Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Age of Myths, Gods and Empires => Topic started by: 6milPhil on February 02, 2013, 05:18:11 PM
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I'm looking at getting one of Em4's Ludus Gladiatorius gamesets for my grandson Captain Stinky but rather than just give him the set I'm think of making him an arena in an old biscuit tin. I saw someone do this a while ago,
if anyone has a link to that I'd be very grateful, so he's has the play area and the storage all in one.
As Ludus Gladiatorius is hex based I'm looking for a cheapish source of suitable hexes, which I believe are 25mm, to stick into the tin as the floor. Does anyone have any suggestions?
e2a: Found the arena in a tin: http://www.iandrea.co.uk/wargames/glads/page42/page42.html (http://www.iandrea.co.uk/wargames/glads/page42/page42.html)
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That tin idea is a good one, in one of the threads here on LAF there was an arena made out of old round hat box. Maybe bit more easier to use as a material as tin?
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What a neat idea!
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Phil, have you tried Fenris, I think Ian has lazer-cut hexes available. If he doesn't he'll probably sort some out for you, he's a good chap like that! ;)
Actually, if you wanted to decorate the interior walls of the tin I think he has some small columns as well that you could use.
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Ian and I were at the same school - I remember playing gladiatorial games in his tin!
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Thanks McFonz, I should have guessed.
Ian you get thanked for all the fun on that page you know?
That tin idea is a good one, in one of the threads here on LAF there was an arena made out of old round hat box. Maybe bit more easier to use as a material as tin?
Oh I'm cladding the inside of the tin, looks like laser cut hexs on the ground and some arena-ish bricks to the wall. The tin is to keep it safe in the hands of an eight-year old.
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You could magnetise some of the hexes so you can switch them out with other ones for things like pits or a column with beast attached for example.
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You could try warbases http://www.warbases.co.uk/#/polygonic-bases/4532404193 I've used them for years and the service is excellent. They may even be able to do you a whole set to fit perfectly into the tin.
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Ian and I were at the same school - I remember playing gladiatorial games in his tin!
I was just wondering which school he was at - we did the same (on a school trip to Stratford-on-Avon from Scarborough), but often played at home.
Same gladiators, same rules, probably the same brand of biscuits.
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Ian and I were at the same school - I remember playing gladiatorial games in his tin!
So you DID know Rvdis!
I have had fun with Ludus, tempted to make my own tin now
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Many years ago I used to travel a lot with a group of freinds. One of them had a couple of Gladiator arenas in movie tins. The bases were magnetic so they wouldn't slide around while we were traveling. everything fit in the tins for storage. The two figures in the close up on the link are old minifigs 25mm gladiators not Greenwood & Ball. I have them & the Greenwood & Ball figures.
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I'm looking forward to seeing your arena, Phil and I expect an article for The Chronicles http://combatzonechronicles.net/em4/arena.htm telling us how you made it...
Doug
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Sure thing Doug.
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So I've made a start on this. Here's the biscuit tin, complete with crumbs.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03829.jpg?w=349)
Having given it a good clean I started glueing laser cut hexes from Fenris into the centre, like you might with carpet tiles in a room. I used a PVA which has a long enough drying time to allow for subtle repositioning as you add more hexes.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03830.jpg?w=660)
Here's the first set of 50 hexes in place, so back to Fenris for another set.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03831.jpg?w=660)
Suddenly the boxed set turns up from Em4, much quicker than I expected. It's a bit of a Tardis in having so much in such a small box. It has the figure player cards, a small well formed set of rules, five very nicely painted figures, eight special dice, bases for the miniatures, tokens and a paper arena.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03833.jpg?w=660)
The figure bases are 25mm but I've deliberately used 30mm hexes to allow space for the poses of the figures. Obviously the tin is smaller than the supplied arena but I think that will simply make for faster and more vicious play so it's not a problem. One thing I hadn't considered was having some of the hexes marked with numbers as the paper arena does. These are starting places, but I'm sure I can sort something out.
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Looking good! What are the hexes made from? MDF? Plywood?
I'd also be very interested in hearing how the rules turn out (having just been beaten again on WH's Gladiator on ebay). As for the starting hexes, how about blood spatters in the appropriate number painted on?
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Looking good! What are the hexes made from? MDF? Plywood?
