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The Somme 1916
garthj
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Ontario, Canada
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Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 12:46 AM UTC
Hi Alan,
The walking infantryman looks good. Modifications of British WW2 figures to Great War are more tricky than people expect. Jackets and pockets have to be modified etc. I think you have done really well with this group.
Well done mate.
Regards,
Garth
AlanL
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Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 01:27 AM UTC
Hi Garth,

Many thanks. My conversion of figures is usually limited to switching a few limbs and adding equipment or a new head so this is a new area for me, I prefer to leave uniform detail to the experts but needs must in this case so I though I'd give it a go.

I'd need to add some collar badges where appropriate but hopefully in the end I'll have a reasonable selection of interesting figures engaged in trench life. Patience is my problem here as they take such a long time to do

Cheers

Al
bill_c
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MODEL SHIPWRIGHTS
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Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 02:10 AM UTC
Good stuff from a master modeler.
AlanL
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Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 06:07 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Good stuff from a master modeler.



Hi Bill,

That will be the day ! Thanks for dropping in and glad you're enjoying the build.

Cheers

Al
bill_c
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Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 06:39 AM UTC
Stop being so British, Dude. No false modesty.

I just finished a terrific book about the late Somme. My God, what a colossal waste of life!
AlanL
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Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 07:23 AM UTC
Hi Bill,

Yes, a real waste, but isn't it the same in all wars. I was reading one by EPF Lynch about the Australians entitled Somme Mud recently. Excellent read told from the soldiers point of view.

Back to the next figure lol.

Cheers

Al
bill_c
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Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 09:15 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Yes, a real waste, but isn't it the same in all wars.


Yes, I'm afraid so. But WWI was particularly appalling, as the generals did not understand how the technology had progressed. The terrible lack of coordination often meant that troops were crossing no man's land too late to benefit from the "creeping barrages," or were told by their superiors that the artillery bombardment leading to the attack had destroyed hardened positions that were intact.
Karl187
#284
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Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 11:44 PM UTC
Alan- The trenchwork you are working on is superb, I think you have already captured the shape and detail very well. I am really looking forward to seeing some paint on it.

Have you guys ever read 'Storm of Steel' by Ernst Junger?- If you are interested in WW1 this is an absoloute must, a true classic and masterfully written- horrific and shocking even today.
AlanL
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Posted: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 - 03:11 AM UTC
Hi Bill,

Hence the Lions lead by Donkeys saying. The invention of the Medium Machine gun changed the conduct of war forever. WW1 wasn't it's first outing but combined with the developments in artillery the effects were appauling and it took soem years before 'Those in Charge' developed stratagies to counter both.

Hi Karl,

Thanks and thanks for the heads up on the book, I'll keep an eye out for it.

Cheers

Al
Karl187
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Posted: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 - 05:08 AM UTC
Hey Alan, the recent Osprey Weapon book on the Lee Enfield covers a sizeable chunk of its service before, during and after the First World War- there's some interesting bits on how the rifle impacted on ideas about tactics, marksmanship, especially in the period around WW1.
AlanL
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Posted: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 - 04:14 PM UTC
Thanks Kark, It's on the buy list.

Cheers


Al
AlanL
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Posted: Thursday, April 12, 2012 - 03:08 AM UTC
Hi folks,

This is the 2nd of the walking Tommies I'm working on this one carrying a box of stores.





Cheers

Al
AlanL
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Posted: Thursday, April 12, 2012 - 05:13 AM UTC
With a bit miore work.



Al
Karl187
#284
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Posted: Thursday, April 12, 2012 - 11:53 PM UTC
Those two are looking great but I am wondering about the white shirts under the uniform jacket- would they not have been a similar color to the uniform jacket?
asmodeuss
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Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 - 12:11 AM UTC
Alan, I've just stumbled on your thread this morning, it is magnificient work! I'm following as of now.
Thanks for sharing this with us.

Phil.
AlanL
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Posted: Friday, April 13, 2012 - 03:03 AM UTC
Hi Karl,

The shirts were blue/grey but the collar was white. They were called Greybacks I believe.

Hi Phil,

Glad you enjoyed it so far, thanks for dropping in.

Cheers

Al
AlanL
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Posted: Saturday, April 14, 2012 - 10:17 PM UTC
Hi folks,

A bit more work on the two walking Tommies.







and a bit of trial placement to see how they might fit. I will have to make some sitting down/resting chaps.









Al
AlanL
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Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 02:44 AM UTC
How folks,

I haven't been doing anything more on the base yet, but I have been doing a bit of work on the Emhar 18pdr wich I might use in the dio, or might not.

The new Bronco Bofors Crew look like they may provide a few more subjects for conversion though!










Cheers

Al

FAUST
#130
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Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 06:24 AM UTC
Ola Alan

I have been following this built from the start and I have to say that you are very brave starting such a big piece in the knowledge that there are not much figures around to fill it but you certainly manage yourself well. Great conversions and everything is lovely painted as well. Looking forward to the finished project.
AlanL
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Posted: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 04:14 PM UTC
Morning Robert,

Thanks for the kind words, appreciated. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far, hopefully it will turn out reasonable well when done.

Cheers

Al
bill1
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West-Vlaaderen, Belgium
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Posted: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 12:22 AM UTC
Yo Alan,

Whow..nice update!

The trench is coming along very well. Home made sandbags? They look very realistic.

Keep up the good work.

Greetz Nico
AlanL
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Posted: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 02:51 AM UTC
Hi Nico,

Thnaks. Nope, sandbags are from Model Cellar and SB Scotia.

Here's the 18pdr with the sight added, wheels on and a new rope added to the shield.











Cheers

Al


FAUST
#130
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Posted: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 04:46 AM UTC

Quoted Text

hopefully it will turn out reasonable well when done.



I have no doubt about that... Knowing your work it will be more then reasonable when finished. You're being too modest.
AlanL
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Posted: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 08:34 AM UTC
Hi Robert,

Still plotting the final layout, I had thought about a ruined building on top of the mound or some kind of bridge structure.

Some caves added to the reverse and thinking about the first bunker. Time will tell, I need to go and study some more references as I'm combining ideas from several scenes.

Cheers

Al
Murdo
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Posted: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 09:27 AM UTC
I hadn't subscribed to this thread so I lost the plot.

This is looking fantastic Al!

Hmmm. Now I see what you mean about adapting figures. I'll have to try it.