Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Conflicts that came in from the Cold => Topic started by: Digits on February 24, 2020, 02:02:19 PM
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Never heard of it? To be fair I made it up (and I’m not even sure you would have a “u” placed in an Arabic word like that!?) - none the less, that’s what I’m calling it, the fictional Middle East setting for a little modern project log.
QUADAM
The Sultanate of Quadam, has long enjoyed ties with the West and has had a tolerable relationship with Israel whilst maintaining a generally well respected position among other Arab states.
The country only about twice the size as Belgium has about 200km of coastline, its capital, Nazwa, sits at highest point of this coast and boasts the country's only significant port and its single, until now, relatively quiet international airport. Roughly half of the country’s population can be found here. With exception of a few scattered villages, the bulk of the remainder of the country’s inhabitants are to be found in one of three towns, Ras al Salwa in the South East, Rawdah about 50km South of the capital and Qimat Alshita, the only town in the mountainous areas to the West. Each town has a small regional airport servicing internal flights and providing bases for the airforce.
Quadam has a standing army of only 20,000, a small airforce with only a few dozen fighter aircraft, attack helicopters and support aircraft, and a mere handful of coastal patrol craft that pass for a navy. The country does have a well trained paramilitary Police force, centred mostly on the capital, the three towns and with small provincial stations dotted around the until now quiet country.
Not a particularly wealthy state compared with other oil rich countries of the region, it does however have small oil reserves and being relatively small with a population of only one and a half million, the distribution of wealth has ensured a moderately comfortable life for most of its indigenous population. Coupled with the popularity of the Sultan, Gilad Salahuddin , as well as the majority of his family, the Arab Spring passed the country by completely.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/C35AFCAE-4BB2-4D01-8D13-023A4E04704B.jpeg)
Sultan Gilad Salahuddin
However, recent discoveries of large mineral deposits of Unobtainium and even small traces of Elludium, threaten to attract significant external interest and estimates suggest Quadam’s financial standing is about to rocket, perhaps even eclipsing other internationally established Gulf States.
This has led to some resentment among its neighbours, jealous of its geological advantages, especially as they themselves are also facing the inevitable decline of their own dwindling oil reserves. Long forgotten arguments about border positions and lines on maps have been dragged up once again, especially in areas where the mineral deposits are close to Quadam’s borders.
Resentment has led to covert hostility with secret funding, training and operational support given to hill tribesmen from the West of the country, playing on their long held beliefs of their own historical prominence in ruling the country. The tribes have been stirred up into a frenzy and already, attacks on military outposts and police stations in the West have resulted in hundreds of deaths. The Sultan and his government have struggled to comprehend the threat and effectively deal with the tribesmen and have looked to the West for support.
Western nations are however reluctant to commit large numbers of troops and military equipment to the region though for fear of escalating existing tensions currently strained, with Iran, only a few hundred kilometres across the gulf. So far, only a handful of special forces and other advisory military contractors have been committed to the country, coming in the main from the UK, US and Canada.
Big businesses too, positioning themselves to reap the riches have engaged private military contractors to guard their assets.
Things are about to take a dramatic and more sinister turn however. Close to the Northern border with Quadam and within striking distance of the capital, one of the last remaining pockets of the so called Daesh, driven from its strongholds but as dangerous as a cornered snake, has seen an opportunity to capitalise on the current turmoil and perhaps start a new caliphate.......
So, there you have it, a fictitious setting for a new conflict. When the guys mentioned playing Spectre a few weeks ago now, my curiosity was prodded and I bought myself a copy of the rules and half a dozen or so operatives. They arrived on Friday, the day before we played (see The Middle East game https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=122712.0 in this forum) and I have to say, my interest was truly cemented after playing on Flatpack’s fantastic table.
So, I’ve had a fish about, and with some Eureka models found in my lead pile, along with a a few die cast vehicles, two of which I picked up from Has Been at the weekend, I have the start of my collection. The Afghans will represent the hill tribesmen.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/7B7BB2CD-DED6-45C2-8D5C-001C5AB42723.jpeg)
Now for the funky bit.....
I have just invested in a 3D printer.......
I want in the first instance to start building a hotel & mosque and using it to produce good Arab architecture.
Let the journey commence....
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I am calling shotgun on all your miscasts.
Oh & I will provide a (long) shopping list of 'bits',
once you work out how to plug it in etc.
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Woah fella! There is the small matter of me figuring out how to use autocad first!
I’m only buying an entry level machine....printing times may be a little slow too!
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I can wait.
I am still (occasionally) opening & using Humbrol paint tins
I bought with my two shillings pocket money.
By the way I have some Afghans (1930s) that I could do up,
and use as the less well equipped hill tribesmen.
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Go for it mate.
Printer arrived at work today so a quick read and a crash course in cad and I will be having a go at a minaret. To be fair, I’ve seen one already drawn on line, it will just need a little cropping.
After that, I want to concentrate on designing Arabian arches, recessed windows with wrought iron patterned meshed windows and balconies. My intent is to mix these in with foam card walls to reduce weight and cost but allow sufficient ornate architectural detailing to make them stand out.
I was also impressed with Bob’s Blotz buildings. Simple but effective so I may get a few to play about with. Maybe design a few ornate gates and add a few buttresses, plus roof water tanks, a/c units etc
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/330D9998-2ABA-4EB5-ADFB-BB9374FCB0C2.jpeg)
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Let the mojo flow.
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If that picture is your first attempt, I am very impressed.
If you make some of those 'perforated bricks' thin enough, you would
be able to glue them onto thin MDF & create the illusion that it is solid.
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Yes good idea. Lots of ideas....just need to try some low hanging fruit first....
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The Sultanate of Quadam, has long enjoyed ties with the West and has had a tolerable relationship with Israel whilst maintaining a generally well respected position among other Arab states.
The country only about the same size as Belgium has about 200km of coast line, its capital, Nazwa, sits at highest point of its coastline and boasts the country's only significant port and its single, until now, relatively quiet international airport. 70% of the population can be found here. The remainder of the country’s inhabitants are to be found in one of three towns, Ras al Salwa in the South East, Rawdah about 50km South of the capital and Qimat Alshita, the only town in the mountainous areas to the West. Each town has an airstrip.
I am sure our holiday plane had a 5 hour stopover there once.....we looked around the Nazwa bazaar ;)
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One of us is on drugs then! ;D
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Ok.....so, not a total disaster! At least I have the machine working.
I need to figure out how one of them suddenly fell over three quarters through the print.
Not supposed to require pritt or tape with this bed type. Not that I have the faintest idea what I’m talking about....but I may need to increase the bad temperature a tad.
However.....considering much of the stuff I want to start with is relatively flat (doors, arches, windows etc) it would have finished long before this one.
Have to say though....what has printed is great detail, smooth and rock solid....impressed with my little headless test owls!
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/519FFFB6-4435-47CD-8420-C6686666FFF5.jpeg)
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INTERESTING PROJECT :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
GOOD START WITH THE PRINTER
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I thought they were strawberries
lol
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I thought they were strawberries
lol
My first thought as well.
Good luck.
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Ok then we call them strawberries and a total success! lol
Going to design my first window hopefully today....then print it tonight.
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(http://test owls!)
I know I called shotgun on your mis-casts, but I never thought
you gave two hoots!
I'll get my coat.
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Will it be the square window children ?
No I know, it’ll be the arched window.
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Pete.....terrible!
Now fingers crossed.....I’ve already stopped one print run....calibration not right.
Now as it’s printing, I’m worried we have put too much fine detail in the windows.....I’m trying not to hold my breath.....
