Catalyst Game Labs (makers of Battletech & Shadowrun) revealed at GenCon that they are working on a new miniature game which will be a VSF game with giant levitating battleships.
Randall David from talks about the upcoming game currently working under the working title of Leviathan - exciting stuff!
The news and video is from TGN's coverage of GenCon 2008.The coverage can be seen here:
http://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/gencon2008
and if anyone is interested there are also three other short interviews with Randall Bills from Catalyst.
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
HMCS Redoubt
Bill Witthans, creator of the fine Prussian steam-powered landship posted to WWS previously, has kindly sent me pics of another of his wonderful conveyances- the HMCS REDOUBT!
Bill created this from the Scheltrum Miniatures "Jules Verne Class French Aerial Torpedo Destroyer" kit you can find here: (thanks for the information Ironmammoth!)
http://www.scheltrum.co.uk/ironclad.html
Great stuff Bill- many thanks indeed for sharing your great creation!
Bill created this from the Scheltrum Miniatures "Jules Verne Class French Aerial Torpedo Destroyer" kit you can find here: (thanks for the information Ironmammoth!)
http://www.scheltrum.co.uk/ironclad.html
Great stuff Bill- many thanks indeed for sharing your great creation!
2025 Edit: Sadly this website is long gone. I did find a few pics from the Wayback machine for prosperity
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| Imperial Land Leviathan Massive wheeled articulated land battleship. Multi-turreted and multi decked with additional deck mounted weaponry. The model features interior detailing showing the engineroom, magazine, battle control room and open bridge. |
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| Subterranean Tunnelling Machine |
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| HMLS Terrible British "Behemoth Class" steam tank with hull mounted cannon and sponson mounted gatling-guns. |
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| HMLS Nestor British "Trojan Horse Class" assault vehicle. |
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| Russian "Imperial Class" Mobile Naval Gun Tracked and armoured gun emplacement with turret mounted gatling-gun and hull mounted naval gun. |
Friday, 25 July 2008
.
TOP: An aerial view of the Battle of Basrah 1914-15... ...with Allies on the left and the Ottomans on the right.
Hi All,
First of all, Tas AKA Paul, the host of this site is temporarily detained with other domestic callings. His wife is away on business so he is filling in all the roles his family requires for awhile including father and maintainer of the castle, university researcher, student, military man, and much more. He can't wait to get back to gaming and this site, but it will have to wait until the domestic scene returns to its previous order. In the mean time, adjunct posters like myself will fill in content for Tas.
Last Friday on 18 July 2008, a number of gentleman got together to play a colonial game, although a late colonial game from World War I. Mark Steinberg and Mike McGraw hosted. The game was loosely based on the actual Battle of Basrah from 1914-15 although the results (an allied defeat) much more resembled the Siege of Kut, the battle that followed Basrah in 1915-16. For those readers still gaining proficiency in geography, Basrah is located in modern-day Iraq.
It was a great game with lots of beautiful terrain, a host of 28mm figures, a British armored car, several light artillery pieces, two massive river boats, the French Foreign Legion, plenty of Brits, plenty of Scots, Indian troops, Arabs, Askaris, Boers, and everything a colonial-minded gamer could adore. I had a fabulous time and it was a great way to spend a lazy evening.
Mark's notes:
Here are some photos of the BASRAH 1915 game. Players were Maksim, Tim, Mike McGraw, Mike O., Hal L., and Nils. I took the photos. Observers included Carl O., Jim C. and Mark Cuomo, Mikos, Mike S., Marcus, and George G.
And the photos:
TOP: By turn 3, the Allies (left) had taken considerable casualties.
TOP: One of the mighty riverboats, that arrived too late!
TOP: The other mighty riverboat!
TOP: The two boats heading upriver to Basrah.
TOP: The mighty river itself!Ottoman lines on the right.
TOP: The Ottomans had the advantage of holding the town...And the Germans had vowed "...to fight to the last Arab."
TOP: Maksim's Arabs set up in a strong town building...
The fellows out of cover were quickly routed.
TOP: The British forces were bolstered by an armored car (left).
