Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Pulp => Topic started by: Hu Rhu on November 08, 2019, 06:28:44 PM
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Every now and then I have a great idea for a new project which seems on the face of it easy but trying to get the right combination of board design, miniatures and rules for the game to come together has occasionally eluded me and the project goes onto the back burner.
So it was a couple of years ago I picked up second hand here on the Bazaar, The Chicago Way ruleset and a couple of sets their miniatures. However the rules didn't appeal very much and the miniatures got put away for another day. I even thought of selling them on.
However a recent wonderful day at BLAM 19 re-energised my enthusiasm for this genre and thus I present: 'The Unmentionables'.
Most of my games are based on cinematic output (see my other offerings on Follow that Camel, Ice Station Zebra and Boots and Saddles) and this one is no exception. Most gangster films tend to use the very good Kevin Costner/Sean Connery film The Untouchables as inspiration.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/The%20Untouchables_zpso21zrzef.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/The%20Untouchables_zpso21zrzef.jpg.html)
However as always I wanted a more nuanced and slightly quirky film to base it on so I chose that classic gangster movie 'Some Like It Hot' starring Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Some%20like%20it%20hot%20gangsters_zpsfszqvnyz.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Some%20like%20it%20hot%20gangsters_zpsfszqvnyz.jpg.html)
And before you ask, no it won't have Marilyn Monroe appearing (although her character may well do) but instead of Al Capone the gang leader will be 'Spats Columbo' pictured above in the shooting of 'Toothpick Charlie'.
So with a back story ready to set the scene, the resurrected Great Escape miniatures and a few Models of Yesteryear cars I set about creating the game.
First up however was how was the board to look. I wanted to get the street feel of the gangster period with its multi-level Brownstones but without making the board too cramped. I also needed to ensure that I could adjust the locations of key buildings to achieve playability.
I started off with a couple of Sarissa Precision buildings to get a feel for the size and shape of the buildings. Here are the first two roughly assembled but without all the extras that will bring them to life.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/First%20Houses_zpsamnyndgm.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/First%20Houses_zpsamnyndgm.jpg.html)
These gave me the rough dimensions of how the board was to look. Next I purchased some 9mm MDF cut into 2' x 2' sections to give me an initial 4' x 4' game board. These were marked out with each section of the buildings and the streets. I aim to have the same basic footprint for each of the corner sections and side sections with a central set of buildings that can rotate. This will allow the buildings to be re-positioned each game.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Baseboard%201_zpstyu10bza.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Baseboard%201_zpstyu10bza.jpg.html)
Then I cut out the first of the pavement sections from 3mm MDF which will be glued to the board to provide the framework to hold each set of buildings in place once they are dropped in. This will allow the boards themselves to be stored and carried flat. Here's the rough setting.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Pavement%201_zpsycdwkysp.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Pavement%201_zpsycdwkysp.jpg.html)
And here is how they look with the buildings in place.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Pavement%202_zpsszwfudsy.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Pavement%202_zpsszwfudsy.jpg.html)
These will them be covered in embossed plastic card to provide the look and feel of pavement slabs.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Pavement%20Covering_zpsxcr3fhku.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Pavement%20Covering_zpsxcr3fhku.jpg.html)
That's all for now but I will be updating the thread as the project comes along.
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Looking great so far
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This looks to be a great board! My own board used these buildings; they are great games like Pulp Alley as you can easily access the inside of them.
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Will follow with interest.
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Good start to the project Gary. I cant wait to see where you go with this! 8)
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Great stuff Gary. This is going to be spectacular :)
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Cool looking project! :-*
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Looking forward to following you builds.
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A good start Gary :-*
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An excellent looking project Gary, will be following this with interest
8)
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Good start
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Looking good, will be following with interest (and plundering ideas)
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Oooooh, only just seen this. Very much looking forward to seeing this come together ;D
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great stuff - can I suggest eva foam for your pavements. Much cheaper, easy to emboss and easier to cut...
this stuff
(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/ErictheShed/Frostgrave%20Terrain/ffg8_zps2ysdnf9q.jpg)
(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/ErictheShed/Frostgrave%20Terrain/ffg9_zpsaqt8fwsx.jpg)
(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/ErictheShed/Frostgrave%20Terrain/ffg12_zpsqpemmbfz.jpg)
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Thanks for all the encouragement. :D :D
Although I have been acquiring stuff to move the project on, I am missing some crucial bits which are holding up production of the next stage of the board. In the meantime here is the pavement sets for the first of four boards. I need to do some filling of the gaps and add a kerb but you get the idea of how it will look.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/edited-image_zps1relu00v.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/edited-image_zps1relu00v.jpg.html)
There will be a better update hopefully by next weekend.
great stuff - can I suggest eva foam for your pavements. Much cheaper, easy to emboss and easier to cut...
