Virtual Vappa 6th and 7th February 2021

[Shahbahraz]

Yep. I'm so tempted by the Rubicon Comet. Loved them since building the Matchbox 1/76 kit back in the 70s. But then I would have to buy Empress Minis Late War British to go with it, which would inevitably lead to Empress Minis Volksgrenadiers, and then inexorably to winter terrain and Dutch/North German architecture. You know how it is. I'm still trying to ignore the Corgi M48 in Vietnam guise...

[levied troop]

Does anyone want to meet up on zoom one evening? I do zoom for work and have started a "runners pub" for my trail running mates to stay in touch and its been good for that. Happy to schedule a session.

I’m up for a Zoom session, found it very useful this year.

[tim.w]

Right, so we can start our entries from today? I'm still deciding on mine but will get a plan together. I think I know what my game will be.

[Shahbahraz]

Started mine... The plan is an afv or two, some Jacobites, and we'll see what else.

[levied troop]

Right, so we can start our entries from today?

Technically ‘yesterday’ but yes, all systems go for the painting competitions

The ‘game’ doesn’t have to be fresh from today, just your best looking game - there might be a few old masters in our collections.

[Shahbahraz]

As I said on another thread, the Comet has been (largely)assembled, some minor cosmetic modifications done, and now it's just handles, cables and brushguard replacement. Then stowage etc before hitting it with some paint... it may get a mate in the form of a Panzer III.

[Shahbahraz]

And I will say, the Rubicon Comet is a cracking little kit. Beautifully moulded, everything fits really well, nice crisp castings*

There are three specific things I would have changed. The drivers vision block is seen wide open in so many period photographs, but it is cast in one piece, so can't be modelled open. Secondly, the deck tools, I could live with the pickaxed head and handle being moulded on, but the shovel should have been separate. Finally, it appears to be missing the turret lifting rings you can see in photographs.

*The one thing not crisply cast is the commander figure. Well done to Rubicon for including him, but the facial detail is soft. Those of us used to 28mm wargames figures will also think he's a little undersized..

[tim.w]

And I will say, the Rubicon Comet is a cracking little kit. Beautifully moulded, everything fits really well, nice crisp castings*

There are three specific things I would have changed. The drivers vision block is seen wide open in so many period photographs, but it is cast in one piece, so can't be modelled open. Secondly, the deck tools, I could live with the pickaxed head and handle being moulded on, but the shovel should have been separate. Finally, it appears to be missing the turret lifting rings you can see in photographs.

*The one thing not crisply cast is the commander figure. Well done to Rubicon for including him, but the facial detail is soft. Those of us used to 28mm wargames figures will also think he's a little undersized..

I watched a youtube review the other day. I've hardly ever used crew figures as they're always quite poorly done. I do in 1/72 but 28's are never done much justice.

I think my entries will be an Sdkfz of some description and possibly the M8 Scott with 75mm howitzer? I have a Firefly, Cromwell and a Churchill that needs a re-paint already so my Brits are well catered for.

[goat major]

Those of us used to 28mm wargames figures will also think he's a little undersized..

its one of the challenges with 1/56 vehicles. If the crew members are to scale and proportional then they are undersized compared to to the infantry,. If they are 28mm then they look podgy and bloated next to the vehicle. Not so noticeable with the larger tanks but against a Hanomag or a PzII then it really stands out. None of it as bad as Space Marines who couldn't possibly fit through a turret hatch yet are rammed half-way inside like a grimdark winnie the pooh.

[Shahbahraz]

This shows it beautifully:



And the one complaint is that the seams are too perfect, looking at close up pictures, the welds are agricultural and the armour surface anything but smooth.