[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Still on the ACW Naval kick. Finished eight more 3d printed resin ships this week. This brings me up to a total of 63 1/600 scale models.

In general, these weren’t quite as care-free as the first set. Same designer, same printer. But… after printing I discovered that two of the *.stl files I purchased were scaled for 1/1200th rather than 1/600th. So I re-scaled the files myself and had them reprinted– a little extra cost but an important lesson. I’ll check all files before having them printed.

Totally unrelated was some fairly severe warping. In fact, the USS Milwaukee was so severely warped that I accidentally snapped it in half and ended up gluing the two halves to the base and then filling the crack in between them. The CSS Selma warped enough that it ended up with quite a bit of a gap between the hull and the water so I ended up filling the gap and painting over it. Not ideal situations but not deal breakers by any means for an old scratch builder.

CSS/USS Planter:

CSS Selma:

USS Milwaukee:

USS Ozark:

Queen of the West:

Armed Sidewheeler:

CSS Selma (again) with two tiny Teasers:

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

where do you get references for them?

I generally find 3-views on-line. Pinterest has a ton of material. Modeling websites and forums are also great resources. Once I find the drawings I import the views into the modeling application and use them as guides to model the vessel. I’m not too concerned about the actual dimensions at that point but I do want accurate relational proportions. I can always resize the digital model depending on what the end goal is.

I have a lot of early aviation reference books with 3-views at home but ships tend to be more obscure.

–jeff

 

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

That is quite the set up! Thanks for letting us view it.

Toilet Paper!? I’ve been using tin foil. I might have to try some new techniques!

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

I enjoy 3d modeling of ships and planes. I’ve done quite a few for simulators. Now, I’ve not work much with organic shapes and I’m not sure I’d enjoy that. I recently have been thinking about seeing what it would take to 3d print some of my models and if it’s relatively pain free….

The key is finding a modeling program that clicks with your way of thinking about shapes. I find that most modeling programs are far too complicated for the part-time user. Sure, if you’re working with the program 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, you will eventually become proficient. But who has that amount of time to beat your head against the wall for your hobby?

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Yeah, I’ve got quite a few Thoroughbred, Peter Pig and scratch built ships and the Long Face Games models fit in quite well. Price wise, with the purchase of the *.stl files, printing and shipping they came out to be about 1/2 the price of the metal ships.

Now… there are some caveats: The only pieces that were separate were the masts. Consequently, it can be quite tricky getting a paint brush into some very tight areas!

BTW, the models in order are: USS Varuna, CSS Morgan/Gaines and the US Tyler. The USS Varuna  exhibited some warping. My understanding is that this sometimes occurs when the resin cures. The only solution I found on-line was to immerse the model in hot water which will soften up the plastic and allow you to bend it back into proper shape. I tried this. Twice. I put the ship in a shallow glass dish and poured near-boiling water up to the deck level. I let it sit for about 5 minutes then removed the model, weighed it down flat and let it cool. While at first each attempt seemed successful, two days later the warping had reappeared. Maybe I needed to keep it weighed down for a couple of days. It’s not a major issue for this particular ship but it could prove problematic for others. Something to keep in mind.

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Well, I can understand that. I feel the same way about getting stuff from ‘the other side’. Economics getting in the way of economics, I suppose.

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

I recently purchased a 15mm glyptodon from Acheson to use as a 28mm juvenile. Works a treat. Juvies are more tender!

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Those look great, Mark. The 3d-model striations really do impart a carved wood texture to them.

Can’t wait to see the brigantines. Long, long ago in college I did a paper on Cortes’ use of the vessels at Tenochtitlan. At the time (and that was 40 years ago!), not much was known as to what form the Spanish boats would have actually taken. I’m sure more research has taken place since then so it will be interesting to see what you uncover.

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

I, too, like the look of large bases. But… I’ve been repainting/rebasing a lot of my 28mm stuff on 120mm bases. In retrospect I kind of wished I’d gone with something smaller. 60mm is too small for my tastes but I think 80mm would just about do it. But I tend to ignore base size requirements in rules sets, too, and go with what feels right to me.

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

I like that hobby bingo idea. Just may have to try that!

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Sorry, I’m not familiar with either of those two sets. What do you find attractive about them?

-jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Thanks, Andrew.

I’m kind of wondering where I’m going, too!

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Brrrr and bare trees. Makes me thankful for my fireplace!

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Indeed, thank you and happy holidays to Mike and all the TWW contributors! I don’t post much these days but I visit and learn something new practically every day.

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Mike Headden wrote:

… I would never commit money I couldn’t afford to lose. …

I think that’s the key. I’ve never backed a Kickstarter but I can see its utility for small, niche products and start-ups. It’s a way to spread the risk. But to use it as a retail outlet? Hmm… no.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Thanks, all.

Cacique Caribe wrote:

At least they aren’t were-huahuas. 🙂

I guess you’d pronounce that ‘wherewawa’?

I did notice Reaper makes a lot of were- and dire- critters!

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Oh, somehow I missed your AAR. Well done!

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Out of curiosity… Do we have any idea how prevalent swords would have been around the time of the Trojan War (assuming around 1250 BCE)?