Giles thanks for the suggestion but I have already completed half the board with plasticard. :? :?
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Shaping up nicely. :) Looking forward to seeing the final result.
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I look forward to see what comes of this!
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Looks like it will be a great board to play on!
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Looks like it will be a great board to play on!
I look forward to see what comes of this!
Shaping up nicely. :) Looking forward to seeing the final result.
Thanks for all the kind words. Sadly I think that the finished project will be a long way off but I now have most of the materials I was missing to finish off the base boards. I'll post some pictures of the finished pavements later this week but I have started to edge the pavements.
I am using a 3mm maple strip, glued to the MDF edges to give a smoother finish. Here are some WIP shots.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Pavement%20Edge%202_zpst2s1i7xa.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Pavement%20Edge%202_zpst2s1i7xa.jpg.html)
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Pavement%20Edge%201_zps1bmcmwxk.jpg) (http://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Pavement%20Edge%201_zps1bmcmwxk.jpg.html)
Another update to follow in a few days.
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Well after a long hiatus, this project has got back on track. Over the last few months i have been slowly collecting buildings and finishing off the base boards. Here's a quick look at how the boards and the buildings are as a work in progress.
An overview of the centre of the city with the Hotel (centre left) with the construction site below.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Work%20in%20progress%204_zpsxwp7rzfn.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Work%20in%20progress%204_zpsxwp7rzfn.jpg.html)
A second view showing some brownstones (stll in undercoat) and behind that the lot for the Cinema
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Work%20in%20progress%203_zps9tmviffc.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Work%20in%20progress%203_zps9tmviffc.jpg.html)
A view over the uptown area with a few stores, soem more brownstones and the lot where the city hall/courthouse will be placed.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Work%20in%20progress%202_zpsibsdo8bu.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Work%20in%20progress%202_zpsibsdo8bu.jpg.html)
Work in progresson the garage with one of the cars on the forecourt.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Garage%20Wip_zps25fujxzw.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Garage%20Wip_zps25fujxzw.jpg.html)
One of the Brownstones part painted as an idea of the colour scheme.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Townhouse%20WIP%201_zpsbine6ngl.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Townhouse%20WIP%201_zpsbine6ngl.jpg.html)
More houses in the building and painting cue but pleased this is moving along.
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Nice work Sir! :-*
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I too am working on a jazz/prohibition age gangster project and have been hoping for an update from your project, as I have been following this thread with great interest. I am further along my build, but have done a terrible job of documenting the work, and find your work inspiring. Please keep up the good work and keep taking pics of your work - I am loving it. Hopefully I have attached a shot of my city in progress - still need to work on signs and weathering everything, but hope to follow your example one day - cheers
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Nice progress Gary 8)
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Nice work Sir! :-*
Nice progress Gary 8)
Thanks guys.
I too am working on a jazz/prohibition age gangster project and have been hoping for an update from your project, as I have been following this thread with great interest. I am further along my build, but have done a terrible job of documenting the work, and find your work inspiring. Please keep up the good work and keep taking pics of your work - I am loving it. Hopefully I have attached a shot of my city in progress - still need to work on signs and weathering everything, but hope to follow your example one day - cheers
Blimey, your build looks amazing. Perhaps you can start a thread and we can feed off each others ideas.
I am trying to get the mix of buildings and open spaces just right so that visually it looks good but can still be playable for up to 4 players. More later on the various sides.
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That's taking shape nicely Gary.
Jerm, let's see a thread with all that lovely terrain.
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That’s going to be impressive Gary 8)
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Nice progress! I look forward to you moving forward on this.
LB
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Another following this thread.
Looking at Jerm's photo has got me rethinking my concept.
Perhaps it is better to design a town where the playing area is the outer edge of the table with most of the buildings, etc, into the center being an 'extravagant' backdrop to the action. This really intrigues me.
Even though I'm using the Blue Moon 18 mm buildings, they are still big enough to be a bit of a challenge to play over and around. Moving the action to an upfront and around the table primary playing area seems a pretty good idea. Clearly not Jerm's intent from what we see in the background but, well, time to do some real thinking on this.
Alas, this project is down the list a bit - but that gives me more time to think. And to find those street details I lack like mail boxes, phone booths, newspaper stands, police call boxes, manhole covers, curb drains, etc. All those become so much more important by bringing the game to the edge of the table.
Indeed, much to think upon. Thanks, Jerm, for the monkey with a wrench in my imaginative works! ;D
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Cracking stuff Gary, it’s going to look great whichever direction you take it in . ;D
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Great stuff Hu Rhu. I wish I had done the same as you did with the fixed side walks. It looks much better.
