Introduction

Following on from kit No GBS001 another new diorama base has been released from Resicast , this time a WW1 base for their 6 inch Howitzer. This new range is marketed under the GBS label and importantly to note is that the GBS range will only be available directly through Resicast. This should help to keep the cost of the bases down.

So far two bases have been produced both with an artillery theme in mind. This is a look at kit No GBS 002, a WW1 diorama base for the recently released Resicast 6inch Howitzer Mk I WW1 & BEF version.

Whilst the base has a WW1 theme, the British 6 inch Howitzer was used in the early part of WW2 with the BEF and also in North Africa. I see nothing that couldn’t be incorporated into that era either. Whilst we think of WW1 in term of the European theater of operations this base is generic enough to be used across many theaters of operation during WW1 and early WW2.

The base was mastered by Graham Sellar of Resicast

A completed and painted example of the base and the WW1 6inch Howitzer can be viewed at the end of the review. Painting by Christophe Nachtergael.

The Kit

The kit comes packed in a nice sturdy box with the GBS logo shown on the top left hand corner. The cover art is a photo of the constructed base with three small pictures of the kit. The parts were wrapped in bubble wrap for protection.

The kit consists of 4 main parts, and 4 bags of accessories to add to the scene. Cast in a light grey resin the base as you would expect is highly detailed, so lets take a look at the parts.

The main base measures just under eight and a half x just under 6 and a half inches or 210mm x 160mm if you like. The base had nice ground work with a line of fallen bricks to compliment the two damaged wall sections you add to the base and a central section of laid wooden boards on which the Howitzer is supported. A pit or grove for the trail spade is incorporated into the base (see pictures). The remaining ground work is of mud and small rocks/stones. To add to the main base are 3 main elements. A stacked row of sandbag, 4 bags high and 8 bags long and two damaged wall sections. The wall sections are of brick and broken plaster and detailed on both sides. This wall fits to the base forming an L shaped structure with the sandbags.

Additional build items

To add yet further detail to the base you get a range of additional items in 4 separate zip bags. The first of these contained 6 x ammunition boxes, three of which are closed and two of which are open and empty and one showing the tops of two boxed shells. Lids are provided for all the open boxes.
The next two bags contained individual shells and charges for the gun. You get 4 sets of 3 different kinds of shells in one bag and 10 x charges in the other. It is worth noting that Resicast had previously issued an additional ammunition set for the gun under Kit No 35.2364 which also contains shells in wicker holders, so there already exists a good additional range of ammo should you require more.

The fourth and final bag contained 2 x sandbags for use under the rear wheels of the gun.

Conclusion

Another interesting and welcome development in the GBS range. I see no reason why this base could not be used for the later 6inch Howitzer as well as the WW1 and BEF version.

Overall the detail looks very good, and I like the layout of the main items. The planking support for the Howitzer is a nice touch and the damaged wall sections allow for interest either side of the main display. A nicely detailed range of additional items are provided so you can develop the base to your own thinking and preference . There is great flexibility as to which theater of war you might finish the base in, so again lots of individual choice for it’s final setting.

The size is good and this one should make a very pleasing platform for the gun to be displayed on. The casting looks excellent and the detail on the additional items is of very high quality.

My closing thoughts remain as per those on the 18pdr diorama base. You will need a decent razor saw to remove the pour plugs from the items and a sanding block to smooth the underside of the main base, although if you were setting this into plaster then it probably wouldn’t matter . Normal safety precautions apply when working with resin.

This is a very exciting development. Not only is the base WW1 focused but bases for artillery pieces are not plentiful and if you don’t have the time to construct you own, which many of us don’t, then this will save a large amount of time and effort and give you an accurate platform for you model display.

Anyone wishing to could incorporate this scene into a larger setting of they chose to do so.

Another excellent offering from the new range of GBS kits. Please remember these can only be obtained directly from Resicast and should be available at this years Telford Model Show.

Note

GBS is a subsidiary of RESICAST. GBS is ONLY available direct. (direct sales or trade fares) (there will be no allowances for others to sell the GBS range of items.