Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => VSF Adventures => Topic started by: Bullshott on October 01, 2018, 08:26:02 PM
-
Towards the end of the 19th century the military ambitions of the Great Powers and their trading and exploration companies were based around carving out new territories in space. However, instead of searching for wealth amongst the stars, some enterprising companies looked to the uncharted seabeds of Earth's oceans for their wealth. Pedictably, it wasn't long before these companies came into conflict with each other and with national navies.
Page 1 - Painted red divers (Meridian Miniatures)
Page 1 - WIP gillmen
Page 2 - Painted gillman + backstory
Page 2 - Inspiration: 19th century illustrations + real diving equipment
Page 2 - Red dive crew completed (Meridian Miniatures)
Page 3 - 2nd dive crew completed (Meridian Miniatures)
Page 3 - Terrain: kelp + WIP rocks
Page 4 - Terrain: pet store coral
Page 4 - Battle report: first playtest
Page 5 - WIP diver conversions (HLBS/Tiger Miniatures)
Page 5 - Terrain: how I made my rock fomations
Page 6 - Armoured dive suit (Brother Vinni) + sharks (Reaper)
Page 6 - Battle report: 2nd playtest (miniBLAM)
Page 7 - WIP diver conversions with scratch-built Rouquayrol-Denayrouze breathing apparatus (HLBS/Tiger)
Page 7 - Completed diver conversions (HLBS/Tiger)
Page 10 - More WIP diver conversions (HLBS/Tiger)
Page 10 - Teaser: wrecked aquarium shop submarine
Page 10 - More divers and an octopus
Page 11 - BLAM games photos
Page 11 - Playtest photos
Page 11 - new HLBS divers and prehistoric sea creatures
Page 12 - Jurassic Coast poster
Page 12 - new salvage crew and fish shoals
Page 13 - pictures from Beachhead show game
To start my project, here is a group of divers working for a British exploration company:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/35/164-011018203615-3571865.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/35/164-011018203616-357191896.jpeg)
Figures are from a Meridian Miniatures kickstarter from a couple of years back. They are currently OOP, although strips of their helmets (and other helmet variants) are available from CP Models.
I'll be gradually adding more to this thread as I complete more divers, submarines and denizens of the deep.
-
Very nice - looking forward to seeing more in future instalments
Blodwin
-
Nice one Dave. What rules are you planning on using? FFOL?
-
Nice one Dave. What rules are you planning on using? FFOL?
That's the initial thought :)
-
Lovely. More please.
-
Very nice, looking forward to you completing further figures and some submersibles!
-
Looking good Dave :)
-
Nice one mate! :-*
Colin and myself always toyed around with the idea of putting reflections of the water on the bases of the stuff we did for our Aquanauts game, but decided it’d have been too hard.
-
Nice start Dave, shame those figures aren't available.
-
Nice start Dave, shame those figures aren't available.
Always worth dropping a line to Meridian and seeing if they still have some left over.
-
Nice one mate! :-*
Colin and myself always toyed around with the idea of putting reflections of the water on the bases of the stuff we did for our Aquanauts game, but decided it’d have been too hard.
You ever going to revisit that?
-
Good little group to start the project off Dave.
-
As 'native' opposition to my humans, I've been busy converting figures for gillmen. Here is a work in progress shot:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/35/164-071018191802.jpeg)
-
They're rather nice!
-
Brilliant idea, executed beautifully.
-
Great looking project. Nicely done.
-
With the discovery of humanoid races on other planets and the many accounts of such creatures amongst the legends and folklore of Earth's nations, mankind was still in a total state of surprise when underwater explorers first made contact with the gillmen. The famous British anthropologist Sir Nicholas Malamute named this race the Merrow after aquatic creatures of Celtic myth, while other nations named them after such creatures of their own folklore. Perhaps not unsurprisingly, the popular press just named them "mermen" and devoted a lot of column ink to hypothesising what the females of the species looked like!
An important ritual and social occasion for the Merrow appears to be the hunt, wherein Merrow hunting parties seek to kill dangerous prey as a mark of their leaders' prowess. Typical hunting parties comprise one or more groups, each of which has a warrrior leader and a number of armed followers/assistants. Most encounters to date with Merrow have involved such hunting parties, probably as a result of humans inadvertently moving onto Merrow hunting grounds. This has ended up on a number of occasions with the humans becoming prey for the hunt, while at other times they were ignored by the hunters and became witnesses to the kill.
Other encounters have been with solitary Merrow, who appear to be young warriors seeking to hone their fighting and hunting skills. In some cases these lone warriors have acted as scouts for human exploration parties.
With the exception of the limited information gleaned from encouters with solitary Merrow or hunting parties, little is known of Merrow physiology or society. Merrow have both gills and lungs, enabling them to operate in the air as well as under water (although their bodies are optimised for operating in water, making them somewhat clumsy moving on land). They have good technological skills, being able to manufacture spearguns using compressed gas. Their artistry and manufacturing skill is undisputed; as shown by the intricate work on their weapons and their unique armour fashioned from the hides of creatures of the deep. Nothing more is currently known about settlements and culture of this elusive race, although many have hypothesised, especially in the popular press.