I’ve been cleaning and assembling foot figures and it just seems like too many swordsmen as opposed to spearmen. Fifty percent or so of my figures are wielding a sword (or at least the figures come equipped so–haven’t finished assembly.) Now, for gaming purposes I’m thinking more skirmishy than set-piece battle but even so I would think only the social elites would carry swords and surely that would not include 50% of warriors.

Would it?

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

A skirmish with purpose. Love the story line.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Funny how those solo games just creep up on you, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to seeing what you get up to. Cleared off gaming tables are unnatural.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Those Indian chariots look great. Well done!

Oh, I’m looking forward to your AAR.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Nice clean brushwork on those. Good luck with the painting endeavour.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

What!? The Borgian hordes don’t represent the forces of good?

What a great looking game.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Where do you find the time for all the research? And the constant construction + painting! You’re a machine. Very inspiring, as always.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Normally, DBA, MeG and other such game pictures don’t impress me too much. Just not enough figures on the table.

But these sure do! The overall color palette just seems so right. Congrats on a dramatic and lovely looking game.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

The great thing about this hobby is that there are no deadlines or standards one has to meet. Other than those imposed by yourself, that is. My mojo has been flagging lately, too. But I’ve found that completing small things helps it rebound.

Good Luck!

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Wonderful write-up, Mark.

Was that the first time your setup has been used at a con?

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Seems to me the real attraction of the micro-scales is really the terrain, anyway. That last photo proves the point!

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Now there’s a table just full of character!

 

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Those are lovely! How are the quality of the Old Glory figures? I’ve got a hankering to add to my bronze agers but OG can be hit or miss sometimes.

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Years ago I purchased a bag of paper-mache mix from the brick and mortar hobby shop. I cut cardboard circles to fit over my huts, mixed the pap-mach mix to a dry pulpy consistency (note, no paper, just the mix) and formed it into cones on top of the cardboard circles. Let it dry a little bit and then slashed at them with an X-acto knife to give it a thatch pattern. Worked pretty well, actually. You could probably do the same with some air-dry clay, I would think.

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Phil Dutré wrote:

So your real hobby is managing a wargaming collection instead of actual wargaming. 🙂🙂

Well, I think of them as parallel hobbies 😉

‘Playing’ has always been a rarity for me. I buy figures, paint and plan. Buy rules, read and plan. Write rules, test and plan. Make terrain, lay it out, put it away.

Familiar with Myers-Briggs personality types? I’m an INTP. We like to plan. Execute? Not so much.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Well, that’s the flip side of the coin, Phil. I already had the skill set to build the system and the type of problem I like to solve. So building ‘Muster’ was as much a hobby project as painting figures.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

@Martin, I’ll get in touch via your blog.

–jeff

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Hmmm… it looks like I’m fairly unique in going to such lengths to track figures and gaming supplies. I guess the packing and unpacking from various household moves prompted me to document everything–especially when so much of my stuff spent a year in a storage unit rather than at home. I used to get so frustrated knowing I had something but not knowing where to find it!

In reality, it’s not much work to keep the system up to date these days. I even programmed the system to print drawer labels so each storage drawer has a tag with its identity number and a listing of what it contains.

–jeff

 

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

For group games I have to admit a fondness for written orders (or placement of order chits or cards) and simultaneous execution. It think this is a good balance between simple procedure for the game and maximum engagement for the players. As long as movement and combat resolution doesn’t need a lot of GM assistance, then the game pretty much keeps everyone engaged all the time. Sometimes, it’s tough to keep group games moving. It all seems to depend upon the speed of slowest player. The greater the number of players, the greater the disparity in player’s speed and the harder to keep everyone engaged.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Oh, that wouldn’t work for me. Too much of a hoarder!

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

I must admit I enjoy historically plausible scenarios best. I can see recreating the flow and results of the historical event on the table top as a form of studying the event, but I don’t consider that a game. Once you start making your own decisions (or let the dice decide the outcome), then you’re veering away from the history. That’s OK, though. For me, it depends on how far you veer from the plausible. For instance, I would not pit my Macedonians against my Aztecs. That’s not historically plausible. It’s fantasy. But exactly where that line gets crossed I haven’t a clue. It’s like not knowing how to define pornography but knowing it when you see it.

On the other hand, the fantasy games I’ve played that have been the least enjoyable are those with dogmatic players or rule systems. Those who claim a world is ruled by canon or it’s wrong. That’s just silly. If you’re going to exercise your imagination why let someone else define the borders?

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

Sorry for the bad link, guys. I’ve fixed it (a bit late, though…) Thanks, Guy for covering for my fumbling fingers.

I feel pretty lucky to have the space I have now. For most of my life I’ve had to squeeze my hobbies in wherever I could. Spent twelve years using a dirt floored, spider infested basement for hobby activities and dragging 2x4s and plywood to the dining room table if I wanted to host a game. Then we had a house with similar space to what I have now. But only for three years before spending the next three years in small apartments before renting the condo we live in now. I know we have another move or two in our future but hey… can’t put off enjoying life for ever!

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

[Autodidact-O-Saurus]

They need weasel riders with recurved bows.

Self taught, persistently behind the times, never up to date. AKA ~ jeff
More verbosity: http://petiteguerre.blogspot.com/

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