Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => VSF Adventures => Topic started by: Sturmpioneer on November 16, 2008, 04:01:22 AM

Title: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Sturmpioneer on November 16, 2008, 04:01:22 AM
Last year I bought some Germans firing bolt action rifles but I was torn because I also wanted the ACW muzzle loading rifles.  Did I make the right choice?  The VSF covers such a large timeframe...
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on November 16, 2008, 11:05:57 AM
Last year I bought some Germans firing bolt action rifles but I was torn because I also wanted the ACW muzzle loading rifles.  Did I make the right choice?  The VSF covers such a large timeframe...

If you intend to use Germans, or more correctly Prussians, Vs ACW era troops, you can have breech-loaders as the Dreyse Needle Gun was in use from 1841, according to Wikipedia [yes, I know, always treat Wiki information with a little suspicion!]:

"The Dreyse needle-gun (German Zündnadelgewehr, which translates roughly as "needle ignition rifle") was a military breechloading rifle, famous as the main infantry weapon of the Prussians, who adopted it for service in 1841 as the Dreyse Zündnadelgewehr, or Prussian Model 1841. Its name comes from its 0.5-inch (13 mm) needle-like firing pin, which passed through the paper cartridge case to impact a percussion cap at the bullet base. The Dreyse rifle was also the first breech-loading rifle to use the bolt action to open and close the chamber, executed by turning and pulling a bolt handle.

The gun was the invention of the gunsmith Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse (1787–1867), who, beginning in 1824, had conducted multiple experiments, and in 1836 produced the complete needle-gun. Dreyse was ennobled in 1864."

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/63/Needle_Gun.jpg)

So, if you are using Prussians, you have a very wide time-span where bolt-action rifles are used. Later rifles looked more "modern" than the Dreyse, but anyone bringing this up is really being very "picky". I would personally be happy to use 1864 Prussians for the whole of the later 19thC, as I know Malamute does.

Of course, I could be wrong & Wiki has lied to me lol
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: commissarmoody on November 16, 2008, 11:33:06 AM
also dont forget, by the end of the ACW, union forces were useing all kinds of rifles with differing loading mechanisons, from breach loading all the way up precusion caped, revolver type rifles and even a few pump action rifles!
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Sterling Moose on November 16, 2008, 06:33:33 PM
It's VSF use whatever you like.  My VSF units span about 60 years, from 1850 to around 1914 so the weaponry is quite varied.  I've just bought some Crusader 7 years war Austrian Grenze as a bodyguard unit for my 1860s Colonial Russians.

I'm prepared to use any period figures pre WW1, a 'long arm' can be either a rifle or a musket - it doesn't matter much to me.
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Malamute on November 17, 2008, 08:30:14 AM
Yep, as the guys have said, anything goes. Have fun, sounds like an interesting project, photos required please. :)
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Sturmpioneer on May 30, 2009, 05:36:49 AM
Well it's been over 120 days since I posted this msg but here come some photos:

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/ChrisFinchGamemay2009GASLIGHT-1.jpg)
The Kraft Repair and Produktion tractor (official designation to throw off snoopy inspectors of weapons of minor destruction capabilities) otherwise known as the Lil' Red Wagon is inspected by its depressed crew.  It never started the entire game!

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/ChrisFinchGame3May2009GASLIGHT.jpg)
A fantastic close up photo of the Blue Squad close assaulting a downed Martian Sail Barge.

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/ChrisFinchGame2May2009GASLIGHT.jpg)
The veritable Tarantula, a device designed to hold a crew of two that can straddle almost any obstacle!

After getting bloodied in the Black Forest on Earth the Prussians have used the recently discovered Ring o' Stars to transport large quantities of men and materiel to mars.  No sooner had they landed but they spotted their arch-enemies the White Martians.  Quickly forming up, the Prussians immediately began to lament the fact their technology lagged that of the White Martians.  However, Major Pita stepped forward and led the men valiantly forward.  Unfortunately, it was also to his doom!  Though the Prussians took some losses the Blue and White units marched forward and pressed the Martians badly.  For example, not one of the Martian vehicles escaped unscathed if indeed it escaped at all!