It's machine gun tore up Ottoman lines.
TOP: The brave Scots troops charged Basrah with valor in their hearts......to no avail!
TOP: A set of ruins in the foreground saved the Allies from a worse defeat.
TOP: By turn 2, the Allied ranks had been decimated by rifle fire.
TOP: But the Allies still held the rocky outcrops outside Basrah.
TOP: Part of the motley crew of Colonial heroes!The game itself went well and all had a good time, but the scenario was, perhaps tilted a little in favor of the Ottoman side since by turn two, the allied lines had been considerably thinned. In fact, the game was an absolute bloodbath with both sides taking roughly 40% to 70% casualties within just three turns! Next time, the Allies will receive more troops and the Ottomans less and we can see how it turns out!
Link to Battle of Basrah (1914-15):
First Link to Siege of Kut (1915-16):
Second Link to Siege of Kut (1915-16):
Have a great Friday!
And good gaming to you!
Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.
Notes regarding photos / pictures / videos: These are not all my images and videos. I am using various images and videos from around the web, mostly from public sources and/or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images and videos under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your image/s (...if it is indeed an infringement).
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Skrapwelder news...
SLD News reporting from County Clare in the United Counties of Ireland
Construction of "Gae Bolg", the first of three fighting vehicles in production at the G&G Boilermakers and Foundry Works is now complete. Its companions: "Luisne" and "Claiomh Solais" are still in the construction process. Having left the assembly area where it has been fitted with an experimental Tesla gun "Gae Bolg" now waits to be painted.
With news of the Prussian invasion of England and the fighting in Teddington, security has been tightened at the foundry works in the event of any attempt the Prussians might make to abscond with the new vehicles.
Construction of "Gae Bolg", the first of three fighting vehicles in production at the G&G Boilermakers and Foundry Works is now complete. Its companions: "Luisne" and "Claiomh Solais" are still in the construction process. Having left the assembly area where it has been fitted with an experimental Tesla gun "Gae Bolg" now waits to be painted.
With news of the Prussian invasion of England and the fighting in Teddington, security has been tightened at the foundry works in the event of any attempt the Prussians might make to abscond with the new vehicles.
Monday, 28 April 2008
Another online time-waster?...
A solar sailing simulator?
http://www3.ec-lille.fr/~u3p/Glenans/Glenans4.html
http://www3.ec-lille.fr/~u3p/Glenans/Glenans4.html
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Back to the drawing board...
It has been quite a while since there's been an update on Project Nautilus but let us not interpret silence and inactivity. Computer aided design (or CAD) has generally not been possible on MAC platforms — until a comparatively recent upgrade. Rather than wedging the past notion of the venerable submarine into previously seen imaginings, I returned to the source material and have produced the above skeleton.
Hopefully, it will not be so very long until the next update and an actual model. The CADwork is to get the measurements right for a 28mm scale production.
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Land Ironclads Goes to Print!!!
...this had better not be an April fool's joke! From TMP:
Land Ironclads - Wessex Games' game of Victorian Science Fiction ground combat - has gone to print.
A companion set to our popular Aeronef VSF flyer rules, Land Ironclads is not only a complete stand-alone game allowing gamers to fight games between armies including mighty landships, devilish mechanical contraptions and brave red-coated infantry, but is also fully compatible with Aeronef itself allowing combined air-land games to be played in a seamless fashion.
Inspired by the worlds of Griffiths, Le Queux, Robida, Wells and Verne, Land Ironclads comes complete with a detailed geo-political timeline from 1854 to 1901, a military overview (with unit organisation details) covering Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Austro-Hungary, Italy, Turkey, Spain and the Martian invader, statistics for over 200 different types of vehicle and troop types, a points system to allow you to create your own designs and five introductory scenarios set during the Great War of 1899-1901 and the Martian Invasion of 1901.
The rules, which can be used for straight C19th historical battles, also include rules for land ironclads, supply, ruses, ambushes, espionage, sabotage, flying craft, underground burrowers, chemical warfare and the dreaded Martian invader.
