Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => VSF Adventures => Topic started by: thejammedgatling on February 12, 2009, 03:21:44 AM
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For those of you VSF ers who rarely make it to the workbench section, have a look at Rabbitz latest creation for his Japanese forces. Please help me deter this deluded and wild-eyed gamer from constructing his 1.4 meter battleship!
In the meantime the gloves are really off this time. I shall be posting here over the next few weeks a British 'response' to this armed aerial build up.
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Here, here, we can't let those little yellow fellows rule the skys eh what?!
Looking forward to seeing your creation take to the air. :)
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*Has a look*
Wow. That's awesome. Why would you want to stop him building a 1.4 meter one? ::)
Wouldn't it make more sense for the Japanese to fight on the British side (Boxer rebellion, World War 1 etc)?
Can't wait to see the British 'response'.
And what about the Chinaman?
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*Has a look*
Wow. That's awesome. Why would you want to stop him building a 1.4 meter one? ::)
Because if Rabbitz has one and TJG doesn't ..... :'(
Let him build it, but only on the proviso that he makes a scale Burt Kwouk as the Skipper.... Captain Kato lol
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*Has a look*
Wow. That's awesome. Why would you want to stop him building a 1.4 meter one? ::)
Because if Rabbitz has one and TJG doesn't ..... :'(
You miss my point. Imagine if I did blow it from the sky. It will basically destroy everything on the table as it falls to earth....so even if I win I lose. It's not a case of model length envy....truly...you have to believe me. Please?
But remember the Japanese proverb...is not the greatest dragon laid low by the swarm of bees?
BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ ;)
Wouldn't it make more sense for the Japanese to fight on the British side (Boxer rebellion, World War 1 etc)?
Can't wait to see the British 'response'.
And what about the Chinaman?
We though quite a lot about this one in the timeline. I suppose it was because I read up a bit on the Russo- Japanese war in the exact period we were gaming and liked the idea of re-creating this clash in a VSF setting. The British remained neutral in that one much to Tsar's chagrin. Also, as Rabbitz said, we'd already re-run Pearl Harbour and had the American-British alliance formed.
I reckon the Chinese would be great as perhaps a warlord/ mercenary force fighting for the highest bidder/ pirates etc. Some of the Copplestone 'back of beyond' figs lend themeselves to this so well. Still, I reckon we'll have enough on our plates this year with appearances by Japanese, native Martian 'Termions', Drune, Russians and American ground and aerial forces.
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In the meantime the gloves are really off this time. I shall be posting here over the next few weeks a British 'response' to this armed aerial build up.
Indeed, it appears an aerial arms race is truly underway.
And I for one am truly looking forward to the British response.
Could you imagine putting all these ships together in a single place and actually gaming a 28mm aerial battle?
:o
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We though quite a lot about this one in the timeline. I suppose it was because I read up a bit on the Russo- Japanese war in the exact period we were gaming and liked the idea of re-creating this clash in a VSF setting. The British remained neutral in that one much to Tsar's chagrin. Also, as Rabbitz said, we'd already re-run Pearl Harbour and had the American-British alliance formed.
I reckon the Chinese would be great as perhaps a warlord/ mercenary force fighting for the highest bidder/ pirates etc. Some of the Copplestone 'back of beyond' figs lend themeselves to this so well. Still, I reckon we'll have enough on our plates this year with appearances by Japanese, native Martian 'Termions', Drune, Russians and American ground and aerial forces.
Fair enough. I'd rather trust a Jap than a Yank, though (damned rebels!).
Have you ever read "The Unparalleled Invasion" by Jack London? 'cause this kinda reminds me of it;
(NOTE: The story is set in 1976, but those of you who were around at the time may be aware that the year depicted is somewhat different from that which you remember. The story was written in the early 1900's.)
http://www.jacklondons.net/writings/StrengthStrong/invasion.html
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So Mr Gatling, Do you have the W.A.S.P's , Watson Arkwrights Scout Planes on the drawing Board or is it the L.A.D.S , Low Altitude Delivery System?