I'd also be very interested in hearing how the rules turn out (having just been beaten again on WH's Gladiator on ebay). As for the starting hexes, how about blood spatters in the appropriate number painted on?
The hexes are ply. From a quick scan of the rules they look fast, simple but also interesting. Each Gladiator has a limited number of special moves, and once they're gone it's basic combat, but the player can choose how they're played. I'm looking forward to playing them, esp. as I prefer simpler rules anyway.
That's a very good idea for the starting hexes and one I might have tried, but instead I've got Fenris etching the numbers on the next batch of hexes for me. I will have to replace the centre hex but it's only pva so no great difficulty there.
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Thanks for the 'first impressions' review, sounds like they might be perfect for my Latin class. Actually, I wonder if I can blag it that school buys the game
for me as a resource for the subject? lol
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Good idea Rab.
I managed to get more done on this starting with the Gladiators themselves.
I fixed them to the bases and filled in the gaps with liquid green stuff.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03834.jpg?w=660)
Then textured and painted the bases.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03838.jpg?w=660)
Then fixed the rest of the hexes into the bottom of the tin, and for the edges trimmed them down to fit and being ply this was easier than if they were MDF. Then they're textured and undercoated them. I've left the numbered ones off because they have a bit more work to do on them and I'd not be able to spray these if they were in place.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03839.jpg?w=440)
It was attaching the hexes that made me notice how flexible a biscuit tin really is, and so I've cut a piece of foamex to strengthen it and glued it to the bottom. On reflection it may have made more sense to make this in a stronger box rather than a tin... hindsight is a wonderful thing. ::)
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03852.jpg?w=660)
Next up the numbered hexes, which for a modest fee I managed to get laser etched as part of the two sets I bought from Fenris Games.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03840.jpg?w=440)
Those were then put into place and some more PVA glue mixed with paint added to the gaps between the tiles.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03848.jpg?w=440)
Made a start on the walls, for which I'm using cork.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03849.jpg?w=440)
This is about as far as I can glue before I've worked on the entrance tunnel arches for either end.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/dsc03850.jpg?w=440)
I have been thinking about decorating the outside of the tin, but I'm not so sure, mainly because any paint work is likely to get scratched, not least from the lid going on, coming off, etc...
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Looking really good, very inspiring work to any willing Ludus owner! :)
How about decorating the outside parts with Roman mural paintings... just print on sturdy enough paper, glue and give a coat or two varnishes?
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What a nice idea! Not a fan of the actual game, but that looks pretty cool.
Regarding decoration: It's been supposed that the inner walls of Roman arenas featured quite elaborate paintings (if you can afford such a building, why not make it pretty). For those I would use mosaics like this (http://theatrum.de/1409.html) (site in German, but you get the idea).
The outer walls in turn could be decorated with graffiti/dipinti (google terms). There's a lot to choose from, just a bit of inspiration:
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y178/Poliorketes/Vermischtes/529_1_zps49c57de7.jpg)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/CIL_IV_10237.jpg)
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This is a damned cool project...and something I could see the oft-dismayed MDF companies doing quite well, and easily. A stackable gladiator arena/carriage box with etched interior and floor details and stuff. I love the cookie-tin idea though. I need to my buddy up to speed on his damned Ludus...(storms off)
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ahaha, games in the boxes are something always great! Will follow this project till the end!
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Last week was half term so no progress because we had our grandson, aka Captain Stinky, around a lot. But this week I managed to make the gates for either end of the arena.
To start I got hold of this rather neat portcullis set from Fenris games cut from plywood with a laser beam. I'm only going to use the door piece, but I was impressed with the detail.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03856.jpg?w=440)
Next I cut a former from plasticard, glued the portcullis gate in place and then cut and laid the milliput stone work. Although not the best model I've made I'm happy with it for what it is.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03925.jpg?w=440)
Followed by a dip in rubber to make a mould and cast a pair of them. I've worked on them both with a scalpel so they're not identical.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03926.jpg?w=440)
Next step is to paint them.
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looks promising! and LOL @ the laser beam lol
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Nice little project. There's something rather attractive about a simple game on a very limited playing surface. Look forward to seeing the end result.
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This is cool. I wonder if you put strong magnets on the gladiator bases if they'd be strong enough to keep the figures from shifting about during transport? That way, a game could be kept intact and picked up at a different location. Just a thought.
