Posts made by Andy6049

Here are the rest of the pictures.  I have to post the 1 per post because the file size is too large for the forum when combined.

Hello All,

I thought that I would begin posting some of my customizations as I complete them.  Here are some easy DIY bunkers for the financially restricted.  I do not credit this idea as my own as I saw a webpage about this process somewhere before, just can’t find it now.  Maybe one of these days I will upgrade to some cooler Shapeways or HBG bunkers, but for now these do the job just fine.

What you will need:
A slide puzzle (found here: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Unique-Industries-86931-10-Pieces-Slide-Puzzles-72-Packs/32294876)
Two hands
Sharp knife (a bench grinder works too)
Grey spray paint (recommend primer)

The Process:
Take your slide puzzle and rip it apart.  Collect the tiles and throw away the rest.  (Some pics of the puzzle and tiles below)

Carefully cut (or grind) off the the 2 tabs on each tile.  These tabs are designed to fit into the slots of the other pieces; we don’t need them.  You should have a tile with 2 slotted sides and 2 solid, flat sides when finished.

Spray paint the pieces.  I used Rustoleum’s grey automotive primer because I accidentally grabbed the wrong can at Walmart.  I think that the thicker primer gave the piece a cool “concrete” texture.

For about $6-7, you can get the supplies to make 150 of these!  You can paint them different colors or even paint little gun silhouettes on the roofs.  Whichever, these are a low cost option for custom bunkers that you can use in your A&A and/or Global War games.  Enjoy!  8-)

@EBard:

I got 1/300 scale decals and I think they are the perfect size for the Axis & Allies aircraft (edit to add: 1/300 is perfect for the wings, if you want decals on the fuselage then those might need to be 1/600). But 1/300 is too big for the ships or armor, so for them I’d try the 1/600 decals.

EBard

Would it be possible to see a picture example or two of the 1/300 decals on A&A aircraft?

Hey!  I had that idea a few weeks ago, just haven’t started drilling yet…. :-D  I think that I am going to try using 2mm magnets on the aircraft; we will see how it goes.

Nice video!  Always a joy and insightful to watch videos of other customizers and their ideas.

Did you cut the wheels off of that TAC bomber?  Have you tried to magnetize one with the wheels (If so, how did it work with the carrier)?

Thank you everyone for your responses!  It sounds like I should be looking at 1/285-1/300 scale decals fro my project.  I assume that this scale should also work well with armor and such.

I have notice that a lot of various decals (stuff like chevrons, numbers, slogans, etc) for armor are listed in a mm scale.  Does anyone know if these types of decals would work with A&A pieces or are they too big?

R DiStefano - How is picoarmor on shipping?  They have many, but not all, of the decals on my list and I may try to buy some from them.

Thanks for the info.  I think I have most of those shades, but I should probably expand my tan and brown selection.

Another question that I forgot to ask the first time was about weathering.  I understand that inkwashes and dry-brushing “weathers” pieces, helps to bring out detail, and adds a little more realistic feel to the pieces.  However, I know almost nothing about inkwashes except for a general concept.  I assume that black is the primary inkwash color.  So…

Are there certain inks I should look at or stay away from since I am using enamel paint?

Does anyone have any advice for a first time “inkwasher”?  (i.e. don’t do that or you will destroy everything kind of stuff)

These questions are for customizers who have painted and/or decaled their pieces.

I am in the process of gathering materials to begin painting and customizing my A&A pieces.  However, I do not have a lot of extra cash to buy whatever so I need to make sure every dollar counts towards stuff I can use.  I have looked at I-94 and Detail Matters decals as they come highly recommended.  But according to the scale of sizes, I would only be able to use a few per sheet and have to ditch the rest.  I stumbled across Doms Decals which has A LOT of 1/600 aircraft insignia decals ranging from 1mm-2mm sizes.  These sizes would appear to work great for the aircraft and I could use the whole sheet.  But I do not know if I could use the decals for other units as the decals are VERY small.  So, my questions are, based off of ya’ll’s experience:

What size national insignia decals have ya’ll used on armor, ships, etc?

Does anybody know of any other companies that I could find a lot of usable decals per sheet for army/navy? (If Doms Decals are too small)

What scale should I be looking for for the units?  I know 1/600 for aircraft and 1/285 for tanks.  Are those scales correct?

(Non decal related question)
Does anybody have any paint color that they would recommend as a must have for this project of painting an A&A set?  I have a lot of Model Masters colors from my earlier painting days, but I only did larger scale WW2 aircraft - no army or navy - and mostly have aircraft related colors.  Looking to see if there are any colors/shades that were extremely versatile, used heavily, and/or that you couldn’t have done without.

Thank you everyone very much for your help.  I will post pictures of stuff when completed for eye candy and hopefully inspiration for other people as your sets have been for me.

Andy6049

Thank you all for the information.  Hopefully, I will start my painting project soon.  Getting a new airbrush isn’t an option right now, but I will definitely keep it in mind for later.  The plastic brush I have works decent when its not being temperamental.

