GZG Lean-to Shanty

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Jon sent me a pre-production model of his 15mm Sci Fi Colony Bar, but asked me to hold off making it until he sent some alternative parts including a lean-to extension.


What you see is suitably shack-like lean-to with a SciFi twist - like it's been knocked together from corrugated metal or plasmetal panels - it can be the kitchen, toilets, store or whatever. The parts fit together very easily and attach to the side of the Colony Bar, providing it with more of that established colony or Post-Apoc Diner 'lived-in' look.

There is also a neat new rear wall panel for the main building with a door in it - well, every bar needs a back entrance for sharp exits, doesn't it?!


Jon designed the lean-to so that it would be possible to create a range of shanties very quickly and easily using these parts. We were talking about potentially a mixed pack of enough total parts for several shanties/shacks, which can then be assembled in any combination the builder chooses!

I'll keep you up to date with progress on the shanty, but don't forget to have your input too. Jon is always open to suggestions for extending or improving the range.

Cheers
Mark

Update:

I cleaned up the Colony Bar and shack extension this evening. Despite being under attack from a pair of very curious cats, managed to complete a dry run, putting the entire building together (minus awning) without any glue whatsoever. Damn it looks good! Unfortunately, what man puts together, cat can knock asunder! You'll have to wait till I glue it tomorrow evening to see photos.
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Life Work The Universe...... The Imprint of Rome

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It seemed a shame to pass up the unseasonably warm weather today. We broke out the Ordnance Survey maps - packed up the Freelander - and drove up to Raedykes Roman Marching Camp.

Raedykes Roman Camp
Looking SE to Stonehaven

We took the Freelander off road and as close as we could but walked up the final couple of hundred yards to the the site of the camp. The view above was taken from the approxinate position of where the Praetorium would stand.

But something bothers us. There is a huge similarity in position to the Cathertuns, major hillforts, several miles south whihc have a view clear over Montrose basin. Was Raedykes actually a Caledonian hill fort? Was it taken by the Romans and modified in a fit of Imperial shock and awe?

On the way back we visited the Cairnbegs at the foot of Strathfinella. You often see Strathfinella in my photos as it fills the view from our rear windows. The lower slopes are thought to be a strong candidate for the location of Agricola's victory at Mons Graupius. In my admittedly non-academic opinion, it has more credibility than the much cited Bennachie. But I think Irvine-Fortescue's argument in The Bonnet Lairds, that the site of the battle lies in a break in the hills on the road to Stonehaven - possibly Kempstone Hill is more likely - if indeed the battle actually took place in Aberdeenshire.

Summer view of Strathfinella

It's not impossible to imagine the Caledonian battleline on the lower slopes with the Romans formed up close to the far treeline which follows the ancient drover's road.

Cheers
Mark
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15mm Shanty: Teaser !

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Teaser photo!

More details to follow on Sunday!

Cheers
Mark
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Email Intercept...... Attempt at WWW2 Zombie Humour!

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Master Chef:

"....the real threat to my Sci Fi gaming in the next couple of months is whatever FOW produce for the SS Recce at Arnhem Bridge - armoured trucks etc."


Mark:

"Those hastily armoured SS trucks will be great for Zombie hunting German (or Soviet) Survivors!"

Master Chef:

"!mein gott! der bridge is held by der britscher fallschirmjager zombie korps"

"ja mein oberst, they certainly save on der parachutes, hein?"

"Soldat! For that you will be shot!"


It's been one of those weeks!

Cheers
Mark
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TopGun Grav Armour: Pre-Order Discount

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Topgun Marketing are now taking Pre-production Orders for the new 'Ablat' panelled Grav Tanks illustrated in last night's post:


Type 7 Scout/Recon Grav vehicle
$12.99 each
$47.99 for 4

Type 8 Light Mortar/Point Defense vehicle
$12.99 each
$24.99 for 2

Type 9 Light Grav Tank
$13.99 each
$51.99 for 4

Type 10 Medium Grav Tank Hunter
$13.99 each
$51.99 for 4

Type 11 Medium Grav Tank
$13.99 each
$51.99 for 4


When ordering this version, please make sure you specify “Ablat” on the order, for ablative armor. For other variants, specify “AADS” ©, or “Smooth”, along with the vehicle Type number designation, e.g. 4 x Type 10 with AADS, 2 x Type 9 with Ablat, 6 x Type 22 Smooth, etc.

PRE-ORDER DISCOUNT DEAL

Customers living in the USA will get free 1st Class Mailing for ordering a pre-paid Platoon (4 vehicles). Those living outside of the USA will receive 50% off of normal international shipping charges, e.g. 10% of the cost of their order.

In addition, Platoon and Section Packs will include free clear, acrylic flight bases and magnets, to allow you to represent your units as hovering.

Individual vehicles will not receive the discounted shipping, or the free flight bases and magnets, and will be shipped at normal handling rates.

You can combine Platoon Packs, and additional individual purchases, in order to qualify for the flight bases and magnets - plus free (US), or discounted (rest of world) shipping.

Please Note – the current AADS, or the Smooth-Hulled Grav Tank variants are no longer eligible for the Pre-Order Deal, but may be included with your order, at their normal prices. However if you purchase a minimum of a platoon of the pre-release vehicles they will also be eligible for free/discounted shipping).

Finally, Topgun's auxilliary AADS and 'Smooth-Hulled' Grav armour, the Scout/Recon, Light Mortar/Point Defense, Heavy Mortar/Point Defense, APC’s, IFV’s, and Ammo Carriers will be available for sale within the next fortnight. These are also eligible for the Pre-Order Discount Deal.

The Pre-Order Discount Deal
will run till Feb. 28th, 2010.

WWW.TOPGUNMARKETING.ORG

The first ten people to pre-pay for at least a Platoon Pack of Grav armour will receive larger free-flight cubes. These are designed to represent Grav armour flying at a NOE height of six feet above ground level. Four of these will be included with each qualifying order.

Cheers
Mark
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Topgun Grav Armour Update

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Rob at Topgun Marketing has let me know that following customer feedback they have developed new 15mm Light and Medium Grav Tanks with turret and hull paneling, and scribed panel lines. Ideal for those seeking a different type of surface detailing than the current Smooth-Hulled and Active Armor Defense System (AADS) © designs.


The photos shown are of a pre-production master Type 9 Light Grav Tank. Other varieties will become available as well, e.g. the Type 10 Medium Grav Tank Hunter, Type 11 Medium Grav Tank, the Type 7 Scout/Recon and the Type 8 Light Mortar/Point Defense Grav vehicles.


The new model strikes a balanced design between smooth, curved surfaces, and the desire expressed by the masses for panel detailing, and scribed paneling. The new design will also represent vehicles with Ablative or bolt on Applique Armor, and those fitted with a 360 degree passive sensor array, like is used on modern attack submarines.

Rob is seeking feedback on this new variant, to know if you like the new raised panel detailing. Also, if you would like to see Topgun produce similar versions for their Heavy Tank variants, Ammor Carrier/Ambulance, and the APC’s/IFV’s.

For more info visit:

WWW.TOPGUNMARKETING.ORG

Watch out for a Pre-Order Discount Deal in my next post!

Cheers
Mark
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