Merrow scout equipped with human speargun:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/35/164-171018221624-359311516.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/35/164-171018221624-359321430.jpeg)
-
Great stuff 8)
-
Fantastic!!
-
Your merrow are outstanding 👍
-
absolutely brilliant.
-
Very cool.
-
Very interesting thread!!
-
While I am finishing painting the spearmen for my first force, I thought it would be a good idea to share some pictures that show what 'look' I wan to achieve for this project. We're talking VSF, so I want the game to have a recognisable 19th century feel, rather than go yoo fare in the direction of steampunk mad science (well, at least for now ...).
My original inspiration was 20000 Leagues, so let's start with some of the original illustrations:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-301018213733-36113464.jpeg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-301018213733-36117590.jpeg)
More recently, I've discovered the illustrations of Albert Robida:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-301018213733-361182148.jpeg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-301018213733-361191231.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-301018213733-36120302.jpeg)
Finally, the real 19th century technology that influenced the Verne and Robida's: the Rouquayrol-Denayrouze diving apparatus; designed in 1860 to save miners in flooded mines and adapted for diving in 1864.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-301018222017-36121163.jpeg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-301018222017-361221404.jpeg)
-
To add some variety to available weapon options, I've converted a some divers to replace their spearguns with boarding pikes (in the style of the Robida illustrations):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-031118161643-36146973.jpeg)
The complete crew:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-031118161643-36151417.jpeg)
-
Nice project really starting to come together :-* :-* :-*
-
Good stuff Dave :)
-
Looking good. I like how you're using the old illustrations as a basis for your conversions.
-
Underwatertastc. ;D
-
Thanks for the comments chaps. Painting has started on the next faction plus the first item of VSF technology. Watch this space ...
-
Wonderful idea and execution on the project, Dave.
8) 8)
Now that I have found the project I shall be following with much interest.
:D
-
Great. It was nice seeing them in the flesh last month.
-
I've just completed my second dive crew. Once again, I'm using divers from the Meridian kickstarter.
Standard figures as bought, with the exception of a bit of greenstuff on the chest for a metal plate/lead weight to match the style of the first set of divers.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-241118130228.jpeg)
Some conversions. From left to right: head-changed leader, speargunner with added boarding axe to give a bit of variety, 2 boarding pike conversions.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-241118130318.jpeg)
The full crew.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-241118130536.jpeg)
Next up will be a Merrow scout for this crew and an armoured dive suit for each crew. This will give players some options to select their forces from.
-
Cracking work, mate.
Loving this project!
:-*
-
Lovely Dave, they are great. ;D
-
Grand as owt Dave :)
-
Great work, Dave. Had the luck you showed me some at Blam, but the rest is as brilliant as the start. I feel really Jules Verne in them. Maybe a game of the secret Island from Verne?
-
Very nice figures Dave. I like your colour scheme.
-
Nicely done sir! They look great.
-
Amazingly fantastic work, I doff my hat to you!!!
Tis such a pity these figures are no longer available as they would lend themselves to some excellent conversions for differing situations
Pete
-
Now that I've got some figures completed I need some terrain for them to fight over.
First off, a kelp forest using plastic aquarium plants and garden wire to stiffen them.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-121218004942-367212324.jpeg)
I'm also working on a set of rock formations. These are assembled from foamboard, textured and now waiting to be painted.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-290119000351-37355513.jpeg)
-
Nice scenery, mate.
8)
That looks very effective, makes me want to make some more rocks now....
:D
-
It's all coming together and you can legitimately leave the shine on the plants lol
-
Yeah, looking good Dave. The rocks should paint up nicely.
-
Looking really good, very much looking forward to playing it. :)
-
This really looks very good, even the garden wire doesn't look odd.
Cheers
GS
-
This really looks very good, even the garden wire doesn't look odd.
Cheers
GS
It works as some sort of parasitic vine attaching itself to the plant.
;)
-
yep, just what I thought
-
Dr De'Ath pointed me towards these resin coral pieces at our local pet store:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-191218001037.jpeg)
These should make the basis of a nice reef.
-
A good find!
8)
-
Quite nice! Those are some OK corals.
...
I'll get my diving suit.
-
Over the New Year Dr De'Ath and I finally had the opportunity to try out an underwater game.
We used the new Galactic Heroes rules (the latest variant of Fistful of Lead rules) with the following tweaks:
- Diving suits had 4" move per action and counted as Armoured
- Merrow swam 6" per action and counted as Armoured
- Spearguns had range 12" and needed to be reloaded after firing (one complete turn to reload)
- Swimmers (i.e. Merrow for this game) could cross any troops or terrain (except the kelp forest) without penalty. They could also fire over friendly walkers.
Dr De'ath chose 6 divers and a Merrow scout. All but one of his divers had a speargun.
I chose 7 divers and a Merrow scout. Three of my divers, including my leader, had boarding pikes instead of spearguns.