Better pics and write up will be provided next time!
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on May 30, 2009, 09:25:34 AM
Painting those late WW1 Germans in blue uniforms is a very good idea. I would have thought they would look too "modern" for VSF, but they seem to fit in well  :)

Another idea to steal  ;)
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Mr. Peabody on June 09, 2009, 07:17:56 AM
Excellent! Looking very, very good indeed old man! I look forward to seeing some of this at the club this month.

Thomas
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Mad Carew Snr on June 09, 2009, 08:29:23 AM
Great looking models
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: fastolfrus on June 09, 2009, 05:14:49 PM
What is the white piece in the background behind the white Prussians - a vehicle or a building ?

Looks interesting.
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Sturmpioneer on June 10, 2009, 02:31:00 AM
It's a scratch built piece of terrain.  Rob is a veritable terrain making machine!  I have a couple of pics of a samurai hill fort on my website that he built.  So many people want to see more of it that I am building a new gallery page devoted to it.

http://www.kingsfordminiatures.org/Gallery.html (http://www.kingsfordminiatures.org/Gallery.html)

I'll try and take pics of his stuff next time we play.  I'm sure you'll be amazed at what he can do with some twine, a rubber band and a toothpick!
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Sturmpioneer on October 01, 2010, 02:58:22 AM
Well, my VSF project has moved along with many others.  A few others have embraced GASLIGHT and are wanting to do'Nefs as well!  These photos are from last night.  It looks more like Venus than Mars but I'll defend it by saying it's still under development.  Whatever rules I couldn't remember I just made up!  Martians taking care of their temple while the Prussians and Dr. Todt are looking for some artifact within it.  The Rebs and the Union forces don't trust each other or the Martians or the Prussians and are willing to disrupt everyone's plans.

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010010a.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010009a.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010008a.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010007a.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010006a.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010005a.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010004a.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010003a.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010002a.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010001a.jpg)

Highlights of the evening were the Krootox damaging the Prussian Wagon to the point it fired into Dr. Todt's unit and killing him!  The Reb Walker called the Tarantula managed to start up but never hit anything!  A nasty melee developed between the Kroot and the Union Cavalry and then we ran out of time.
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Mr.Marx on October 01, 2010, 04:00:14 AM
I have to say I really like those buildings. What are they?
Title: Sweet
Post by: Chairface on October 01, 2010, 04:05:05 AM
Lovely lovely looking game! Some beautiful minis and the scenery is fantastic.
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on October 01, 2010, 09:35:58 AM
Just noticed this thread  ::)

I love the KRaP-wagen  :-*

I assume it might be a conversion based on an early WW2 German halftrack? If so it's surprisingly effective as a VSF vehicle.

The red colour scheme is a very good touch - like a proto-Red Baron  lol

Again the buildings are very nice. Are they from a kit like Hirst Arts or similar?
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Malamute on October 01, 2010, 09:39:24 AM
Very nice, I like the tarantula, I have one of those WIld Wild West machines and was wondering what to do with it. :)
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Thunderchicken on October 01, 2010, 11:30:41 AM
I've managed to miss this thread too. Great collection and thanks for the AAR. Always good to see new VSF scratchbuilds and conversions.  :)
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: The_Beast on October 01, 2010, 01:56:09 PM
"...over 120 days since..." and many longer stretches of waiting, and darn well worth it!  lol

These things are seldom as linear as some of our participants make 'em.

Not often such variety of eye candy, from the tarantula, of which I've several, a couple attacked but never converted, through a glimpse of a not-Dark Eldar Raider, parrot men (where DID that dragon gun come from?) and on and on.

My attempts with the tarantula, by the way, partially betray why so few of my ideas reach finality; I've tried gutting one, flipping it, and leaving it open at  what is now the top and the upper part of the forward section, for black gang and driver, respectfully. If only I just leave it right side up, and build something brilliant on top...

But it drops the silhouette, makes do with only four legs, oft in short supply,  and looks marvelous slinking along!