I have a wicked plan for my third build in the Japanese armory. third you say, oh yes number two has been born as is slowly maturing into something truely hiddeous. Mwahahahaha
Cant wait to get all the flying machiones we can muster onto the table.
What a wonderful sight it would be to have all the VSFers on here in a massive big battle. :o
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What a wonderful sight it would be to have all the VSFers on here in a massive big battle. :o
er...yes , but at this rate it's going to have to be in the carpark.
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I vaguely remember Donald Featherstone's book on naval wargames having a solution to the "how big is the table" question with a suggestion for a normal table with your usual ground forces, but moving the ships around it, possibly on small tables, so that the table forms a sort of "island" in the middle of your gaming room.
Why not take that option with the nefs ?
Put a decently large objective in the middle of your table, start your attacking nefs in the doorway, and fly in.
Do all your nefs have front/side mounted guns ? If they don't have downward facing (under/through hull) weapons they will have to be off table to get a line of sight anyway.
Kitchen stools might make reasonable flying stands.
Another thought on the Russo-Japanese war, don't forget the outrage in Britain when the Russian fleet opened fire on the North Sea fishing boats, we might have actually come in on the Japanese side with a bit more provocation.
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I vaguely remember Donald Featherstone's book on naval wargames having a solution to the "how big is the table" question with a suggestion for a normal table with your usual ground forces, but moving the ships around it, possibly on small tables, so that the table forms a sort of "island" in the middle of your gaming room.
Why not take that option with the nefs ?
Put a decently large objective in the middle of your table, start your attacking nefs in the doorway, and fly in.
Do all your nefs have front/side mounted guns ? If they don't have downward facing (under/through hull) weapons they will have to be off table to get a line of sight anyway.
Kitchen stools might make reasonable flying stands.
Another thought on the Russo-Japanese war, don't forget the outrage in Britain when the Russian fleet opened fire on the North Sea fishing boats, we might have actually come in on the Japanese side with a bit more provocation.
Some great ideas. But by now you'll have given Rabbitz the idea of building an aerial fishing fleet. Hope those Japanese like aerial squid! I'm going to have to build some scaled up to 28mm of those too now I suppose..
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=6449.0
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I haven't suggested a carrier yet..... loaded with Lillienthal gliders or steam powered biplanes, or Japanese kite gliders.
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I haven't suggested a carrier yet..... loaded with Lillienthal gliders or steam powered biplanes, or Japanese kite gliders.
What a superb idea. The carrier BECOMES the table and the smaller aircraft buzz about. I like it! Especially the idea of the kite gliders, though somehow I have this picture of Chinese fighting kites in my mind. What is a Lillienthal glider by the way?
Also this picture once again inspires:
(http://media.moddb.com/cache/images/games/1/11/10035/thumb_620x2000/saturation_bombing.jpg)
or this:
(http://www.isotx.com/uploads/Ome_Vince/Rahmos9-1200x745.jpg)
But something with sail as well? Hmmm...
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Aerial arms race!
Don't we immitate the real world with those arms races every then and now!
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Holy crap those pictures are amazing!
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I must admit that these make me wish for an extra meter or so of workbench space, lots of parts, time, and energy.
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Ohhhh I've just thought I might use some of the Renegade French Marines for my air navy. I really like them! I know you don't like using WW1 figures Malamute but these are pretty tempting. Maybe a few head swaps from the Empress figures spare heads packs ( I reckon they look pretty similar in size).As an aside you might want to have a look at their deals at present (49p a figure). Even with postage to Oz it still works out well:
http://www.renegademiniatures.com/news.htm
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I was just discussing the use of the gasmask cavalry with Malamute the other day and lamenting the need to buy so many. The cost becomes prohibitive when you need to buy steeds for them as well. Means I'm paying for horses which I'll never use. Then yesterday, they suddenly become available as a regiment pack at half price, it's a sign!!!