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That's taking shape nicely Gary.
That’s going to be impressive Gary 8)
Cracking stuff Gary, it’s going to look great whichever direction you take it in . ;D
Thanks guys.
Great stuff Hu Rhu. I wish I had done the same as you did with the fixed side walks. It looks much better.
Codsticker, I thinks its all about what you want to achieve. My plan was to make the boards so they are easy to transport and with the minimum set up at at the other end. However it also had to be flexible enough to change the locations around to increase playability. Thus for me it was fixed sidewalks and common sized slots for my buildings. Others will have a different approach and may produce a much more flexible set up.
However I have been using my time at home to move this along a little.
Firstly a residential house I picked up at the bring and buy at Hammerhead. Its hard plastic/soft resin and painted up well.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/First%20House%204_zpsnz9wtlz5.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/First%20House%204_zpsnz9wtlz5.jpg.html)
And here it is in place next to the Hotel (WIP).
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/First%20House%203_zpszltmo52m.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/First%20House%203_zpszltmo52m.jpg.html)
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/First%20House%202_zpskssrg6an.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/First%20House%202_zpskssrg6an.jpg.html)
Also found time to paint the first miniatures - the Police. These are 6 models from Great Escape Games Chicago Way.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Police%202_zpsx7gc4cwv.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Police%202_zpsx7gc4cwv.jpg.html)
And here they are out protecting the honest citizens of Chicago.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Police%207_zpsp1gcnd0f.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Police%207_zpsp1gcnd0f.jpg.html)
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Police%206_zpsiipxnotu.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Police%206_zpsiipxnotu.jpg.html)
Next up is the Hotel, some street furniture and a few cars.
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Nice work :-* :-* :-*
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Eat hot lead coppers! Great update - buildings and boyz in blue look fantastic - keep up the great work and the updates, I admit I look forward to them.
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Great progress! Wow
To be honest, when first I read the title I thought this had to do with scantily clad dames from that gangster period.
Dan
(https://vintagedancer.com/wp-content/uploads/Silent-screen-actress-Fifi-Dorsay-in-camiknickers-lingerie.jpg)
(https://vintagedancer.com/wp-content/uploads/1920s-lingere.jpg)
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This thread suddenly got a bit racy. You can see that ladies ankles for heaven's sake! :)
Joking aside inspirational work well done!
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Nice work :-* :-* :-*
Eat hot lead coppers! Great update - buildings and boyz in blue look fantastic - keep up the great work and the updates, I admit I look forward to them.
This thread suddenly got a bit racy. You can see that ladies ankles for heaven's sake! :)
Joking aside inspirational work well done!
Thanks for the support guys.
Great progress! Wow
To be honest, when first I read the title I thought this had to do with scantily clad dames from that gangster period.
Dan
Well it is based on 'Some Like It Hot' lol lol However I think a name change might be in order. 8)
Working on the hotel at the moment and hopefully will post the finished article shortly.
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No, no, don’t change the name. We need a little double-meaning lightheartedness these days.
I’m clearly the problem here - me and my 55 going on 15 brain - and not your awesome topic and title. Please pay me no mind.
Dan
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Just caught up with this / it’s a great project Gary 8)
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No, no, don’t change the name. We need a little double-meaning lightheartedness these days.
I’m clearly the problem here - me and my 55 going on 15 brain - and not your awesome topic and title. Please pay me no mind.
Dan
Don't worry, I leaving it like it is but I might re-name the game when I put it on at BLAM.
Just caught up with this / it’s a great project Gary 8)
Thanks Steve. I hope it turns out as well as yours.
Next up is the Hotel. A Sarissa product with addition of a Great Escape fire escape and some MDF lettering for the sign/billboard.
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Hotel%201_zps46f8bxx3.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Hotel%201_zps46f8bxx3.jpg.html)
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Hotel%202_zpsrvopzsaw.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Hotel%202_zpsrvopzsaw.jpg.html)
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Hotel%204_zpsztm7bc1l.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Hotel%204_zpsztm7bc1l.jpg.html)
(https://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s540/garybourne/Gangsters/Hotel%203_zpszsbae4o6.jpg) (https://s1304.photobucket.com/user/garybourne/media/Gangsters/Hotel%203_zpszsbae4o6.jpg.html)
Not sure what to start next either the Garage or the Police Station.
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“Italians. Coming with a knife to a shooting party”. Great, Gary, the rules are nice, like Deadman’s hand. Great terrain
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Looking good Gary, it’s going to be a great game, looking forward to playing ;D
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“Italians. Coming with a knife to a shooting party”. Great, Gary, the rules are nice, like Deadman’s hand. Great terrain
Thanks Dirk.