The object of the game was to recover material from a pair of barrels in the middle of the table.
Initial deployment:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-030119213914-36976452.jpeg)
Dr De'Ath's divers scored first blood as we raced towards the objective:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-030119213914-369772023.jpeg)
Things quickly started getting messy as our forces closed, with both Merrow taking wounds after discharging their spearguns:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-030119213914-36978146.jpeg)
Drawing their blades the two Merrow rushed each other, remaining locked in combat for most of the rest of the game:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-030119214030-36979888.jpeg)
As the casualties on both sides mounted, my Merrow scout eventually vanquished his opponent:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-030119214030-36980642.jpeg)
The game ended with Dr De'Ath's force reduced to two men left standing and heavily outnumbered:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-030119214031-36981117.jpeg)
Conclusion:
The rules worked well for the game. The underwater rules modifications we used gave the game a completely feel to other games using the FFoL system, yet at the same time they felt right for the setting.
Future additions will include fully armoured diving suits and more powerful options for both ranged and close combat weapons. We will also be introducing aquatic predators, such as sharks.
-
Brill 8)
-
Great stuff, Dave!
:-* :-*
You can claim to have survived Dicing with De'Ath too.
Something Bibbles often has trouble with.
;D ;)
-
You can claim to have survived Dicing with De'Ath too.
Something Bibbles often has trouble with.
;D ;)
lol lol lol lol
-
That looks great Dave and the underwater mods sound like they worked well.
-
Splendid, can’t wait to give it a go. ;D
-
Nice looking game guys :-* :-* :-*
-
Great game!
-
Great report, Dave!
-
I'm still slogging through terrain for the game. However, I've also been looking at alternative sources for figures.
Whilst my initial forces are using the lovely steampunky (is that a word?) divers from Meridian, these are sadly OOP.
Alternative figures are available from Scheltrum, which are unfortunately a completly different chunky style to the slim Meridian, so won't fit in with them. However, there is another source of divers ...
The old HLBS diver sculpts are available through Tiger Miniatures. These comprise three packs, each of 4 figures with similar armament. Weapons in the threes packs are: knives, spearguns and tools (plus a nasty looking polearm in the latter set). Although these are older, cruder, sculpts than the Meridian figures, this doesn't really matter for diving suits. They will also need some form of breathing apparatus added. There is, however, one feature of these figures that I don't like - their necks. The necks on these figures are just too long an make the heads look wrong.
The photo below shows from left to right, an original unmodified HLBS diver (with the 'neck problem'), one of my completed Meridian divers and a HLBS diver with the long neck removed and greenstuff added to make up the edges of the gorget/collar to which the helmet is bolted.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-160119214756.jpeg)
I'm quite pleased with the converted HLBS diver, as they will fit in well with my Meridian chaps, so will be making up a force of these once I've finished my current batch of terrain making. All I need to do to complete the converted divers is to make some Rouquayrol-Denayrouze breathing apparatus for them, like this:
(http://frogmanmuseum.free.fr/image/rouquayroldenayrouze/reg4.jpg)
-
Looks like a good solution to me.
-
Looks like a good solution to me.
It certainly does.
8) 8)
I am pretty sure that I have some Meridian divers somewhere.
Give me a shout if you want me to start digging for them.
:)
-
I am pretty sure that I have some Meridian divers somewhere.
Give me a shout if you want me to start digging for them.
It wouldn't harm to know if you have them if you don't mind looking for them.
Of course, you could always make your own team of divers (or fishmen?) up for BLAM this year, when I take along Fistful of Fish :)
-
I've shown some WIP shots of my rock formations in previous posts on this thread, but they are now completed. So now that I've finished them I thought I would share how I made them up.
BE WARNED - these are very time consuming due to the amount of greenstuff work required.
Firstly, the basic rocks.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-290119000351-37355513.jpeg)
I made these using foam core layers, using the technique found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7IPK3xwpcA&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7IPK3xwpcA&feature=youtu.be)
After having assembled the foamcore layers I painted the structure using a mix of PVA glue, Polycell finishing skim and artists acrylic paint (Paynes Grey)
Once dry, I added patches of watered-down green and brown ink. After this I added some greentuff corals, barnacles and other plants. The corals are reinforced with wire (paperclip) pushed into the foamcore.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-290119000351-373561394.jpeg)
Before going any further I added patches of sand to represent coverings of plant growths. I then painted the greenstuff and sand (the sand was painted using an initial coating of ink, followed by dry brushing).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-290119000351-37357791.jpeg)
Next I added some plants growing between the upper rock layers, using cuttings from plastic aquarium plants. On a couple of my rock formations I also added plants growing on top of the formation (fitted to a sculpted greenstuff base for the plant, as seen in the previous photo).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-290119000351-37358132.jpeg)
Finally I added more aquarium plants, patches of lichen and some shells collected while beachcombing on holiday.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-290119000351-37359348.jpeg)
I've made four of these, which should be sufficient for the moment. My next terrain builds are some bases of coral reef and ruins.
-
They look great,Dave.