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I wish a company actually produced kits of these things. there is no way I have the time (or talent) to produce something that good.
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I wish a company actually produced kits of these things. there is no way I have the time (or talent) to produce something that good.
Well....it all depends on how much scratchbuilding you want to do and how much kitbashing from other kits you can do. I take my hat off to those who go from scratch. I like to look at an object and see ways of chopping and altering to get what I want (hence the great and hilarious use of that supa-soaker water gun some moons back on this forum). I'll always do some scratch stuff to add on though.
I suppose now's a good time to show everyone the basis of my aircavalry unit:
(http://www.toysnjoys.com/finalfantasy/ffac_sierra.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/mgatson/thesierra2.jpg)
I picked mine up on e-bay for around 6 quid each. I bought four but they sent me five in the end. I thought I'd end up with three single units and a twin heavy weapon support/ bomber unit by combining two. Any suggestions anyone before they go under the knife?
I'll keep you updated with pics as the conversions progress.
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The only fiddly bit I can really see is the prow of the ship. I just spent about an hour or so going through what I'd need to build one of those gunships in the second picture. I'd probably scale it to about 60cm long so it has a playing surface and can still be used on the table top (albeit a really big table top!)... but those mothers would be huuuuuuuuge to scale up in 28mm.
I have a few other projects I need to finish (and a university degree that so generously donated an hour for me to draw stuff all over my notes) but this thread has been a huge inspiration.
I can't wait to see what you can come up with!
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the jammedgatling
Sorry I am getting a bit lost with your post. Do you have five of these ships?
And if so why do you need to cut them up?
What scale are they?
You don't happen to have a pic of one next to a 28 mm?
christian
Are you talking about scratch building the ship in thejammedgatling's post above?
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The Sierra is a nice diecast. I kept looking at them but decided the amount of work needed to change it into something usable would make it too much hassle. They were £9.99 where I was looking though and that was more than I was willing to pay just for the engines :)
I'd use the small "wings" as tail rudders, leave the engines and drive propellors largely unchanged, then build a new superstructure. The main body is too thin really to do much with. Of course, feel free to prove me wrong!
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christian
Are you talking about scratch building the ship in thejammedgatling's post above?
Yes... or at least something quite similar! I have some sketches which I may scan and put up here. It's fairly ambitious but I hope to do it!
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the jammedgatling
Sorry I am getting a bit lost with your post. Do you have five of these ships?
And if so why do you need to cut them up?
What scale are they?
You don't happen to have a pic of one next to a 28 mm?
christian
Are you talking about scratch building the ship in thejammedgatling's post above?
Yes, I have five of them. Size wise they are about 24cm long from memory. Scale wise from the film they would have been huge ships hundreds of meters long. However with the little gondola on the bottom covered/ cut off they could be any scale. My plan is to use them as a Huey chopper style fast attack troop carrier. I will post some pics of mine next to some 28mm figs to give an idea of scale asap.
The Sierra is a nice diecast. I kept looking at them but decided the amount of work needed to change it into something usable would make it too much hassle. They were £9.99 where I was looking though and that was more than I was willing to pay just for the engines :)
I'd use the small "wings" as tail rudders, leave the engines and drive propellors largely unchanged, then build a new superstructure. The main body is too thin really to do much with. Of course, feel free to prove me wrong!
I'm quite tempted to reverse the design so the rear propeller becomes the front. The main body would then be a superstructure from which to hang the scratchbuilt driver and troop compartments. One roof gunner and two side mounted maxims or gatling guns will probably fulfill armament. Steam boilers are a must as well. I think I may turn that curly front section into some sort of steam pipe (or weapon maybe). It is a really nice model and a shame to chop up... Here goes..
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This is going to look beautiful!
