Monday, 29 July 2013

Shipbuilding IV

I've been busy working on another project, but last night managed to get the smaller trade ship base-coated. I will highlight and stain in due course.... it is at least looking somewhat Roman.


I was surprised how quickly one can paint a ship, compared to figures.  It looks like the ship will take less time to paint than its half dozen crew!

Note to self: hull was sprayed using Army Painter Leather Brown, and highlighted with a 50/50 mix of Vallejo flat earth and tan earth.

Sunday, 28 July 2013

BigRedBatmobile

I recently wrote my ancient 1999 Galaxy off in a minor accident, and have been vehicle-less for a month.  This was becoming a looming problem, what with Partizan and Colours beckoning.


Here's my new battle taxi- literally a taxi- until last month it was roaring around London as a minicab. I knew I had to had it when the chap showed me how all the rear seats fold into the floor, creating a very large "hold".  I reckon I could get all my terrain boards and all my 28mm minis and terrain in there....  

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Shipbuilding III; the mothership!


Last night I laid the keel (metaphorically speaking, at it is a waterline model), of a larger vessel that will hopefully become a Roman merchantman.  The original "Nina" is on the deck for size comparison purposes.  The new kit is 42cm long, and will be rather longer once I've finished with it!

The new model will be based on the Zvezda St Thomas, a 1/72 medieval English warship kit.  I will use the hull and mast, as per the kit, discard the lovely castellated turrets, and add a bowsprit, cabin and a deck at the stern.  

This latest is a serious undertaking, and may not be ready in time for Partizan, but should be at Colours, hopefully alongside Legatus' Leviathan.  I may need to add more sea boards...  ;-)

Monday, 22 July 2013

Shipbiilding II


A brief update; I've added steering oars and the mast.   Could still do with some details, perhaps an awning over the stern.  

Next I need to think about painting her, I'd ideally like to find a wood-coloured spray primer, to save time.

Sunday, 21 July 2013

Shipbuilding

Last night I water-lined the Nina model and began to tinker with it, to give it an appearance closer to that of a small Roman trade ship.


So far, this has involved removing the rudder and replacing part of the stern, and adding a curving stern post.  I increased the size of the hold-openings as the kit is 1/100 scale and my minis, 1/48.


Later I'll add masts, steering oars, an awning and deck clutter which will help it to feel more in-scale.

Curiously, I have seen illustrations of Roman ships that aren't a million miles off this.  I think it'll pass... might even be OK for the Rhine.  Which gives me another idea for what I could use this for...

Friday, 19 July 2013

Ice Cold in Alexandra Palace

Last night, inspired by the sweltering heat in these parts, we played a Western Desert game with my venerable army of microtanks, and my adapted Memoir '44 rules.


Above the British "defenders" dig in on what passes for terrain.  Below, the German anti-tank screen moves forward.


The British so-called "defenders" attacked from the outset, and eventually left much of the Afrika Corps burning in the desert!  This was down to a combination of superb cards and inspired play; one air attack, alone, took out most of an artillery regiment and also a battery of 88's.

In place of Heineken, we drank a chilled Italian wine.

Thursday, 18 July 2013

A ship!

This arrived in the post today...  I'm not really a kit builder, nor much interested in the renaissance, and am strictly 28mm.  But I do have a cunning plan.  :-)