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Just under two hours. Admittedly, I probably tried to make these a little thin and have lost a little detail on the door work. Not sure what happened to the bottoms of my windows either but a little autocad tweak will sort those out.
None the less, all these are useable.....so I’m pleased. Not bad for my first go.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/D1A4D190-40B1-4189-8587-8DAD2BADB347.jpeg)
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They look just the thing! Well done Sir!
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Too early to place an order for a few hundred?
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Unfortunately....yes.
At two hours to print, once per day .....going to take me years to print what I need!
I may have to make moulds and cast them....
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Nice work.
Moulding them is probably the best bet.
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Given your previous proven ability to process moulding,
that does seem the most sensible method. Make a detailed
master on the printer, then mould from that. So...
Is it too early to place an order for a few hundred?
Nice to see your Mojo returning, see it only took a few seconds
of mindless violence with an RPG.
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Indeed!
As for the order, if I make a mold, I will lend it you to cast your own few hundred!
Door reworked to deepen the detail work. Windows re worked to have a bottom edge. Single door designed using same pattern as the large double and a new window designed. Will try out tonight......
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Looking good. The people of Ukuechana which the people of Quadam all the best.
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And may the Blessings of Allah bestow upon you one thousand goats!
So, the windows are fixed but something is going horribly wrong with the door. Th3 smaller doors are sharing a similar problem. Is the detailing too much for the printer?
Maybe I need to slow it down? Anyway, I need to experiment further.
Second window design should be done for tomorrow but I rather like these.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/C9D52D53-3B78-40CB-9965-057193A5365E.jpeg)
I think I may work on the Sultan and his close protection team this weekend...
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/FCABE515-D095-45AC-98F5-A85A503E2DEB.jpeg)
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I feel that the vehicle NEEDS some kind of anti RPG screen.
I have seen how much damage just one of those thing, in the
hands of a fanatic (yes Digits I do mean you), can do.
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It will get painted.....anti blast paint! Best I can do. lol
The dice were with me fella. The fact I actually missed the point I aimed for and a random direction dice did the rest.....
Anyway, apart from a busted wing mirror, I’m chuffed with the scale Range Rover find on eBay.
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Hi Digits - this all looking really good! Watching with a lot of interest! - Ian 😉
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Digits,
I know these vehicles very well.
Do you have a 1/72 jump battery ?
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Ha. Very good!
1/72nd wouldn’t do it though mate! ;)
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I daily struggle with the correct kit on these things. lol
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Ok, so I needed a software change it seems. I tried printing this jersey barrier courtesy of JBRoss on Tiny Models and you can see that for some reason, my printer deemed it complete at just over half the height!
Download the Cura Software to my laptop, and slight change in printer name and I get the proper print you see on the left.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/1B5273E6-F62C-4683-8C24-EAB9C35E6B7D.jpeg)
Now printing (for the next five hours) the full set of 4 whole and 4 damaged barriers...hope they come out as good.
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And...the large door prints perfectly now!
Compared to the crappy one on the right anyway.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/F23743DF-E8B7-48A4-9F0F-A455A38306FB.jpeg)
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Yup, the second print is much better. You are getting good at this.
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More to print later. I designed (with a little help) another window type and a balcony and glass sliding door for a hotel I have planned. I have also ordered a pair of buildings from Empress Minis and a handful of Blotz mdf which I’m going to have a play with.
As I said, I want to build a good looking hotel complete with roof top pool and revolving door entrance, this will be the largest building on the table so needs to be suitably impressive with lots of detailing.
The next biggest....certainly tallest.....will be the mosque using lots of printed detail and maybe a printed minaret as there are a few models already available. Going to concentrate on these buildings for a while. In total that would give me eight buildings to start off my town. Enough to play around me thinks...
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You need a speakeasy/ casino type place...
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I’d probably go for a supermarket first.....but all in good time. Let me get a few bits done first. I will print my new pieces later...
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Hmmmm....must have them at too fine because these windows just took 5 hours!
Anyway, here is my second set of windows. Quite large and not too ornate but I like the shape.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/6AED407A-7EE4-429E-AF5F-47988DB102B4.jpeg)
Just need to add architrave to the bottom and make the plate thinner to speed up printing.
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So realistic I keep expecting Jason Bourne to come bursting through one lol
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Cheers fella.
Ok, here’s where I’m heading......this is a mock up of a typical suite at the boutique Hotel Al Falaj featuring double glass sliding door and balcony. I need to tweak the door height / width a tad but otherwise done.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/4D387439-1897-4360-8D53-FFBBA13686C3.jpeg)
I need a little detailing, like castellations along roof edges etc. I’ve found aircon units which are printing right now.
Printing off a revolving door I found on the web this afternoon so the components for it are coming together.... [edit] being a plonker, I set it up the wrong way up....printed half an hour before realising! I will stiick to amassing windows and balconies for now I think and have a go at that later!
A quick and dirty sketch explaining what I’m going for. I may narrow it a bit yet.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/88C06414-2CA3-4029-B8AC-81842B3CB9ED.jpeg)
Edit
And now with aircon ( I found on the net...will look up designer for credit)
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/0585C2E7-BBAF-4883-968E-2230C80070B2.jpeg)
I have bought foam card. As soon as I get hold of some pins, I will construct the main shell.
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Wow this will be big. I didn't fully realise the scope of your madness! The trees should have been a clue ... lol
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My motto...Go big or go home! ;)
If it is to feature heavily in the game and its worth fighting around...worth doing well. I just can’t bring myself to to the insides.....hang up from my cowboy adventures. Still, I will make the entrance terrace and the roof terrace interesting enough.
Oh, and jersey barriers are coming out a treat. I will print a couple of dozen undamaged ones now then get them painted.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/B1D6ECA0-9BA4-46DD-910C-12B1E00E9B65.jpeg)
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I like the hotel idea, but have you applied for planning permission ? lol
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It’s ok, my uncle is the minister of housing and commercial property.
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I will say this for Nepotism, at least it stays in the family.
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Ba da bam! Tishhh!
Yup, big old family too, the Quadam Royals. Admittedly not as large as say the Saudi family but let’s just say, not many ministerial roles left for outsiders!
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Thanks to angrylittletree on Thingyverse, a great shipping container. Great detail and an option for open doors. Took me ten hours to print mind...
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/D0F00183-7456-4962-B203-B33DE3266AF7.jpeg)
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/6513DDA2-C637-41B0-B96B-DCA6E83E27E5.jpeg)
Also, I have been checking necessary heights / widths etc and have realised my original rough guess for dimensions is spot on! Each block effectively 15cm wide and four floors at 9cm so 36cm high. I need to adjust the door print, widening it, and increasing the height of the sliding doors (and adding a handle!) but otherwise each room will look like this. I’m tempted not to add balconies at the rear....but it limits game play a little so I will hold judgement just now.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/5C2AD5B0-1441-4D61-85AB-B39CEE8F4534.jpeg)
I am tempted to mount the building on a base board for the purpose of adding a parking circle, half a dozen parking slots, a fountain and gardens at the front. I can put it all inside a walled enclosure with a gate guard house so it becomes even more “playable”. If I do this, I will have to adjust the depth of the building down a bit....sacrifice realistic internal footprint for playability...makes sense.
It may be a little overkill......but as I intend it to be the big piece on the board...why the hell not?
Quick sketch up....
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/2C3A3EB4-C9F2-4E09-879C-4EC203BC6921.jpeg)
So only one pull in bay! Sacrificing shape at the rear to square off the footprint, the overall plate will be 450 wide by 400 deep.