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I just want to know who makes them! :o
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Christian,
(in my best Vader voice)"Don't underestimate the power of a big floating ship on a wargamming table"
(http://www.nwa.org.au/events/080809games08/backroom/g08backroom.html)
I'm sure the temptation will be too great sometime in the future and the zeppelin will turn up in a Gaslight game with remodelled gondolas and steam pipes! :o
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The sierra is very interesting and would be ideal as a small attack craft.
It's a shame they only produce this one in an 11" resin version:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c334/pappa_midnight/FFVII_HIGHWIND_RESIN.jpg)
PM
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Oh No! Pappa Midnight has made an appearance. It can only be a short time before Rudi will reply and then this arms race will really be on!! lol lol lol
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At Osaka ship yard the sound of hammering stopped in the early hours of the morning. By lunch crowds had started to gather on the newly lengthened ancorage, eager to catch a glipse of what had been the cause of so much noise from the huge ship hanger.
The doors slowly slid open and score upon score of labourers poured out from the massive building. In the dim light the huge form of the Misaka lay silent, shadows falling across its wooden decking. Light reflected from a sheet of glass behind the silent ship and some two stories above it. Something very big was in there. Something that would be used to strike fear in the Shoguns enemies.
As the rows of labourers cleared a second team of craftsmen moved towards the huge double doors. Buckets of paint in hand they moved in silence into the building, the doors gliding closed behind them.
The Birth of the new machine was coming very soon.
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The Birth of the new machine was coming very soon.
Yes, it is. But it isn't Osakan.
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=9688.0
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At Osaka ship yard the sound of hammering stopped in the early hours of the morning. By lunch crowds had started to gather on the newly lengthened ancorage, eager to catch a glipse of what had been the cause of so much noise from the huge ship hanger.
The doors slowly slid open and score upon score of labourers poured out from the massive building. In the dim light the huge form of the Misaka lay silent, shadows falling across its wooden decking. Light reflected from a sheet of glass behind the silent ship and some two stories above it. Something very big was in there. Something that would be used to strike fear in the Shoguns enemies.
As the rows of labourers cleared a second team of craftsmen moved towards the huge double doors. Buckets of paint in hand they moved in silence into the building, the doors gliding closed behind them.
The Birth of the new machine was coming very soon.
And in all the rushing crowds of workmen and engineers, nobody noticed three rather large and unwieldy geisha as they shuffled into the dark corners of the hanger, or the muffled "Good Lord!" exclaimed by one of them from behind their fans. The guard behind them groaned on the floor, still feeling the poisonous effects of the gas dart ejected by Captain Fairbains bustier.
"Right corporal Lumpkin, load the imaging device".
Corporal Lumpkin obligingly slotted his fan into his own bustier. A crank handle appeared from somewhere in the folds of his kimono. "Er, sorry sir but this is always the tricky bit..works better with two sir".
"Oh very well Lumpkin, Sergeant Longbottom..please crank the Corporals bust..do it quickly man!"
A while later a second guard appeared and stood agog at the sight of two elderly looking ladies, one turning what looked to be a crank handle on the other as she let out a slight whirring noise. It was just enough of a pause in shock to allow the lead weighted fan of the Captain to give him a good wallop ...and goodnight Tokyo.
"Right men, it's getting a bit thick in here with unconscious guards...lets be off and get these pictures back to London...check face mirrors men..correct greasepaint...forward at the double!"
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Ha HA! That was funny :D
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Excellent stuff, That would make an interesting small game. Now where to find butch looking Geisha girl figures. lol
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I'm sure there's an appropriate dodgy part of town out there somewhere...
