patches. Hopefully they're done now so maybe some proper pics tomorrow.
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A pair of teaser images with more to come later today
Vickers set up to cover the approach to the junction, a section in each of the buildings either side and a section in reserve:
Edit: images removed as now included in next post
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And so to the full set of 32 pics.
(Edit: posted from my phone with battery failure part way through so hopefully all in order!)
The British contingent comprises a half-strength platoon of 27, with a sergeant in command, two sections of 9 and a section of 8. Also available for some games is a Vickers team of 4.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_17_04_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_17_03_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_16_25_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_16_25_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_16_25_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_16_25_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_16_25_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_15_10_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_15_09_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_15_09_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_15_09_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_15_08_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_13_56_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_13_55_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_13_55_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_13_55_1.jpg)
And for the 'period' look:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_13_54_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_12_45_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_12_45_3.jpg)
Close ups of the new hasty barricades and HQ marker: the sign post points out the road to Bruxelles and Paris while the map is of the town (which is called....... Ville)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_12_45_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_12_44_1.jpg)
The platoon sergeant with his remaining men:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_12_38_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_10_09_4.jpg)
No.1 Section
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_10_08_3.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_10_08_2.jpg)
No.2 Section
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_10_08_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_10_08_0.jpg)
No. 3 Section
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_09_00_4.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_09_00_3.jpg)
The remnants of No.4 Section have been distributed among 1-3.
The Vickers team (the Corporal is an added conversion)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_09_00_2.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_09_00_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_04_08_15_3_09_00_0.jpg)
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A complete triumph Steve. :-*
Absolutely brilliant, from inception to completion.You have nailed it! ;D
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A complete triumph Steve. :-*
Absolutely brilliant, from inception to completion.You have nailed it! ;D
You're very kind Nick, thank you. :)
Not quite there yet though, still have 80 odd Germans to paint and rules to finalise. ;) :D
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Bloody lovely, mate.
They certainly look the business in Situ*
:-* :-*
*That would make a good name for a town in any genre.
;)
I have to say that I feel a little ripped off, though, as I can only identify 49 stages to the painting and not 51...... :'(
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Not quite there yet though, still have 80 odd Germans to paint and rules to finalise. ;) :D
I wasn't going to mention the fact you hadnt done the Germans ;) lol
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Wonderful Steve. Really.
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Another master-piece in the making (yes, still waiting to see the Germans side) miniatures-wise, the terrain side of things you have nailed already 8)
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Absolutely inspiring project and motivating thread. Hats off to you.
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Thanks all, you're comments are very much appreciated :)
I can't start on the Germans for a couple of weeks so will probably be distracted by one of my other projects until then. ;). I will be adding the painting scheme to the website (and Paul, I think it'll be more than 51 stages!) but will post when that's done in case there's interest. I don't particularly intend to paint more British infantry but for scenario specific games I'm hoping that Paul Hicks will sculpt British and German cavalry (both mounted and dismounted).
Btw, for anyone new to the thread, there's a lot more terrain than the four tiles shown (p.38 is a good place to see it all laid out). In fact there's actually an index in the first post with links to the various elements as they were completed. :)
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Superb in all regards :o :-* :-* I really love the sepia tone photos, very period. I wouldn't want to be one of the poor fellows sheltering behind the sheet tin. I imagine they are soon to be well ventilated.
LB
-
Wonderful Steve, their well shaded faces dmreminded me of Michi's brushwork. Wonderful :-* :-* :-*
The barricades are crackers too 8)
Cheers
Matt
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Awesome work :-*
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Thanks all, you're comments are very much appreciated :)
I can't start on the Germans for a couple of weeks so will probably be distracted by one of my other projects until then. ;). I will be adding the painting scheme to the website (and Paul, I think it'll be more than 51 stages!) but will post when that's done in case there's interest. I don't particularly intend to paint more British infantry but for scenario specific games I'm hoping that Paul Hicks will sculpt British and German cavalry (both mounted and dismounted).
Btw, for anyone new to the thread, there's a lot more terrain than the four tiles shown (p.38 is a good place to see it all laid out). In fact there's actually an index in the first post with links to the various elements as they were completed. :)
Lovely work and the scenery is amazing. I plan to do the cavalry very soon. I have just had a few backed up projects that needed to get done first for other companies. The British Cavalry will be first.
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The pics look superb!!!!! :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
It must be with a great deal of satisfaction to you to take the pics and get to see how the game will look after all this humongous amount of detailed work!
From the pics, it looks to be as great a game as any that I've seen for WWI! 8) 8) 8)
Darrell.
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Great work all round, well done.
All the best,
Helen
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Fantastic mate! :o Brilliant stuff! Your output puts the rest of us to shame!
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Thanks kindly, folks :D
Regarding the hasty barricades, in the game they'll count as soft cover so yes, readily ventilated!
That's great news on the cavalry 8)
Obviously it's pleasing to have completed so many elements of the game, though I tend to focus on what I have to do rather than what I have done. There's still quite a bit to do in painting the Germans, finalising the rules and testing the game. I'm actually quite looking forward to the mass of Germans as the level of detail with uniform colours lends itself very well to production line painting. At the mo, I'm probably more concerned about getting the rules right :o.
Anyways, thanks for all the comments, which are very much appreciated. :D
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Just a quick update to say that I've added the full painting scheme for the British (it came out at 58 stages) to my website. Please note that the scheme is intended for 'production line' painting of large batches of minis.
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_paints.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_paints.html)
I'd just like to add that in arriving at the colour schemes I combined my own guestimates with reference to a number of sources. I am especially grateful to Mark of the 'Over Open Sights' blog who kindly provided pdf guides to the paints he used for his exquisitely finished collection of Mutton Chop minis. Also, special thanks go to fellow LAFers, especially to 'Aircav' Keith and his BEF notes, for the various WW1 painting guides that are pinned at the top of this board.
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Just a quick update to say that I've added the full painting scheme for the British (it came out at 58 stages) to my website. Please note that the scheme is intended for 'production line' painting of large batches of minis.
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_paints.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_paints.html)
Thanks for going to the effort of doing this- good stuff! 8)
I am especially grateful to Mark of the 'Over Open Sights' blog who kindly provided pdf guides to the paints he used for his exquisitely finished collection of Mutton Chop minis.
Mark is superbly placed to supply us with his recipes for WWI. and very kind too. HJe helped me get the Serge Grey just right for my sudan collection.
Also, special thanks go to fellow LAFers, especially to 'Aircav' Keith and his BEF notes, for the various WW1 painting guides that are pinned at the top of this board.
Kudos to Aircav too for sharing his painting ideas 8)
Darrell.
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Just catching up on this, it's really something. The terrain is tremendous, the miniatures are amongst the nicest WWI sculpts and paint jobs I've seen too. I am very, very much looking forward to seeing this.
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Thanks very much Steve. :)
It'll be at BLAM on the Saturday (assuming it gets selected ;))
I'm just building myself up to start on the Germans :D
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Thanks very much Steve. :)
It'll be at BLAM on the Saturday (assuming it gets selected ;))
I'm just building myself up to start on the Germans :D
I can't see it not, its too good!
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It'll be at BLAM on the Saturday (assuming it gets selected ;))
With all that beautiful work I'll be amazed if you don't get selected!! :o :o :o
The 'selectors' have gone mad if they don't feature this game!
Darrell.
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What a superb collection of figures and terrain, if it doesn't get selected for BLAM I'm going to be disappointed.
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Oh it's definitely on the list for Saturday :)
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Thanks, that's good to know 8) (one doesn't like to presume :))
I've pencilled in to start painting the Germans on Monday 24th August. I have some days clear so will have a crack at all 80 odd in one batch. In the meantime I'll make some sandbag emplacements for the MGs, as given they are such valuable assets there ought to be the possibility of them having hard cover.
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The BEF look great - especially the faces.
I've somehow missed most of the progress of this thread - I remember seeing the beginnings of kit bashing the houses - and then somehow have missed seeing all the great progress since then, more fool me. At least I can now just scroll back through many pages to see all the great buildings, terrain and minis.
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Thanks Fred :)
If anyone else has recently stumbled here and doesn't fancy browsing the thread, post 1 has a very brief index of completed stuff. ;)
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Truly effective painting and modeling of the street scene. I love all the details you put into it.
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Thanks very much :)
No updates for a little while as I am steadfastly working through the painting of the Germans. Still at the 'splashing on of the base coat' stage with a few more bits to colour in before I can contemplate shading and highlighting.