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Just thinking out loud. If the floor are separate you could also reduce it to one or two and use it with the walls, gatehouse et all as some form of Government compound (or embassy, CIA, GRU or civilian contractor outpost).
Great thread I just had nothing to add before. Good luck and looks awesome. I was watching Hot Shots part deux last night and the details matched NOT Saddam's palace very well!
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Cheers fella. Perhaps I will make the hotel sign detachable for just that purpose. However, it will be a fixed height. I’ve ordered a pair of buildings from Empress which could be used in such a fashion too. We shall see.
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If it is a fixed height, I assume no floor levels are removable, and you will be using it for putting troops into I have a couple questions.
Can the forces be inserted through doors or windows?
Is the back open to allow same?
Can it be split front from back again same?
Interesting solutions to ideas as they come up. Thank you for the speedy reply.
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To be fair, I’m not worried about playing through the building. I don’t as it happens in Vulture Creek, my Wild West town....we made our own rules for what happens indoors.
Having lots of balconies, ground detailing and roof detailing will allow lots of gameplay. But because I’m using foam card, it’s a little unforgiving if you don’t fix it down. I will be plastering it with a mix of pva and tetrion for final wall effect and that could look pants too if separated at levels I fear.
If I really need to play though, I would simply draw room plans and play out on those beside the table I think.
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I was thinking thro this today also.
Room plans sounds the way forward mate.
And for the pool on the roof, I can get you a shallow bowl of water. lol
Good luck with your grand plans.
I really look forward to it on the table, but please, please, please don’t arm you troops with piggin’ rpgs again.
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Very impressed with the build so far
Can you tell us a bit more about your printer?
Make?
Cost?
A picture would be nice
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And for the pool on the roof, I can get you a shallow bowl of water. lol
Good luck with your grand plans.
I really look forward to it on the table, but please, please, please don’t arm you troops with piggin’ rpgs again.
I intend to design and print the pool as a drop in, I just need to leave a hole in the roof. Simple oblong, tiled surface, steps into it and a drainage grille around edge....not too deep, paint and fill with a suitable clear resin me thinks.
As for RPG’s......I somehow doubt I will be so lucky again!
Mac, it’s an Anycubic I3 - so far proving a very good entry level £200 - £250 machine. 20cm cubed print space. Not hugely fast (though kinda depends on your settings for the print) but I’m quite impressed.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/E9AC9392-CEEF-4BBC-8866-22A332E8D034.jpeg)
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Construction starts.....
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/C549E998-CB19-484F-8162-698E41819691.jpeg)
Using black foam card. Will show up the white printed bits nicely during construction and when it comes to “plastering” it will be easy to spot areas I’ve missed.
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:o Cor you can cut square....wish I could do that ::)
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I tell you something...I bought these packs of 5 A3 sheets from the range thinking not too bad a price.....and then find they are NOT perfectly square! Out about 2 millimetre! So if they look square....it’s an optical illusion....but once they are dressed and plastered, should look ok. To be fair (and you can see it in my western town) I’ve never built a square building yet! Lol
Anyway, I can’t glue the middle yet until I can get the revolving door printed properly. Going to have a play with the file......
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My inability to cut square is an advantage when making 'crumbly' & 'run down/ dilapidated'
Digits, even I might be able to hit that hotel with an RPG!
Floor plans are most definitely the way to go. I hate buildings with removable
bits. All I see are the flipping big cracks they create. Floor plans also allow
you to change the interior, from one game to the next. That stops players
knowing in advance that there is a stairwell on the right hand end of the building,
& so forth.
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Yup and it gives me time to dream up what the interior looks like. It’s a large building so it needs the structural integrity.
Now, I’m open to suggestions....but Quadam needs a flag......especially as I may fly one at the front of the hotel.
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AK47 Rules have some random tables for flags if you are interested?
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I think the guys hav3 th3 rules, I will take a look thanks....
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So, WIP shot. Lots to print obviously but so far so good me thinks!
I need to widen the entrance opening to set the revolving door back a little.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/D74F83C0-CA31-4E36-B288-3BC93EAF1EA9.jpeg)
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Where did the air con units come from?
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Credit to Tufoo on Thingyverse for those. Revolving door resized from original by Rose-B, also Thingyverse.
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Can anyone recommend an embossed card supplier? I specifically want card rather than plasticard with slates / paving / tiles etc. Cheers
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The flag should be a freedom fighter's raised hand, holding
an RPG7. On a two colour (horizontal split) background, of red below white.
The Red is for your jammie troops in the Spectre game,
while the White represents me crying over spilt milk.
Or if you want to dice for it, as per AK47, let me know a string of D6
results & I will look it up for you.
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Ha, that may indeed be the new flag of Quadam....if the insurgents win!
I was thinking slightly more peaceful tbh. Having lived in Oman, I was thinking more along those lines ....but different.
Maybe they have a new flag with a lump of unobtanium at its centre?!
Anyway, a little close up of th3 revolving door now it’s set back a bit.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/6F7281DF-2BE6-4BEE-BA23-78BF8E896E56.jpeg)
Have reworked the balcony doors so I will print a few later. Whilst at it we changed the thick looking window, adding a little architrave at the bottom and I have specked out the swimming pool......hopefully we will have it ready to print later in the week. After that, we will be doing the “castellations” to put around the roof perimeter.
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How can you have a hotel room below the pool? It would need another floor under it not used unless it is 1/2 foot deep wading pool.
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As you can plainly see from the front of the building, the rooms appear very tall....this allows them coolness, but also allows for the inclusion of a decent sized interstitial space for ductwork, pipes and swimming pools.
Besides....I’m no architect! Lol
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Remade sliding doors. I couldn’t get the onion bulb to work but this is much better I think. Especially as the motif ties in to the balcony.
An hour to print each. Teaching my wife to print for me when I’m at work! lol
Anyway, I’m rather pleased how this is going.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/9A62725C-481B-4529-9250-DC7BFFF15220.jpeg)
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Blotz delivery. Yes I could replicate these in foam card, they are pretty simple structures, but priced as they are, silly not to buy them to be fair. I was struck how effective these were at Bob’s house, so a handful will grace my table.
However, I have a little idea to enhance them a tad. All to be revealed....
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/B175F642-3AAB-474B-9363-BF6DF60759F5.jpeg)
In other news
The sad death recently of Sultan Qaboos of Oman, a highly regarded statesman and popular leader had me reading a few pages when I came across this painting of him.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/C35AFCAE-4BB2-4D01-8D13-023A4E04704B.jpeg)
Now, I’ve seen hundreds of photos and paintings of this chap and this is the least likely impression of him I’ve come across! So, as a small tribute to him, whilst not putting up glaring likenesses, this fella will be the Sultan of Quadam, Gilad Salahuddin....and be put up in large posters about the city of Nazwa such is their want in that region.
Billboards on the list to build....
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Print your billboards, there are some on Thingiverse.
Blotz delivery. Yes I could replicate these in foam card, they are pretty simple structures, but priced as they are, silly not to buy them to be fair. I was struck how effective these were at Bob’s house, so a handful will grace my table.
However, I have a little idea to enhance them a tad. All to be revealed....
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/B175F642-3AAB-474B-9363-BF6DF60759F5.jpeg)
In other news
The sad death recently of Sultan Qaboos of Oman, a highly regarded statesman and popular leader had me reading a few pages when I came across this painting of him.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/C35AFCAE-4BB2-4D01-8D13-023A4E04704B.jpeg)
Now, I’ve seen hundreds of photos and paintings of this chap and this is the least likely impression of him I’ve come across! So, as a small tribute to him, whilst not putting up glaring likenesses, this fella will be the Sultan of Quadam, Gilad Salahuddin....and be put up in large posters about the city of Nazwa such is their want in that region.