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... Now where to find butch looking Geisha girl figures. lol
I do worry, sometmes.... ::)
lol
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Now where to find butch looking Geisha girls
Any bar north of the Humber on a Friday night, or Newcastle or Blackpool any night of the week :~}
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Now where to find butch looking Geisha girls
Any bar north of the Humber on a Friday night, or Newcastle or Blackpool any night of the week :~}
Very true, had forgotten about looking up there. I once spent a very educational friday night out on the town in Darlington. shall not forget that in a hurry.... :o
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Vice admiral Walsh of the 2nd Martian Battle battle squadron paced his study in agitation. There had been no news from London in over three days and things were going from bad to worse. Communication with the French had been cut save for erratic flyer mail which all too frequently fell into Prussian hands. Admiral Farleysrusk of the Imperial Russian Navy had been in his office most of the morning. He could still see the marks on his desk where the old man had banged his fist repeatedly. The shocking loss of most of the Russian Convoy that month while the British fleet were relatively unharmed had not gone down too well. Diplomatically the one surviving Russian Captain was hailed as a hero in London and this had gone some ways to simmering down the situation. But now he had to worry about supplying the Russian outposts when his men were already stretched to the limits just holding the line around the capital of New Brighton.
His ADC Lieutenant Hock knocked briskly and entered the room. He carried a message tube in his hand.
"Excuse me sir, message has arrived through sir. From London".
"A ship has broken through the blockade?"
"Not exactly sir..this one is a special message. Came via the Seer sir"
Walsh knew what that meant. The Seer were a strange and aloof race but they could be useful at times. It always gave him the willies though having a conversation with someone without moving his mouth. It was said that the really powerful ones were able to send messages and images to each other over vast distances. But from Earth?
"It's been transcribed into code sir, standard cipher"
The message read:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=9738.0
Once Walsh had applied the cipher to the message he leaned back in his chair and rocked slightly.
"Hock, kindly pass this message on to Admiral Burns of the American legation. From the look of those Astronefs they will not be on Earth for long. It would seem as though we can expect company very shortly"
That evening vice-admiral Walsh went back to the test labs. The great steel duranium doors swung open to a cavernous interior full of men in boiler suits ...pulling, riveting and fitting every type of component possible. In the middle of all this dim hall one figure stood over a drawing board, a single gas light illuminating a pile of drawings as thick as his arm. Walsh approached as Jonas Arkwright looked up .
"We need those infernal machines now Awkwright! How much longer?"
"I can work wonders Admiral, but miracles take a little longer. We're having to strip old craft as it is to build the new ones. You know we are now almost out of supplies. However..." he held up his hands before Walsh could say a word. " I have made some alterations that I think you will like. We've increased the speed by reducing the weight of the armour..not the strength mind you...just the weight. And that white coal is looking very promising. But probably the best thing is this..."
Awkwright pulled a cloth back from a large lump of metal standing behind him. He could see that Walsh was taken aback.
"Good grief that's a ...."
"Indeed it is."
"I thought they were.."
"Indeed they were.."
Walsh paused just long enough for a thought to pop in his head. Images of the sights and smells of childhood fairgrounds with Nanny Smackley invaded his mind. "I don't suppose it makes candy floss too does it?"
"Alas, quite a lot" said Awkwright, pulling the lid off a large drum that stood next to it.
"My dear Awkwright.."said Walsh with a faraway look in his eye "I do so love the taste of candy floss before bedtime. Tastes like....victory.."
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Wonderful stuff Sir. The anticipation of whats coming is reaching fever pitch. :)
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Mmmmm, candyfloss ;D
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Its to hard to resist :'(
Its happened.....
News from Glasgow
Today the Glasgow Heralds quotes
“Glasgow’s World Famous Ship builders to Help the British Empire Win the Current Aeronef Arms Race”.
Spokesman Mr G Mac for John Brown Ship Builders announced today that they have laid down the first parts of the hull, designed by the famous scientist James Clerk Maxwell. They hope that with their effort added to the other famous shipbuilders in Brittan, will help the Empire colonies expansion on both Mars and Venus.
We have managed to acquire some pictures and they will be published as soon as possible.