I'd need to decorate the outside, too. Just seems inappropriate to leave it alone after putting so much effort into the inside. Making it look like a wall with gladitorial graffiti is a cool idea. I look forward to seeing the completed project.
--jeff
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Well decorating the exterior is troublesome as there's some flexibility to it. For the interior I've got around it by using cork for the walls, and reenforcing the base so the ply hexes don't work lose. For the magnetism I think had I wanted that I'd have gone for self adhesive steel hexes to ensure it, but as is I'll be putting the Ludus Gladiatorius box inside with the figures, dice, rule, etc, so it will work.
Managed to work a bit more on it over the weekend. Got the cork walls on, and for a while thought the colour might work as is, but came to the conclusion it wasn't a good as it might look.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03930-001.jpg?w=440)
Then got the first coat of paint on, leaving where the gates will go blank.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03933-001.jpg?w=440)
And got the base coats of paint on the gates themselves.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03932-001.jpg?w=660)
I'm now considering putting some dents and bashes in the walls as they look a little too tidy.
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Getting better and better! Great idea, Phil, can't wait to see the further progress on this lovely project.
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this is great, need to steal this immediately...
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Still a super cool project! Keep up the great work!
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Got a pile done last night, so this is very nearly finished.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03937-001.jpg?w=660)
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03938-001.jpg?w=660)
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03939-001.jpg?w=660)
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03941-001.jpg?w=660)
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc03940-001.jpg?w=660)
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Love the Pythonesque graffiti >:D
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Wasn't it "romanes eunt domus"? :D
If i can suggest, i'dd add some shadows on the ground: it would give more depht, and it will exalt the hexes borders! Maybe a simple wash could work!
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Very nice Phil,
i might have to steal this idea... ;)
How is the EM4 game? did you already play it?
Regards,
Za
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Very nicely done! :-*
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Wasn't it "romanes eunt domus"? :D
Conjugate the verb "to go"? Possibly on the wash...
How is the EM4 game? did you already play it?
Not played it yet, just read it through and it looks both simple and interesting. Once it's finally finished testing it will be the finally part, and taking photos of that of course.
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Brilliant project.
Captain Stinky should be over the moon with this.
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Well here's hoping. In a totally endearing grandfatherly way I got my dates mixed up on his birthday, so all those folk who I've sworn to secrecy so they wouldn't mention it at Salute2013 don't have to hold their tongues anymore. His Birthday is actually next week.
I've added the finishing touches to this, starting with a box made from cork to hold the gladdi's.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc04010-001.jpg?w=660)
Drybrushing the arean to add a bit of depth, and then reapplying the blood. Previously I tried the splatter with a toothbrush, this time I used a cheap paintbrush and the effect was much better.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc04011-001.jpg?w=440)
Let the battle commence! We had a small fight using the rules, which proved great fun, and just how I like them... simple and fun. The Special Attacks is a neat idea.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc04012-001.jpg?w=440)
Did try to avoid making any of the pieces look played with and had to scribble up a few pieces of paper to stand in for the counters supplied.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc04013-001.jpg?w=440)
All the pieces needed fit comfortably into the tin. I know a decorated tin would be more pleasing but there's too much flexibility to make it functional, plus Cpt Stinky will think his daft old grandad has bought him a tin of biscuits, which I think will heighten the surprise.
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc04014-001.jpg?w=440)
Pocoloco was totally right about it might be best to make it in a box, which he suggested in the very second post which I ignored. This is especially true if you want to decorate the outside. Biscuit tins do work though expect to add a little bit of strengthening if you're interested in making one yourself.
Great fun from start to finish, made much easier in being able to get the figures, rules, dice etc in one go and without having to do any more than base them.
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That's one superb arena Phil! :-* I hope you have camera ready when Captain Stinky opens the tin for the first time :)
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Oh yes that's the plan.
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Oh yes that's the plan.
be shure that he won't shake the box to feel the content, before... lol
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Phil - a great idea and beautifully realised; I think you should make me one now :)
You mention using bits of paper so as not to use the counters before your grandson gets the game. Personally, I've ditched the counters we supply with the game in favour of tiddly-winks
http://www.em4miniatures.com/acatalog/Counters.html
I use the 12mm ones, a different colour for each gladiator and write the initials of the various Special Actions on with a CD marker. They are much more durable than the card ones. Remind me at Salute and I'll give you a selection to try out if you want to have a go with them.