But the variety of your work, and you DO notice how varied the comments and focus of questions are, allow you to walk these halls with pride. ;->=

Doug
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Froggy the Great on October 01, 2010, 02:01:50 PM
The cannon is from Reaper:
http://www.reapermini.com/Miniatures/03147/latest/03147

Where did the tall walking box machine come from?
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Chairface on October 01, 2010, 02:20:28 PM
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSFSep2010001a.jpg)

It's funny, I was just thinking about using that very cannon for my Venusian Parrotmen (Kroot)
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Sturmpioneer on October 02, 2010, 03:52:17 AM
Hi there,
I'll have to get the chaps who are responsible for some of the items in these photos to log in and give descriptions.

I have a few pics of the Krap wagon parts prior to installation.  I did not manage to use all the pieces shown.  I think I'll be able to squeeze them into my next VSF project.

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSF/IMGP2811.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSF/IMGP2819.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSF/IMGP2820OldTimePhoto.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSF/IMGP2835.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSF/IMGP2837.jpg)

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSF/IMGP2839.jpg)
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: marianas_gamer on October 02, 2010, 11:42:22 AM
Ah yes, no vehicle is complete without a beer tap!  lol lol
LB
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Chairface on October 02, 2010, 01:49:02 PM
A vsf vehicle conversion at its best!
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Bullshott on October 03, 2010, 06:36:58 PM
I really like the trantula conversion.

Very nice, I like the tarantula, I have one of those WIld Wild West machines and was wondering what to do with it. :)

I've got this machine too. It has been lurking in my 'to do' plie in a partially completed state for a few months now. I really must get the damned thing completed, as I think my us forces will be needing it soon ;)
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Nighthawk on October 04, 2010, 06:06:12 PM
It was fun building the tarantula. I have another body that I'm working on. I want to make this one a little different. I also plan to mount machine guns in it as appose to a cannon. ;)
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Froggy the Great on October 04, 2010, 07:37:50 PM
Remind me please what you are using as a basis for the Tarantula?
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Nighthawk on October 04, 2010, 09:00:52 PM
A few years ago Burger King or McDonalds. Sorry can't remember which restaurant it was. Had Wild West toys based on the Wild Wild West movie that came out a few years back. I found the toys on E-bay and bought 2 sets of them. Unfortunately I had to get the whole set to get Loveless's Tarantula tank. But that is what I based this tank and my soon to come 2nd tank on.   
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Dewbakuk on October 05, 2010, 12:00:42 AM
It was Burger King, unfortunately they never made it over to the UK :(
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: YPU on October 05, 2010, 12:04:41 AM
Really? I can distinctly remember them being here in the Netherlands.
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Nighthawk on October 05, 2010, 12:23:24 AM
Like I said I got mine off E-bay. So if anyone is interested in getting one or more of these "toys" I suggest you try E-bay.
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: The_Beast on October 06, 2010, 02:45:49 PM
Like I said I got mine off E-bay. So if anyone is interested in getting one or more of these "toys" I suggest you try E-bay.

I picked up quite a few at thrift stores, as I kept losing them in stuff that got stuck in storage; should I ever dig 'em out, I'll put some on the Bazar.

Doug
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Sturmpioneer on October 31, 2010, 01:23:50 AM
Well here's my latest creation for the Union forces on Mars!  Just looking for paint scheme inspiration.  Black much like Iron Clads of yore, blue to represent Union forces or olive green?

Showing the size of the metal beast is a Renegade Union Captain and Billy "Were" Jack, scout from the Chronoscope range put out by Reaper (not sure what his product name is).

The model itself is a converted Leman Russ with Gorka Morka, 40K, plastic rivets, brass,  plasticard and some Skull Pass pieces.

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSF/VSFUnionSteamTank005.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSF/VSFUnionSteamTank004.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSF/VSFUnionSteamTank003.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd65/sturmpioneer/VSF/VSFUnionSteamTank001.jpg)
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Chairface on October 31, 2010, 02:27:45 AM
Very nice. I love that you used the reaper werewolf as a VSF scout. Very cool.
Title: Re: Bolt Action or Muzzle Loading?
Post by: Mr. Peabody on October 31, 2010, 05:08:23 PM
Crikey! That's a lovely big beast.  :-*