I have been slowly but surely working on the two model warships I am building as part of my ongoing FUNNY LITTLE WARS/PORTABLE WARGAME project. I decided that they are going to be for the navy of Burgundy, and I have based the design very loosely on the Amiral Baudin-class ironclads that were built for the French Navy in 1880s.
The two ships built for the French were named Amiral Baudin and Formidable, and when they orignally entered service they were armed with three 370mm/14.6-inch, 28-caliber M1875–79 breechloading guns mounted in individual barbette mounts. These were distributed on the centreline, one forward, one amidships, and one aft.
The Amiral Baudin-class as built.
Between 1896 and 1898 both members of the class were modernised, and it is this revised design that I have 'copied'.
The Amiral Baudin-class after modernisation..
The centre barbette was removed and replaced by a battery of 163mm/5.5-inch quick-firing guns.
As with all my other ship models, mine will be 'cartoon' versions of the original ships. In other words, the dimensions will be distorted so that the model is only 10cm/4-inches long, but when seen alongside 15mm figures, they will not look too ridiculous. It is also important the the main features of the model replicate those of the design upon which they are based, in this case the barbette guns, the heavy tubular military mast, the imposing funnel, and the 'new' centre battery.
BOB,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing your new model ships for 15mm- you have made many in the past and a favorite one is the model based on the HMS Victoria. Sounds as though your recovering well from your bought with Covid. Best Wishes. KEV.
Kev Robertson (Kev),
DeleteMaking these model ships has helped me to blow away my ‘brain fog’, although I am being careful not rush things.
HMS Victoria is one of my favourites as well, and may well feature in future FLW/PW games.
All the best,
Bob
Hello there Bob,
ReplyDeleteGotta love those old French ironclads - they have that dash of Gallic eccentricity! I am looking forward to seeing the completed models and hopefully in action.
All the best,
DC
David Crook,
DeleteSome of the French ironclad design were so over the top that they defy belief! I seem to remember that one of them was nicknamed ‘The Grand Hotel’ because she was so ornate.
All the best,
Bob
What a cluttered ship in the photo! I imagined she looked much sleeker at see, esp when cleared for action.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing the finished compressed, tabletop portrayal, ready for action
Ross Mac,
DeleteThe French seem to build some really odd-looking warships during the latter part of the nineteenth century. In fact, some of them were downright hideous, with guns of all sort of calibre sticking out of gun ports, casemates, turrets, and barbettes. One ironclad even had turrets fore-and-aft and barbette mountings to port and starboard amidships!
All the best,
Bob
How are you handling tumblehome? To me, that's always been the defining characteristic of French ships and I've never found a convincing way of representing it.
ReplyDeleteRob Young,
DeleteI’m trying to give the impression of tumblehome rather than trying to recreate it on the models. The end result will show if I’ve been successful.
All the best,
Bob
Interested to know more about the model-making; I have always been interested in an 1860-1875 ruleset found in Featherstone's Naval Wargames but haven't found models for them. I've considered using paper from the Brassey's annuals.
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
DeleteI made my 1:3000th models from balsa wood, very thin plywood, matchsticks, and cane. ( See = https://wargamingmiscellany.blogspot.com/2009/02/preparing-for-cruiser-2009-janes-naval_21.html)
Good luck with your project.
All the best,
Bob