Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => VSF Adventures => Topic started by: fergal on January 09, 2017, 04:47:34 AM
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So Kickstarter has a make 100 theme for new projects this month, my last project is winding up (about 5 hours of cutting left) and I'm hoping to get this guy read to go by the end of the month.
Furious Class Airship
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious.jpg)
All the test fitting is done, I found a couple of things that need to change once I put the stacks on for test fitting. So the second an third floors will become a little less long. Other than that, I think the final shape is done. I'm going to add some propellers fins and a lot of 'greeble' or texture and portholes. Some more rims along the outside of the decks. I'm sure I'll find other things as I go along, but it usually happens pretty fast once the final shape is solid.
Anyway, thought I'd show it here as it's been on my back burner for about 6 months, but I haven't told anyone about it. After the challenging build of the zeppelin, this one fits together like a dream.
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This is a sexy little beast, Fergal... how big is she?
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This is a sexy little beast, Fergal... how big is she?
Thank you! Little might be the wrong word :). I'm pretty sure I started out with 24inches as the original length. I like to make big stuff. I can take a pic with a fig or two for reference tomorrow, I'm off to bed just now.
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Almost as impressive is the breadth. Another 'put legs on it, and it's THE gaming table.'
Okay, get a couple of yardsticks, put the ship on the floor framed in an L by the sticks, stand on a chair and take a piccie. ;)
Doug
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:) Ok, more pics tonight. It's not a games table, but if you set it next to the martian airship, it'll be about a similar presence. Much bigger than the other 'European' airships, but not so big as to be the only thing you'll need to play a game like the zeppelin.
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Yeah, for that comparison to work, I have to have my kite assembled... :'(
That said, my toy-carrier-to-Martian-tramp-steamer has some progress, so I may have to get to working on said kite again. ::)
Now that the 'holidays' are done, and this 'heathen' doesn't have to work through to allow people to share with families, I may see time to do so.
Doug
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Hey, Beast, need me to post some more pictures of the Martian vessel? Just to remind you what a finished one looks like?
;D
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So cruel. When have I been ANYTHING but kind to you??? lol
Doug
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Cruel? Nah, this is called "motivational speaking"...
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I took a few more pics tonight. I'm going to have to change the design a bit and make the round protrusion a little larger as I don't have a material that will bend around it at the current size. So that means re-addressing the main deck, the filler level, the bottom board of the deck, a new curved railing, new spacing on the posts, and a few other changes. Might slow me down a bit, but I'll start addressing these soon.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious1.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious2.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious3.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious4.jpg)
The axel is the wrong length but this will give you an idea of the propellers placement.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious5.jpg)
I put some smaller 28's on the ship to see how those look for those of you that don't use the 'heroic' sizes that I do. These are Musketeer IRA figures, but should show the room you get with smaller 28mm figs.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious6.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious7.jpg)
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That's a right purty ship you've got there. Be a shame if somethin' were to 'appen to it...
(sorry, couldn't help myself)
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Fergal .
What can I say, Great work old boy .
I am in for one for sure.
Cheers
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Thank Von, I'm pretty happy with the way it's working out!
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Impressive! :o I'm looking forward to seeing it finished.
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Good luck with the KS -looks an impressive beast :-*
Blodwin
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Made some more pieces and improved upon one bit that didn't work.
I made some tail fins for the ship today, I really like how they turned out, give the ship a bit of a slick feel I think.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious11.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious12.jpg)
After spending many hours on the initial design, I found out I didn't have a material that would bend to the curve I had designed the turret protrusions to, so I had to increase the radius by 20mm, but that adds a nice bit of deck room for playing on as well.
To save building the entire ship again before I knew if it would work, I just built the relative bits.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious13.jpg)
Here's what it looks like from the top and it should give a good idea of the footprint when it's finished. I've already modified the files, so the next build will have this size protrusion on it.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious14.jpg)
Now I just need to make the second and third levels a bit less long to better accommodate the smoke stacks. Once I do that I'll build it again and then I'll add the texture, doors, and portholes.
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After spending many hours on the initial design, I found out I didn't have a material that would bend to the curve I had designed the turret protrusions to, so I had to increase the radius by 20mm, but that adds a nice bit of deck room for playing on as well.
I call 'good thing' as it look a bit crowded for the gun I had in mind. Figures would help to gauge, but sounds right.
Here's what it looks like from the top and it should give a good idea of the footprint when it's finished. I've already modified the files, so the next build will have this size protrusion on it.
