Iberian Windmill - The first of a new Blog feature

Earlier this month we had visitors and I plucked from the attic some early terrain pieces to show them examples of the models I build. This particular Iberian or Portuguese Windmill was built some years ago and although it has featured as a backdrop to some earlier snaps, I thought it was worthwhile featuring it here in a new Blog section labelled Terrain Gallery.

As it was already down from storage I took the opportunity to re-flock the base as the original had become rather pale and threadbare. In addition I have picked-out a couple of the stones in the base with acrylic paint.

The model is of an Iberian windmill that I found in a tourism magazine or brochure. The base is constructed from a piece of MDF, cut into a rough oval with the edges chamfered. The stone base is modelled from DAS modelling clay over a couple of stacked discs of plain corrugated cardboard and the rough stairway is built from scraps of thin wood.

The body of the windmill was constructed from card with a thin veneer of Balsawood onto which I have scribed planking and nail holes. The roof was built from individual pieces of card over a simple former.

The sails (or should that be masts) are built from barbecue skewers sanded and cut to shape. The rope is just cotton held in place with superglue.

All the painting was carried-out with my usual stock of modelling paints.

The model base is 120mm x 130mm and the whole windmill stands 170mm tall (to top of sail).

The images below show the model in greater detail. Unfortunately I have no work-in-progress shots.

Finally I have scoured the Internet for an image of the original to illustrate this post. The best I could find was this painting which I have downloaded from Google. It was difficult to find an image free of copyright but I think this is one, should there be any objections I will of course remove it.

This remains one of my favourite pieces of wargame terrain and although not based on any feature that might have been involved in a historical engagement I like it for its novelty value and uniqueness.

It is my intention to add other pieces of terrain to this section, so keep an eye out for more.

Tony

Bange and Oafson - part two

Bange and Oafson - the Trolkin Brothers from Alternative Armies are now fully based and ready to be undercoated. I have added some sieved stones and fine sand to the bases which is applied over uPVA glue.

Photos Two, Three and Four - Show Bange and the Green Stuff conversion/modification work I have carried out. His ill-fitting trousers have been re-modelled, with more of his stomach pouring over the top. I have added more substantial coat-tails and there are raised braiding detail on his trousers.

Photos Five, Six and Seven - Show Oafson and his modifications. Starting from the top, I have extended his mohican haircut, The spear shaft has been 'bulked-up' plus cuffs and buttons added from Green Stuff.

As stated earlier, these are bulky sculpts and very well modelled, but I just can't help adding my own little touches.

More to follow.

Tony

The Pledge for July - Bange and Oafson LE045

The Pledge for July is this latest Limited Edition pack from Alternative Armies The Trolkin brothers Bange and Oafson Le045 which I picked up at Salute 2012 earlier this year.

There is already a very good review of these character miniatures on You Tube produced by Rob Alderman, for full details go to this link.

Photos One and Two - Show the miniatures still in their blister packs. Number 118 of just 1000 limited edition castings from AA.

Photo Three - Is it Bange or is it Oafson? I have mounted the metal miniature on to a UK 2p coin and built up the groundwork with Milliput. I have also replaced the metal spear with a length of metal wire, retaining the spear head and replacing it on the end with a dab of superglue.

Photo Four - The other one. Again mounted on to a 2p coin with the groundwork built up with Milliput.

These are quite hefty miniatures, in the typical Flintloque style. I am really looking forward to painting them. I know that it's only two figures when my Pledge states that I will produce at least five minis, but I just couldn't help myself and after seeing the great painting job that Rob had done on his I wanted to paint my miniatures as soon as possible.

The minis are available from Alternative Armies for the very reasonable cost of £8.00.

Tony

Magpies Emporium, Evesham

These images were taken at the quaint and eccentric antiques shop called Magpies Emporium in Evesham, Worcestershire earlier this year. Magpies is reputed to be the largest stockist of Britains and King & Country  model soldiers in the country and always have loads of beautifully stocked display cabinets.

I have included these images as inspiration and to give wargame modellers an idea of how expensive 1/32 (54mm) models and terrain are. 

Tony

Folk Art Stains/Washes

I recently read some Forum posts lamenting the withdrawal of Badab Black and Devlan Mud washes by Games Workshop. I have yet to try any of the new GW paints or washes but regularly use the old GW washes; Sepia, Black and Mud.

I picked up these three water based stains some months back - they were being sold off at just 50p a 59ml bottle and thought that I would do a quick test as to there suitability as replacement washes.

Folk Art Stains; 2806 Mahogany, 2802 Oak and 2804 Walnut.

I have used a small scrap of artists watercolour paper and poured out three samples. Each sample has been 'watered down' with plain tap water to see how it behaves when diluted.

The Mahogany Stain first; The colour conforms to the packaging, having a dark almost berry colour.  The Oak Satin, when diluted reminds me of the old (very old) Games Workshop Flesh Wash - the one that came in the blue-topped bottle. Finally the Walnut Stain, which is a very good substitute for the Devlan Mud wash. It is less concentrated than the GW washes but when applied in layers gave a similar effect.

I have used a diluted mix of both the Mahogany and Walnut Stain on both the walls (over grey - Skull White and Chaos Black) and the base (over Snakebite Leather) of this simple piece of scratch-built terrain.

I am less confident using it undiluted, but will certainly use these stains on my terrain keeping the small GW pots for figure painting.

I hope that this short review helps. I am not sure where you can now buy these products - as I stated above they were bought cheap and as a clearance line. It is possible that they would be easier to source in the US.

Tony

NOTE;
I have seen that these Folk Art stains are available from Amazon (amazon.co.uk)  in the UK

The HIVE, Worcester

The Hive, Worcester's newest public building. The first fully-integrated public and University library, which includes ;
Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service
Worcester City Library
University of Worcester Library
Worcester customer service centre
shop and cafe

The Hive was opened on Tuesday 2nd July and Sue and I visited on the 3rd.

A really impressive building with loads of wide open spaces both outside and inside. I spent most of my time in the Worcester Archive section which is situated on the first floor. The main Public Library taking up all the second floor.

This image shows the huge wall mural situated in the main reception area.

This is a view from the main library reading room, overlooking Worcester Cricket Ground, the river and The Malvern Hills.

Finally this a view from the Library looking down into the sculpted gardens.

For more information on this new venue;
www.thehiveworcester.org

Tony

HELP 50 Comments Needed - URGENTLY

I need your help and quickly. Craig Andrews of Barking Irons Online has 'thrown down the gauntlet' and challenged me to obtain 50 comments to this post before the end of July. If we succeed (and I am confident we will) Craig promises to upload the third part of the Deadloque Story/Gaming scenario - Getting Ahead. Part one can be found here and part two here.

I have had to wait eight months to see part two posted on BIO after the first part was posted for Halloween 2011 and am determined that part three will be posted quicker.

I have to admit that I have never had 50 comments to any one of my Blog posts, but am willing to fight tooth and nail to do what ever it takes to get part three uploaded by Craig by July 31st.

Please help.

For details of the challenge see comments on this post here.

Tony

UPDATE 11.01am Tuesday 3rd July - just over 30 hours since I posted this appeal.

51 posts in a day and a half and I was worried that it might take until the end of July. Thank you to all who took the trouble to post and don't worry if you still want to support this appeal, all comments greatly received.

To Craig.
You had better sharpen up your pencil and get editing as there are a number of Bloggers who will be watching out for Part Three of Getting Ahead.

I think the point that came across loud and clear is that you want terrain building articles. Well I can confirm that Craig has a couple already in the works and there are at least five which are either completed or nearing completions. I will post details here once I have more information.

Once again thank you.

Tony