There are lots of manufacturers making figures that are sold as 28mm. When measured many of them vary in actual height from 26mm to 35mm in height. This is not a criticism of the figs or sculptors. It is what it is. I have thousands of figs in all shapes and sizes in my own collection and I love them all. Its only really a small issue when you place the figures beside model vehicles and accessories that are modelled to a specific scale. Oil drums are one such issue. Here are my options for you if you are gaming using 28mm figs.
The fig on the left is from Studio Miniatures and is 32mm tall. The one on the right is
1:56 scale from Warlord games at 28mm tall. This image shows the figs beside my 44gal oil drum modelled to 1:56 scale.
Same figures but this time next to a 1:48 scale 44 gal oil drum. The larger scale drum looks better next to the larger fig.
Now here are two Warlord conversion's rolling a 1:56 scale drum and a 1:43 scale drum.
The 1:43 scale one looks too big. However its a preference that you might like.
Just because the oil drums are to an accurate scale doesn't mean they look right next to your figure choice.
So if you are a 28mm fig gamer, to help you decide I have made various single oil drums and piles of oil drums in 2 scales. You chose.
A 44 Imperial gallon drum is known in the U.S. as a 55 US Gallon drum.
These are typically 876mm tall x 584mm diameter.
1:56 scale = 15.64 mm tall x 10.42mm diameter. 1:48 scale = 18.25 mm tall x 12.16 mm Diameter.
Here is how they look siting side by side. The difference is noticeable so its best not to mix them if they are going to be close together.
Be sure to look at the options before making your choice and adding to the shopping cart.
Happy gaming.
What if operation Sealion had been successful and the Germans had pulled of their planned invasion of Britain?
For most of the year my end to end railway layout lies dormant. So clearing away all the modern image rolling stock and other visual clues allowed me to use it for some WW2 wargaming. Set against the backdrop of an imaginary British town we find some Panzer Grenadiers moving forward intent on capturing the high ground that overlooks an abandoned loco yard.
At the same time the British are attempting to reinforce the same position by rushing forward some more infantry and armour.
Who will win?
"The rest of the lads better get here pronto or we're stuffed good n proper like"
"Right Chaps lets get a move on, Jerry's up ahead and we have to stop him here and now"
A couple of A13s to the rescue. Not much fire power but they will help with moral.
One infantry section moves up through the sidings. Plenty of solid cover here.
The Grenadiers with armour support start to fan out from under the bridge.
On the high ground near the pub. German fire support gets ready.
1st objective for the Hun. The ruin on the edge of the embankment
They have spotted the British armour. "Achtung Panzer, FIRE...!"
Time to throw some dice.
To help you put the Clyde Puffer kit together, here are some helpful images showing the model in close up.
- Wash all the resin components to remove any trace of mould release agent.
- Check for fit of pieces before assembly and sand or file where needed.
- It is best to pre paint the deck before assembly as its quite tricky to do so after all the fittings are in place.
- If you do paint the deck then remember to remove paint from the fittings mating areas for better glue adhesion.
- Add thread or cord to create lower rungs of railing.
- Once you have decided where you want to position the wheel house, drill the 4 holes for the ladder handrails.
- Life ring (not shown) can be attached to the aft railings.
- Anchor (not shown) can be lifted on deck using the small davit or hoist. Or attach it to the bow at the hawsepipe.
- Add extra details like wire stays for the mast, anchor chain and coils of rope on the deck.
I have just produced a set of rough stone wall sections for creating small harbour scenes.
Inspired by those amazing wee place to be found all around the coast of Britain. My mate Andy Milligan lent me some of his
20mm Commando's after he saw the harbour set up as part of my model railway. 'The sort of out of the way Scottish place where many a training exercise would have been carried out' He said.
The Austin ambulance is there to take care of the inevitable injury's that will occur as the training staff push for as much realism as possible. After all the next outing might be to Norway or the French coast.
I think some gaming using my railway is on the cards for sure.
Inspired further Andy said the walls would also be good for 28mm figs and so he lent me some pirates.
Here is what we set up taking care not to include any 20mm stuff in the background.
From the 1945 sketchbook of a Western front veteran.
'Some of us made it to the end'.
'Before we were allowed to go home though, there was much to be done, including the disposal of thousands upon thousands of vehicles'.