Very interesting figures to paint, with - for me anyways - the close-up attention of painting only now really bringing all the little details.
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SI - this is all looking fabulous - can't wait to see it in the flesh...
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Thanks :D
Still painting the Germans..... I reckon each mini will have taken about 3 times longer than the equivalent British.... Due to the mix of equipment etc I have 26 base coat colours then there's all the piping and helmet numbers, etc, to consider. :o :)
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Oh dear... All those Germans... It was always going to be a mountain to climb... But you can make it Steve! o_o
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Oh dear... All those Germans... It was always going to be a mountain to climb... But you can make it Steve! o_o
I am determined! :D
I've got a few other bits to do as well plus the rules and a scenario test.... But the plan says there's time (just).
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I am determined! :D
I've got a few other bits to do as well plus the rules and a scenario test.... But the plan says there's time (just).
I have by faith in you finding it on time. ;)
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have faith....we all want to see this at BLAM !
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Thanks guys :D
I have by faith in you finding it on time. ;)
Some autocorrect shenanigans going on there, methinks!
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Thanks guys :D
Some autocorrect shenanigans going on there, methinks!
Damnable iPads >:( lol
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A wonderful project! :o
Those BEF chaps look really excellent. :-*
Well done, mate!
-
Many thanks :)
Still painting the 82 Germans .... Bulk of the mid-coats now done but that includes the uniform and piping, which are the two real eaters of time. (Though I still have the faces and rank insignia to work up)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/22/2031_10_09_15_5_10_26.jpg)
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Bloody hell :o
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Bloody hell :o
Yes indeed!
Yesterday I took a hobby day and, with breaks, painted for 15 hours, all spent doing mid-coat VMC Grey Green of the uniforms....... :o
(EDIT: It's not so clear in the photo but the piping I refer to isn't so much the white to the shoulders but vast quantities of red, to trousers, jacket and soft cap)
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Bloody hell :o
+1
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Great work :-* :-* :-* :-*
You have been busy.
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This is truly a monumental project. I would loose my mind painting that many in one go.
I am looking forward to try this game at BLAM.
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Bloody hell :o
Bloody Effing Hell :o
82 figures on the go at one time, you must be mad, wait a minute... ;) :)
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Great progress there SI! 8)
Don't lose the magic feeling, I will send you my Great War items so you can paint them as well in one go :D
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All that piping, does my head in doing four at time, you have my utmost admiration Sir.
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Why did they let you out of the straight jacket for 15 hours ???
;)
cheers
James
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Thanks for the comments folks :D
Having a painting break for a few days to straighten out my claw-like hands and befuddled vision and then I'll crack on with the highlights and faces.
I have a couple of other things to make - a small sandbagged emplacement for the British Vickers and a destroyed 'burning' marker for the Minerva.
With BLAM fast approaching, I am also tightening up the scenario and rules. BLAM games need to host a minimum of 4 players but I shall probably engineer it for 4-6. The rules will be specific to the summer of 1914 so won't work for WW1 in general. For example, I'm minded not to have explicit rules for Morale. It's a platoon versus platoon (plus bits) game (as a snapshot action of a bigger front) and I'd like players to participate with the mindset of a section (squad) leader, with orders to follow but mindful of losses. Assuming 6 players, the troop allocations might be as follows:
BRITISH
1: platoon commander & one section of riflemen
2: two sections of riflemen
3: support elements of Vickers team and Minerva
GERMAN
1: platoon commander & two sections of riflemen
2: two sections of riflemen
3: support elements of two Maxim teams
EDIT: the crashed British spotter plane might also feature at some point
The scenario will be a hastily defended holding action by the British with the German assault being able to bring in Maxims to support their assault. Specific order details and victory conditions will be kept quiet until the day.
Both sides are extremely well trained and strongly motivated, with own losses counting against their victory, thus no specific Morale test as it will be for leaders to decide when to regroup or retreat, etc.
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Now back from a short vacation in Belgium, we included a few days in and around Mons. Quite a few photos were taken and this one might be of interest. It shows the view along the railway bridge at Nimy, from where Lt. Dease VC and his men (including Pvt Godley VC) manned their Vickers MG:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_52_29.jpg)
My Belgium 1914 board doesn't presently include canal, railway or bridge, though I have planned out more tiles to add them at some later stage.
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That's a very interesting structure, It's not a shape you visualise in connection with the period(I know they exist and how the relate to the battles and infrastructure )I think it has the potential to be even more dramatic providing a stark contrast to your town buildings .this plus a river / canal between your fields and town is just going to throw the whole project to another level.
Mark.
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Thanks Mark :)
My original thoughts on later board expansion had been to have a fairly simple bridge but once I saw the girder geometry I was enticed. I did try to take a pic of both sides in alignment - I didn't quite manage it but it still gives a really good idea of the shapes:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_4_36_51.jpg)
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That would look great as an addition to your board 8)
Do it! Do it now! :D
cheers
James
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That would look great as an addition to your board 8)
Do it! Do it now! :D
cheers
James
Ha ha! If only I had the time and space to do it NOW!
The bridge will require probably 6 or 7 new tiles. Say 4 tiles for the railway to run the length of the board and 2 or 3 for the canal to cut across the board, one of which will need a working (obviously) swing bridge to take the road across the river.
Before seeing the bridge my expansion plans had been to just have the road bridge, meaning the railway could run widthways so less tiles. That plan will now be scrapped and at some pony I shall add the 'proper' railway bridge and track set up that'll take the board to 5x4.
:D
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Do both, road and rail ;D
cheers
James
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Do both, road and rail ;D
cheers
James
Absolutely! But thus some delay for time and space. :D
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Some more images from Mons, which tie into present or future aspects of this project.
Another view of the Vickers position (and in this I am guided by the Osprey 'Mons' artwork having it placed to the left hand side of the tracks):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_20_33_1.jpeg)
A close up of the bridge supports:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_23_54.jpeg)
In addition to the rail bridge, the Royal Fusileers also defended the Nimy road bridge, which was located to their right. This was a swing bridge that has been replaced with a concrete structure in the same place, though I would hazard a guess that some of the adjacent buildings are still the same.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_20_33_0.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_19_50_4.jpeg)
The bridge opened by swinging horizontally against the British bank. I have been able to locate only a single image of the swing bridge, in which it is closed:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_19_50_3.jpeg)
The rail and road bridges defended by the British Royal Fusileers were assaulted by the German 84th Infantry Regiment, with heroic actions on both sides. Lt Dease and Private Godley of the Royal Fusileers both won the VC for their manning of the Vickers MG to cover the British withdrawal, with Lt Dease subsequently dying of wounds received. Meanwhile, Private Oskar Niemeyer of the 84th Infantry Regiment swam the canal while under fire, successfully operating the mechanism to close the swing bridge, thereby enabling German troops to cross, before being killed.
The Germans subsequently created a joint war cemetery just outside of Mons, where both Lt Deades and Private Niemeyer are buried in close proximity:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_19_50_1.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_19_49_0.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_18_27_4.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_18_27_3.jpeg)
In Mons itself is the new Memorial Museum. Amongst the exhibits for WW1 are a series of uniform displays, though they were difficult to photograph due to the subdued light:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_18_26_2.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_18_26_1.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_19_09_15_1_18_26_0.jpeg)
And now back to painting!
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Great pics and commentary. Nothing like a field trip to really inspire.
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Thanks James. :) A field trip really is a luxury - the availability of reference sources obviously making the need for that sort of personal research redundant - but it certainly adds another personal ambience/experience to the project and to the resulting collection.
And now that I'm back .... I'm still painting Germans with BLAM only about 10 days away! :o :D
PS: If anyone knows how the swing bridge at Nimy would have operated, please reveal as I haven't been able to work it out. Thanks. :D
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The Germans are close to completion....
..... Hunched back, clawed hand and squinty eyes are holding out, as only a few highlights (hair, e-tool handle, bayonet grip, rifle woodwork), the metallics, eye balls, rank insignia and multiple varnishings are left to do:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_29_09_15_8_55_04.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_29_09_15_9_14_23.jpeg)
Btw, thinking on from the rail line and bridge discussed earlier, to accommodate the extra terrain the board will need to become 4 X 30cm tiles wide, which means to retain troop density I'll need more troops. So next year, when adding a small unit of cavalry scouts (mounted and dismounted) for either side, I expect I'll also add another reduced section of British infantry plus a few more German infantry with a third Maxim team (especially now that Mr Hicks is sculpting a set with gunner in Metz). I wonder if he'll also sculpt field gun crew (mounted and dismounted for Le Cateau themed games)?
