Ice Station Zebra - The BLAM Game 12-15 Oct

[Hu Rhu]

A casual conversation in the bar with a few wargaming chums and I had the idea for my next project - Ice Station Zebra.
I will be drawing most of my inspiration from the book rather than the film, although there will be a few touches from the film (and other ideas) included in the final game.



Of course as most people know the action takes place in the Artic (giving me a chance to create some appropriate terrain boards) where a group of scientists at Drift Ice Station Zebra send an SOS.  Given the poor weather, no planes can land so a US nuclear submarine carrying a 'Dr' Carpenter is despatched.

I shall base the weather station on something like this, but given that the book is set in 1959, it will be a little less modern.



I had to start somewhere, so I decided to start the game from when the submarine breaks through the ice and lands the rescue party.  This would give me my first terrain board. I cast around on Ebay and soon had a toy submarine ready for conversion.



I then waterlined it (simple as it came in two halves - well almost) gave me this.



I then made up my first terrain board (each will measure 12" x 12", except the actual base which is on a 24" x 24" board).  These are 9mm MDF base with a 10mm expanded foam top, glues together.



I then sketched out the hole for the submarine, cut it to size giving me a hole in the ice.



A little checking to see how it fitted up and voila, the first terrain square is starting to shape up.



The foam was then given a good going over with a hot wire cutter to break up the clean edges and glued to the base.  Meanwhile the submarine will be going in for a complete makeover to become the USS Dolphin.  The base obviously needs texturing and the water and ice effects but I am pleased with the start I have made.

More later.

[Elk101]

Yes! Please tell me this is for the next BLAM?  Pleeeeeease

[Captain Blood]

Great idea, Gary. Never read the original book, but always loved the movie - that moment when they look up and see the Soviet paras' chutes blossoming in the sky... Terrifying. Sends a shiver down my spine even now...

'I don't care how you do, but GET ME THERE!'

Brilliant. Do it.

(It will make a lovely, unusual, glittery, snowy centrepiece for your Christmas dinner table too, of course )

[NurgleHH]

Great game idea, hope you bought the best old range from the American company

[OSHIROmodels]

Well, that's different 

cheers

James

[Damas]

I may have to book a place on this at the BLAMiversery! 

[Hu Rhu]

Yes! Please tell me this is for the next BLAM?  Pleeeeeease

Well if you insist. 

Brilliant. Do it.

Ok.

Great game idea, hope you bought the best old range from the American company

Thanks - I you'll have to wait and see what turns up.

Well, that's different 

Yes it is.  I just hope that I can pull it off.

I may have to book a place on this at the BLAMiversery! 

Feel free.

Thanks for the encouragement.

[Eric the Shed]

Excellent choice....

[Elk101]

Woo hoo! I'm booking a place too, if that's OK? 

[Ragnar]

I've actually got the book in my 'to read' pile, so I wil look forward to seeing how this pans out.

[Hu Rhu]

Excellent choice....

Thanks - lets hope I can do it justice.

Woo hoo! I'm booking a place too, if that's OK? 

You can. Actually it was your game 'The Rim' which set me musing about a small exploration game, so thanks.

[Elk101]

Thanks - lets hope I can do it justice.

You can. Actually it was your game 'The Rim' which set me musing about a small exploration game, so thanks.

Don't mention it 

[Commander Roj]

I love that film. I've lost count of how many times I've seen it. What scale are you using to fit in with that sub?

[S44lade]

Thumbs up Gary - will watch progress with interest

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

Great idea! Looking forward to seeing more of this.