The random thoughts of an ancient wargamer. Featuring rules, battle reports, and all sorts of miscellaneous wargaming (and other) topics.
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Wednesday, 13 April 2022
The Schwarzenberg ironclad battleships: A progress report
The models of my two Schwarzenberg ironclad battleships are now assembled, and once they are painted and varnished, they will form the backbone of the Schwarzenberg Navy.
Very nice indeed and if the design had ever been built I could imagine someone saying “I don’t know what they’ll do to he enemy but by God they frighten me!” They really capture the feel of those rather odd looking warships of the period.
Once I get the bit between my teeth, it doesn’t take too long for me to construct these models. Most of the wood is basswood, with the occasional bit of pine and bamboo.
BOB, You are really setting a cracking pace on your Ironclads - these two look splendid for the Schwarzenberg Navy. I like what you are doing with your Cartoon Creations- you have certainly nailed your methods and materials well. Cheers. KEV.
Now, question, what length are your ship models? Apologies if you already gave the build details elsewhere...
I am experiencing one of my periodic re-surges in war gaming and want to consider something small and compact.
The sea calls my name so in the years I have been a sea rescue member, a nautical archeological diver and owned a small sailing dinghy when a teenager. Now to add battleship driver to my resume...:-)
Making the models helps to keep my mind occupied … which is helping me to cope with my medical problems.
My current batch of models are designed to be 4-inches/10cm long so that they will fit into a Hexon II hex. It also makes them relatively quick and simple to make.
I originally wanted to join the Royal Navy as an officer, but my eyesight and scoliosis stopped me in my tracks. I have, however, remained very interested in naval history and naval architecture, and love being at sea. My wife and I are even thinking of moving to the coast so that we can live near to the sea.
Great looking ships, Bob! When I've finished (for a given value of 'finished') my 'Byzantiad' thing, I'll just have to come back here and see about 'copying' these ships for one of my own navies... Although, being 'Schwarzenberg' - cognate to Germany or my own 'Grauheim'... h'mmm.
What tools do you use for your modelling? Aside from saws, sandpaper, craft knives and glue? I bet you could get some great effects with a rotary tool/Dremel.
Thanks for the suggestion. There is so little deck space (and my painting skills are so poor) that I'm not sure if I can paint the decks tan, but the funnel bands is something that I might try.
Dear Bob, the Schwarzenberg navy isn’t mucking around their ironclad battleships are bristling with guns as you’d expect late 19th century. Well done Bob they will look amazing painted up. Thank you Quinn
The original Chinese battleships that this design is partially based on were designed to fight enemy ships head on (and to use their rams) and were given a powerful secondary armament to protect the arcs-of-fire not covered by the main armament.
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They look fantastic Bob
ReplyDeleteMaudlin Jack Tar,
DeleteThe original ships of the period were often even more fantastic to look at.
All the rest,
Bob
Hello there Bob,
ReplyDeleteVery nice indeed and if the design had ever been built I could imagine someone saying “I don’t know what they’ll do to he enemy but by God they frighten me!” They really capture the feel of those rather odd looking warships of the period.
Lovely job old chap!
All the best,
DC
David,
DeleteCheers! I’m hoping that once they are painted, they will look even more awesome.
All the best,
Bob
Corr blimey - you work fast? Are these bass wood?
ReplyDeleteBZ Simon
Simon,
DeleteOnce I get the bit between my teeth, it doesn’t take too long for me to construct these models. Most of the wood is basswood, with the occasional bit of pine and bamboo.
All the best,
Bob
BOB,
ReplyDeleteYou are really setting a cracking pace on your Ironclads - these two look splendid for the Schwarzenberg Navy. I like what you are doing with your Cartoon Creations- you have certainly nailed your methods and materials well. Cheers. KEV.
Kev Robertson (Kev),
DeleteCheers! This is the sort of simple project that I can do whilst I am coping with my medical problems.
The ‘cartoon’ style has the right sort of ‘toy soldier’ look that means that the models don’t look out of place next to the figures in the collection.
All the best,
Bob
Those look really good!
ReplyDeleteIan Dury,
DeleteCheers! I am very happy with the way these models have turned out.
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are not totally incapacitated.
Now, question, what length are your ship models? Apologies if you already gave the build details elsewhere...
I am experiencing one of my periodic re-surges in war gaming and want to consider something small and compact.
The sea calls my name so in the years I have been a sea rescue member, a nautical archeological diver and owned a small sailing dinghy when a teenager. Now to add battleship driver to my resume...:-)
Best wishes for your health.
Arthur,
DeleteMaking the models helps to keep my mind occupied … which is helping me to cope with my medical problems.
My current batch of models are designed to be 4-inches/10cm long so that they will fit into a Hexon II hex. It also makes them relatively quick and simple to make.
I originally wanted to join the Royal Navy as an officer, but my eyesight and scoliosis stopped me in my tracks. I have, however, remained very interested in naval history and naval architecture, and love being at sea. My wife and I are even thinking of moving to the coast so that we can live near to the sea.
All the best,
Bob
Great looking ships, Bob! When I've finished (for a given value of 'finished') my 'Byzantiad' thing, I'll just have to come back here and see about 'copying' these ships for one of my own navies... Although, being 'Schwarzenberg' - cognate to Germany or my own 'Grauheim'... h'mmm.
ReplyDeleteCheers, and keep up the getting well again,
Ion
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteThanks for your best wishes. My medical situation is in a bit of a limbo at present, but I am hoping to get some news soon.
Having seen your previous ship models, I look forward to seeing your take on this design!
All the best,
Bob
What tools do you use for your modelling? Aside from saws, sandpaper, craft knives and glue? I bet you could get some great effects with a rotary tool/Dremel.
ReplyDeleteMr. Pavone,
DeleteI don't own a Dremel as such, but I do have a small electric modelling drill that I find very useful.
All the best,
Bob
Great work, as usual with your wooden ships (and pewter or plastic men?).
ReplyDeleteFitz-Badger,
DeleteCheers! My models don't appeal to everyone, but some people like them ... and I enjoy making them.
All the best,
Bob
Looking forward to seeing them painted and in action.
ReplyDeleteMark Cordone,
DeleteHopefully they will be painted at some point over the Easter weekend ... once I have decided on a colour scheme for them!
All the best,
Bob
How about black, with tan decks and maybe some red stripes on the funnels?
DeleteMark Cordone,
DeleteThanks for the suggestion. There is so little deck space (and my painting skills are so poor) that I'm not sure if I can paint the decks tan, but the funnel bands is something that I might try.
All the best,
Bob
Dear Bob, the Schwarzenberg navy isn’t mucking around their ironclad battleships are bristling with guns as you’d expect late 19th century. Well done Bob they will look amazing painted up. Thank you Quinn
ReplyDeleteGlory to Ruritania (Quinn),
DeleteThe original Chinese battleships that this design is partially based on were designed to fight enemy ships head on (and to use their rams) and were given a powerful secondary armament to protect the arcs-of-fire not covered by the main armament.
All the best,
Bob