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Miniatures Adventure => VSF Adventures => Topic started by: Bullshott on December 20, 2008, 05:55:42 PM

Title: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Bullshott on December 20, 2008, 05:55:42 PM
WIP shot of my French light Aeronef gunboat 'Piaf' (sparrow).

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3123163632_b9e54040f7.jpg?v=0)

The nef needs some more deck fittings and a propellor, but is otherwise complete.

The is a basic resin aeronef hull that needed no modification other than adding the deck planking. I'm not sure, but think it was a was from a short run done by Snapdragon as a private commission (this one found its way into the hands of Dr De'Ath).

The rudders are wingtips from a 1/48 WW1 aircraft by SMER (Sopwith Camel, bought at local modelshop for under £5). This model has supplied me two wings (= rudders for 2 nefs, a tail section (which will be built onto another nef) and some nice small bombs. Unfortunately my shop didn't have a Fokker triplane, otherwise I would have had three sets of nef rudders!
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Ray Rivers on December 20, 2008, 06:05:40 PM
 :-*

Looking good.

Those Frenchies sure are active lately...  ;)
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Svennn on December 20, 2008, 06:29:31 PM
Ooooooghh! Thats nice. Get it painted then man.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: argsilverson on December 20, 2008, 10:33:29 PM
very nice, too!
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Chairface on December 20, 2008, 10:54:40 PM
I really like you've done with it. Looking forward to the painted version.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Malamute on December 21, 2008, 09:22:48 AM
Dave, That is superb. ;D :-*
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: dodge on December 21, 2008, 09:25:35 AM
A lovely model there Dave,

well done

dodge

Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Trencher on December 21, 2008, 11:57:31 AM
That's a nice scratchbuild! I love it! :-* :-* :-*

Got some more shots from other angles?
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Dewbakuk on December 21, 2008, 05:37:47 PM
I like it. What's the shield/bulkhead made from?
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Geudens on December 21, 2008, 08:41:31 PM
tops!

Rudi
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Bullshott on December 21, 2008, 11:21:17 PM
I like it. What's the shield/bulkhead made from?
A model railway set Dr De'Ath pointed me to at our local model shop.  Basically, its a set comprising a few sprues of riveted panels and long riveted straight sections - can't remember the manfacturer a I threw away the pachaging as soon as I added the parts to my bits box.

Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Dewbakuk on December 22, 2008, 08:03:36 AM
Hmm, sounds like a useful thing to look out for. It's not a water tank or something is it?
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Malamute on December 22, 2008, 01:16:08 PM
I like it. What's the shield/bulkhead made from?
A model railway set Dr De'Ath pointed me to at our local model shop.  Basically, its a set comprising a few sprues of riveted panels and long riveted straight sections - can't remember the manfacturer a I threw away the pachaging as soon as I added the parts to my bits box.



I have the same pack still in its wrapper. I will see if I can remember to check who its made by. Its very useful stuff.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Malamute on January 05, 2009, 08:57:37 AM
I like it. What's the shield/bulkhead made from?
A model railway set Dr De'Ath pointed me to at our local model shop.  Basically, its a set comprising a few sprues of riveted panels and long riveted straight sections - can't remember the manfacturer a I threw away the pachaging as soon as I added the parts to my bits box.



I have the same pack still in its wrapper. I will see if I can remember to check who its made by. Its very useful stuff.

Found the packaging - its Wills scenics.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Dewbakuk on January 05, 2009, 10:49:27 AM
"Wills" provide a lot of useful stuff. Do you have the pack name too though?
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Malamute on January 05, 2009, 11:27:05 AM
"Wills" provide a lot of useful stuff. Do you have the pack name too though?

I will look at it tonight and give you the full details tomorrow.
I like Bullshott's new Avatar... ;)
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Bullshott on January 05, 2009, 01:07:51 PM
I like Bullshott's new Avatar... ;)

Photo taken when we donned DJs for a New Year dinner party.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Malamute on January 05, 2009, 01:16:20 PM
I like Bullshott's new Avatar... ;)

Photo taken when we donned DJs for a New Year dinner party.