A real splash of colour for the table.
:-* :-*
This underwater lark is very tempting, ya know?
8) 8)
-
Looks intriguing. The diver helmets on page three look rather suitable for Nort Vroogmen, are their heads available separately by any chance? Or do I have to visit my local Gillman trophy shoppe? lol
Thanks in advance!
-
Looks intriguing. The diver helmets on page three look rather suitable for Nort Vroogmen, are their heads available separately by any chance? Or do I have to visit my local Gillman trophy shoppe? lol
Available here (Breather Helmet F):
https://cpmodels.co.uk/product-category/28mm-ranges/28mm-heads/page/2/ (https://cpmodels.co.uk/product-category/28mm-ranges/28mm-heads/page/2/)
-
I'm afraid the link doesn't work for me. :'(
Thanks for the speedy reply however, and looking forward to seeing more! :o
-
I'm afraid the link doesn't work for me. :'(
Try now, I've fixed the link
-
Looking great Dave. Very inspiring! ;D
-
They've come out really well.
I love the splashes of colour.
-
Try now, I've fixed the link
Brilliant, thank you! :D
-
Terrific!
-
Bullshott
Those look absolutely incredible!
The Sculpey coral tutorials by Stephanie Kilgast (and others) can certainly be applied to other materials, such as when using epoxy putties like Green Stuff:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dLkzkvh4Kgo&index=25&list=PLY-Jh5w8sxgiWkA9s1mYSW8NYhUwxEMNv&t=0s
https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY-Jh5w8sxgiWkA9s1mYSW8NYhUwxEMNv
Dan
PS. I need to try this one also:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-ee4T5na0vw
-
Thanks for the links Dan
I'm now working on some ruins and reef sections, so will certainly need more corals. I particularly like the hot glue tecchnique for red coral trees.
-
Very colourful rocks Dave :-* :-* :-*
Project is really starting to come together
-
Thanks for the comments guys. It lets me know I am getting the terrain right.
While im working on the next bits of terrain, here are my first attempt at stat cards for the divers. These are for use with my variant of the Fistful of Lead skirmish rules : Fistful of Fish!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-010219173306.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-010219171751-374231783.jpeg)
-
Cards look great. ;D
Dave are you giving the characters traits?
-
Cards look great. ;D
Dave are you giving the characters traits?
Probably, but I want to keep the stats simple to start with while I get the balance of the game right. Initially I will give each player one D12 veteran and limit it to that
-
Looking good!
-
Here are some from Scheltrum that I painted last year. The sharks and other creatures are from Reaper
-
in
Here are some from Scheltrum that I painted last year. The sharks and other creatures are from Reaper
I've got the same Reaper beasties waiting to be painted :)
-
I've got the same Reaper beasties waiting to be painted :)
There is quite a small “pool” to pick from! Fortunately I was able to get about seven sharks as spare parts, after initially buying just the aquatic familiars set. I’m going to have to try and redo my scenery after seeing your efforts. I am also using it for a couple of other underwater projects.
-
Very nice, especially the Octopus. ;D
-
I've painted some new miniatures for a game tomorrow:
Armoured diver from Brother Vinni:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-220219214458-377271369.jpeg)
Sharks from Reaper:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-220219214458-37740122.jpeg)
Swimming stand for those occasiosmns when your swimmers want to swim above the seabed:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-220219214459-37741393.jpeg)
-
Fantastic project. :o :o
Don't know if you've seen these or if they are of any interest. The Giant Moray is from Wizkids, straight out of the packet, and I think the Crabby mutant thing is part of a Mantic Dreadball team, possibly. Anyway, watching with great interest. Atb, GDonk
-
Really cool stuff!
-
This weekend I ran two playtests of my game; one with 4 players on a 4' square board, followed by a second game with 2 players on a 2' square board. We used the Fistful of Lead rules system and both games worked very well.
In the after game wash-up we decided that the optimum size for a 4 player game was a 3' square board, due to the slow movement of dive suits and the reduced weapon ranges underwater. My next major item for this project will therefore be a 3' square game surface (although I will still be working on more figures and terrain for this project in the meantime).
Some pictures of the games (thank you to Dewbakuk for supplying two of these):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-240219214817-37773105.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-240219214818-37776381.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-240219214819-377772494.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-240219214819-37778135.jpeg)
-
Love it.
-
Loving this project, and it is also very helpful at the moment!
-
As well as finish of my terrain after the playtest, I've started work on a new dive team, using to old HLBS sculps now sold by Tiger Miniatures. After sorting ouut the 'neck problem' (see page 5 in this thread), I've started work on their Rouquayrol-Denayrouze breathing apparatus.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-020319141825.jpeg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/36/164-301018222017-361221404.jpeg)
-
Almost finished. I just need to add straps to the backplate.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-020319152409-378732305.jpeg)(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-020319152409-378762085.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-020319152409-378771445.jpeg)
-
Looking good Dave. The alterations work well. :)
-
Really nice work sorting out the necks and adding the bits. I like the spearguns on these miniatures.