Looking good Gary, it’s going to be a great game, looking forward to playing ;D
I hope so. Look forward to hosting you, Nick
Here are some more miniatures that I have just varnished. Still have the bases to do but run out of filler.
Spats Columbo's Gangsters, with Spats on the left and his enforcer, Frank Nitti on the right.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-290420215135.jpeg)
The figurres are from Great Escape Games - The Chicago Way line but I have based the painting on characters such as these:
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-290420215441.jpeg)
and this character both from the Untouchables.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-290420215504.jpeg)
A couple of close-ups
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-290420220702.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-290420220737.jpeg)
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NICE :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
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Nice painting on both the minis and your buildings! :-* This is coming along nicely.
LB
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This is looking very interesting. I love the buildings and the minis are looking great.
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Looking good Gary 8)
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The minis were immediately recognisable, well done 8)
The nasty chap in white is especially cool
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Great looking stuff! I love your idea of modular street boards that your Sarissa buildings slot into. I agree with the need to have it all lay flat - my 28mm terrain storage is getting out of hand!
Keep the goods coming...drawing inspiration from it for my own urban areas.
Mike Demana
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Nice painting on both the minis and your buildings! :-* This is coming along nicely.
LB
Looking good Gary 8)
Thanks very much
The minis were immediately recognisable, well done 8)
The nasty chap in white is especially cool
Thanks, he's a well sculpted figure of Frank Nitti in teh film and that helps bring him to life.
Great looking stuff! I love your idea of modular street boards that your Sarissa buildings slot into. I agree with the need to have it all lay flat - my 28mm terrain storage is getting out of hand!
Keep the goods coming...drawing inspiration from it for my own urban areas.
Mike Demana
Thanks. Yes given I have to transport this to South London in October (hopefully), transportability is key to the build, hence the flat boards and modular buildings.
I have been side tracked a little with another project but will be back later this weekend with an update on the boards.
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Next up is the Monnshiners faction - real hillbillies come to town.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-170520201531.jpeg)
The Darrow clan. L to R is: Uncle Clarence, Clancy, Clyde, Pops, Bonnie and 'Red' Darrow
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-170520201618.jpeg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-170520201707.jpeg)
Some minor details to finish off along with the bases but I thought I'd share them with you. Next up is the Treasury Agents, followed by the NPC pedestrians etc.
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Excellent stuff ;D
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VERY nice :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
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Great looking moonshiners, but I feel like they are in real trouble. From that last photo it looks like a regiment of Union soldiers has a bead on them and is about to open fire! As both a fan of the Union and moonshine, I hope the two sides can come to a reconciliation.
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Excellent stuff ;D
VERY nice :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Thanks chaps. A little more work on them to finish off minor details which should be done tonight.
Great looking moonshiners, but I feel like they are in real trouble. From that last photo it looks like a regiment of Union soldiers has a bead on them and is about to open fire! As both a fan of the Union and moonshine, I hope the two sides can come to a reconciliation.
:D :D Must get my desk sorted out. Having based some of my ACW units whilst the moonshiners went for a varnish, a reconciliation has been reached. The Union cavalry went back in their box happy that they had some shiny new bases, leaving the moonshiners ready to get their basing done.
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Are you sure the Yanks didn't go back to their bunker happy for some other reason after they met moonshiners?
Hell, it's probably why they came out in the first place... tell a soliderboy there's some strong tipple in the offing, and, well... you know how that goes.
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I have been working on some new buildings and someone asked how how I did the MDF Brownstones. This shows the very simple process I use, which I am sure that others can improve on.
First I prime the MDF, all over, I use Halfords car primer.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-230520133955.jpeg)
Next I paint the windows and window frames. If I was clever, I would do this stage before assembling the building as the paint jobs would be a lot cleaner. Then I give it thin coat of the chosen colour. In this case I am using a dark brown. I use Crafters Acrylic paints as they give a good coverage and come in a wide range of colours and, most importantly are cheap.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-230520133910.jpeg)
This gives the building a look like this. I can vary the basecoat as required.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-230520133821.jpeg)
Then I go over the building picking out a few bricks with lighter and darker shades to give it a more varied look.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-230520133731.jpeg)
Once that is done, I give a wash of dark brown to blend in the coloiurs.
Finally I paint the roof, ledges and steps and again give them a wash to the the final effect.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/46/6932-230520201242.jpeg)
I still have some work to do to the outsides of the buildings, adding a few signs, posters etc but thit's that basic building done.
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Great project! :-*
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The buildings look great.
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Great work Gary! Those figures especially! :-*
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Great progress Gary 8)
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I like the idea of picking out stones in a lighter or darker color. I may have to try that on my next one...
Mike Demana