Spokesman Mr G Mac states that it is a new design of ship being constructed a “light Reconnaissance support vessel” designed by Mr Maxwell including some of his amazing electromagnetic technology.
As this is a new field of technology for Glasgow Mr G Mac has stated that he intends to consult with the leading brains in the British Aeronef field. He also intends to consult Britain’s allies. The government has also promised all of its latest information from its spy net work to help in this great undertaking.
The first part of the build is being constructed from the fabulous Lift wood and also the amazing new lighter than air material Poly styrene.
One of the Herald photographers managed to get these first photos
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/1912_23_02_09_11_52_47_1.JPG)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/1912_23_02_09_11_52_45_0.JPG)
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God Lord! Yet another keel is laid!
This can only end in war... :)
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This thread has now overseen the birth of the Japanese, Norwegian and Scottish aerial fleets! Realising that I hadn't actually posted any pics yet of a British response got me going tonight with trying to get early stage photos for everyone to have a look at. It has been slow work between kids and work commitment trying to get anything done..but here goes:
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic3.jpg)
This is the base module from the side. The orange thing is the cockpit for the two pilots. The black piece at the rear is probably the boiler, though I am considering making it a drop down waist gun/weapon pit. It also supports the weight of the top gunnery control and steam turbines. The base of the ship is 12mm MDF and the superstructure 3mm mdf. The thin stuff is cuttable with a stanley knife . The black section is a bar chair for concrete mesh ( I had a few dozen left over when I poured my driveway).
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic4.jpg)
I wanted an open deck with partial armour for a platoon of men to stand ready to disembark. My inspiration for all this was the Huey air cav Vietnam war mobile units. To this end there will be waist gunners added to the side. I'm probably going to use some fine cabinet hinges to make a drop down boarding ramp too.
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic2.jpg)
So here she is with the basic engine rig added. That's the Sierra airship basically cut into three sections. I liked the idea of the forward swept engines...reminded me a little of a Klingon bird of prey. I havn't put the propellors back on for these shots yet and will be adding a tail rotor too, so will cannibalise the existing rotors so I have enough.
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic1.jpg)
I quite like the circular stern. The large central section of the plastic kit will house the tail gunner plus the forward facing main weapons control officer.
I may also sheet magnetise the crew deck so that I can use a tilting base. I'm sure I can find something suitable. Even a cheap camera tripod might be the answer....
Anyway , hope you like these. Love those black and white shots gamer Mac! Keep posting your shots eveyone...you are keeping me inspired. Hopefully enough to build the next four.....
Can't let the Japanese fleet rule the skies can we?
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This thread has now overseen the birth of the Japanese, Norwegian and Scottish aerial fleets!
Don't forget the yanks! ;)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic1.jpg)
THAT... is seriously cool!
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Nice work TJG, cant wait to see yout finished masterpieces.
Love the idea of atmospheric Black and White pictures.
Maye when everyone is done we can have a thread of photos of the completed models
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thejammedgatling
That looks seriously cool. :o :-*
What size is it compared to a figure.
I am looking forward to seeing the five of these flying the flag for the British Empire.
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Nice work TJG, cant wait to see yout finished masterpieces.
Love the idea of atmospheric Black and White pictures.
Maye when everyone is done we can have a thread of photos of the completed models
Excellent idea. :) When you have completed them PM me and I'll create a sticky thread to show them off.
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More news from Glasgow
Carpenters, platers and Riveters have been busy all night at the John Brown ship yards.
Spokesman for the yard Mr G Mac has stated that work is progressing at a very good rate. With the main hull laid down and riveted together and the lift wood planks fitted into place.
The Glasgow Herald has been given special dispensation to publish some rare pictures of the build to date.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/1912_25_02_09_11_35_38_0.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/2/1912_25_02_09_11_35_40_1.JPG)
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Excellent stuff Gamer Mac! Look forward to seeing the superstructure take shape. I'll get some pics of mine with figures for scale very soon in the next build stage.