Edit: sorted images
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What do you mean next year!? There is something like 10 days until BLAM. You can make it!
The germans look awesome. I can't believe you can paint that many in one go and still remain sane.
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CRACKING WORK STEVE!!! :-* :-*
Cheers
Matt
Be careful when Steve turns up at blam in his balaclava boys, with that kind of effort he must have strained a muscle (mental or physical)
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Wow! :o
Well done Steve. 82 figures in one go... Zooks! That would put me off painting for life!
Nearly there. One more heave! We believe in you Daddy!
I'm so looking forward to playing this :)
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lol
The final push is well underway ....... So many brass buttons! :o
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Looks great, go the distance!! lol
LB
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The final push is well underway .......
Physical muscle it is boys, get the tiger balm/deep heat ready lol
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:D
Nearly there!
164 eyes and two coats of gloss varnish later, they await final matting!
The proof ;)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_01_10_15_11_55_00.jpeg)
Would I paint such a large batch again? Maybe - I actually enjoyed it more than doing sets of 6, though possibly because they are uniformed so each colour moved relatively quickly. I won't be doing any more Germans this year but I'm actually looking forward to doing next years project additions in much the same way.
It's all still a bit tight for BLAM but I hope to test the rules at the weekend and if all goes to plan the Germans should be photographed tomorrow (Friday).
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You're still mental lol
cheers
James
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lol
Jo (my wife) was wondering how long I spent on painting these.
Excluding prepping and basing, and ignoring repetition to correct errors, the painting schedule has about 85 stages. It's somewhat simplistic but with 82 minis that's near on 7,000 distinct applications. So at a totally plucked from the air of one minute each application, that's about 120 hours of painting time. It didn't feel like it though. :)
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sheer madness...but they look great
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You're still mental lol
cheers
James
See above lol
cheers
James
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120 hours of painting would probably get me about a dozen figures! Very impressive indeed.
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See above lol
cheers
James
lol
Stark raving bonkers!
Well done Steve, cant wait to play and get my revenge on Captain Blood >:D
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:)
They done now, including varnishing.
Photos soon.
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Yay! That's been one heck of a forced march. Well done indeed Steve.
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:D but you haven't seen them yet ! ;)
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:D but you haven't seen them yet ! ;)
Steve mate, from what I can see they look great.I'm really looking forward to this.
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:D
Close up images of the Germans to follow but in the meantime some taster images of all of the minis and vehicles assembled for the game:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_03_10_15_1_38_11_0.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_03_10_15_1_38_11_1.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_03_10_15_1_38_11_2.jpeg)
The British and German infantry will definitely be in play whereas the British crashed biplane and Belgian armoured car might appear. ;)
EDIT:
As mentioned previously, this isn't the 'finally completed' force as next year I'd like to add another section to the British infantry platoon, beef up the German infantry sections that are short, give the Germans another Maxim team, incorporate some dismounted minis for the 4 Belgian armoured car crew, and add British and German cavalry (with alternate dismounted men and horses). So still plenty of life in this yet!!!!
-
All that hard work is being paid back with interest,looking great,
I've a few things coming out before Christmas,that might scupper your plans though ;).(its your own fault this project has inspired me to take a second look at early war bits and bob's)
Mark.
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:o :o :o
Absolutely amazing output to a great standard.
:-* :-*
Ya mad bugger!
;)
I can't believe you can paint that many in one go and still remain sane.
Sane???
Really?
Has he gotten you completely fooled??
;D
-
Naturally in this company sane is a very relative term.
But painting that manny in one go might lead to something completely bonkers like building a castle brick by brick or something.
-
lol lol lol
Now THAT would just be MENTAL!
:D
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Wunderbar :o
-
Thanks all :)
Hope to get the table set up later today for a test and better photos - am just crunching through the rules at the mo ;)
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Awesome stuff Steve. It really is going to be a feast for the senses. A BLAM highlight to be sure. ;D
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Thanks all :)
Hope to get the table set up later today for a test and better photos - am just crunching through the rules at the mo ;)
Don't you need the table to test out the rules...
just jesting the whole thing looks fabulous - I think this tops your SSS of two years ago and last years Winter game (mind you both these were great eye candy)
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Thanks Giles :D After two winters, it's now time for summer!
Images of the completed Germans follow. They're not the best Iphone photos as the natural light was poor and the lamp added some glare.
First up though, the sandbag emplacement to give the British Vickers MG team some hard cover. Its mostly from bits that came with a plastic kit, with greenstuff to fill spaces:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_11_51_1.jpeg)
The two German Maxim MG teams with their Officer (an MG Platoon actually had 3 guns and one more will follow next year):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_40_55.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_11_07_4.jpeg)
And some close-ups:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_11_06_3.jpeg)
The platoon has too many men to make an 'en masse' photo worthwhile but for completeness the component parts are as follows:
The Officer and Sergeant:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_10_04_2.jpeg)
And from the rear, with apologies for blurriness:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_10_03_1.jpeg)
The 1st section:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_11_06_2.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_11_06_1.jpeg)
Some close-ups:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_11_06_0.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_10_04_3.jpeg)
The 2nd Section:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_10_03_0.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_09_01_4.jpeg)
Another close-up, this time showing soft cap variants:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_09_01_3.jpeg)
The 3rd Section:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_09_01_2.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_09_01_1.jpeg)
The 4th Section:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_09_01_0.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_07_08_4.jpeg)
And some 'in terrain' shots:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_07_08_3.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_07_08_2.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_3_44_29_0.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_04_49_4.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_06_02_4.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_06_02_3.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_06_02_1.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_4_02_15_0.jpeg)
And given the shine from the lamp, some in B&W:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_04_48_0.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_3_44_29_1.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_03_30_3.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_2_03_30_1.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_05_10_15_4_02_15_1.jpeg)
The colour scheme was guided by Mark Hargreaves (Over Open Sights) but with Vallejo substitutes where necessary. I'll add my interpretation to my project website idc.
I did attempt a fire marker for the destroyed Minerva armoured car but it just looked wrong so if the vehicle gets taken out in-game I think it'll just be a matter of removing it from the table. I guess I better add another Minerva to next year's list, for converting to a wrecked alternate. ;) :)
This evening I'll be testing out the rules.............. hope they work :o
-
awesome pictures
..I somehow think sepia might be better than b&w photos for this period - thoughts??
-
awesome pictures
..I somehow think sepia might be better than b&w photos for this period - thoughts??
Hmmm... I do appear to have used a different colour conversion than for the British 'period' shots.... I shall have to take another look.
-
Ruddy brilliant :o :-*
-
Inspirational!
-
Cracking work mate 8) 8)
You're still a mad bugger though
;)
cheers
James
-
:o :o
Outstanding!
All that hard work has really paid off.
They look absolutely amazing, especially in situ in the fields.
:-* :-* :-*
Well done, mate.
A seriously amazing achievement that you should be extremely proud of.
:D
Still mad, though..... ;)
-
Thanks chaps - you're all very kind :D
One problem with the rules that I hadn't anticipated....
It's necessary to know who the NCOs are, which for the British is easy (big chevrons) but for the Germans not so much (in fact barely at all with thin silver braid and tiny brass disks).
I don't want to add identifying markers (such as rocks) to their bases and so need to think through how to resolve it.......
Edit: wife has most of a solution - all the minis have bricks on their bases so for officers/NCOs paint a single brick a 'special' reasonably prominent colour ..... Now to decide on the colour?!?!
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Wow Steve! Lovely! :-* :-* :-*
I cannot believe you have done all that in 6months! o_o
What about adding a small grass tuft? Weeds grow everywhere mate. Or a small bit of burned wood?
Cheers
Matt.
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Amazing stuff, great paintwork - and so many figures!
-
Grand.
-
Thanks folks :D
Regarding the officer/NCO bases, I tried a single tuft but it just didn't look right. A piece of wood was a great idea but I've now settled on a light grey brick, which seems to stand out just enough to be noticed. :)
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Ruddy brilliant :o :-*
Yep, I am completely in awe. This is going to be one of my BLAM highlights. ;D
The B&W photos are brilliant especially the Germans advancing out of the treeline. :-*
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Thanks Nick :D
The B&W photos are brilliant especially the Germans advancing out of the treeline. :-*
The tree line shot is my favourite photo of this batch ;) :D
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Totesamzeballs - what brilliant work, even more so when you think how quickly you've done it. Looking forward to seeing it on the day.