*ahem*
"Okay, get a couple of yardsticks, put the ship on the floor framed in an L by the sticks,..." >:(
;)
Doug
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*ahem*
"Okay, get a couple of yardsticks, put the ship on the floor framed in an L by the sticks,..." >:(
I'll see what I can find, perhaps my wife has a yardstick around. I work in metric (as metric actually makes sense). Thought it won't do as much good until the new build is complete with the new measurements for accuracy in pictures.
Here are the numbers from my plans
width at widest point: 383mm (≃15 inches)
length at longest point: 613mm (≃24 inches)
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lol
Metre rules would be fine; I'm getting pretty good at conversions. 'Yardstick' is old guy talk. Did I mention I'm one? :D
I think it helps when gauging parts as well as the whole; not sure I'd have given my opinion on the 'protrusions', but if I had, I'd have had a better idea of what I thought would work.
Doug
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Here we are, the final fittings are being done now. I think the first level is set.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/image-e1485063883190.jpeg)
O
I'm going to work on the nest level and get the posts finished nest,
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One quick question, Fergal, based on my experiences painting these - is it possible to cut the details a little bit deeper, to make them stand out better when painting and drybrushing, or is that a technical difficulty I don't know about because, well, I don't own a laser?
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It's a lovely design. I like the Aberdeen-Class up on the site, and will one day put that order in, and I think this would compliment that well. Only thing I might be tempted to do is to replace the highest upperwork level with a 'flying bridge' and leave space for a gun mount - something akin to the Frederik layout. But that's all just tinkering ideas as I sit and look at this :)
Awesome work, well done sir.
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One quick question, Fergal, based on my experiences painting these - is it possible to cut the details a little bit deeper, to make them stand out better when painting and drybrushing, or is that a technical difficulty I don't know about because, well, I don't own a laser?
There are a number of ways to do it. The most economical and the one I use is to pass over the detail as a 'cut line' and just go quickly and use a lower power. This still is probably the most costly part of the build as it adds lots of laser time to the ship, which is how I figure out what the prices is.
A more detailed way would be to 'engrave' the details on, which could give you a wider/more defined detail. This is when the laser head swings back and forth like an ink printer, but this is a very slow process, so much so that I've never used it for a commercial project.
It really just comes down to time and wear and tear on the machine. I'm trying to get a place where we are getting the best effect for the money.
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It's a lovely design. I like the Aberdeen-Class up on the site, and will one day put that order in, and I think this would compliment that well. Only thing I might be tempted to do is to replace the highest upperwork level with a 'flying bridge' and leave space for a gun mount - something akin to the Frederik layout. But that's all just tinkering ideas as I sit and look at this :)
Awesome work, well done sir.
Thank you LCpl!
I'm least happy with the top level, but it's a nice little add on there. I've been scared off of using the flying bridge in designs as that was my least popular design by sales. Which is a shame as it's VERY common in ships in the 1890's and I think a very cool feature. I'd love to see what you could do with it!
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There are a number of ways to do it. The most economical and the one I use is to pass over the detail as a 'cut line' and just go quickly and use a lower power. This still is probably the most costly part of the build as it adds lots of laser time to the ship, which is how I figure out what the prices is.
A more detailed way would be to 'engrave' the details on, which could give you a wider/more defined detail. This is when the laser head swings back and forth like an ink printer, but this is a very slow process, so much so that I've never used it for a commercial project.
It really just comes down to time and wear and tear on the machine. I'm trying to get a place where we are getting the best effect for the money.
Having a bit of experience running a router/engraver, I understand exactly what that means, Huh. Okay, carry on, then.
I do like this design - it will be a nice piece. I may have to pick one up when she is in full swing.
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Okay, I'm confused. I thought both the Aberdeen and Frederik have flying bridges, though not protruding out the front. In the Frederik, with wings, also very common.
If you must have wings-without-'bags', just get Frederik and leave off the nether regions, right?
Edit:
One quick question, Fergal, based on my experiences painting these - is it possible to cut the details a little bit deeper...
I bought some lasered Xmas ornaments to section and apply to the kite (do you rmember the kite?) to add surface detail. Sort of bas-relief instead of engraving. Might that work?
Doug
Edit: "I do like some of the first 'torpedo-boat-destroyer' designs,"
So those ARE flying bridges, but you don't want ANY enclosures, and maybe add a bit wider deck to include the gun. Pins-and-string railing, and you're back to Bob.
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My pleasure :)
Naval architecture and design in 1890s really saw some incredible leaps, and after all, by 1905 we did end up with the Dreadnaught.
I do like some of the first 'torpedo-boat-destroyer' designs, and you have to wonder what it must have been like to sail and fight in these. I consequently take great inspiration from these for VSF ideas.