Brigade Models are producing a range of (rather superb) miniatures to support the game in the same scale as Aeronef models (2mm), but the rules can be played with any scale miniatures up to and including 15mm (in fact, with the standard 40mm unit frontage, you probably could well go larger).
Land Ironclads will be a 48-page (including full-colour cover) A4 rulebook.
We are hoping that Land Ironclads will be available to purchase at Salute from the Brigade Models stand on 19th April.
The discerning Gentlemen can tell that this is quality work by the embossed claim that:
"Land Ironclads is a set of Victorian science fiction armoured warfare warfare rules written by Matthew Hartley , Steve Blease, Paul O'Grady and David Crook inspired by the period fiction of H.G.Wells, George Griffiths and Albert Robida."
Huzzah!
Land Ironclads - Wessex Games' game of Victorian Science Fiction ground combat - has gone to print.
A companion set to our popular Aeronef VSF flyer rules, Land Ironclads is not only a complete stand-alone game allowing gamers to fight games between armies including mighty landships, devilish mechanical contraptions and brave red-coated infantry, but is also fully compatible with Aeronef itself allowing combined air-land games to be played in a seamless fashion.
Inspired by the worlds of Griffiths, Le Queux, Robida, Wells and Verne, Land Ironclads comes complete with a detailed geo-political timeline from 1854 to 1901, a military overview (with unit organisation details) covering Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Austro-Hungary, Italy, Turkey, Spain and the Martian invader, statistics for over 200 different types of vehicle and troop types, a points system to allow you to create your own designs and five introductory scenarios set during the Great War of 1899-1901 and the Martian Invasion of 1901.
The rules, which can be used for straight C19th historical battles, also include rules for land ironclads, supply, ruses, ambushes, espionage, sabotage, flying craft, underground burrowers, chemical warfare and the dreaded Martian invader.
Brigade Models are producing a range of (rather superb) miniatures to support the game in the same scale as Aeronef models (2mm), but the rules can be played with any scale miniatures up to and including 15mm (in fact, with the standard 40mm unit frontage, you probably could well go larger).
Land Ironclads will be a 48-page (including full-colour cover) A4 rulebook.
We are hoping that Land Ironclads will be available to purchase at Salute from the Brigade Models stand on 19th April.
The discerning Gentlemen can tell that this is quality work by the embossed claim that:
"Land Ironclads is a set of Victorian science fiction armoured warfare warfare rules written by Matthew Hartley , Steve Blease, Paul O'Grady and David Crook inspired by the period fiction of H.G.Wells, George Griffiths and Albert Robida."
Huzzah!
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Tony's Update Part 3
German steam powered land-ironclad squad – Chapter Three
In chapter three I thought I would update readers on the progress to date of the models. My plan was to produce a squad of Landships, or ‘Land Ironclads’, two assault tanks, one command tank and an assault walker.
(Please note that as one of the competition rules is not to post photos, I will hold back until the end of the 80 days). We may have to relax that!- Tas
So far the models are nearing completion the main fighting compartment is made from an oval shaped, plastic pencil sharpener bought from Wilkinsons for less than 50 pence each. The command tank uses two pencil sharpeners stacked on top of each other. The tracks on the two assault tanks and the command tank were constructed by me with wheels from a toy train and tracks from plastic card. Once the master was made I cast six sets in resin. The steam walker uses the same pencil sharpener – fighting compartment and the legs from a Wild, Wild, West Dr. Loveless steam walker, additional detail is from plastic card and plastic sprue.
The models are built to a scale of 1/180th, simply because I had some 10mm ACW artillery crew and I will be using them as crew.
In addition I was able to pick up some German WW1 crosses at the WMMS show earlier this month. My plan is to paint at least one of the models in a Flying Circus colour scheme as seen on German WW1 aircraft Jastas – for example the Red Baron!
The Fenian Airship (Toucan) – Chapter Three
As with the German Landships, I will be talking about the construction to date of the model airship ‘Toucan’. The envelope has been carved and sanded to shape from ‘blue foam’ then layers of paint, glue and filler are added and sanded, the process is then repeated until the shape is correct and the surface is smooth. The gondola area and control housing has been greatly reduced in size from my initial plan, with windows, detail and two gun ports are already modelled.The shape is very similar to a Goodyear Blimp!