I think we should return to the code of dressing for dinner. :)
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Thunderchicken on January 06, 2009, 10:12:39 AM
Nothing wrong with a bit of putting on women's clothing and having buttered scones for tea.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Dewbakuk on January 06, 2009, 02:45:48 PM
Just like your "dear Papa"?
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Malamute on January 06, 2009, 03:05:25 PM
Nothing wrong with a bit of putting on women's clothing and having buttered scones for tea.

Here's that photo I took of you before we went to the beach last summer. ( I was never fond of that bikini now I look at it again though....)

(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/nickfutter/drag.jpg)
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Thunderchicken on January 06, 2009, 08:22:53 PM
Nothing wrong with a bit of putting on women's clothing and having buttered scones for tea.

Here's that photo I took of you before we went to the beach last summer. ( I was never fond of that bikini now I look at it again though....)

(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/nickfutter/drag.jpg)

 lol lol lol

Note how I colour co-ordinated the bikini with the beer bottle. It's all in the detail my friends.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Malamute on January 07, 2009, 02:59:38 PM
"Wills" provide a lot of useful stuff. Do you have the pack name too though?

00 Scenic Series.  Vari - Girder. ref SS57
 :)
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Dewbakuk on January 07, 2009, 05:57:05 PM
I'll have a look tomorrow, cheers.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Dr DeAth on January 07, 2009, 05:58:42 PM

Note how I colour co-ordinated the bikini with the beer bottle. It's all in the detail my friends.

That is at the same time both fascinating and disturbing!

Hands up who else immediately thought 'red and white to red and white, but the bottle is brown and the dark stripe in the bikini is prussian blue! ;)
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Geudens on January 08, 2009, 12:14:15 AM
Here's that photo I took of you before we went to the beach last summer. ( I was never fond of that bikini now I look at it again though....)
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/nickfutter/drag.jpg)

And all the time I thought this forum was about wargaming instead of reenactment!  My mistake...  lol

Rudi
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Mancha on January 08, 2009, 03:32:59 AM
While I like pictures of bikini-clad men as much as the next guy  ::), I sure wish this thread would get back on track with some painted pics of the Aeronef Piaf.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Thunderchicken on January 08, 2009, 12:23:30 PM
While I like pictures of bikini-clad men as much as the next guy  ::), I sure wish this thread would get back on track with some painted pics of the Aeronef Piaf.

Damn, and I had another funny lined up!

Over to you Sir Henry.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: TadPortly on January 08, 2009, 06:45:00 PM
I like Bullshott's new Avatar... ;)

Photo taken when we donned DJs for a New Year dinner party.


I think we should return to the code of dressing for dinner. :)

I agree totally - I have a rather fetching dinner suit for dining (I am the villlain in the middle)

(http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v369/86/45/692489534/n692489534_1527485_8071.jpg)

a set of shooting tweeds, a rather splendid set of plus twos and a rather dapper blazer and acoutrements for sporting occasions.

Going back on topic - I find your aeronef rather splendid - looking forward to seeing more.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - WIP
Post by: Bullshott on January 08, 2009, 07:01:06 PM
Aeronef assembly and painting completed - currently being varnished. Hopefully pictures this weekend.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Bullshott on January 10, 2009, 04:48:02 PM
The completed aeronef:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3184390083_15fdde436f.jpg?v=0)

Bridge detail:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3185234646_1079dca8d6.jpg?v=0)

Hull detail:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/3184390437_21906911ec.jpg?v=0)


Aeronef Piaf (Sparrow) is a Oiseau (bird) class aeronef. These are the workhorses of the French forces on Venus, used as both fast patrol boats and as transports. Although lightly armed, they have the advantage over larger craft in that they are small enough to land in jungle clearings, thus being able to insert and extract troops and provide close fire support.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Svennn on January 10, 2009, 04:53:43 PM
Absolutely marvellous.  :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Mancha on January 10, 2009, 07:46:09 PM
Looks great painted, although I think it would greatly benefit from some weathering (especially as they are "the workhorses of the French forces on Venus"  :)).  The searchlight under the hull is brilliant, as are the cabin controls.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Bullshott on January 10, 2009, 08:50:24 PM
Looks great painted, although I think it would greatly benefit from some weathering (especially as they are "the workhorses of the French forces on Venus"  :)).