-
Jolly good show Dave :)
-
I've finished my first 5 converted divers and I'm quite happy with the final result.
Firstly, some before and after shots:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-050319011214-37911890.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-050319011214-37912844.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-050319011214-37913285.jpeg)
Followed by the full team:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/37/164-050319011214-379142010.jpeg)
-
They work well Dave, Another nice addition to the collection. :)
-
You've significantly improved on the originals. I much prefer the look of the converted figures.
-
I've finished my converted HLBS/Tiger divers and I must say that I'm very pleased with them. I think I've managed to get the feel of the divers in Robida's illustrations, as well as make a pretty good impression of their Rouquayrol-Denayrouze breathing apparatus.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/38/164-120319214043-38064131.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/38/164-120319214043-380672074.jpeg)
More divers soon to finish this team, after which I will be doing another team based on the same sculpts.
Also, watch this space for something BIG in the form of aquatic life and something HUGE to add to my terrain :o
-
They have come out a treat, mate,
The breathing gear looks great.
8) 8)
-
Ace job, they look great. ;D
-
Too cool !
-
Very good :)
-
Nice neat job :-* :-* :-*
-
Also, watch this space for something BIG in the form of aquatic life and something HUGE to add to my terrain :o
Intriguing!
-
Very nice figures Dave.
-
Breathing gear worked out really well.
-
Love conversions, sculpting, it's my meat and potatoes.
But, I think I need to work more on my painting.
What you've done here is fantastic!!! Keep it up!
:D
-
In the case of jellyfish, would you gents attach them together as small swarms on a single stand/base?
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b9/17/c4/b917c4ea755f516500d625eb731fd96c.jpg)
https://www.oldbookillustrations.com/illustrations/underwater-landscape/
https://www.oldbookillustrations.com/titles/vingt-mille-lieues-sous-les-mers/
I suppose that, for 15mm, my best option is still to attempt a scratchbuild, using the same basic bits* others have used for making mushrooms, at least when it comes to making the bell portion of the creatures:
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7c-FkNch4w/ViJHzI-S7kI/AAAAAAAAInw/QUc2_cEo-2o/s1600/cave_terrain_07.jpg)
http://crookedstaff.blogspot.com/2015/10/diy-cavernunderdark-scatter-terrain.html
Unless you guys have other suggestions?
Dan
* Using brads or even small tacks, with a few short pieces of wire for the trailing tentacles
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pkg-of-25-ROUND-3-16-5mm-Metal-Spike-Tack-Studs-5405-Purses-Belts-Leather/112539656515?var=412952976448&hash=item1a33e2e143%3Am%3AmKgV5jVOmWfSKX7fvTxs1Cw&LH_BIN=1
-
Sort of like this?
-
Took that at one of the theme parks in Orlando last year,
Fake Jelly fish hanging from the ceiling really, but they looked cool!
Easier to do with a diorama or army display box than on bases though.....
-
This discussion has got me wonderign about adding jellyfish, as they would certainly add some height to the game.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/38/164-180319215700.jpeg)
These are silicone aquarium ornaments. Very cheap on Ebay, but far too large - the smaller ones have a 5cm wide canopy and are about 15cm long. They are designed to float in water, so I'm not sure how well the canopies would hang in air.
As for scratch building jellies, the problem with them is that they are translucent. Solid jellies just wouldn't look right.
-
Vacforms or clear plastic domes
-
Vacforms or clear plastic domes
Good call :)
-
I wonder if this “Dreamy Blue” vinyl photography backdrop could work as a quick generic sea-floor surface, for having lots of scatter terrain pieces placed on top of it:
(http://busybeeportraits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DREAMY-BLUE.jpg)
https://www.ebay.com/sch/Background-Material-/79003/i.html?_nkw=%22dreamy+blue%22 (https://www.ebay.com/sch/Background-Material-/79003/i.html?_nkw=%22dreamy+blue%22)
Thoughts?
Dan
-
I wonder if this “Dreamy Blue” vinyl photography backdrop could work as a quick generic sea-floor surface, for having lots of scatter terrain pieces placed on top of it:
Thoughts?
Looks like that might work well if you paint terain bases to match. This is the Deepwars seabed mat, hich has similar colouring:
(http://antimatter-games.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/DeepWars_map__sand_only24x24_sm-1.jpg)
-
Very nice caustic network pattern there! I like it.
Found another one for an ocean or lake bottom, for deeper down - below coral reef depth - to where the diffused light is much reduced and caustic networks* aren’t that discernible:
(http://us-w1-img-listing.eccang.com/0/MjlkQWFzcExVSU1tQ055TS9nd1l1UT09/201811/4071542UnZFxpEz.jpg)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-5-5-7FT-Retro-Background-Colorful-Water-Soluble-Dyed-Photography-Backdrops/273752257073?var=573352366748
I hope some of you guys find it useful or at least of interest.
Dan
* http://www.atoptics.co.uk/fz535.htm
https://epod.usra.edu/blog/2016/06/ripple-patterns-and-caustic-network-in-the-dead-sea.html
-
Intriguing!