HMS Daring: https://defenceoftherealm.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/hms-daring.jpg
HMS Havoc: https://defenceoftherealm.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/hms-havoc.jpg
(Source: Defence of the Realmsite by Tony Wilkins)
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I bought some lasered Xmas ornaments to section and apply to the kite (do you rmember the kite?) to add surface detail. Sort of bas-relief instead of engraving. Might that work?
Doug
Pictures or it didn't happen.
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Only thing I might be tempted to do is to replace the highest upperwork level with a 'flying bridge'
I think you are right about this, I couldn't put my finger on it before, but I don't like the top level as I have it. I'll whip up a flying bridge for the top level and that's what I'll go with.
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Edit:
I bought some lasered Xmas ornaments to section and apply to the kite (do you rmember the kite?) to add surface detail. Sort of bas-relief instead of engraving. Might that work?
Doug
Really? Huh. I didn't think you had opened the wrapping yet... ;D
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Yes, yes, I know.
" No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time! "
Seriously, the fore part is done, though I'd mis-judged the laying of panels, and got discouraged having to 'break' off some to realign. I'll get going soon. The tramp steamer/carrier hull will need some cutting soon enough. :)
Doug
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Alrighty, I've been in overdrive to get this done by the end of January and I think I've cracked it.
Here are some quick iPhone photos. I spent most of the night tonight stringing up the ship, it's the last and most tedious step.
What do you think? One line alone the railings or two? I can't decide which I like, but I do know that one line (like the second level of the super structure) takes half as long to string that two (like along the deck). Any opinions welcome as I'm on the fence! (ha ha)
A few perspective shots
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious15.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious16.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious17.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious18.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious19.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious20.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious21.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious22.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious23.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious24.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious25.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious26.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/furious27.jpg)
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For what it's worth - for me, two work better than one. Beautiful work btw. :-*
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Outstanding sir :)
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Thank you gentlemen! And thanks for the feedback GDonk :)
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I agreed with Gdonk. Two lines look better. What's the price tag on this beauty? I think I may need/want one.
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Thanks VSF G - So the tough part is done now. To figure out the cost I need to combine all the files onto as few sheets as possible, optimize all the cut lines, then cut one and time it. That will let me know what the cost is. The process is relatively quick though and I should know within seven days or so.
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Hi Fergal
Mate that is simply amazing ..Well done Old boy.
Put me down for one please... guaranteed.
Cheers
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Not wishing to cause you additional grief, and please feel free to reply "Leave me alone McDoom!" - but is there any chance of sizing and pricing up some straight aileron-tails please?
I like your swepty-backs as potentially something suitably sleek and Frenchified (in my own setting), but I also do like the clunky British design of a more rectangular aileron-tail. See here: https://blackcampbell.com/2016/03/15/aerial-flyers-and-cloudships-for-space1889-part-2/#jp-carousel-4158
And some delightful ideas here if you can access Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/137219119866357227/
Please don't fret if it's unwelcome extras - it's not beyond even my meagre modelling abilities to make something suitable.
And aye, I am definitely enthused enough to purchase at least one :)
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Thank you VonAkers :)
LCpl McDoom, I never say 'leave me alone' to someone offering feedback! If I didn't want it, I wouldn't put it up on a board like this. I always say, "Decisions are made by those who show up". Of course I can pop those together, I had thought about doing it before, a sort of 'pulp' version of them and a 'VSF' version, with the current being more of a pulp style.
I threw the idea out when I was trying to get this ship done for the January KS event Make 100, but I don't think I'm going to make it so I can add them back in the work flow.
I had also made a design decision to make it fit in a US large flatrate box as it was easier for me and I could make the bottom of the hull in one piece, but I'm going to offer both versions now too. Those in the US wishing for a one piece hull will be able to $5 more shipping and get it, those wishing to save $25 shipping internationally will be able to get the two piece hull.
The net result is that I'll be taking another week or two to get everything together and ready to go.
Thanks for the kind words and input.
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Hi Fergal
Mate having done the majority of the hard yards in the scrum .. all that remains is to place the ball over the line then...
It may well be worth as suggested previously that a few subtle options can open up the ship to several versions .
Think captured and re gunned by the French , or modified to have more speed ( more stacks ) &, different tail by the Germans ??
Also what about a potential "Option B " ie a larger front deck ( 5/6 inches extra)to mount a potentially larger FF gun??or rear firing gun or both.
That would be the only slight issue I would have of the model ( maybe a bit short in the bow )???
Having referred to my Trusty Space 1889 Sky Galleons of Mars book, it looks like you have used a Triumph Class Aerial Cruiser as inspiration ?