I have also added the tail assembly, which follows the practice of early Zeppelins where the horizontal control surfaces are built as bi-plane assemblies rather than single surfaces. My immediate reaction is that the tail surfaces are a little too large but as I ‘Googled’ early airships I see that if anything they are too small!
Late in to the construction phase I saw pictures of an early airship that had noticeable fabric patches on the centre envelope section and I have tried to copy this texture by adding small sections sticky-back-plastic and paper labels across the main envelope. Having under-coated this section I believe the effect has been achieved.
I intend painting the centre section black (or at least very dark grey) and the nose and tail cream with a golden harp motif in the black section. I would expect the gondola to be painted brown to represent varnished wood with brass detail.
The comments above were copied from http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/
In chapter three I thought I would update readers on the progress to date of the models. My plan was to produce a squad of Landships, or ‘Land Ironclads’, two assault tanks, one command tank and an assault walker.
(Please note that as one of the competition rules is not to post photos, I will hold back until the end of the 80 days). We may have to relax that!- Tas
So far the models are nearing completion the main fighting compartment is made from an oval shaped, plastic pencil sharpener bought from Wilkinsons for less than 50 pence each. The command tank uses two pencil sharpeners stacked on top of each other. The tracks on the two assault tanks and the command tank were constructed by me with wheels from a toy train and tracks from plastic card. Once the master was made I cast six sets in resin. The steam walker uses the same pencil sharpener – fighting compartment and the legs from a Wild, Wild, West Dr. Loveless steam walker, additional detail is from plastic card and plastic sprue.
The models are built to a scale of 1/180th, simply because I had some 10mm ACW artillery crew and I will be using them as crew.
In addition I was able to pick up some German WW1 crosses at the WMMS show earlier this month. My plan is to paint at least one of the models in a Flying Circus colour scheme as seen on German WW1 aircraft Jastas – for example the Red Baron!
The Fenian Airship (Toucan) – Chapter Three
As with the German Landships, I will be talking about the construction to date of the model airship ‘Toucan’. The envelope has been carved and sanded to shape from ‘blue foam’ then layers of paint, glue and filler are added and sanded, the process is then repeated until the shape is correct and the surface is smooth. The gondola area and control housing has been greatly reduced in size from my initial plan, with windows, detail and two gun ports are already modelled.The shape is very similar to a Goodyear Blimp!
I have also added the tail assembly, which follows the practice of early Zeppelins where the horizontal control surfaces are built as bi-plane assemblies rather than single surfaces. My immediate reaction is that the tail surfaces are a little too large but as I ‘Googled’ early airships I see that if anything they are too small!
Late in to the construction phase I saw pictures of an early airship that had noticeable fabric patches on the centre envelope section and I have tried to copy this texture by adding small sections sticky-back-plastic and paper labels across the main envelope. Having under-coated this section I believe the effect has been achieved.
I intend painting the centre section black (or at least very dark grey) and the nose and tail cream with a golden harp motif in the black section. I would expect the gondola to be painted brown to represent varnished wood with brass detail.
The comments above were copied from http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
New LI Page at Brigade!
One can almost taste the palpable feeling of anticipation as the countdown to the release of LI continues! And that feeling is promoted this week by Brigade establishing a new page for the LI range.
Most wonderfully, you will see a link to this most humble Blog on that page - thanks awfully chaps!
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Great Yarmouth Telegraph
“His most Royal Highness the Khedive of Egypt has commanded me to inform you that he has commissioned a new fleet of Digs and Aeronefs to be built at the shipyards of Broome and Co of Great Yarmouth in the county of Norfolk UK. These ships will be built and launched within the next 75 days as the Khedive has determined that the small Turkish fleet can no longer be relied upon to defend Egypt and all her treasures. Interim reports will be issued every seven days.”