I will be experimenting with spray paint, at least for primer.

When I start to finish some some, I will post a new thread with all the information of how, what , when, where, I did to paint the pieces.  Hopefully, it will benefit someone to wants to do the same and be as inspirational as the amazing work already on this forum has been for me.

This might be obvious, but I just want to make sure.  I have seen some custom artillery pieces that are set on round bases.  Are these simply infantry bases that were cut out from under the poor person and glued to the artillery?

Thank you for the answers.  Again, I am new to the forums and just didn’t know what they were for.

Did you airbrush any of the after-primer coats?  I have an airbrush that I have only used once.  It is not metal.  It was a airbrush starting kit that came with a compressor.  The compressor has no psi adjustment option and the “Brush” is plastic.  It came with the following instruction for use: plug hose into compressor.  :?  It didn’t come with any material for the proper thinning of enamels.  I experimented with different ratios and finally just used one, but I can’t remember what it was now.

Attached is a computer picture of the airbrush I have.  The second picture is of my first attempt at airbrushing and weathering.  Speaking of which, is it worth it to weather A&A pieces? It seems like it might be a lot of work for such small pieces.  But if it noticeably makes a difference then I may do it.

Recommended ratios for the thinning of enamels for airbrush use?

Model Masters and the plain jane Testors is what I use too.

For the primer, is it just a color or is the composition different?  i.e. could I use grey spray paint as primer or do I need to use something that specifically says “primer?”

Thank you all for you help and advice.  When I use to paint, I was never very scientific about it, just grabbed the color I wanted and went.  :-D

I am going through the threads on painted pieces to compare various aspects.  Actually, I am downloading a lot of threads and pics for use in my hobby area where there is no internet.

billinjackson

What free tech roll does Germany have?  I do not remember this one, did I miss something?

As a rule, I am new to forums.  My only forum experience has been a couple of small threads on Rise of Flight forums.  I have since past that posting record during the last few days on here.  I have noticed that most members seem to have badges.

My question(s) is: What are badges?  What are they for?  When are they awarded? How many badges are there?

Name: Andy6049 (Andrew)
Location: Plainview, TX (Panhandle)
Games: Global War 1936 2nd ed., A&A G40 2nd ed., A&A Spring 1942 2nd ed., A&A D-Day, A&A War at Sea, A&A 1914 (The oooold version, before molded pieces)

Splitting up the set to allow customers to purchase specific pieces would be great!

Does anyone know the scale of the A&A 40 German bomber?  I found some aircraft on shapeways that might work, but I have no idea what scale to look at.

What seems to be good and/or average height for flight stands?  I understand that the answer to this question will be based off of personal preferences.  I am looking for information concerning the stands usability.  i.e.  x height was too tall because they tipped over too easy or y height was too short because it got in the way of the infantry or z heights works great because of ABC, etc.

I understand that FMG’s flight stands are 28mm high.  Thoughts/experience with these?  I am going to try to make my own that will be a similar style to these and some others I have seen in the forum.  My pin needles are 31 or 33mm high. (can’t remember right now)

I am also open to any and all advice concerning the bases of the stands in shape, size, and weight, again, for stability and usability reasons.  i.e. will 2 grams work for a base?  What about .5 grams?

Does anyone know of any reputable places that I could find really small rare earth magnets to glue to the bottom of the aircraft, under/inside carriers, and on top of the pin needle heads.  (I think 2mm diameter for the pin needle heads is about right)  I tried a couple of local hobby stores with no luck.

Thanks for the info guys.  What do ya’ll know about priming?  Should it be done?  Can it be done with white/grey spray paint?  Since enamel is thicker, I don’t like the idea of multiple coats of light colors just for it to look right.

Has anyone tried airbrushing pieces?

OK.  I had NO idea that the FMG set was rare.  I was an introvert to the community side of A&A until just recently.  Thank you for the information.  I will take a look at shapeways, I hadn’t thought of that.

The reason I am looking for a medium bomber is because I play Global War as well as A&A.  In GW, the aircraft classes are fighter, Tactical bomber, medium bomber, and strategic bomber.  The point of the Br. 20 is that it is easily recognizable as a medium bomber.

What did I mean by reasonable price?  A reasonable price fits the value of the product with respect given to consumer demand.  Reasonable price does not always mean affordable price.

PS - you can find DeLoreans, “slighty used” but in good shape, on Hemmings for under 30K.  I know, because I looked a few years ago when I put the amazing machine on my retirement wish list.  :-D

Hello all, I am in need of an Italian medium bomber.  I am looking for the 2 engine Br. 20 medium bomber from the FMG Italian combat units set.  I am interested in acquiring 5-6 of these planes at a reasonable price.  I am a high school senior saving for college which means buying 5-6 complete sets from FMG just for 1 unit type isn’t an option. 
I am also open to advice on where I might be able to find some if they are not available here.  I have tried eBay and HBG so far.
Thanks for the help!

I thought that the French preferred clean white uniforms that they could quickly improvise into flags of surrender! :-D