-
If you ever want to do it again I have 50 or so Germans awaiting paint! It's an impressive achievement Steve, very well done. I'll be there itching to game with these!
-
Thanks Mark and Steve. :D
And yes Steve, I do fancy repeating the big batch painting but not until I've made my next order from Empress! ;) :D
A note on the rules ..... They're still not play tested! :o
But they are coming along and I've set time aside tomorrow for a full run through.
They are in several parts: the general element which covers the usual general stuff (except for effect and morale) and then orders/events/victory sheets for each of the two forces.
Players will have time-limited objectives with a lot of emphasis on maintaining command and control to get the best out of movement and fighting.
Fingers crossed they will work - I shall find out tomorrow. :)
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Thanks folks :D
Regarding the officer/NCO bases, I tried a single tuft but it just didn't look right. A piece of wood was a great idea but I've now settled on a light grey brick, which seems to stand out just enough to be noticed. :)
Amazing stuff Steve. I can't wait to see this in the flesh! :-*
What about using flowers as opposed to grass. Maybe some red flowers to represent poppies or something?
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Totesamzeballs - what brilliant work, even more so when you think how quickly you've done it. Looking forward to seeing it on the day.
Indeed!
'Tis the 'box', mate.
The 'box'.... ;)
(As the yoof say in Kingston these days....).
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A note on the rules ..... They're still not play tested! :o
But they are coming along and I've set time aside tomorrow for a full run through.
They are in several parts: the general element which covers the usual general stuff (except for effect and morale) and then orders/events/victory sheets for each of the two forces.
Players will have time-limited objectives with a lot of emphasis on maintaining command and control to get the best out of movement and fighting.
Fingers crossed they will work - I shall find out tomorrow. :)
Looking forward to these...
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Thanks for all the suggestions on how to differentiate officers and NCOs.
While the grey brick worked on the painting table it was next to useless on the board! So, I returned to what to me is aesthetically less pleasing but actually makes the game playable without picking up every German mini to see who it is...... Yep, as also suggested by Matt, I went for a clump of weeds.
I used the dead grass GW Mordheim clumps, which needed a spot of superglue to fix them to the varnish.
It's now a lot easier to spot the NCO at the centre of this German attack column:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_07_10_15_2_47_28_0.jpeg)
The British ranks were always easier to pick out but for consistency I did them too.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_07_10_15_2_47_28_1.jpeg)
I'm pondering trimming the strands a little shorter .....
EDIT:
I trimmed them considerably shorter, which is much more pleasing to the eye (though makes them a little less visible. They do need a touch more Matte to cover stray flecks of superglue).
-
I always trim my
bush tufts, Steve. They're usually better a bit less hairy ;)
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I always trim my bush tufts, Steve. They're usually better a bit less hairy ;)
Always good to do a little landscaping ;) it's generally more pleasing on the eye lol lol
Looks 'the box' mate. :D
Cheers
Matt
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lol
All neat and tidy now.
Rules tested and done ... Yay.... Though will proof read them again tomorrow. The British just won the test game though there wasn't much in it.
Have a couple more photos to add later. :)
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I always trim my bush tufts, Steve. They're usually better a bit less hairy ;)
Manscaping is an underrated field of grooming.
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Looks 'the box' mate. :D
Glad to see that phrase has got more than one usage lol
cheers
James
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Enjoy. Everyone likes neatly trimmed foliage.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OhP71beH2-4
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Rules tested and done ... Yay.... Though will proof read them again tomorrow. The British just won the test game though there wasn't much in it.
Have a couple more photos to add later. :)
And here they are
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_08_10_15_8_05_43_2.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_08_10_15_8_05_43_1.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_08_10_15_8_05_43_0.jpeg)
And in black & white
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_08_10_15_8_06_18_2.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_08_10_15_8_06_19_1.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_08_10_15_8_06_19_0.jpeg)
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Awesome sauce!!
Those are ace photos of ace figures on ace terrain.
I might have to wipe some drool off the keyboard now...
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Great piccies, Steve.
:-* :-*
I suppose you found them while drooling at the piccies you took earlier of the lacy gear from the Vauxhall Pleasure Garden.
;D
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Wow Steve, the scale and detail is stunning. I'd be too impressed with the terrain to find a good spot to shoot from. Like putting a businessman in a field of mud and telling him to find a way out.
Enjoy blam! You deserve it.
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Thanks chaps :D
The inaugural game is tomorrow - fingers crossed it all works !
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So it happened...... Two games were played, one with 6 players that took about 2 hours of actual gaming and another with 5 that was a bit shorter. Unfortunately I was so involved in GMing that I didn't get to take any pictures but others did and hopefully they will be posted up.
When I get a mo I'll post up the rules for those that are interested plus the scenario and how the two games panned out. :)
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I have some pics Steve :D
Unfortunately the light wasn't in the right direction, so I have a nasty idea it's going to put an unholy shine on your beautifully painted figures, but we'll see...
The game itself, was fascinating, challenging, great to look at, and ingeniously thought out. Top notch.
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Here's a few very rough photos to start with.
The game was a tense affair and, as a British player, witnessing the relentless advance of the Germans was very unnerving. The terrain was highly impressive, an absolute pleasure to play on.
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Here is a few more.
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t75/Fredejensen/4E81048B-4183-4414-9537-4B0D11D2A9F2_zps95okr3ui.jpg) (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Fredejensen/media/4E81048B-4183-4414-9537-4B0D11D2A9F2_zps95okr3ui.jpg.html)
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t75/Fredejensen/8DE4DFC4-429F-4945-825D-313E8422ADC3_zpsk7znqt3s.jpg) (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Fredejensen/media/8DE4DFC4-429F-4945-825D-313E8422ADC3_zpsk7znqt3s.jpg.html)
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t75/Fredejensen/6C8D3F3C-4E0A-4F39-90E0-497668149F1E_zpsibsyo8up.jpg) (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Fredejensen/media/6C8D3F3C-4E0A-4F39-90E0-497668149F1E_zpsibsyo8up.jpg.html)
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No pictures, I am afraid, but what I saw was seriously impressive.
That grass looks stunning and the buildings are a wonder to behold.
:-* :-*
And all that effort with the Germans mass painting was well worth it when you see them form up in column and advance up the road, Napoleonic style!
:o :o
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Thanks chaps - comments and pics most appreciated :D
I really enjoyed putting the game on - I know the briefing was a bit lengthy but it's not really a game you can afford to learn in the first couple of turns as you go along, the early decisions being so important. ;)
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It really looks the business, well done.
-
As mentioned earlier, I was busy GMing so didn't get to take pictures myself but thankfully others have with more hopefully to come. Here's a bit of a round-up of what actually transpired in each of the two games.
The terrain was laid out as follows:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_11_10_15_1_59_14_1.gif)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/2031_11_10_15_1_59_14_0.gif)
The scenario and rules pack will be added later but, in summary, each side had point-scored objectives that for the British included holding the town then withdrawing to the west and the Germans advancing from the east and taking the town, with own casualties counting against.
FIRST GAME
The British were played by Jeff965, Elk101 and Green_Knight; the town had to be held until the end of turn 6.
The Germans were played by Grimm, GamerMac and AndyM; the town had to be taken by the end of turn 7.
The British positioned their MG at the main cross-roads with one section of infantry to its south and the other two to its north. Meanwhile the Germans advanced in fast column along the road with adjacent skirmish lines extending out on either side.
The late arrival of the two German MG teams meant that firing was limited by the forward presence of the infantry.
The British biplane crash landed close to the spread-out German forces with the pilot being captured.
As each side took and inflicted casualties the British MG was reduced in effectiveness, being finally overwhelmed by the assault of the German column. Almost immediately, the Belgian Armoured Car reversed up adjacent to the church but, before it could inflict extensive casualties, it was mobbed by the German column and destroyed.
In the meantime the British commenced and completed their withdrawal while, despite further casualties, the German flank advanced into the north of the town. The game was over by Turn 8.
This game scored out at 60 victory points for the British and 62 for the Germans, which being within 5 points was a draw.