View Paul Hooper's Yarmouth Telegraph to read all the exciting news as the Khedive's fleet takes shape, gasp at the news of the cad caught spying on the facility and marvel at the behemoth Queen class aeronef!
http://web.mac.com/phooper/Aeronef/Telegraph.html
View Paul Hooper's Yarmouth Telegraph to read all the exciting news as the Khedive's fleet takes shape, gasp at the news of the cad caught spying on the facility and marvel at the behemoth Queen class aeronef!
http://web.mac.com/phooper/Aeronef/Telegraph.html
Monday, 10 March 2008
Royal Danish Airborne Navy
Petty Officer Smith has burst onto the Around the World in 80 Models with his newly built Danish Aerial Navy!
Drop into his blog here http://royaldanishairbornenavy.blogspot.com/ to see his creations.
Thanks for sharing PO, and Good Luck!
Tony's Update Part 2
German steam powered land-ironclad squad – Chapter Two
The construction and testing of the Holt caterpillar mechanism has gone well and although there is some disagreement as to whether the steam engine has enough horse power, the general agreement is that the project is progressing well. Further up the chain of command the situation is not so good. The American Government has lodged a complaint against ‘under-hand business practices’ and the American Patent office have started proceeding against the German Special Projects division for breach of Patent AS 12867/1887 ‘Chain Track’ Held by The Holts Tractor Company of Ohio.
One point of interest to the reader is that the Holt patent track laying system is the basis of both the German A7V, and the French Renault tanks.
This is not the only issues affecting the project as the German Navy is still refusing to release any armour platting and now Krupps have written to Herr Dr. Lacher to suggest that they are being put under pressure to refuse to supply the naval designed guns! The political intrigue surrounding this project is growing by the day and it will take all of Dr. Lacker’s skills to negotiate a suitable outcome.
We have a compromise – The German Navy have agreed to allow the steel plate and naval guns to be used, provided that the project is now a joint venture and the Land Ironclads are now referred to as Land Ships! Herr Lacher is said to be ‘delighted at the combined expertise of the Imperial German Army and Navy working together. It is hoped that this amalgamation will speed up both development and construction times.’
The Fenian Airship (Toucan) – Chapter Two
The airships envelope has been successfully test filled and although the event went without a hitch, there is concern that the existing envelope may need to be increased in size, or at the very least altered to include one extra gas bag – a similar experience has been encountered in a number of dirigible builds, and the usual way around this is to extend the envelope in the centre section. O’Driscall is against such actions and it might be that the gondola will have to be reduced in size and/or the maximum load reduced.
The high pressure steam engine has also been delivered and is undergoing trials, to confirm its maximum pressure out-put and to investigate ways that the whole assembly can have its weight reduced. On this point a new member and specialist engineer has been brought in to the project to oversee the mechanical specifications and build, Robert Lock, a Welshman, who has worked in Italy and been involved in many similar project’s will also help with the building of the gondola. ‘Bob’ Lock has also expressed an interest in piloting the airship, a position that has already had a number of candidates and should prove a ‘delightful aside’ to the more serious project of construction!
The ‘Fenian Ram’ and ‘Irish Folly’ are both engaged in testing the new Shillelagh stick bombs. The bomb is shaped like the British Congreve Rocket, but intended to be dropped rather than rocket propelled. Many civilised nations have reportedly tested such devices, few will admit to owning any!
The comments above were copied from; http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/Tony
The construction and testing of the Holt caterpillar mechanism has gone well and although there is some disagreement as to whether the steam engine has enough horse power, the general agreement is that the project is progressing well. Further up the chain of command the situation is not so good. The American Government has lodged a complaint against ‘under-hand business practices’ and the American Patent office have started proceeding against the German Special Projects division for breach of Patent AS 12867/1887 ‘Chain Track’ Held by The Holts Tractor Company of Ohio.
One point of interest to the reader is that the Holt patent track laying system is the basis of both the German A7V, and the French Renault tanks.
This is not the only issues affecting the project as the German Navy is still refusing to release any armour platting and now Krupps have written to Herr Dr. Lacher to suggest that they are being put under pressure to refuse to supply the naval designed guns! The political intrigue surrounding this project is growing by the day and it will take all of Dr. Lacker’s skills to negotiate a suitable outcome.