Billboards on the list to build....
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Or you could get them from Blot (the 20mm scale ones will work nicely on the roof of buildings.
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I found one printable I can try....but to be fair, probably the easiest of things to scratch if needs be. Will definitely add a flavour of “Middle East”.
I will need to find some suitable advertising posters for the region too.
I have been thinking on graffiti and have a genius idea ( for me anyway). You can add script in autocad, I believe maybe even import it from word. So, I just need to figure out a few Arabic words and slogans....then make myself simple printable stencils!
If I can only find a couple of Arab looking black and white stencilable faces (like the two tone rude boy characters of yesteryear) then I’m laughing....
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Loving the detail you are adding to the setup :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
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Nice! It looks the part!
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Thanks guys. :)
Ok so the Blotz kits go together really well. A couple of gripes, the largest compound kit buildings have no windows! Like Bob, I have used a few dice holder frames and indeed on another kit, I have used them to frame the bland window boxes.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/EE33DEF5-C24A-436B-B063-7332FDD0013C.jpeg)
I have also put a couple of alternate doors and used some misprint windows to show a little more opulence. I have also used little offcuts from the frames to create plant beds. These will be filled with dirt once the walls are plastered and a little suitable flora added.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/D0D79222-4294-4B14-A596-3A23C14EDE6A.jpeg)
Be sure to bevel the edges of the base
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/F4968EC0-AEB1-4993-B7F9-421CE025A680.jpeg)
And mess up / age any bits like this pergola trellis so it doesn’t look big and clumsy.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/C31EFCE1-5FE6-480D-888A-068311114D96.jpeg)
I don’t like the trap door covers that come with the kits so I will make my own. I’ve added a couple of a/c units and in time, they will get other modern bits like satellite dishes and water tanks.
Before that though, the plastering. Going to try something a little different (for me anyway) first...
Meanwhile, I’ve decided on just windows sides and rear. The building will most likely feature at the side of the table anyway.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/3C7054CD-78A3-446D-AC9E-75484DDA7F4E.jpeg)
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And the last of the balconied rooms is printed! lol lol
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/A6E04F18-CBA8-46BF-9C79-E263C1285904.jpeg)
I still need to decide how I’m doing the entrance cover and design slightly different door for access onto it. It will be an “events area” so I may even just modify the balcony to be four panels wide and three deep....this would match in perfectly too.
I need to print another 24 windows as well.....back and far side to be done.
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Loving it :-* :-* :-* :-*
How much for a night?
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Ain’t gonna be cheap....the great and good stay there when they are in town.....the restaurant boasts the only Michelin stars in the country! None the less, I will speak with my uncle....see what he can do......
So, here is the plan with the wood buildings.....
Using a little piece of das over some pva, rolled flat enough it won’t stand proud when the surrounding plaster is applied, I’m adding brick detailing with these nifty purchases.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/5A9E687A-A55B-46AC-AE54-D804FA270721.jpeg)
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/6DD9A646-8C67-45F1-AFB0-7B6B27C58A47.jpeg)
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/30C134BB-3531-4E1A-979D-6FECC24D7EE2.jpeg)
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You have moved astonishingly quickly on the Blotz buildings Digits....my projects have to sit in boxes for at least 6 months and be lost and found again at least 3 times before I can start them lol
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That brick work really looks the part, great effect.
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I agree about the balcony over the entrance being wider and deeper, that would look good. Possibly held up by a column at each front corner? That would create a sort of grander portico.
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Cheers fellas. Yup I’ve decided the balcony above the entrance will match the others.
Brickwork das will be perfectly dried so might start with plasterwork later.
And my pool is designed. Just sliced it and it will take 7.5 hours to print....one for the weekend me thinks!
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I agree with Vodkafan, you have moved quickly. I however follow the advice
of JC (one of our group) when he says, 'It needs several coats, of looking at, first.'
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Agreed....but whilst my mojo flows, I need to make hay.
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Very pleased with myself!
A print went horribly wrong then screwed up my print nozzle. Had to learn how to change filament, remove and replace head and recalibrate / level the plate and it’s working fine again! I will be honest and say it petrified me when it happened as I’m a bit of a Luddite, but seems to be going well again.....insha Allah!
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Damn close!
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/4F414C80-0C55-47E4-B799-82558B1FB72A.jpeg)
Over 8 hours of printing but...was supposed to have acco type drain around top which also acted as a lip for help suspend the pool in the hole. Made it too fine and it wouldn’t come clean from the support struts. I will have to do it in two parts. Whilst I’m at it, the drain in the bottom needs detail and I will reverse the tile effect, otherwise....nearly there! In fact I may take out one step (the top one) too and make the pool shallower as previously pointed out to me 🙄
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Nice work, I cannot wait to see the next print.
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Cheer Smurf, me neither!
Ok, thought I’d paint something. Paint is still wet. These ISO containers come with open or closed door. Adding in some detritus from Debris of War and they have purpose for sitting somewhere in town. I can smell it from the picture, and if I find a suitable rat in my bits box.....[edit] that gave me an idea....I need to find a surplus arm and have it sticking out as if there is a body in there..... :-X
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/753FEA0B-8B8B-4F5C-8C95-199A197C306C.jpeg)
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/BA6FEF5E-67D9-433D-993A-AB8BF5C288F2.jpeg)
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That's excellent
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Nice work.
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Well the blue coloured bags don't do it for me but the black ones look spot on. Great job.
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Well the blue coloured bags don't do it for me but the black ones look spot on. Great job.
I suspect it is a cultural thing.
We have green, blue and purple bags (though they are translucent).
Saying that, the blue ones above look very much like rubble sacks (extra thick plastic).
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I suspect it is a cultural thing.
We have green, blue and purple bags (though they are translucent).
Saying that, the blue ones above look very much like rubble sacks (extra thick plastic).
It is not the colour but the blue bags look painted while the black ones look very natural (realistic) to my eye.
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Ahhh....my painting is rubbish....I get it now. ;)
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Loving the bin bags & containers.
Bought my first 28mm Ultra Moderns at Hammerhead yesterday.
Two packs of Empress SAS. Well pleased with them. Now all I
have to do (to keep up with you & Flatpack) is:-
Build an Arab town; etc. etc. etc.
Oh heck I think I will do my fighting out on an old deserted back road.
Hey I could make an abandoned petrol station, then a couple of ruined....
STOP, SIT DOWN IN A DARKENED ROOM & take one of the purple 'smarties'
& all of this will go away.
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It is not the colour but the blue bags look painted while the black ones look very natural (realistic) to my eye.
I have to admit that it is only the green ones that look a bit odd to me, but then I have bags that colour blue.
Ahhh....my painting is rubbish....I get it now. ;)
Well it is much better than mine (I just went for black bags, as they are easiest).
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Bought my first 28mm Ultra Moderns at Hammerhead yesterday.
Two packs of Empress SAS. Well pleased with them. Now all I
have to do (to keep up with you & Flatpack) is:-
Build an Arab town; etc. etc. etc.
Which ones, four eyes or casual?
Embrace Ultramoderns - it IS the Future!
And now back to the regular programming - Digits: what have you painted now?
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Cheers guys.