SECOND GAME
The British were played by Dr.De'ath and Damas; the town had to be held until the end of turn 5.
The Germans were played by Captain Blood, Dr.The Viking and Sl44de; the town had to be taken by the end of turn 5.
The British positioned their MG at the main cross-roads with one section of infantry to its south and the other two to the north.
The Germans advanced in columns along the road and then out across the fields, breaking out into skirmish order much later in the game. The late arrival of the MGs wasn't therefore particularly problematic, as the close order of the infantry enabled clear lines of MG fire.
Early on, as the German column moved closer, the British MG experienced a critical malfunction and was unable to open fire immediately after which it was wiped out by outstandingly lucky/expert shooting from a German MG (Captain Blood rolled 4xD6, all at the target score of 6, odds of 1:1,296!!). However, the British rifle fire did inflict many casualties.
Seemingly emboldened by destruction of the MG, the German column moved over the cross roads where the Minerva, arriving adjacent to the charge, was then able to inflict some casualties. Emboldened, the Germans split to mob the Armoured Car and destroy it while simultaneously turning to attack the British infantry in one of the buildings, though they were unable to engage as planned as their path was unexpectedly blocked by the flames from a fire. With the Germans congregated between the buildings, the British rifles opened up and inflicted significant casualties.
Meanwhile, the pilot crash landed as far from the action and as close to the British lines as was possible. With the Germans concentrating on their assault at the cross roads and adjacent buildings, he made a successful return to British lines.
A pivotal point in the battle was now reached, with at the end of turn 5 the British holding 2/3 of the town and the Germans 1/3.
The British then consolidated and withdrew.
The game was over by Turn 6.
This game scored out at 64 victory points for the British and 39 for the Germans, which was a British win. Critical to the German loss was their failure to capture the pilot and being caught by the British rifle fire in the town (at close range without cover).
Players: hopefully my notes are a fair report but if I have erred in any major way please let me know and I will correct .... and thanks for playing :); similarly, I hope the LAF usernames are right!
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Excellent game Steve, very tense and if I hadn't rolled a 1 for the machine gun early on maybe that column wouldn't have been so successful lol.
The briefing was needed in order to make the most of the game I thought, and the chat we had between the briefing and the game between ourselves to formulate our plans was as enjoyable as the game itself.
Thanks for all the effort you put into organising the game, it was a cracker.
Jeff
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I think Jeff is right, the briefing was all part of the build up. Two hours passed and I barely realised, I was so engrossed. Well done Steve.
-
A few photos from the second game. Which went very much as Steve describes.
Unfortunately, the dice meant that the Germans only had 5 turns to capture the town - a somewhat challenging deadline which meant they had no alternative but to force march at full speed in column six-abreast straight up the cobbled road into the teeth of the British machine gun...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_49_16_0.JPG)
And to where the British rifle sections were formidably well prepared in their defensive positions amongst the ruins...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_54_26_4.JPG)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_49_16_1.JPG)
Happily, one of the heroic German machine gun crews racing forward to cover the main thrust up the road to the town...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_49_16_2.JPG)
Achieved some remarkable shooting that completely destroyed the British machine gun nest...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_49_17_3.JPG)
With the machine gun silenced, and despite their foremost ranks being cut down by a withering rifle fire kept up from the British positions, the vanguard of the German advance, led by their gallant NCO of Danish origin (who hardly complained at all about having to take this suicidal part in the frontal attack), fairly sprinted up to the sandbag barricade to storm the outskirts of the town...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_49_17_4.JPG)
With both German machine guns now in action, the supporting German units advanced across fields along either side of the road...
(Atmospheric shots here... )
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_54_25_0.JPG)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_54_26_1.JPG)
With the Germans poised to enter the town...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_54_26_2.JPG)
...a Minerva armoured car crewed by gallant little Belgians appears and unleashes a hail of machine gun bullets (mowing down another couple ranks of Germans). It then promptly gets swarmed by the invading Germans, destroyed utterly, and the whole thing descends into a ferocious firefight inside the town...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_54_26_3.JPG)
In which the Germans came off definitely the wurst worst...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_58_11_0.JPG)
The remaining German forces outside the town, now in skirmish lines, picked off most of the defenders around the perimeter, forcing the surviving British to withdraw further into the town and lurk in nooks and crannies taking potshots, making cuppas, and so on...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_58_12_3.JPG)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_58_12_2.JPG)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/23/577_11_10_15_9_58_11_1.JPG)
Alas, for the gallant Germans, time was up, the clock had run down, and in our mad rush for the town, we had ignored a crashing bi-plane and its fleeing pilot - had we popped him off, that might have swung a few all-important victory points our way. But it was not to be.
But, a jolly good game nonetheless, cunningly devised, stunningly staged, and bursting with evocative period flavour 8)
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Thanks Jeff, Steve* and Richard (cracking photos and report!), much appreciated and I'm glad you enjoyed it. :D
*That's Steve Elk101, rather than Steve Silent Invader, as the other way round would be silly as I'd be talking to myself......
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Cracking looking game - great photos of great figures and terrain.
Really gives the feel of 1914. Top stuff chaps.
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Thanks Fred. :D
Richard - had another look at the photos and you really do seem to have worked some magic to remove shine that would have been generated by the flash. Thanks very much :D
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Truthfully, I just used the few photos that were not too shiny. (I have about 50 more that make your lovely figures look like high gloss toy soldiers).
It's just unfortunate that in that room, you either have daylight flooding in through the doors and windows, blanching everything out in sunlight; or you have dingy yellow electric bulbs making everything look jaundiced. It's a great venue in so many ways, but for taking pics of all the lovely games, it sadly leaves quite a lot to be desired ::)
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looked fantastic Steve...there are a few photos now up on my blog
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That looks splendid. Well done.
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Well, Richard, I still think that you work magic with a camera ;)
Thanks Giles, great photos on your Blog of this and other games that are most deserving of a direct link..... http://www.shedwars.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/blam-2015.html?m=1 (http://www.shedwars.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/blam-2015.html?m=1) :D
Thanks Scrivs, much appreciated :)
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Thanks for the cracking game Steve! :-* I loved every little detail you put into that game mate! Brilliant stuff! I was gutted we didn't get to hear the sound effects(I think they might have been drowned out by the noise a wee bit anyway)
I'm afraid my pictures aren't worth putting on here. They don't do your work any justice. As Richard says the light in that corner was just not working for cameras!
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Thanks for the cracking game Steve! :-* I loved every little detail you put into that game mate! Brilliant stuff! I was gutted we didn't get to hear the sound effects(I think they might have been drowned out by the noise a wee bit anyway)
You had us worried the speed you marched your Germans down that road!
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You're welcome guys, glad you enjoyed it.
Yep, it was too noisy for the sound effects to be worthwhile, that, and me being late by having been caught up in the jam after an accident, meant that it was a bit of a rush to set everything up. Never mind: maybe some other time!
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Some great photos.
Lovely terrain and figures.
Looks like some great games were played.
