So close I can almost taste it....
Ok, I know that these models are hugely oversized for most gaming needs - especially if you are using a table top - but the attraction of making up some plastic models in this scale is one that I would not be able to resist; and nor have I!
You may recall my abortive attempt to acquire half a dozen sets of the newly re released Airfix: Sink the Bismarck set of models. Well, I happen to know that Santa has a couple of copies of this for me come on 25/12 and I have also just scored a further set via Ebay. I have also picked up a couple of Revell Duke of Yorks and a pair of Gneisenaus for good measure.
I have been looking at what else is available in this scale from a metals perspective and I was quite surprised to see that there is a reasonable amount of kit available - certainly sufficient for what I want - although most of which will need to come from the US which makes it a little more on the expensive side. The numbers I will need will be fairly low in any event so the proportional cost will not be excessive.
I am hugely tempted to use these models as the basis for the Fezian and Rusland fleets circa 1935 to 1940 to support the land based armies for that period when I eventually get around to them. The only problem is that they are so distinctive looking - the Bismarck looks like, well the Bismarck - that it would be difficult to visualise them as anything else without some fairly fairly radical chopping about. I am happy to undertake that if need be (indeed I have a number of ideas along those lines) but it then becomes a more substantial exercise than merely assembling and painting the models.
I will need to give this some thought in due course but to be honest I am leaning towards a WW2 North Atlantic type set up initially; mainly because this is a long standing interest of mine and I would really enjoy the model making aspect of the exercise. The rules would need some careful thought as for fewer ships my usual fast play approach (or at least the, as I term it, 'bag you're dead!' mechanics) would not be appropriate as the actions will be almost at skirmish level. Strategically it would of course be a different story.
One for the new year then, after many other things have been attended to!
16 comments:
David
Ok this would count as a non-portable naval wargame. I have to say I really admire your project here. This would be a lot of fun to collect and model! BUt have you got a gm floor to play on? I'm not sure I could find space to store these fleets let alone play with them!
PD
Hi Peter,
The great thing about fleets for 1941 in the North Atlantic is that you can get away with quite a small collection. All in I am thinking around three dozen models maximum.
As far as rules and gaming is concerned then I have access to a large floor but to be honest I am planning on using a table top in an abstracted fashion.
It will offend the scale purist BUT will give a good game with some nice looking models which is what it is all about at the end of the day.
For the record, the fleets I am planning on collecting will live happily in three or four box files and will be based on clear plastic in my usual fashion with the name label and an ensign for good measure.
It is a way off though - I need to undertake some repairs on both of the ACW General Bragg models I have first and then paint 32 of them.
All the best,
DC
David
Sounds like a plan - you won't offend me by shrinking the table top. Way back in the 70s my dad sent me the Hood and Bismark kits - long since gone of course.
PD
Isn't there an approach to Wargames and their rules that is called "bath-tubbing" ? I think models this size would definitely look at their best in a bath tub!
Only kidding...... although I thought your foray into the North Atlantic was going to be 1/3000th - naughty, naughty - scale creep!
Good to see you were eventually able to source some of these, though - should do something to ease the pain of your earlier traumatic experience in missing out on them!
Hi Peter,
Putting any 20th century naval game on the table top effectively nukes the whole scale thing when you are using models in any event so why fight it I say?
Seriously though, I have gamed with 1/1200th models on a table top and it does work along as you treat the models as being purely representational - scale goes out the window but they certainly look nice!
All the best,
DC
Hi SoS,
I have some really good memories of these kits from 'back in the day' and so using them again - even if common sense dictates that they are too large - will be a self indulgent pleasure to be sure.
1/3000th is a scale of convenience for me and if I the choice of using larger models I would do so every time. Sadly my wallet wont run to very much in this scale but adding a few extra metals to the plastics is not too onerous a financial burden!
I intend using Hexon as well for the playing surface and will be able to accomodate a 9ft by 5ft table in the loft if need be but I will have to get another box of Hexon to do it!
Let the insanity begin I say!
All the best,
DC
Don't buy 1/1200 from the US before checking with Dreadnought Models in Gosport (aka Dave Willcocks, he runs the busines sout of his garage).He has an amazing stock list of stuff and offers a 10% discount to NWS members :)
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the heads up! I am now a member of NWS although have not seen anything in terms of Battlefleet or AGB - has there been any recent activity in this regards or should I press the panic button!
All the best,
DC
DM - is there a website or email for him? I recall getting some great stuff from him for WW2 coastal when I lived just across the harbour, some 10 years ago now
Hi Paul,
No email that I can see but there is still an address and a phone number.
http://theminiaturespage.com/man/dreadnought/
Check out the above and you will see them both!
All the best,
DC
Good stuff - I'm looking for some destroyers in that scale as a present for a friend. Anything you'd recommend? I'd be looking for the same period.
Hi CK,
The Airfix set has a pair of plastic Tribal class DDs but I do not know of any other plastics in 1:1200th. The link to TMP featuring Dreadnought Models is one I shall explore for sure but you might also want to check out - http://www.alnavco.com/warship.htm
as the range they is pretty good although a little more expensive - especially when you add the postage in as well.
All the best,
DC
Snail mail from Oz isnt much of a help sadly! If you do get in touch can you also get a list of what he may have for the ironclad/pre-dread period (which I can use for VSF)?
cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
Will do! I will get a list and scan in possible to email to you. Failing that, let me know your new address in due course and I will send it on via the Rayleigh mail!
All the best,
DC
Thanks for the spot on the 1/1200 kits, I may se that in the future
I do fall back to 1/3000 for fleet wagaming (North AQtlantic)
I was going to use 1/1200 kits to spice the fleet commanders perspective
Using 1/3000 or even 1/6000 to represent the enemy at a distance to his flagship in 1/1200
I always thought fleet commanders should never see their enemies eyes merely get relayed information through an impartial umpire
Hi Geordie,
I like 1/3000th but for smaller actions (smaller as in actions with no more than 6 to 8 models in total) I prefer larger models and will cheerfully use them knowing that the scales etc are shot to pieces!
Good idea re the 'long range' 1/3000th ship model.
It is a way off yet but I will certainly look forward to the 1/1200th build fest - I just need to squirrel away a few more models.
All the best,
DC
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