Doug
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Excellent work and a cunning plan!
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Phil - a great idea and beautifully realised; I think you should make me one now :)
You mention using bits of paper so as not to use the counters before your grandson gets the game. Personally, I've ditched the counters we supply with the game in favour of tiddly-winks
http://www.em4miniatures.com/acatalog/Counters.html
I use the 12mm ones, a different colour for each gladiator and write the initials of the various Special Actions on with a CD marker. They are much more durable than the card ones. Remind me at Salute and I'll give you a selection to try out if you want to have a go with them.
Doug
Good idea, and yep I'll have a set please.
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Great project and great execution! Should be great fun in the pub with a pint of Guinness as well :)
Consider this idea stolen :)
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Great idea, well done.
Will we see copies of this popping up all over the place? lol
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I don't see why not, it's a great tiny project, totally self contained and playable just about anywhere. 8)
It's wrapped now and he gets it on Tuesday. :D
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:-* What a fantastic little project! I think I may have to make an arena for myself.
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Amazing idea and outcome, Phil, thumbs up.
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What a wonderful project Phil, and a gift sure to be treasured as it was made by grandad.
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Cracking little project 8)
cheers
James
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That is a very cool idea, and it is very well done. :-*
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Thanks for sharing information. Actually I had also the same question in mind for a long time anyways you started this thread & I am so happy.
:D
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Here's some photos of it being unwrapped, poor old Stinky is ill so had the day off school and opened his presents reclined on the sofa. He liked it. :D
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc04035-001.jpg?w=660)
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc04036-001.jpg?w=660)
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc04037-001.jpg?w=440)
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc04038-001.jpg?w=660)
(http://6milphil.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/dsc04039-001.jpg?w=660)
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Only just caught this.
What a great idea and finish.
It obviously went down a treat.
:-*
Well done, Phil.
Great idea.
8)
(Consider it nicked! ;))
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You are THE DUDE
What an awesome gift.
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As a good mate of mine would say, "That is prime!"
Well done :D
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Such a cool gift - awesome to see the end result. I hope that stays around for a bit, he looks a bit too young to fully appreciate the awesomeness that is a handmade gift. My father always went above and beyond to get me very unique gifts. It wasn't until later in life that I realized how cool they were. lol
Very cool stuff - also like your lady's armored fingers! lol
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That is awesome, great idea!!!!
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Very cool, I'm sure he was delighted by the present. Now the question remains if you played the game already and are there any pics of your sad face as Stinky beat your gladiator? ;) :D
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Thanks chaps! I'm no longer sure of the wisdom of this project, he hasn't lost a game yet... :'(
(http://slugindustries.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/dsc04083.jpg?w=330)
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Hehe :)
So student has become a master in no-time :)
What can we say... vae victo?
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I was thinking more "Stinkus Eunt Domus"... ;)
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A great idea for a game and a great gift. I like the idea of suing magnetic bases too, as then the figures would just stick to the tin, and make storage even easier (although it might not work through the MDF hexes). I wonder if their are any other games you could fit in a tin or box?
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It has certainly worked out well then, Phil, by the looks of it.
A convert in the making?
I wonder if their are any other games you could fit in a tin or box?
Check this thread/challenge out, Rob.
(And anyone else who might fancy trying it out!)
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=51661.0
Very similar to Phil's idea....
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Aye the magnets would work on a thinner material, the ply is just too thick. Card would be fine I imagine. I'm not sure magnets would work that well for storage, I've tried that before and it's a bit hit or miss. I admit I ran with it to get it done than thought about it first.
The only thing which I can think of to fit in a box would be to replicate that excellent Viet Nam Tunnels game which I think some dutch kerels had at Salute a couple of years back. You'need a box with internal, lift-out, trays.
Smaller scales make it more viable I think, in 2 or 6mm it's a sizeable area.
Have to point out how I originally got the idea from IanH http://www.iandrea.co.uk/wargames/glads/page42/page42.html (http://www.iandrea.co.uk/wargames/glads/page42/page42.html) who originally got it from Military Modelling magazine, Vol. 3, No. 8, August 1973, p520, in an article entitled "First, take a biscuit tin..." by Hugh Walters. Not sure many articles from forty years ago still live on.