We have a compromise – The German Navy have agreed to allow the steel plate and naval guns to be used, provided that the project is now a joint venture and the Land Ironclads are now referred to as Land Ships! Herr Lacher is said to be ‘delighted at the combined expertise of the Imperial German Army and Navy working together. It is hoped that this amalgamation will speed up both development and construction times.’
The Fenian Airship (Toucan) – Chapter Two
The airships envelope has been successfully test filled and although the event went without a hitch, there is concern that the existing envelope may need to be increased in size, or at the very least altered to include one extra gas bag – a similar experience has been encountered in a number of dirigible builds, and the usual way around this is to extend the envelope in the centre section. O’Driscall is against such actions and it might be that the gondola will have to be reduced in size and/or the maximum load reduced.
The high pressure steam engine has also been delivered and is undergoing trials, to confirm its maximum pressure out-put and to investigate ways that the whole assembly can have its weight reduced. On this point a new member and specialist engineer has been brought in to the project to oversee the mechanical specifications and build, Robert Lock, a Welshman, who has worked in Italy and been involved in many similar project’s will also help with the building of the gondola. ‘Bob’ Lock has also expressed an interest in piloting the airship, a position that has already had a number of candidates and should prove a ‘delightful aside’ to the more serious project of construction!
The ‘Fenian Ram’ and ‘Irish Folly’ are both engaged in testing the new Shillelagh stick bombs. The bomb is shaped like the British Congreve Rocket, but intended to be dropped rather than rocket propelled. Many civilised nations have reportedly tested such devices, few will admit to owning any!
The comments above were copied from; http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/Tony
Thursday, 6 March 2008
New Martian Empires figs released
Black Hat Miniatures' latest offerings in 18mm VSF are out:
EMP304 - Martian Ghost Archers
EMP376 - Imperial Martian Thought Projector
http://www.blackhat.co.uk/
EMP304 - Martian Ghost Archers
EMP376 - Imperial Martian Thought Projector
http://www.blackhat.co.uk/
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Tony's Update
German steam powered land-ironclad squad – Chapter One
Progress has been very slow, following the surprising dismissal of the German project leader, Herr Trotter caused by a blazing argument between the Special Projects Commissioner, Chancellor Sachs and Herr Trotter over the best way forward and who should be chosen as the lead designer.
The mild mannered Austrian, the good Herr Dr. Lacher – a proven manager and visionary was given the job of ‘pulling the project back on track’. He has employed the very special talents of the gifted Italian designer A. Angellon to design the land-tanks and Krupp’s the German engineering company to supply the weapons and specialised equipment. The Initial designs have been supplemented by some additional design blueprints that were ‘acquired’* from the American tractor company Holts! While a Scottish engineer called Professor Souter has been working with Angellon on the mechanical problems associated with the steam walker.
Mechanically all is moving forward and although slightly behind plan the 80 day deadline is still very achievable.
One issue that is beyond the control of the project team is the lack of steel plating that will be needed for the armoured compartments of each of the fighting turrets, the German Navy has placed a ban on all non-essential requests for armour platting and something will have to be done soon to make sure that this project is ready on time and up-holds the fine reputation of the German Army.
* ‘acquired’ is a euphemism for the black arts of international espionage!
The Fenian Airship (Toucan) – Chapter One
Fenian revolutionary forces on Mars have through the very generous contributions of American sympathisers been able to buy and re-equip two Martian Hullcutter; ‘The Fenian Ram’ and ‘The Irish Folly’. However the inability to procure any other ‘liftwood’ vessels has led the leaders to look elsewhere.
The Fenian engineer O’Driscall has managed to produce the envelope and gas bags for his first dirigible ‘Ireland One’, based on the French ‘Clement-Bayard airship No1,’ and is now looking to American fund raising to supply additional money to allow O’Driscall to continue with his ground breaking attempts to produce the first ever home-grown Irish airship, a bomber!