Malamute, I reckon that's a great idea to get a sticky going when we all have our ships done.
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Sticky is a great idea, IMHO.
Would need to move a number of older threads to make sure that those who have built before us, and inspired us all, are front and center in the new sub-forum.
Having all those 'nefs in one place... yikes!
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As I am going to be building an Aeronef soon too, I would also like to see a sticky displaying our efforts!
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As I am going to be building an Aeronef soon too, I would also like to see a sticky displaying our efforts!
Sticky thread just gone up. ;)
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Thanks Malamute!!
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Sticky thread just gone up. ;)
:o
Wow!
What an incredible thread!
Such awesome machines!
:-* :-* :-*
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I am going to try and put some pics up of the latest build stage tonight for the British flyer. In the meantime I came across this site via TMP. Some great looking vessels at 1/48 scale from Stargate/ Galactica etc. Has anyone experience of this company or any ideas on prices? That Galactica shuttle would be HUGE on the tabletop:
(http://www.modelrealms.com/TOSshuttle7.jpg)
(http://www.modelrealms.com/TOSshuttle4.jpg)
Probably way too expensive. Maybe the puddle jumper shuttle though would have some conversion possibilities, or the wraith fighters for some Mars race?
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That Galactica shuttle would be HUGE on the tabletop:
So? What's the problem? lol
That is certainly an interesting model. Looks a little too futuristic though. Could be converted like everything else though :)
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Have you got a link to the site or the name of the company.
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Try this: http://www.modelrealms.com/index.htm
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Well I finally got to tinker a bit more in the shed and add some bits to the steam chopper as I'm now calling it...
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic11.jpg)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic12.jpg)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopper14.jpg)
I've made a few changes to the original concept. The waist gun turret is now gone and the access gantry now houses the boiler. The waist gunner are still there but now next to them is a drop down ramp for boarding actions or landing, rather like the doors of a landing craft which partially protect the crew. Who are in this case my incomplete French marines from Renegade.
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic7.jpg)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic6.jpg)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic10.jpg)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopper15.jpg)
The rear end is now has bombs which can be dropped on hapless targets individually or en- mass to create a wall of explosive.
I think the engines came out fairly well all up, and when I start the detailed work (rivets etc..yawn..) they should start to blend in well.
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/thejammedgatling/chopperpic5.jpg)
I have to make a simple mechanism for dropping the hatches or locking them in place. I'll try to find some very fine hinges. The temptation with this one was always to go big and keep adding bits onto it (extra ramps/ turrets etc) but it started to look like a lot more than a simple fast attack troop transport.
Hope the troops provide some scale. This little ship will fit thirty inside it. Oh, the rotors are not on yet by the way. The rounded extrusion on the tail plate opposite the steam chimney is a mounting point for the tail rotor. Still havn't decided on a tail mounted gunner on the top 'curly' bit. Any thoughts? And any recommendations on pilot/ gunner figures (I notice a few people have used the Copplestone ones).
Hope to complete this soon and put it on the sticky!
TJG
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Looking great.
Some lovely detail starting to appear. Its a lot bigger than I first thought.
There is one thing I am not keen on - the off set funnel. One at each side would look better or a single one in the middle would blance it.
For hinges you can buy very small brass ones for dolls houses. Any shop that sells dolls house stuff should have them. Quite cheep £1 or £2, for a pack. How about small magnets to hold it closed.
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That's a good idea. I had thought about magnets for the flight deck to keep the figures steady in play but didn't think of that for the door. D'oh!
I did try putting on a chimney on both sides but it looked a little overwhelming (and rather like the horns of a bull). I also realised that I'd be missing the chance for a perfect place to put that tail rotor.
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Looks more Pulp/SciFi than VSF, although I'm sure that's nothing a few rivets can't fix ::).
Can't wait to see it finished.