Friday, 2 August 2013

Hi-definition Romans


I'd noticed that the quality of my painting had been suffering, particularly when I didn't wear my specs, but even when wearing the glasses I have been using (an old prescription).  Today I have taken delivery of a new pair of bifocals, with a focal length of around 12" that is perfect for painting, and a long distance prescription that will help me focus on my other favourite hobby, watching the box! They are glare free which should also help whilst painting under my lamp, and lightweight.

When I just looked at these minis, painted by Andres of Einar Olafson, I could see detail I've never noticed before!  :-)   On the downside, my painting rate will slow right down...  :-(

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Please name my ship

I've more or less completed the first of 2 "Roman" ships for my Autumn display game (Thapsus).  This is the smaller of the two vessels, and is intended to be a small trade ship of the kind that might be found around the fringes of the Mediterranean sea, that might be pressed into use for transporting troops.
  
This is lightly converted from the 1/100 Zvezda "Nina" kit. Luckily, the Romans had lateen sails, so I was able to use the very nice one provided with the kit.  I cut away some renaissance features, and added steering oars.  I've given her some basic rigging, sufficient to pass muster on a  wargaes model, I hope.

I don't have a crew yet, so a couple of figures Andres painted for me are standing in, to give an idea about size. This pic shows the railings and stern-post I made for the stern, and the steering oars. I will later add a bow-wave and a wake.

Next time I will go with a lighter coloured wood for my vessel, but all-in all I'm cautiously pleased with my first venture into things naval, and Roman... 

I'm now looking for a suitable name for her; probably should be female, and likely of mythological origin; any contributions gratefully accepted! 

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...