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All the way from China.
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One of the terrain differences between Afghanistan and Arabia is the foliage. As I will be reusing my Afghanistan boards for the Arab Revolt game, it is important to make a few changes. While the architecture is not the same, it is close enough for us wargamers to use without worry. Yes If I was writing an architectural thesis I would point out all the differences but as a wargamer I don't feel the need. From that point of view they are so close as to make no difference. However simple things do make a difference.
The most obvious one being palm trees. With this in mind I scoured eBay and found a company in China selling them at a bargain price. Including postage I was able to secure 50 model palms for £7.99. They took 11 Days to arrive and I must say I am really quite pleased with them. Obviously ordering from abroad does make you wonder about quality, shipping costs and returns. But I have got to say it was totally hasslefree.
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| 3 Trees and a penny! |
Here are three randomly selected trees. They are all very similar but trimming the trunk will add enough variety I think. Given that I will want a board 4' x 6' for the Arab Revolt game I will be looking at 6 boards each 2' on a face. 50 trees over 6 boards means I can invest 8 trees to each board. Which seems to be about the correct density having looked at pictures of Arabian Peninsular towns of the period. Obviously there will be a variety of tree densities, but 8 trees to a board has the right feel I think. Once I start placing them on the boards this plan may change. It is hoped that this very simple addition to the boards will transport them from Afghanistan directly to Arabia.
At this stage I foresee drilling directly into the boards and treating the trees as plugs. This will be far easier than placing them on separate bases and mean they are less likely to get knocked over.
That is todays very quick update. No painting finished just yet as only a couple of things on the painting table as I prepare for Curt's painting challenge. Thanks for reading I shall post again on Thursday so until then, take care and smile if you can. All the best Clint
Those look great mate. Look forward to seeing them attached to the boards can visualise them properly then.
ReplyDeleteThank you Simon. I may well do that for my next post.
DeleteThank you Loki. For £8 you can't go too far wrong.
ReplyDeleteAt that price you really couldn't have gone wrong could you ?
ReplyDelete"The 'boy' did good!"
I've bought similar sets myself before, also without any problems. It does gall me a little that we cannot get such good deals locally in the UK, though.
ReplyDeleteThank you C6.
DeleteThat's a definite bargain, Clint. Nice find! I look forward to seeing them finished.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I will do too much to them, a brown wash on the trunk and a few highlights should be more than enough.
DeleteThank you Bryan.
That is an excellent buy. I paid the same price for four palm trees. Of course I have no use for them, but like all of you, I buy things just in case I need them one day!
ReplyDeleteDo you paint the trunks of the trees?
I have not touched them yet. I think a simple dark brown wash on the trunks will make a difference though.
DeleteI am sure you will find a use for the palm trees eventually.
Thank you Anne.
Now I think I bought the very same trees a while back but did nothing with them! Like you I was surprised at how quickly they turned up and without any hassle. I will be looking closely to see what you do with them and then promptly steal the idea. ;)
ReplyDeleteSteal the idea.... that did make me laugh. Help your self mate. Thank you Michael.
DeleteNot a bad deal at all!
ReplyDelete50 for £8 is a great deal I think. Ok they are not anything too special, but they'll do the job.
DeleteThanks Fran.
They are good for the price. I have drilled holes in boards for trees , its worth thinking about then putting a piece of brass or aluminium tubing in a liner, helps stop the hole getting bigger over time..
ReplyDeleteCreating a sheath for the trees is an excellent idea. Thank you Dave.
DeleteWhat a good buy chap and I cant wait to see they in action.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pete. For the price I think they were a bargain.
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