I only painted a few odd colours to vary up the piles etc. I’ve used blue and green before now which is why I went for them. Tbh.....I didn’t really imagine it would cause any grief! Lol
Smurf...at the moment I am printing Tufoo’s wonderful T Walls and HESCO barriers....after stencilling the minion graffiti on the container, I had another idea...
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/05AF33D1-2370-4CE0-BB19-37FDE36FB6CE.jpeg)
Today though, I will be having a go at plastering the Blotz buildings.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/A7129DE9-A9F5-4767-80F8-79EFEEB30F6C.jpeg)
Now all I
have to do (to keep up with you & Flatpack) is:-
Build an Arab town; etc. etc. etc.
I already suggested to Bob we pool our respective towns (when I’ve actually built mine) for another game or two of Spectre. It would be good to have a more balanced rematch and learn the game properly.
The only buildings I have planned right now are
Hotel.....half constructed
Mosque...not started
2 x Empress balconied large buildings....on order
4 x Blotz buildings....half done
Supermarket.....not started
A petrol station would be a great idea! Go for it mate!
As for figures....I really need to start painting a few I think.......
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Ultra (http://Which ones, four eyes or casual?)
Their packs 1 & 2. (several baseball caps if that helps).
As to petrol station, I will have to have a 'shufti' to see what bits I have (that would be useful)
I do have (somewhere) market stalls, by Blotz I think, which would help fill out a market area.
Saw Iron Gate's resin articles. Lots of nice things, especially for market stalls.
As my slot on 'Trade at Table' was at the end of the day I didn't buy any. Did not know
how much (if any) money I would get.
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Yes a market would be good. I have one stall from that outfit that make the fantasy plastic furniture....it’s warped to hell mind!
But yes, you could do an Arab market place set among palm trees...that could look really cool. Especially if you had a central tree under which the goat sales are made.....(My fictional capital, Nazwa is for Nizwa in Oman where I used to watch the old guys trading goats under a tree....
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Plastering done.
Waiting for these to dry so I can give them a quick sanding to smooth a few rough bits before and base sand and some detailing. Waiting on an Empress order for satellite dishes , a few other details and I need to look for a printable water tank
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/8F0961A5-1BAE-4B15-9840-73DBCA091E3A.jpeg)
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Nice.
Apologies for not seeing the minion, now you have mentioned it it is obvious.
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I too bought the same two packs of SAS as Pete, at Hammerhead yesterday.
I also bought packs 1,2 and 3 of the insurgents.
I was able to also get a Hummer and a station wagon, all in 28mm.
I’m sure we can get all the stuff together in a months time for a game.
Spoken to Ian an he is happy to run Spectre again.
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Any good for an Arab petrol station ?
Photo taken from “Contact Front” rule set.
(https://i.postimg.cc/JhHFdykV/2-F9-CA14-C-5-CDD-4-B56-AA0-B-192-A3-E7-FDBDF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t1yDs4k2)
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A month?!!!
I don’t think I paint as quickly as you guys! Lol
Ok, I can do some buildings and scenery but I may struggle with figures.
Petrol station looks ok. That or something a little more modern looking, but I like the concept.
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Thanks Bob for the picture. As JC says, 'A good starter for ten'
I haven't started looking for useful bits yet, though I have
cleaned up, & glued to bases, my Empress SAS and the Britania
Plantation owner's family. Unfortunately not an RPG between them!
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Not to worry....I have a few.
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Thought you might.
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Talking of which...,does anyone know if I can get hold of Special Artizan Service Miniatures in the UK?
On a slightly less fun note....I think I have Corvid 19. Tight chest, cough, headaches and bit of a temperature. I hope it doesn’t get worse than this. If it is, and it’s bloody stupid that I can’t get tested to confirm it unless I’m at deaths door, then at least I’ve got it out of the way early....
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Don't worry you can't die you have too much to paint yet ;)
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Let’s hope what they say about war gamers is true then! If it is....I will live to at least 110 touch wood!
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Keep us updated. I wish you well, & if it is Corvid 19 lets hope yours is a mild case.
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Thanks Peter. I was feeling upbeat earlier but it seems to come in waves. I’m trying to occupy my mind and I have at least got the four Blotz ready for painting.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/CD88757D-3853-4C56-8DF6-06592F99F1EE.jpeg)
I’ve also based and primed a dozen insurgents but they will wait. For now, my temp is back up and head is pounding....back to bed I think.
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Good luck with the virus Dave.
Seems a lot of it about....understatement of the year.
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Good luck.
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hope you get better soon
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Thanks chaps.
A couple of hours sleep seem to have staved that bout off. Keep taking fluids and headache tablets (cocodamol my weapon of choice ).
By the way....I posted a question about Special Artizan Design Service in the UK?
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Well stop going on about and get some more models done :D
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You are all heart! :`
A bit tired but at least I can keep printing!
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/30972172-C433-439F-8058-B54244F14732.jpeg)
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That's the spirit
Honestly hope you are ok soon :D
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Take care of yourself mate :)
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Hi Digits
Look after yourself mate
Ian
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Thanks guys. Rough night, let’s hope that was as bad as it gets...
Going to try painting minis today. Keep my mind off it.
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Look after yourself mate. ;)
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Cheers Paul.
Well if anyone is interested...I’m on day 6. I actually made it thru the night without any fevers and I feel “better”. I still feel like I’ve lost a bout with a heavyweight champ and that’s probably normal following any viral infection.
In summary, days one - cough started, day two, tight chest, headaches and fevers started. Day three and four - felt like sh*t lots of fevers and headaches. Day 5 thought I’d broken fevers with cold sweats in the night but still suffered though the day. Day 6 calm night...feeling much improved.
I’ve been lucky, I was petrified being in the high risk category, but my cough didn’t get too bad and it’s kept off my chest.
Hope this helps anyone going through it...it is beatable and five days seems about the sum of it. Stick up on that paracetamol and drink LOTS.
Anyway, back to the project I think. I’m waiting on a paint delivery before I can start to paint the Blotz buildings. I’ve printed out about twenty T Walls and a dozen runs of three HESCO barriers. Should be enough.
So, it’s tome to get painting minis.....working on first dozen insurgents. Hopefully a progress mini later.
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I have just discovered this amazing thread and was saving every picture for reference/inspiration so thank you for sharing your genius! By page 5 I was sold on the idea of buying a 3d printer-or are there companies out there willing to sell 3d prints so one can make moulds?
Sorry to hear about yourself and others getting sick, take care all but do keep working on this during your isolation!
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Cheers Paul.
Well if anyone is interested...I’m on day 6. I actually made it thru the night without any fevers and I feel “better”. I still feel like I’ve lost a bout with a heavyweight champ and that’s probably normal following any viral infection.
In summary, days one - cough started, day two, tight chest, headaches and fevers started. Day three and four - felt like sh*t lots of fevers and headaches. Day 5 thought I’d broken fevers with cold sweats in the night but still suffered though the day. Day 6 calm night...feeling much improved.
I’ve been lucky, I was petrified being in the high risk category, but my cough didn’t get too bad and it’s kept off my chest.
Hope this helps anyone going through it...it is beatable and five days seems about the sum of it. Stick up on that paracetamol and drink LOTS.
Anyway, back to the project I think. I’m waiting on a paint delivery before I can start to paint the Blotz buildings. I’ve printed out about twenty T Walls and a dozen runs of three HESCO barriers. Should be enough.
So, it’s tome to get painting minis.....working on first dozen insurgents. Hopefully a progress mini later.
Good to hear you are on the mend. ;)
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Well done Dave, sounds like you have beaten it mate.