Hoping for more aquatic Bullshot soon!
-
Vacforms or clear plastic domes
Maybe use those tacks as forms, cover,/wrap heads with a non-stick Saran wrap, then paint a clear dome layer of translucent gel, gesso, or string gel (or dip head into gel) Once dry pop off tack heads and pull the wrap out of the dome.
I think I have seen clear half moon/ball button like things ar my local craft store that might also work. Next time I’m there I’ll check. I have some of them in a solid grey color.
-
Intriguing!
Still intrigued. I hope to see something huge swimming this way soon!
-
Those are really cool!
-
My wife says to look up translucent acrylic “cabochons” for the dome shapes.
-
My wife says to look up translucent acrylic “cabochons” for the dome shapes.
Thanks - those are exactly what I was referring to. Never knew the technical name....
I did find some small clear flasks/bottles with hollow dome/round bottom and a cylindrical tube (they come with a cork stopper). I can either use them as a modeling form or use them as is with attached tendrils.
-
Excellent!
Also there are people who already make miniature jellies for their various “craft” projects. Here is one of those:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1430409887/tiny-jellyfish
After watching several hot glue videos, I’ve been toying with the idea of using a cabochon and adding hot glue tentacles to it. If it works then I could duplicate the process and make a few more, in some assembly line fashion.
These are some tempting resin cabochons:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/30pcs-12mm-Resin-Cabochons-Glitter-Druzy-Beads-Metallic-Druzy-Cabochons/173725708021?var=472398550350
-
I also found some semi-transluscent beads at Michaels that have a reflective property from any available light source, if rotated to a specific orientation. It gives the effect of glowing internally. I have a dozen ceiling spots in my hobby room, and typically get 2-4 glowing spots in these beads.
(http://i.imgur.com/48hmD2y.jpg)
-
All very well and good, sir, but how will you be fitting in the Naughtylass? Oh, wait, I'm sorry, did I say that "out loud"? Why, of course, I meant the Nautilus. ;)
-
I seem to have missed this topic entirely before, lovely stuff!
-
Looks like that might work well if you paint terain bases to match. This is the Deepwars seabed mat, hich has similar colouring:
(http://antimatter-games.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/DeepWars_map__sand_only24x24_sm-1.jpg)
Must be time for another update?
-
Currently re-reading 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea which leads me to ask if any of your underwater teams will have the 'electric' weapons used my Nemo's crews?
Huge terrain piece?
I have some of Rebel Minis 15 mm divers that your work will inspire my painting:
http://www.rebelminis.com/nehein.html (http://www.rebelminis.com/nehein.html)
And now you've got me thinking about underwater terrain, too.
-
Currently re-reading 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea which leads me to ask if any of your underwater teams will have the 'electric' weapons used my Nemo's crews?
Not yet - keeping it (relatively) simple
Huge terrain piece?
Watch this space ...
[/quote]
-
Good call :)
Silicon gel used for gap filling would work,perhaps over a (carefully) cut out bubble wrap.
Great thread!
-
I have some turtles that would scale up nicely for underwater scatter-critters if you can use 'em, mate.
??? ???
-
I have some turtles that would scale up nicely for underwater scatter-critters if you can use 'em, mate.
??? ???
Thanks Paul. I won't have time to paint them before BLAM, but would appreciate it if you were to bring along one or two on the day for use in future games :)
-
Thanks Paul. I won't have time to paint them before BLAM, but would appreciate it if you were to bring along one or two on the day for use in future games :)
Will do, mate.
:)
-
In the queue to finish over the next month:
5 divers
2 sharks
1 octopus
1 large terrain piece
5 objective markers
Let's see if I can achieve this :)
-
As evidence that I'm back on this project, here is the next batch of figures that I'm working on:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/40/164-130919150018.jpeg)
A converted leader with knife and spear gun, another converted diver with a whaling harpoon and three divers with salvage tools. Also another shark, because you just can't have enough hostile aquatic creatures :D
-
Wonderful stuff!
-
As evidennce that I'm back on this project, here is the next batch of figures that I'm working on:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/40/164-130919150018.jpeg)
A converted leader with knife and spear gun, another converted diver with a whaling harpoon and three divers with salvage tools. Also another shark, because you just can't have enough hostile aquatic creatures :D
Good to see this thread rise up from the depths again. I’ve got a load of those sharks for Spy Fi action. I got them when you could order bits from Reaper. I keep thinking I should order the set with a Tiger and Hammerhead too...
-
As a teaser for my next item of terrain, I bought this from my local aquarium shop (at a good discount due to some minor damage to one of the deck features):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/40/164-190919213231.jpeg)
The whole submarine is about 80cm long :o
I'm in the process of converting it to more 19th century lines, including removal of the conning tower and giving it a singe torpedo tube in the bow.
-
That looks like a challenge and a half. It'll be interesting to see what you do with it.
-
That looks like a challenge and a half. It'll be interesting to see what you do with it.