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I really enjoyed playing the game Steve, thanks for your time and efforts; Here are my photos:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rNpzka3G3JWJ1DiFbmWJ9iY1F8LbvpzD7uyIl83vE00mDGTXIWYmopuBv_RUAbiF_IbbR6e5TfkDl_RBinv_JiLv8WOMC2Zea1N4Mec7AmsEKMCHODnvzGJ81mQo85VrlfIxwtIIdkXD8BVUZWB1OHRYZcpihnjn87rZBEdkL1WmG9HGjzCmnJl51B-TAZ3hC-94hnazUIZDdoEz7DxmdySaohth-3Dvjbjn7075Ocf33L38THDWIsCEpaA-TqeXcCHb1nz4H8emcdl7gVQEgVv5b_aPl0t4uNNGfEEc1aexZAl75axP-krk1Ygssbqm-XoTP4WrpN_ReueacGHhjw5MQaMxxne803Fil1gxJn4k7QtlUfPMeb2TOUfTRGFutFaitD20NcXBN72tsTxVDx85Cyjvb8V1LefJRW4O3huXV7FhLBcump1ab4Uy-E0lpGBSmBVuzYvbZevsMbEOmKux72ykW-7NdhLl6QWqqY54zSHJJx0SGaOvdn1t5V_NTG5BfetBVi8aiL__lLfK9SP4AskgAQDLHYQmaksEMNI=w1024-h683-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WZ9dPTKY6awm6EY1Uep7kXRwHEQcz2BP31PwvSCkh6rNRG8vrGGbXdpp01zNNPYC-X5GchYfwXROTZ-qqnzFaa967b1ujHsm0B0Sg60yTJ4n9ZnAmPmu28QhEuXyDU274_UW1hyd2hqjRxbOj9XGtLgYP3_BMYd0wsgr72olDOKStAeQpEGxvXmcikwb0eiuh9GuxIN2UrXbe4R8OZdmNcFwHoXRXryi0aNrBdBN46RAyZ9jwmrAk2AG2VTVEoi8OOwK_HLFSTgcN_G4KrX85aK599GdkUWZDl2-DWbuG1lChUHJEJOW5ztgSjkN6HhomMKD1x9fTbOmE9L7fbnTMoVMGCdt69HCSHL_7_zu5BoTYBxC_JHOa82E_5GUz8yl2xbrDXXQFZe07GsLXf5KTK-wnOuUZqzu_Dc7FkHOPEWn2FJPooKKq2_VlkHt-KW6czMV45VdU8o5BlDbtNL7GyKsKdVzhOzNln8yUF2nTrUrJoLhP-zYnLl-fHievdKMNY7qFn-HzsiXaRvIjshclJvXZQur0z6ril7ITBEXsok=w1024-h683-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YOIY9f0Jxb25-voC6sn0VYZiOgNRE9FSu6RZPxeQtcrb2Nn0-y_G1Je53XwInsqxquu_MbDwPLLq0ge_-3KKvLFK6ugqxmLeiWyyRqjHu26Szg2RTosk311WnphpdRLZlw6xFr7NFO2lc1IyeIuTffecW0lMMdZp_6DfLn_cCy7Ter7WqgtS9Gofv5I6vVi7GV0bF8W12veqzD51DVCtYmXpvmpvXXr4SMKqWvmQpc_yulqxpuUQ9dU8ItxjDC7qg3spKkOnUHUI11ZZtN9RPf0Bdqo6AJwQRNQ6MGP0SOWwxo5PV_zs2W3JESVvMD6FPENbXqA-reCUOAwXbpENKJtDU3j3vWeCDL5Ns7CmY30YJWfdbI6ujVDjJfY4oA72rAOF-am_Hq2lVFrUP3Dy5ZIE_TVcdIZXh7XoRLdKC5sInQP9w4ZmsoXgiqFMFJR9lramw0K2uRypYbHmqtfPbUHrnNJMwLOS-MzelvfU-6lBqAHxJY7tOxReVcktfU9Tbsi2CHV4x1wHLeZLTWbtIU6MV1tblogZopEp9kAwwIY=w1024-h683-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/iuhaRaVeMuJqu4Gay_UTHkwZm9IHKEKzPtsYUyRQvT5CRzgxiyFP9UCpxZQLuLpNeMevglKjKNT0kJ6gwg4EI9gm1cezwtibf9JCv6eQerypbNfRak78nFreFtIhfJrzJunG7cA39piuKPPq22yAHLG6m5qnddFzYhhMKoJNm40BiDwULX6PbUrHZeGTuApmD2cJV_bzLTT04_urkUBSQLpRf_K2eor_11Yb5seOMre2HB--vSj1XGI14GAzdIifSJUkIR72yF_-PmOjT01pfHW9Rd_7oATQrJAYh862wXLy_vKCP9V_feqJfKm3GxofNgvGK9Nah9ZscUztCG6U8i8N170hfuzkvc1RwKxHLYBM8Zf04RG9o8fJjVq4p4yHdBoYvjnEJr_u8UR6O5dfUdz-I0Fmc-SIPmZt5Po4SuS46Da8rFgXbp-CCQynBOcgubWkISiXew8hdFK2wHSAhgW4Uhj29qDamxLNxgpNT58ox3krLIQvwLuNmkaM2tBRB5tNFTRnfKgych9AtelNo3S5x0v1lhxj5bsX0DuMTlQ=w1024-h683-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UoAlAyIHghALxJ6z6YiPkm9NohJBswiDfSzsXHFFY5Dguj_ElOc98BYtThHQ-pAHvRDLT1qE4jXiJ2ogL0kQZIFkIvIRIGpIkSh7lQ3rl6ioah2_crsgPjiBgZwGd6CIgNOkLQVzFCRIPGfbT6JnuKpXhKUCWkMvYwLtqEcySaB677GU3SyZEb8zG082GV4V_derLArzKMxz4pRJVNChJe04ROa4jfPJTdtgYyDngNlZsU48vbW7uP5J4d6t-gnhVOFo3J5xCz1yuFahrfvvfYF9CPm2QoBuoNfexR7z9jyXCflNkfSyBEhKkW7dOz6xdjFjR9RoFJrcbcTGYsWOK_8Y7vTZZMmS1SHVUgnB9SUMjK-FD3lfPhwhOgpjmm8VRoQf7F-rGOBUTJSP6gdKtEVlojhQxpcgvYTK8D0T7pOBDikcR0d2_ASB5erhfXI6UcZ4FmhugQjXurYNpeYmtSCKrBJ98f1xKI_ONwOYd2X7IIwS76Lkj2K6iJsuH7KpvMUlEYgLGWbmiji1Xt7_25_X3c1cKZSQrIFaPM8-hRk=w683-h1024-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cP_iQsa_kuiDaKGFycWMH_nndE34V3DBdXav9XeiHfhymPIPjU5laMbF-jRCWvZZr_UKDVwXGRh-oCSaFsn1ZCe_JkkRWZ9d7XPAXIxH9iAgr22_hki7ePn9l25j3HEEXv5czopqysY5qzAs6HHgxZqFVBFhyZXt1cqDtQD1VuQwG3j-fAP59qO_UtTeNvZzCM3L59NM2Zvk5BrEuylstTxLj5ZSGZb5Euu87N89RtqSC05ZkON29MW7zhpcPgBg3VKKytF1ltV6fh3AyflSJuRaI1hwKdCEKNQneMkpCgkAiJDYcCJuM4Lf9HEPEdTAXPXz4xBDNa9oFLSXE245CE6Nl8ctV_p40zhMUWVuibMvl8QR2Zq0FgD7l6OGGjidPFUGeCkRQBY_cJB9okfJck-a87wsld55ISiPiO5VhxMUuxtLAKJBs7msJqYkWD8PVxkouFtIYlErZrKmyI-QO2DGuQK3aDdILdVx_UJNIKI--0BFRAoZ8s0ISrXM6l7-iPDqsbVArIoY9oPDza_oNyLv3kg1M0JdUfAgwzdT8_U=w1024-h683-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8NV87_ff3ZRmkcrsZ_14CQXHxIl6wQIhrb0pK8OT35Ck3y7bCMtLm4Tm-5mKYGdqafewkcEDGzjQ7gYk71sPFQ8ibjGIkxRYLpmBPqu1NrvdkU1WDteODHHvxS6PxjeiJEgfwbVA9-LVF3ZR9Nb6H5otpD5GeWJfFH54mXh3MTZPKwUEEmsYfkRIGbRHjB0XgJ3RiDDpBN-r81GsRV1MWyPwRZKYcYJ8-44Npt3TUdNBXYwi1tQrK-Ujruw_FOFihN0poSUcevUOIwqkHIvFyOk7GIlDuaYfKW644-5nHxk6KPJ4e4YgrN_to227bbWWdI5aoHsXTg21Bq1wmEmkK47SizSi5JcHwOUuB6XRiUfVYVjOXk5XwkF7St82hlyznSxZhBHqxt6k0lKMsyJqWrukiwMSpOanct2Azg1iJ_yuTit6mnTFPCG_eXdjD2nYqFPrEL0iJDWnYQPWXSzSYzj9rk2FBuqDpnYCUyXGtB4co-1Aba_hKgWTnaGyzXyXR-h5rpBaD3oXdvyjCsHJGxl5oGrZszzmITAVINoFnrY=w683-h1024-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zCTTRFY9AGgfS7hf4sf2iIY3_6oZrl8iM8ZBZFOoh-qEcZ3fQS_zzMP4umZnPuGciCCDyhfIv5GM14KTki1zq8-aID90rS6xsZTJIgrl0iWbNq1ZqO6Oebb_xptt8fRwZTddFiKuWGT_n6P7fkCOB9gm4MfxjaSgsF7bhpuLY3wYoFBqPvk_9TlGR6bTpTBYA2iySjNAXLYtXxWU1UaJWGDHvecd5G1-GT_4kzgqKy-H9_UMOEA3EBMECMrS29bOBowZ2lpIEyhOeL79kI0rI-4pAcBJhhZOuewYj1__BRN9RrgNj5MF0Uj6RH4YOchY7AO8L5C4EGPMQa8kQQ1m7PC03fBqQiFuGbyMEX5K_usnpvTNAo79YUOv4P5vO65LP5J6t27ucSK5lNjcLr-LnY9HrXWzz2TcMB8eWstPnS7xXfzRyEi_VVdSVFpAVTMuSY02aBtZTjJt85zijdpm-EWs65tQlL9pG9rfO9DnD1MR6FEtnddRFKEaOwKi-4gzmFdCwESS47e70k_dFsyGBA-Uprs5NcHJx9Ft1S2emQ4=w683-h1024-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6qhCdTs004P7tKgkNW908r9qdnbiyh4xUqQMDegKUkMFTKt_7GXgIDNtSlMMPmMR1C9al7piu_GtuqPZnq_w9QwdUWS05XPIAaty6UDj4Gf4z_AoHxMxXmdOQtIhroItoJx9FVqFT6AsisDpAbVqTk3m5_BSORHKyJhTVbk6eILQLpG6H2dYByjfOJEu-I426SAeSzVpFfpt3U4fCieaEj2bEAbmD_8BJxCqtCYtev1tCiReH8sAGavrCxOI-B-PmvDE7kRBnh4MgiobsfIEkzHxMa11RDf7oyf5jnLYIKU_L3wCP0oDhiXlWEuDHcxO2tKNDOonP_GavslQSXxWdIXlcxX2aNbtm9b9vy__4d-VcqwbkuLgRyFYmAHdcuqO6-y0AOR688SS36STn_Grty3C5C8AN_z-wpqkLsaTpBD7Ot10tH8-xY63BR2FwRkuD11eleWOfxn-IwRXzNj6yTKpmH0rkXDEkxcYceC0g_EJWPiGMJx1N7rNXGJ9e00Wn9yFOuV4OefCNOLJzccUigZd7SNOjH_6nZ6g6yZ123E=w1024-h683-no)
There are a few more in my album here: https://goo.gl/photos/61Tx9SjS6egXkeni9 (https://goo.gl/photos/61Tx9SjS6egXkeni9)
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Thanks Marine :)