Take your time getting back into the hobby, and remember it is just a hobby.
Bob
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Well done Dave, take it easy now.
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Sorry I’ve been quiet. I thought I’d seen the back of this virus but the last ten days have been very scary. I won’t hit you with all details but I was prettified of ending up on a ventilator somewhere. My wife has been a diamond. I have basically kept as hydrated as possible to keep away from the hospitals. Ate my first solid food last night and looking forward to a good old fashioned stew and dumplings tonight.......finally.
Thanks to those who sent messages, sorry if I never got back but you are brilliant.
Anyway, onwards and upwards .....
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Brilliant news mate. I was getting worried having not heard anything. ;)
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Glad you are getting through this. Bad though it seems most can manage if given support and time. Good luck to you and looking forward to more good stuff.
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Cheers Guys.
My only advice.....hydrate, hydrate......and keep away from hospital if you can.....
Paul, i think your buildings arrived this week too. Looking for war ward to opening the box.....
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Brilliant news mate, glad you’re back!
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Glad to hear you are back.
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Can I ask did you get the cough Digits or did that symptom pass you by (thankfully).
Glad you are on the other side of it.
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As I mentioned in post 128...I didn’t really have a bad cough James.
The scary bit was loosing the will to live once the virus had me under. I had to keep hydrated. The fear of of going into a a ventilator ward, and the horror stories that go with it.....I had to fight daily to ensure my lungs were “clear” and keep drinking....keep drinking. Im lucky, my wife has been a god send. I don’t know if I would have managed without her.
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Well done
glad to see you are OK
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Oh dang, happy to see you are kicking at the end of it all.
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Upwards!
Ok so not the most amazing painting....but it’s a start.
The first of the printed HESCO barriers.
(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/DigitsDavid/1A%20Spectre%20Ops/498F920D-4F1F-45F0-8F05-EE7DA44CB1BC.jpeg)
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Those look really good
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Are you interested in taking orders for 3D printing (during the confinement)?
If yes, what is up for offers & 'Vots Kosten?'
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Tbh mate....I ran out of filament! Maybe do you something in a month or so ....
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Fair go mate, fair go.
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Digits.
Completely missed this whole imagination thing and the hotel project until I randomly dropped on it tonight - thanks guys for NOT telling me :(
Anyway, much impressed by your ambition and progress, it's far too late to give my opinion on anything already done so I wont, I'll just try and stay tuned for further updates.
Look forward to seeing the finished article.
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Cheers Ian. Suspended when I fell ill. Hopefully back on it soon. I need to get the print file sorted for the lower balcony and fix the pool before plastering the hotel....
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So this project fell victim to Covid me thinks….nothing happened after I fell ill at the start of lockdown. In the time since this lapsed, everyone has started printing in resin and I have lost interest in the pla printer. The hotel sits on a pile of boxes at the back of my garage, the Empress order of a few buildings sits in the box it arrived in, unopened and a lot of figures got based but didn't get to see paint…..but the country of Quadam continued to spiral into turmoil……
I never got to play the game again, but I am still interested enough to try and revive this, maybe with a view to trying out a game or two of my own. I have just made a lot of scenery that could be very useful for engagements in the more rural areas of the country so I’m going to stick a few minis on the paint tray….
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Hope to see persevere and be inspired by more of your project. I missed this back in 2020, but it looks to be an interesting and worthwhile effort.
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Look forward to seeing you resuming the project 8)
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Look forward to seeing you resuming the project 8)
I concur.
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Thanks guys…let’s hope I can make a few inroads……I have quite a few minis for this so no need to buy anything just yet.
Got up this am and started ferreting out a few bits to get started.
I have based and primed half a dozen operators, a dozen civilians, and a few hostages. I also selected a dozen or so previously based insurgents.
But I will need something to play about. As I said, I just built some rural scenics but I will need a couple of dwellings so I dug these two out and have just put the first layer of paint to them as I figure out a colour scheme.
One purchase I did make about six months back having come across it searching the web, was a rather good looking resin printed technical. I’m not great with vehicles but I will give it a go.
So that’s the aim for now….two houses, a Toyota, a small insurgence group holding hostages and a Private Military Contractor team from InSec ( International Security). Enough to play through the rules anyway….
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4283.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4284.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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be honest David, your RPG trigger finger got itchy again. lol lol lol
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Indeed….I just want to blow shit up! 🤪
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Really nice looking Technical David, where did that come from?
I think I recognise two Blotz buildings ;) Nicely improved though, great job.
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Not quite sure but probably on Etsy Ian.
Yup the Blotz buildings are a good start point me thinks. Easy enough to stick a few details on.
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Fantastic thread! So much cool stuff.
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Well we have a setting….crude but reasonably effective dry brushing. We have a couple of compounds for a first few play thru’s. I have the other two smaller buildings somewhere but they can wait. I can add a few bins and a satellite dish later plus the smaller one needs some suitable gates…..
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4287.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4288.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4289.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
Now we need some inhabitants…….
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4290.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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Really great looking buildings!
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They’ve come out great David.
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Nice job David.
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Really great looking buildings!
I wholeheartedly agree!
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Cheers guys. As I said, enough scenery for now…..we need to get a few minis painted so I can solo though the rules myself. I have other buildings sat in boxes but we can do those dk2n the line….
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Well…..I started painting a few civilians, but then I got distracted and painted the technical! I’m not great with vehicles which is why I usually let Jamie paint them, but I’m ok with this I think.
Maybe when it’s dry I might add a little weathering…
Anyway……first painted mini.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4291.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4292.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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First, an excellent job. As you said (just needs) some weathering. BUT...
I usually let Jamie paint them
surely this is a typo & you meant to say, 'I'm VERY lucky as Jamie usually paints them' lol lol lol
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Oh I know that! 😉
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Finally a few civilians.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4293.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
And the first insurgent, a hill tribesman…..Ali bin Digits with his trusty RPG!
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4294.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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Finally a few civilians.
Leeds V Man. Utd. No wonder it's such a small crowd. lol
And the first insurgent, a hill tribesman…..Ali bin Digits with his trusty RPG!
Look out!!!! He's got a reload! :o
David have you thought of a boy pulling a donkey with LOTS of reloads on? >:D
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The crowd reflects the ticketing price mate!
As for donkey…I could, but somehow I suspect he won’t live long enough to worry about that many reloads!
I will paint a few more of his fellow warriors tonight. In sha’Allah!
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Man that building looks great, did you make that?
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To be fair the building is a Blotz mdf construction. I added the stucco and changed a few details like some doors, Windows and hatches. Adding as air on or two helps too. You can add small garden details / trees etc to help transform it but all relatively simple changes to lift it a bit I think.
Cheers
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I want to try and play through the rules this weekend so here are enough insurgents to do so.
All the insurgents minis I have a re a mix of Empress, Eureka and Spectre. I don’t have a problem mixing the obvious Afghans with the more modern looking Arabs…..these days, most of the regions “bad guys” seem to be an eclectic mix anyway. There will be more in time, but I need to paint three or four operators to play test.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0565.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
Also a couple of vehicles for the background. At some point these will need number plates and decals for the side of the van. But for now, just a bit of noise.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0573.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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David, are you taking bets on which vehicle gets hit with an RPG first? :D
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I dare say at some point they will all cop for it! 😇
Anyway, operators…enough to start playing through the rules me thinks.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0575.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0576.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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Thought I might need a few more insurgents, will give me more to fire at!
