One of the perennial problems for the naval gamer that bases his models (as do I) is that of basing. What material to use, what colour to paint, whether textured or not and if so, with what? - these are all questions that most gamers have had to address at some point. I have lost count of the amount of Humbrol Matt 25 I have used over the years and you can always guarantee that whatever shade or technique you finally opt for - the first time you have a game the playing surface will be a different colour!
I had considered for the ACW collection using my old standby of artists mounting card painted with Windsor and Newton Cobalt Blue (it is very close to the colour of the Hexon tiles I have) but have had a change of heart. I am going to use clear plastic card. The reason for this is that quite simply it removes at a stroke one of the phases in the modelling process and more importantly, it will not matter one iota what colour blue the playing surface is! The only downside I can foresee is that waves and wakes will be missing but these could easily be added to the base - it is funny that whatever colour the sea appears the waves and wakes are always white! Another advantage is that I will be able to round the corners off of the base so should the model be dropped (perish the thought!) the corner will not be bent.
I will post some results when I have got to this stage and you will be able to see the effect.
6 comments:
Let us know if you find a decent and cost-effective source of transparent plastic card. I'm tempted to do the same for my ACW collection to remove the need to go through the "brown water" / "blue water" argument :)
Hi DM,
The 'brown/blue' issue is of great concern for the ACW as the Mississippi is many things but most certainly not blue for most of its length!
I am looking at the following:
http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/model-tools-and-materials/javis-plastic-building-card/
I am pigking an order out and will let you know when it arrives and how I get on with it. The first thing that occurred to me though was that putting magnetic strip on the underside for storage/transport is now a non-starter - you can see the blooming' stuff from the top!
All the best,
DC
DC
I am also watching and learning as you progress on this one. Love the masts on the Bragg.
PD
Hi Peter,
I will report progress and as when it happens! Thankyou for the kind words re the Bragg's masts - I was staggered by how easy it was after all the soul searching and agonising I had done it beforehand. I may use Miliput for furled sailed on those shipe that have more of a rig and am planning to use the thinnest plastic card I can find for any sails that are fully deployed.
You could add things like fighting tops and crows nests if needed and this is something I have under consideraion for fiture projects.
All the best,
DC
DC
An alternative for furled sails is to use tissue paper soaked in white glue. It's mouldable and gives the impression of bunched or folded cloth.
PD
Hi Peter,
I hadn't thought of that so that will be another idea stored away for later use - many thanks indeed!
All the best,
DC
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