The final submarine will contain elements of some of these early vessels:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/40/164-190919215128.jpeg)
-
Looking forward to seeing what you do, mate.
8)
-
Sub was a nice pick up looking forward to it being ‘Victorianised’...
-
As a teaser for my next item of terrain, I bought this from my local aquarium shop (at a good discount due to some minor damage to one of the deck features):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/40/164-190919213231.jpeg)
The whole submarine is about 80cm long :o
I'm in the process of converting it to more 19th century lines, including removal of the conning tower and giving it a singe torpedo tube in the bow.
Lovely! Good find. Almost seems a shame to chop it up, but all in a good cause.
-
Divers with salvage tools (converted HLBS/Tiger Miniatures divers with tools)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/41/164-121019165958-41346100.jpeg)
Leaders (converted HLBS/Tiger Miniatures divers with knives)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/41/164-121019165958-413472323.jpeg)
Cpmpleted crew for the Compagnie Oceanographique Francais
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/41/164-121019165958-413482500.jpeg)
Octopus (from Wizkids deep cuts range)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/41/164-121019165958-413491293.jpeg)
-
Wonderful stuff, Dave.
:-* :-*
Really looking forward to seeing this take life next weekend.
:D
Got a few reinforcements for ya too.
Remind me!
;)
-
Really looking forward to seeing this take life next weekend.
:D
Me too!
-
Wonderful stuff, Dave.
:-* :-*
Really looking forward to seeing this take life next weekend.
:D
Got a few reinforcements for ya too.
Remind me!
;)
We’re pictures taken of this game?
-
We’re pictures taken of this game?
I know he has some, he is just being a slacker....
;D ;D ;)
-
He took several
Sadly this was the one game I did not capture and it was just glorious to look at
-
I didn't get the chance to take many photos at BLAM, as I was busy running the games, but these should give a flavour from the two games we played. The blood splatters were placed when ever a figure got a wound and served to attract sharks!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-051119002937-421911728.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-051119002937-421962072.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-051119002937-42197467.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-051119002937-42198645.jpeg)
-
Apologies Dave - thought you busy snapping away.
The table looked fantastic...and the sub is just awesome
-
Looks great! Thanks for posting this thread. Very inspirational.
-
Apologies Dave - thought you busy snapping away.
Unfortunately the light was terrible. Serves me right for relying on my phone, rather than bringing my camera :(
-
Fantastique!
-
I had the opportunity last weekend to run a game for a couple of newbies to the FFoL rules. It was also a good opportunity to playtest some amendments I'd done to streamline the game flow. I ran an enconnter game. First player to get 50% of the enemy out of action was the winner. By the end of turn 5 the British (red divers) had taken out 2 of their French opposition. In a very bloody turn 6 they dispatched all 3 remaining Frenchmen. An excellent game that pretty much had the new players running the rules themselved by the final turn.
Much to my surprise, I managed to get some good photos too :)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-061219200224-426991487.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-061219200224-427001817.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-061219200224-427011878.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-061219200224-427021780.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-061219200225-42703793.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-061219200747-42704380.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-061219200747-427052173.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-061219200747-427061685.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-061219200747-427072250.jpeg)
-
Good stuff Dave. The mat works well also. Is that a new acquisition?
-
Good stuff Dave. The mat works well also. Is that a new acquisition?
No, it's a desert mat that belongs to my mate Simon, who hosted our day of playing with toys. Dr De'Ath is making me a mat that should match my figures' bases.
-
Some cracking shots taken there, Dave.
:-* :-*
No, it's a desert mat that belongs to my mate Simon, who hosted our day of playing with toys.
You do realise that you are going to have ask Simon who makes that particular mat now, dontcha?
:)
-
Looks great and nice to see the French record for loosing or running away is being upheld lol
You really do need to pick another Nation Dave lol
-
You do realise that you are going to have ask Simon who makes that particular mat now, dontcha?
:)
Tiny Wargames (standard cloth mat)
-
Tiny Wargames (standard cloth mat)
Cheers, Dave.
:)
-
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/42/164-061219200747-427072250.jpeg)
I don't know why, but this has the makings of a Monty Python skit. A good ol' fashioned 'dive by'. As well as perhaps incomprehensible and agitated mumbling from the divers.
Apart from that mental picture, nice terrain and figures! :D
-
Last week I discovered that HLBS have launced new ranges of prehistoric creatures and various underwater goodies. I ordered some samples two days ago and they arrived this morning - less than two days from order to receipt! Excellent service as usual from Richard at HLBS.
https://www.hlbs-redux.co.uk/28mm-divers-ads--undersea-equipment.html#/ (https://www.hlbs-redux.co.uk/28mm-divers-ads--undersea-equipment.html#/)
https://www.hlbs-redux.co.uk/28mm-prehistoric-marine-reptiles.html#/ (https://www.hlbs-redux.co.uk/28mm-prehistoric-marine-reptiles.html#/)
https://www.hlbs-redux.co.uk/28mm-aquatic-animals--sea-monsters.html#/ (https://www.hlbs-redux.co.uk/28mm-aquatic-animals--sea-monsters.html#/)
They also do a good range of land based dinosaurs.