So, Jihadi Brian and a few more chaps ready for a scrap. Figures are Empress.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0577.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
Edit:
Also…I’m starting to think how I can finish this off to a satisfactory level. I’m thinking I may mount it on a board, then add some front gardens to it. It needs a canopy above the entrance way, which will in turn support an outdoor dining area perhaps? Possibly with some kind of pergola to keep it shaded. I’m thinking of forgetting about the pool as it doesn’t really work. As I intend to stand this at the rear of a table, I’m not bothering with detailing the rear. If I felt so inclined in th3 future…I’d be tempted to build an outside pool and maybe tennis court thst could be placed next to it…..but then….this is a Wargames thread….not a dolls house after all…..! 😉
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4306.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
And I’m doing a test patch painting it with Vallejo textured earth as a stucco base…..going to be a right bitch painting around every window set! Lol
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0582.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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Boy, I've only been gone a few days, and I see what I've missed. Everything looks great. And if that Toyota is how it looks when you're "not great", I wanna see it when you get great at it... :D
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And I’m doing a test patch painting it with Vallejo textured earth as a stucco base…..going to be a right bitch painting around every window set! Lol
David, would it be easier to mask the windows & use a texture rattle can?
Looking good so far. Any plans for a damaged version?
I mean, it is a BIG target. lol
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Boy, I've only been gone a few days, and I see what I've missed. Everything looks great. And if that Toyota is how it looks when you're "not great", I wanna see it when you get great at it... :D
Thanks Jim…..but I’ve got as good as I’m gonna get! I’m happy with the Toyota to be fair!
Pete, no to the damaged version me thinks! As for the masking idea, probably not as I really want this rough texture, which is hard to achieve with rattle can I think. It will take a few hours but I think I will use this method. It’s dried very well. It’s a touch hard on the brush though, never really used it in anger before.
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So we threw a few dice around and played a couple of small learning games yesterday…..lots to learn but definitely fun……
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0583.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
Anyway, today is about progress with the hotel. Main focus being the landscaping at the front.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4307.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
Next I need to sort out the area above reception…..
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That's going to be fun to play on, cracking work.
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Looking at that 'Most excellent Marigold Hotel' I was thinking that you
might consider (instead of a ruined version) some explosions. Though
without your trademark cow. You could make the (weighted?) base(s)
to fit into those nice balconies.
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Thanks Rick
Pete, not the Marigold….no place for old farts here! Lol. Explosions are a possibility….or at least one……could be used to denote an assassination or breach……..yup I like that.
The Grand Hyatt Nazwa. More progress made and textured paint going on. My back is playing up standing over it so a break before continuing the paint work.
I need to build a pergola to provide shaded cover over the terrace restaurant area next. These palms are imported coconut trees. They require far too much water than is generally available in the region’s fried earth…..but these are well irrigated. The only place coconuts grow naturally in the gulf as far as I know are on the southern coast of Oman where it juts out into the Indian Ocean.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4308.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4309.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
I’ve also been thinking. I’m tempted to have this set up on my tropical beach mat. Instead of popping it in the middle of a town, maybe more of a beach front area……I could then have a tennis court etc and with the couple of Empress balconied buildings I have yet to paint, this could look a pretty cool setting for shenanigans…
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That hotel looks amazing! Can't wait to see it all ready for a game...
Mike Demana
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Thank you.
Nearly built! Just need to sort out the side garden bits! I will add satellite dishes etc when painted. There will be pillared supports under the large balcony when I glue it in place. For ease of painting the building isn’t yet glued down.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4310.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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Good to see you back on it - that hotel looks incredible … a real centrepiece to any table
8)
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Looks imposing already so should be spectacular by time completed. :)
Thanks for help on windscreens, appreicated.
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No worries. Thanks guys
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That hotel is something! It's coming along quite nicely!
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Thanks Jim.
Not saying it’s so big….but I just used a can and a half of Halfords primer on it! 🥴
I’m a tad worried my little pots of paint might not be sufficient….
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4312.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
Going to tackle the base board burst I think.
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Not saying it’s so big….but I just used a can and a half of Halfords primer on it! 🥴
David, I did say, 'leave the 4 houses on the base!' 'Don't put up a hotel!' lol lol lol
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Beginning to think I should have listened…..these things always seem like a good idea when you first start them. 🤪
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The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. :D
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That looks good.
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Cheers 😀
First paintwork tonight. Long way to go yet and a bit of flora to add in yet….
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4315.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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Looks good so far.
You got a figure for the valet parking guy? :D
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It’s funny, I was just thinking about my teenage years back in the early 80’s. We lived in Muscat and used to trip up to Dubai when much of it was still desert and in my opinion, it still had a soul.
Trying to remember the name of a particular hotel that used to have a tall doorman, dressed in green with a top hat! If I can recall the place, I may be able to source a picture of him. I’m thinking if I can find a suitable figure, I may paint him.
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You should! You never know what a valet/doorman might hear or see. You could even have him play a role in games...
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very impressive work up till now. I love how you took normal MDF kits and really leveled the up! Will try some of your techniques myself when I get back to my modern 20mm project.
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Thanks guys……well, almost there…….windows / door, more flora and a bit of detailing to do but starting to come together……
Once the painting is done….I will begin the search for suitable fixtures and furnishings. I have already found a 28mm scale luggage trolley…..that will look fine by the door. I have also ordered some scale sun beds to pop in front, at the beech side. That in itself gives me ideas for beech brollies and a beech bar!
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4317.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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Wow, that looks amazing! :-*
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Great looking hotel, a true centerpiece for the table.
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That is class. Almost seems a shame to fight over it. ;)
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Thanks guys.
Well! It only took three years, but finally it’s painted!!!
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4329.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4331.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4326.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
I have borrowed some furniture from another model, but it’s a bit small and not really what I had in mind so I’m on the look out to replace that. I have little bits of window dressing to come and I need to build a pergola for the terrace….but none the less, it’s playable and for all intentions, finished!
I don’t know where it will live mind….and I doubt I will ever attempt anything this scale again, but I’m glad I got this over the line.
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:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*That's impressive.
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Thanks Paul! 😉
To be fair I still have two of your balconied blocks to put together and paint to pop alongside it, they should look good!
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That do indeed look purty! Too bad it's likely to get all shot up... ;)
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Awesome!
T.
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Thank you gents, appreciate the comments!
Yes, I see many adventures to be had here from kidnappings, assassinations, all out terrorist attacks etc. in fact, as I’m putting it on a beachfront, I can get myself a couple of RHIBs for seaborne attacks…or to carry SEAL team etc…..
Anyway, before getting carried away, we are going to need more civilians. I’ve found a 3d print company that will give me all the beach tourists etc but that will have to wait until payday.
For now, I will simply paint the minis I already have. Here’s half a dozen for now.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0611.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0610.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0613.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0612.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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Wow, that’s very impressive! I really like the outdoors elements you added, they give the building context.
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David, how about a group of protestors?
Great for hiding terrorists.
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Wow, that’s very impressive! I really like the outdoors elements you added, they give the building context.
Cheers….I agree. With my ww2 buildings I like to make gardens and yards. They add a significant element to the table both visually and in my opinion, add to the enjoyment. Thanks
Pete…..I’m slowly building the crowd….
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Very nice indeed. :-* :-*
I think I may have stayed in that hotel, shortly after my wife and I first met, though I swear it was in Rio Vermelho rather than Jardim de Alah. Close enough anyway. ;)
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Great looking building.
Love it.
The center piece of any table.
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Very impressive piece, wow.
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Cheers guys. Carlos, I hope you gave us a shout out on Trip Advisor! 😉
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Alas not. My wife and I have now been married for 17 years and this pre-dated that by a couple of years, so pre-Twit Advisor.