And Mark : really great photos, thanks for taking and adding them. :D
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Just spent the last hour looking through this thread. Truly inspirational work. Hope the game went well.
Phil
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Brilliant. Some cracking photos all round especially Marks up close action shots.
I missed out on playing, but was fortunate to have my own guided tour of the battlefield during a lull in the fighting. ;D
It's an absolute triumph from the poppies by the road side to the flickering flames fron the burning basements of the buildings. Absolutely wonderful, some of the best terrain I have ever seen. :-*
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Thanks Tinned Fruit :D. Whenever I GM a game I hate to speak for others' enjoyment of it, though the feedback has been very kind. From a GM perspective, it played out as I'd hoped. Both games really could have gone either way, the players' tactics influenced the results, the casualties were in the order expected, and the games took about 2 hours to play (plus the briefing). :)
EDIT: one thing I should add, the game isn't a 'laugh-a-minute' jape but was designed with the intention that it be 'edge-of-the-seat' stressful, which admittedly isn't everyone's idea of fun! :D
Nick, and thanks to you to. You're comments are very kind. :D Maybe we'll get to play on some other occasion ;)
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Found no time to play this very interesting game. Great Table.
@Dr. De'Ath: Marc, great pictures. Talent in painting and photographic. So next time the Lead-Painters-League is yours... ;)
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Thanks Dirk. You'd have been most welcome ;) :)
In more general news, I have yet to do the few small changes to the rules as that requires me to sit at a PC rather than be on my phone. I will post them, and the scenario/orders idc.
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Well done ! :-*
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Thank you :)
There's more to come idc ;)
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I really enjoyed putting the game on - I know the briefing was a bit lengthy but it's not really a game you can afford to learn in the first couple of turns as you go along, the early decisions being so important. ;)
Thank you for the reports and photos. Lovely terrain and figures. Were the German attackers supported by artillery?
Robert
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Thanks :)
The focus of the game was the platoon vs zug 'snapshot' of a bigger battle. Artillery action wasn't part of the game but was incorporated into the scenario as if it had occurred pre-game, thus the destruction to the town, the shell holes that provided cover for the Germsn advance, and that the British had been reduced by about 50%.
When I first sketched out and tested the game I did give the Germans an artillery barrage but quickly decided that it detracted from what I wanted the game to be about, which wasn't a focus on 'big assets' but rather getting into the mind of the infantry, tasked with difficult objectives while minimising losses. Hope that makes sense. :)
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Yes, it makes sense. Thank you for the extra details. I know that you are refining the rules so please accept the following as some (hopefully) constructive feedback. In reality, the effects of musketry and machine gun fire would have decimated the close order German forces shortly after coming on table. Musketry was the capacity to lay a beaten zone of rifle fire on an area, with combined rifle fire. If the British had had a little time to set up their positions in the time then there would have been little white sticks set up along the road at various pre-defined intervals. This sticks would have served as ranging posts to make the process of fire control easier. Thus all the defenders would have had their rifle sights pre-set for the distance from the houses to the furthest ranging stick, say at the edge of the table (though in practice the defenders would have had line of sight out to several tables distance through the use of range finders - see the top example here (http://dreadnoughtproject.org/tech/essays/Rangefinders/challenge/images/Rangefinders.jpg)). When the Germans came into range then the NCOs would call out the range, the rate of fire, and then set the men to work. The fire would not be aimed at individual soldiers but at a large area known as a beaten zone. The volume of fire at such short distances would have been utterly lethal to men trying to move en masse in the open. MGs would have only made this worse.
The Germans knew about this effect of musketry and drilled their men accordingly. In the scenario that you illustrated, the men on the road would have dispersed immediately. In practice, scouts would have preceded the group so that the presence of the British in the town would have been picked up far earlier and the German infantry would have already been dispersed. As soon as the men came under fire, they would have formed a firing line - falling to the ground in a rough line and then opening fire on where the fire appeared to be coming from. The Germans also had infantry ranger finders to help confirm the distance to the buildings in this case. Once the firing line was established then small groups of men would rush forward a short distance, fall to the ground, and start forming a new firing line. Gradually the groups of men would get smaller and smaller, and the rushes would get shorter and shorter. It was a long drawn out process but any attempt to short cut was lethal.
It might be worth reviewing the effectiveness of rifle fire against massed infantry in the open. I hope these comments are helpful. Please do not let them detract from the superb table and figures. Excellent job!