I probably will add some weathering at some point, but for the moment I am concentrating on putting together the rest of my French force for a big game coming up soon.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: marianas_gamer on January 10, 2009, 10:46:38 PM
Great work, keep us posted on your other forces (as long as it doesn't give away too much to your dastardly opponents!).  This looks like a very fun campaign.
LB
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Plynkes on January 10, 2009, 10:51:10 PM
She's a beaut.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Ray Rivers on January 10, 2009, 10:59:59 PM
Very nice, indeed.

The tail construction gives it a real nice French flavor.

Excellent job!
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Malamute on January 11, 2009, 10:39:01 AM
Dave, she looks stunning, you must be really pleased with the way she has turned out. :-*
It will bring a tear to my eye to have shoot her down :'( ;)
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Chairface on January 11, 2009, 10:50:26 PM
Stunning! Have you said how you did the hull yet? The hull is the biggest single reason that I haven't done something like this yet.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Bullshott on January 11, 2009, 11:39:28 PM
Stunning! Have you said how you did the hull yet? The hull is the biggest single reason that I haven't done something like this yet.

The hull is a resin piece that Dr De'Ath was given a few years ago. I think it was made by Snapdragon as part of a private commission.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Chairface on January 12, 2009, 01:54:34 AM
Which will keep the Piaf as a one of a kind. :)
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Wolf 359 on February 16, 2009, 02:49:19 PM

  This is a beautifully done Aeronef, sir. In keeping with the flavor of the post - in its entirety - would it not have been a nice touch to have painted the bikini-clad fellow on the bulkhead as sort of a 'nose-art' painting?!
 
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: argsilverson on February 16, 2009, 03:12:26 PM
Finally it is very very beutiful!
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Bullshott on February 16, 2009, 07:08:24 PM
On her first outing in our recent Venus game the little Piaf was a real success. Despite her low Armour Save she avoided getting shot down and her improved speed (gained through reducing her armour) helped the French win their objective.

I may at some point up-arm her with side-mounted MGs (she normally carries just the ome gun, either a MG or a light gun), but for the moment I think she is just fine.

Now to plan some bigger 'nefs  ;)
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Wolf 359 on February 16, 2009, 07:25:17 PM

  Where does the spotlight on the underside of the 'Nef come from?

Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Bullshott on February 16, 2009, 07:42:10 PM

  Where does the spotlight on the underside of the 'Nef come from?



The searchlight is plastic (I think 1/48 sacle), from an accessory pack for model ships. I'm lucky enough to have a model shop specialising in boats near to where I live.

Hunt around online for manufactuers of model sboat parts in this scale and you may get lucky.

Alternatively, you might try Reviresco in the US - with the demise of London War Room they are probably the best bet now for 28mm ship accessories.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Westfalia Chris on February 17, 2009, 09:40:55 AM
With such a beautiful little ship, no, you don´t have to regret nothing. ;)

Lovely piece of work, and so cleanly executed.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: thejammedgatling on February 17, 2009, 11:56:45 AM
excellent final ship..congratulations.
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Luthaaren Von Tegale on February 18, 2009, 12:44:19 PM
C'est magnifique!!

Just watch out for those damn "rost bif" - you know what lousy drivers they are!!!


From your description of the PIAFs role it sounds similar to "hueys" in vietnam - any plans to make a "gunship" version? - "j'aim le smell de napalm dans le matin!"



      vT
Title: Re: Aeronef 'Piaf' - COMPLETED
Post by: Bullshott on February 26, 2009, 10:38:35 PM
From your description of the PIAFs role it sounds similar to "hueys" in vietnam - any plans to make a "gunship" version? - "j'aim le smell de napalm dans le matin!"

Think of the Piaf as a large naval launch used for both patrols and inserting troops - somewhere between the Huey helicopter and fast patrol boats of Vietnam river warfare (and YES, I was influenced by Apoclaypse Now). I'm still thinking about the design for my next French 'nef - it will probably be a flying version of the monitor used by the US on Vietnamese rivers.

However, my next 'nef will be an armoured troop carrier for my US marines - think of a steam version of the dropships from Starship Troopers or Aliens. I have the basis for the hull assembled, but need to clear some other projects first before I can spend time to complete this flyer. Watch this space ...