Besides, at the time I think we saw very little of the hotel outside of the room itself for the entirety of our stay. Not sure TA's reviews* regularly feature the robustness of the beds. :D
*Actually they just might, some years ago the TA Brazil forum was heavily populated by Yank sex tourists all wanting to get advice on how to pick up garotas de programa at Help in Rio. Few of them including the ones providing the advice could have found their arse, let alone the beach with both hands and a map. Funny old place Twit Advisor.
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wow - well done - the hotel looks fantatic. :-*
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Carlos….over sharing there bud! 🫣
Mick…thanks!
I have put together a pergola for the terrace. Change of plan…rather than dining chairs, I’m going to put couches and coffee tables on the terrace….just ordered a few bits from Debris of War…
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0616.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0615.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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Had many reservations yet?
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Fully booked Pete! To be fair, there aren’t many rooms!
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Excellent work 👍
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The trellis work over the entrance is inspired.
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Inspired? Indeed. Insanity incarnated? Almost certainly. Beautiful build? Well, of course - can we expect less from Digits?
I am in awe that this is done in 28 mm. Aladdin's Digit's Cave must be quite a place to roam about and peak into the nooks and crannies. Any nooks and crannies left, Digits? lol
Of course, the real and true problem here is he needs to build the rest of the city to go around the hotel! :o
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Ha! It would indeed be a problem but. I…alas I have reached the limit for now as to where to put it. This building is too big to put in a box so the spiders will get first dibs in the shed I think. I need to spend some time over the summer selling off the last of my 40k to make some room in the garage.
No for this, I have two of Empress miniatures balconied buildings and I will be simply doing a row of hotels / blocks along the shores edge I think.
Unfortunately I won’t get that many games to warrant building much more. If that changes though you never know……
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Painted a few more civilians. They are all pretty much carrying a mobile or smoking a fag. Gotta keep an eye on all of them!
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0619.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
The Sheik, visiting from the neighbouring state to the North West of Quadam, and believed by many to be the money man behind the hill tribe uprising, leaves the Hyatt with his trigger happy bodyguards…
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0624.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0625.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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My favorite is the shifty-looking fella in the drawn-up hoodie...he's the one you gotta watch...
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"the shifty-looking fella in the drawn-up hoodie...he's the one you gotta watch". Nah. Sure, he looks suspicious - but that's because he's the Operator keeping an eye on what's going on while undercover - figuratively as well as literally. It's the ones with the cell phones to worry about. Never know if he's talking to someone or communicating to some sinister device about to go 'boom'. Say a car or truck! :-[
More nice figures.
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Great figures … full of character that can be the start of so many different scenarios :)
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Quadam must be in North Africa or the Levant. The defining thing about the Gulf States is that the only people you tend to see outside during the heat of the day are Bangladeshi and Pakistani migrant workers, the poor sods who do everything involving any manual toil. Filipinos and Filipinas do all the poorly paid work indoors with the occasional East African migrant worker thrown in for fun.
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I tend to agree. In Oman, we certainly never saw the women ( talking early 1980’s) unless you were in the old towns and then covered. Omani children tended to be very colourful in appearance but you did see a few guys about. In the old towns…sat under a tree talking goats……but quite a few chaps in the modern towns. Yes, the Indian and Pakistanis were far more evident in the newer towns.
I re visited a few years ago with work and hardly recognised it……but most striking of all were the number of Muslim women on show. There has clearly been a marked change in the country though many of them appeared to me to be Lebanese possibly.
But I agree….it was bloody hot!
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Thoughts now turn to a few beach additions. I have these great little 1:50 sun beds which work a treat, but I need some sun covers now, and a beach side bar me thinks.
Clearly I am going to need to continue the beach side road / promenade beyond the width of the hotel too. However, with the beach mat, me thinks it’s going to look pretty neat.
Lots of opportunity for small details…..I need towels on a few beds, beached boards / boats, sand castles etc….
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0626.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_0631.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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That's cool!
Now you need some bikini clad babes (maybe with heads covered? :o).
And operators arriving by zodiac boat - or terrorists landing by boat. Could have a scenario either way - maybe both with different landing times.
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Brilliant work! 👏🏻
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Quite Impressive!
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Thank you!
“Ahhh! Mr Oliver bin Reed, so nice to see you here at the Hyatt one again! Can the porter take your luggage sir?”
“It’s ok thank you, the wife can manage it.”
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4340.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
So painted a few more civilians, mostly women including two more rural types from Perry.
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4343.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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That beach front is very cool!
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lol he really does look like Olly Reed. He'll be especially pissed off when he finds out about the alcohol laws.
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Where they want to find a way…..
A little detailing. Some comfy leather seating on the terrace
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4345.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
And a trolley cart at reception
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4347_6FSWRDxXsCmdTncwuGHJXM.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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Cool new pics.
A question?
In the last photo, what is the bag being carried, looks heavy?
Could it go boom? 8) :D
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I learned long ago not to ask a woman what’s in the bag……but it looks big enough to carry a few AK’s for sure!
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Ok so only three years since I bought them, but I’ve just unpacked the two Empress apparently buildings.
The bottom layers seem a bit warped and don’t sit flush but I will try the hot water trick to re align them. The two top levels have no lugs to keep them secure and stop them sliding off the lower levels so that needs to be a priority, otherwise they are really nice models. Clearly a lot smaller than the hotel…but that was built with opulence in mind with twin height rooms etc…these are more affordable residential blocks.
I’m busy the next few days so this may take a bit yet….
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/b76/DigitsDavid/IMG_4348.jpeg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
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The luggage trolley is simply bril! Looks just like the actual item.
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"only three years"? That's quick work, sir, quick work. Well, if my collection of unpainted stuff is any guide.
And now I know where to get what I've always wanted, an "apparently" building. Do they make one in 15 mm? :o ;D :D ;)
I'm guessing 'apartment' buildings so will be fun to watch what you do to them. More hotels? Stay as apartments? Maybe an office building? So many options.
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Ha pedant! Do not mock my affliction sir! 🤪
As for the luggage trolley….here you go.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1075565732/undead-porters-32mm-great-grimoire-3d?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=luggage+zombie&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&sts=1&organic_search_click=1
Of course, if you want zombies too, it’s perfect! I just bought the trolley.
I was swayed to get one from the scene in Ronin, one of my all time favourite films.
Comfy chairs are Debris of War
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A. Lovely work all around on that hotel and its environs, and its staff/guests.
B. Those comfy chairs on the terrace would be perfect for my various chaps with cigars...
C. Looking forward to your progress on those apartment buildings, and then the 3 of them together. The 3 would make a great set for a DieHard-ish movie/scenario...
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Brilliant all round! It may have been covered below but where did you get the furniture?
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The sofas and arm chairs are from Debris of War.
Cheers guys.
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Cheers for the pointer, looking forward to seeing it develop.
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I may have to get me some of that furniture....
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While the sourced baggage cart and furniture are nice finds, it is your painting that really makes them stand out.
Hope those are real leather furnitures because if it is naugahyde they'll be terribly uncomfortable and sticky in the heat.
(From a proud member of the Protect the Nauga Society. Too many have been slaughtered to make furniture!)
(https://th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com/B9GIboFBS3GQwDZFwFd7ypKBvhA=/fit-in/1600x0/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer/85/96/85964eb7-faf4-43b2-93df-8a050c1e8598/8048739912_590e2fcf16_o.jpg)
How could anyone skin one of these little beasts?!