Having said that a slight increase in the length at the bow , would then accomadate a larger calibre weapon perhaps.
I am not sure how the deck and plan goes together , however may it be possible that you would only need to retool ( as option b ) the main deck and add 6 inches on ??..so to speak..
If so this would effectively give you 2 options on the craft for a potentially small amount of extra work ?
Your thoughts ??
Your thoughtse
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If so this would effectively give you 2 options on the craft for a potentially small amount of extra work ?
Your thoughts ??
While a change in style of piece is not a problem, lengthening the hull would mean a change in 75% of the ship. I'm somewhat interested in a sister ship version, but that would mean a change in trimmings and some variation in super structure. There's a reason that once they found a hull that worked, they built as many variations as they could.
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Fergal
Thanks for the prompt reply.
Sounds like my "easy " changes are not so easy..lol
Just a thought.
As far as guns go TVAG has some , sold under Houstons Guns .
Cheers
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@Fergal - sounds wonderful, and it also sounds like I may well order at least two now :)
@VonAkers - would it be possible to post up links for those sources of Naval Ordnance & Hardware please?
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Hi Guys
I was asked to point out that The Virtual Armchair General (TVAG ) has a lot of suitable naval armaments & other VSF guns ..
http://www.thevirtualarmchairgeneral.com/
Cheers
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Hi Guys
I was asked to point out that The Virtual Armchair General (TVAG ) has a lot of suitable naval armaments & other VSF guns ..
http://www.thevirtualarmchairgeneral.com/
Cheers
Yup, he's pretty much the goto for hard VSF armaments. I've ordered some of his guns before. They are on the small side compared to many modern figures, but are great none the less. I think they were sculpted before scale creep set in, more more of a 'true 28'.
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Yup, he's pretty much the goto for hard VSF armaments. I've ordered some of his guns before. They are on the small side compared to many modern figures, but are great none the less. I think they were sculpted before scale creep set in, more more of a 'true 28'.
Why you young whippersnapper! I remember when twenty-eight was scale creep! >:(
:D
Doug
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Why you young whippersnapper! I remember when twenty-eight was scale creep! >:(
:D
Doug
Heck, you remember '28 - wasn't that high school for you?
;D
Armchair General and Reviresco are my go-tos for guns.
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First off a couple of requests...
As per requested a 'more VSF angular' fin for the Furious.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious31.jpg)
Which can also be turned over, but then you can't lay it flat on a table, you'll always need a stand...or... just don't glue it on so it's removable.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious32.jpg)
Also as per requested (and responsible for a good 10 day delay in the project getting to market) a sister ship to the original, may I present the HMAS Audacious. After a few outings of the Furious, it was evident that the design was solid and very serviceable, the crew loved it. Shortly after it left the shipyards a more efficient side by side boiler system was developed and rather than make a faster ship, more armor was added and now we have the Audacious.
I really hope you guy like the changes, but even more so I'd love to hear your honest opinions...
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/audacious1.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/audacious2.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/audacious3.jpg)
I don't normally do interior details but this spot seemed to cry out for something like this.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/audacious4.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/audacious5.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/audacious6.jpg)
A few pics of the final, final Furious ready for the production line, all the i's dotted and t's crossed. I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out. Took a few tries at improving the stand and this is my best one of those yet too.
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious30.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious33.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious34.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious35.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious36.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious37.jpg)
AND just for you Beast, here are a few photos of her with a yard stick...
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious38.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious39.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious40.jpg)
(http://crossoverminiatures.com/figures/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/furious41.jpg)
That's all for now. Time to get writing up a description and getting it out there.
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I love these big ships because they are big enough that you can play an entire scenario just running around on it! ;)
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I love these big ships because they are big enough that you can play an entire scenario just running around on it! ;)
Actually, I think you need two or three. But this would be a good addition to my aeronefs.
I like the original cabin versus the Audacious, personally. I am still finishing up the other 'nef you sent me, now that I am not distracted by a Bolt Action WWW Cultist army that masquerades as either Italians, Partisans, or Romanians, depending on the day.
Geez, do I get this or keep trying to save up for a Zeppelin.....
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One would do, but a boarding action romp would ice the cake, nicely. Better to use something else as an opponent, mind you.
Naturally, YOU would need more than one.
...
Geez, do I get this or keep trying to save up for a Zeppelin.....
You HAVE to have the Zep. Buy it, then build the other for someone else, but use 'til they ask? :D
Doug
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Just went live with the KS folks
Find the Kickstarter here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/211492152/airship-for-victorian-science-fiction-and-pulp-gam
Or
if you want to buy it with paypal, you can here http://crossoverminiatures.com/product/furious-class-airship/