Robert
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Here is an example of an assault on a small town in early 1914. It comes from the 88th Regiment's history. The attack was directed at Longlier, which is in the Ardennes region. The town was defended by an advance guard of cyclists from a French cavalry division. They fell back from the town as soon as the attack started, which enabled the success that is described below. These extra details from the French perspective come from the respective unit diary of the cyclists. This translation is my own, so any mistakes are directly attributable to me:
"The attack by [the German] 5th and 8th Companies developed as if on the parade ground. Then their advance was partially held up by wire fences around the paddocks. The obstacles were overcome with a variety of implements, including wire cutters, spades, bayonets, and pickaxes. The leading riflemen could hear the incessant soft chirping sound of enemy bullets but they couldn’t see their opponents. Captain Zickendraht, the commander of 8th Company / 88th IR, was seriously wounded by small arms fire. His company pushed ahead undeterred, with the 5th Company / 88th IR continuing to be further forward. Suddenly the air was filled with a shrill then eerily hollow whistling noise followed by a loud, metallic cracking sound. The battalion was under hostile artillery fire but this only accelerated the attack. When Major Schmidt detected an enemy position south of Longlier, he pushed the 6th Company to the left of the 8th. Near the entrance to Longlier, a German cavalry patrol consisting of Jäger zu Pferde and hussars was rescued. They had been bravely defending a farmstead against an enemy cyclist detachment, after their horses had been shot down. Our artillery had set Longlier on fire. The right flank platoon of 5th Company / 88th IR pushed forward as ordered to a wood that was lying half-right on a hill. There it made contact with [left flank] Company von Hirschfeld [6th Company] from the Brigade Regiment [87th IR]. This meant that 5th Company was able to move left again, taking the two men wounded by artillery fire, and head towards Longlier, joining in the battle. The enemy appeared to have machine guns because the automatic rapid rate of fire, which the German machine guns could not achieve, was clearly heard from certain directions above the din of the battle. Having deployed, the companies now commenced the firefight. The air was rent with the loud German musketry. As the enemy's fire diminished, Oberleutnant Eger strained to get his 6th Company’s skirmish line forward. The men at the front refused to get up. The "Fix bayonets!" signal rang out. Then the village was stormed! The leutnants rushed ahead of their platoons with swords drawn. The assault parties cheered as they entered the village. Savage house-to-house fighting broke out wherever the enemy resisted stubbornly. Individual fanatical civilians joined in, to whom no quarter was given. The cyclist battalion, which had defended Longlier, fell back. They pressed between the burning buildings in Longlier, rushing through our men. Enfilade fire then struck our left flank. From the edge of the village, one-year volunteer Unteroffizier Otterbein spotted the dark line of firing enemy skirmishers on a small hill beyond an intervening hollow. He raced over to Oberleutnant Eger in order to gather together part of his 6th Company. The range finder enabled the new enemy to be brought under fire at 700 meters. The opposing French forces received reinforcements, however, beginning with an enemy machine gun coming into action on the flank. The thin German firing line came under heavy enemy fire. Oberleutnant Eger received an arm wound but he continued to lie next to his men throughout the tough struggle. The brave Reserve Unteroffizier Guth was shot in the head and fell dead with a hoarse cry. Immediately afterwards, the skilful and courageous one-year volunteer Unteroffizier Otterbein was shot through the eye. He lay unconscious in the firing line. The one-year volunteer Unteroffizier Bernsmüller received multiple wounds but stayed with his section. The enemy seemed to be setting up a sweeping counterattack. The valiant 6th Company attempted to thwart their intent with brisk rifle fire. A moment later the company was reinforced with some infantry sections. The battalion had rushed 7th Company into the front line."
Note that the distances at which initial contact were made were further out than the game. The German officers did not attempt to advance further until they had achieved perceived fire superiority [...as the enemy's fire diminished...]. Note the use of the range finder to engage the flanking French infantry force once the village was occupied.
Despite the graphic description of the hand-to-hand fighting in Longlier, the French cyclists withdrew with only a handful of casualties.
Robert
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Thanks Robert, your thoughts and information are very much appreciated. :)
I agree 100% that I need to address the effectiveness of musketry against troops in column.
In the second game, the British MG was taken out very early on and it was apparent that while the British rifles inflicted sufficient casualties for the Germans to lose the game, they didn't inflict sufficient for the Germans to disperse the column. My mistake, as your historical assessment confirms, was not to differentiate the casualty rate for rifles against column versus rifles against line. I think that if the casualty toll had been greater, the column would have dispersed quite quickly rather than not at all (or the player would have incurred a massive and early loss).
One thing I can't do is lengthen the table so the matter of range will always be a 'wargamey compromise' thing, partly for space and partly to get the players into the game as quickly as possible.
Thanks again, your knowledge of the subject matter is top notch!
Steve
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Steve, I totally understand about the length of the table. This is true of any WW1 game at 28mm and is a compromise we all share. With respect to dispersion of a column, this would happen almost immediately fire was taken. The drills were designed to ensure that such a juicy target would evaporate as quickly as possible, knowing that to wait for casualties would mean losing most of the column. You might want to consider weaving that concept into the review process as well. Personally, I am not a great believer in adding certain behaviours as part of the rules themselves. It should be sufficient that the effect of rifle fire is such that the gamer realises, as his historic counterpart did, that dispersion of column is the better part of valour.
Robert
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Thanks again Robert.
I'd rather the game punished the player for not dispersing than the rules doing the job of forcing dispersal. I'm trying to make players feel both responsible for their men and for attainment of their objectives, stressed players make me a happy GM!!! lol
I'll publish the rules and scenarios when I've fiddled with the changes, as I think I should give the MGs a couple more casualty dice but also allow the Germans another turn or more to reach the town (it was very tight in the second game, which also encouraged staying in column).
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Steve could you have a consecutive hit roll when 3 or more figures are in base contact? Something like that .. or removing the 'to hit' roll for large targets?
Cheers
Matt
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Thanks Matt. :)
One thing that might not be realised is that there are no saving rolls, so a hit is a straight casualty who is taken out of the game.
The turn can be move, fire, move then fire, or fire then move, with a movement deduction for those that have or will fire. A straight fire (ie, no movement in the same turn) already gives a +1 for rifles. I expect that what I'll do is incorporate another +1 for rifles and MGs when the target is in column.
It's worth bearing in mind that in the game, column is a specific state that provides big movement advantages. Robert's earlier point about the column dispersing much further out, due to the preparedness of the defenders, is a very good one. However, the scenario is that the artillery bombardment has just ended and the defence is hasty, which if the initiative draw is right for the Germans means that the scenario accepts they might have a first turn advantage to cover some ground quickly. As players have to specify their first move before knowing the intiative draw and are blind of the enemy's opening dispositions (it's done on maps) there's a certain amount of risk but it'll still be possible for an initial fast advance down the road to be rewarded BUT it's more likely to be punished, and now punished even harder.
Edited for typo
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Ah I see, that should work too.
In the blame games did the Germans stay in column for 1 turn or 2? You would expect 1 turn right? But not 2?
Cheers
Matt
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Ah I see, that should work too.
In the blame games did the Germans stay in column for 1 turn or 2? You would expect 1 turn right? But not 2?
Cheers
Matt
I wouldn't call it a blame game ;) :)
In the games played and anticipated, it's up to the Germans if they stay in column or disperse. In the second game they had a really tight deadline to meet and pushed hard, but took so many casualties that they won ground but lost the game. As mentioned earlier, by making a column a significantly more dangerous place to be, offset by more time to objective in which to make use of the slower-moving skirmish line, I think the later (and implicitly forced by circumstances) more dangerous use of the column will cause players to adapt. I don't want this to be a forgone conclusion though: for example I might set a scenario in which the bulk of defenders come on a turn or two later, so a German commander might risk a quick advance in the absence of shooting etc. The decision has to be by the players not decided by the rules.
Edit: I've gone way beyond your point Matt, the above is a bit of a brain dump :D
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It is important that the game is fun to play. Ultimately that is all that counts. And it is quite possible to construct a scenario in which a German commander might choose to rush forward a column of men after a preparatory barrage. What follows, therefore, is merely a description of what I have learned so far about German infantry tactics in general, FWIIW.
The column of march was used to approach a battlefield. In this respect, it was the formation that offered the greatest movement advantages. Wherever possible, roads were used to ensure that the infantry could move unhindered and, just as important, the support formations could keep pace easily. A column of march would always be preceded by at least one layer of reconnaissance. Divisional cavalry would form the furthest forward recon elements, followed by infantry scouts. Rommel described his experience of scouting in his book on infantry tactics. The goal was to detect the enemy as early as possible,
The 'battlefield' was defined tactically by the furthest reach of the artillery. Infantry doctrine recommended breaking from column of march once this zone was reached. The next zone was that covered by rifle and MG fire. Skirmish formations were then expected to start the process of forming firing lines that supported movement in smaller and smaller units towards the enemy. The final zone was that which could be covered by a rush to contact and close combat. The goal of this phase was to form a final firing line at the edge of this zone, achieve fire suppression, and then rush across to contact once the enemy was seen to be scattering or had, at the very least, ceased effective fire on the attackers. The rush to contact was not made in close formation. I believe that this scenario under consideration would fit with the final tactical hurdle of suppressing a defender at close combat and then rushing into contact.
Robert
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Thanks again Robert: your sharing of your insights and knowledge is very helpful and very much appreciated. :)
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I've now typed out the German Infantry paint scheme that I used (which was much influenced/driven by the great advice and work of Mark of the Over Open Sights blog).
The scheme is too long to add here and so it's on my project website:
http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_paints.html (http://www.silentinvader.uk/index_w_taf_index_paints.html)
If anyone is wondering why I use up hobby time to type this stuff out, it's because my handwriting can be so atrocious (often a sort of garbled short hand) that when I later, sometimes much later, want to repeat a scheme the notes can be illegible even to me........ :o
The website has a lot of content waiting to be added - such as images of the painted German minis! - but I hope to have caught up soon.