I went for the following packs:
B03 - Muraenosaurus - a 6m long, medium-sized plesiosaur
B06 - Ichthyosaurus (pack of 5) - small ones
B07 - Platecarpus (pack of 2) - 4m long, small-sized mosasaurs
DS2 - divers in Carmagnolle brothers armoured diving suits with explosive harpoons (harpoons with single shot 'bang sticks' fitted to them)
All are good representations of the intended creatures/suits. I'm particularly impressed by the diving suits, which are nicely sculpted multi-part kits. They certainly evoke the original 1878 suit design, that I've seen in the maritime museum in Paris.
I won't post pictures of the 'bare lead', as there are good photos of all on the HLBS website, so you'll have to wait for me to paint the ones I've acquired (the diving suits are already assembled and undercoated, as I wan to use them for a game next month).
HLBS are planning to release more diving suits, including 20th century styles, and more marine reptiles this year.
-
Getting the HLBS stuff made me think of game ideas ...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/43/164-050120213249.jpeg)
-
Great project, very inspirational! Underwater settings are entirely too rare and ones done to this excellent standard even more so.
-
Getting the HLBS stuff made me think of game ideas ...
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/43/164-050120213249.jpeg)
This thread just gets better! Definitely getting these denizens of the deep from HLBS. Thanks for highlighting these. I would have liked to try Chris Peers “Saurian Safari” for this, but can’t get a reasonably priced copy. I am sure I have an article from one of the magazines for using this set for underwater action.
-
Did you see the bathysphere? Great as a jumping off point or for a rescue mission?
https://www.hlbs-redux.co.uk/store/p87/The_Bathysphere_-VSF2.html#/ (https://www.hlbs-redux.co.uk/store/p87/The_Bathysphere_-VSF2.html#/)
What a wonderful project
-
Did you see the bathysphere? Great as a jumping off point or for a rescue mission?
https://www.hlbs-redux.co.uk/store/p87/The_Bathysphere_-VSF2.html#/ (https://www.hlbs-redux.co.uk/store/p87/The_Bathysphere_-VSF2.html#/)
What a wonderful project
Yes - I might buy one in the future. However, I do already have an old HLBS submersible thet will be used in games.
More pictures to come soon, as I'm doing more terrain and figures for the game I'm running at the Beachhead show (Bournemouth) in early February.
-
Yes - I might buy one in the future. However, I do already have an old HLBS submersible thet will be used in games.
More pictures to come soon, as I'm doing more terrain and figures for the game I'm running at the Beachhead show (Bournemouth) in early February.
Definitely looking forward to seeing these.
:o
-
Wow. Those platecarpus would make respectably-sized mosasaurs for 15mm.
Dan
-
I'm really enjoying this thread. Brilliant stuff
-
Oh dear, this rabbit hole is getting deeper!
As a fan of FFoL, I can see this taking hold with our group, almost an undersea adjunct of IHMN.
-
New stuff finished just in time for my game at the Beachhead show tomorrow:
Salvage team for my red dive crew (converted Meridian divers). Classed as Grunts in FFoL
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/43/164-070220151652-43864832.jpeg)
Shoals of predatory fish (converted Reaper aquatic familiars). Classed as Hordes in the FFoL Wasteland Warriors expansion
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/43/164-070220151653-438651422.jpeg)
-
Very nice. Love the fish school.
-
Those fish shoals are brilliant!
-
More great stuff
-
Agreed. Those fish look awesome.
-
Nice one Dave :)
-
The fish have that perfect deep sea ugly about them, real monsters to encounter down there!
-
I ran Fistful of Fish as a participation game at Beachhead show in Bournemouth this weekend and the game was chosen as runner-up for the best game of the show. Here are a few picture of the games I ran:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/43/164-090220192319-43924276.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/43/164-090220192319-439251429.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/43/164-090220192319-43926304.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/43/164-090220192319-43927107.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/43/164-090220192319-439281595.jpeg)
-
Excellent stuff Dave, I hope you will be bringing this to BLAM again this year. ;) :)
-
Stunning work! Such a gorgeous looking table and minis. Respect.
-
I like the changes made to the sub to VSF it. Removing the distinctive conning tower/sail structure was a good idea. I can’t believe you only got a second place!
-
I like the changes made to the sub to VSF it. Removing the distinctive conning tower/sail structure was a good idea. I can’t believe you only got a second place!
The winner was an Adeptus Titanicus battle using 28mm scale titans on a 40' x 20' play area (on the floor), with suitably sized terrain to match. Not a lot you can do to compete with that!
Never mind, now that I've got the basics all done, I'm already starting on more stuff; including more divers, more (and larger) aquatic creatures, vehicles and some new terrain pieces ;)
-
Never mind, now that I've got the basics all done, I'm already starting on more stuff; including more divers, more (and larger) aquatic creatures, vehicles and some new terrain pieces ;)
What happened next? I miss this thread!
-
Amazing game