Some critics are dismayed that O’Driscall has stooped to the level he has in accepting a form of sponsorship from a well know producer of alcoholic beverages and produced the envelope in the company colours of black and cream, a quick witted worker at the factory has volunteer to paint a golden harp motif on each side of the gas-bag! And the airship has acquired the nick-name ‘Toucan’ in reference to an advertising logo used by the brewery.
The construction is proceeding to plans and should, provided that the funding is forthcoming, be proven and flying for the planned celebrations in 80 days time.
Tony
The comments above were copied from;http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/
Progress has been very slow, following the surprising dismissal of the German project leader, Herr Trotter caused by a blazing argument between the Special Projects Commissioner, Chancellor Sachs and Herr Trotter over the best way forward and who should be chosen as the lead designer.
The mild mannered Austrian, the good Herr Dr. Lacher – a proven manager and visionary was given the job of ‘pulling the project back on track’. He has employed the very special talents of the gifted Italian designer A. Angellon to design the land-tanks and Krupp’s the German engineering company to supply the weapons and specialised equipment. The Initial designs have been supplemented by some additional design blueprints that were ‘acquired’* from the American tractor company Holts! While a Scottish engineer called Professor Souter has been working with Angellon on the mechanical problems associated with the steam walker.
Mechanically all is moving forward and although slightly behind plan the 80 day deadline is still very achievable.
One issue that is beyond the control of the project team is the lack of steel plating that will be needed for the armoured compartments of each of the fighting turrets, the German Navy has placed a ban on all non-essential requests for armour platting and something will have to be done soon to make sure that this project is ready on time and up-holds the fine reputation of the German Army.
* ‘acquired’ is a euphemism for the black arts of international espionage!
The Fenian Airship (Toucan) – Chapter One
Fenian revolutionary forces on Mars have through the very generous contributions of American sympathisers been able to buy and re-equip two Martian Hullcutter; ‘The Fenian Ram’ and ‘The Irish Folly’. However the inability to procure any other ‘liftwood’ vessels has led the leaders to look elsewhere.
The Fenian engineer O’Driscall has managed to produce the envelope and gas bags for his first dirigible ‘Ireland One’, based on the French ‘Clement-Bayard airship No1,’ and is now looking to American fund raising to supply additional money to allow O’Driscall to continue with his ground breaking attempts to produce the first ever home-grown Irish airship, a bomber!
Some critics are dismayed that O’Driscall has stooped to the level he has in accepting a form of sponsorship from a well know producer of alcoholic beverages and produced the envelope in the company colours of black and cream, a quick witted worker at the factory has volunteer to paint a golden harp motif on each side of the gas-bag! And the airship has acquired the nick-name ‘Toucan’ in reference to an advertising logo used by the brewery.
The construction is proceeding to plans and should, provided that the funding is forthcoming, be proven and flying for the planned celebrations in 80 days time.
Tony
The comments above were copied from;http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/
Khedive commits to Arms Race!
Mssr Hooper (of the lovely Aeronef site http://web.mac.com/phooper/Aeronef/Aeronef_Menu.html) sent me an ethergram today:
His most Royal Highness the Khedive of Egypt has commanded me to inform you that he has commissioned a new fleet of Digs and Aeronefs to be built at the shipyards of Broome and Co of Great Yarmouth in the county of Norfolk UK. These ships will be built and launched within the next 75 days as the Khedive has determined that the small Turkish fleet can no longer be relied upon to defend Egypt and all her treasures. Interim reports will be issued every seven days.
My Goodness - another threat unleashed upon the unsuspecting Med...renewed pressure upon Malta is certain. We shall look forward to the weekly updates with great interest!
His most Royal Highness the Khedive of Egypt has commanded me to inform you that he has commissioned a new fleet of Digs and Aeronefs to be built at the shipyards of Broome and Co of Great Yarmouth in the county of Norfolk UK. These ships will be built and launched within the next 75 days as the Khedive has determined that the small Turkish fleet can no longer be relied upon to defend Egypt and all her treasures. Interim reports will be issued every seven days.
My Goodness - another threat unleashed upon the unsuspecting Med...renewed pressure upon Malta is certain. We shall look forward to the weekly updates with great interest!
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An exploration of debauchery, vice and other reasons to be a man!
