Thursday, 23 July 2020

Tumbling Dice Lake Tanganyika Models


The ever reliable Mr Sulley posted off my order of 1/600th scale models for the Steamer Wars Lake Tanganyika project in double quick time, so they arrived in the post yesterday. I now have the whole range of models including the Graf Von Gotzen, Fifi / Kingani, Mimi and Toutou et al, with some additional generic models that I can use for some of the other assorted craft. I've also been rummaging for 1/600th scale models that I could adapt or convert, with an old Skytrex Isles Class trawler as a potential basis for the Baron Dhanis.

Belgian Lake Steamer Baron Dhanis
Graf Von Gotzen (back), Baron Dhanis? (front)
ACW gunboat

I'll need to modify the stern, add some decking and a bridge but it's the right size and shape, so I think it will work. The Baron Dhanis didn't actually see action in 1915 but it's a useful 'What If?' model to have, especially if I arm it with a forward deck gun in place of the existing mounting. I've also got a Peter Pig USS Fuschia ACW gunboat that I think could be adapted into one of the other small lake steamers without too much chopping about but using plastic card and strip to add as superstructure, bridge and decking. It's worth a try?

8 comments:

  1. Hi Jim,

    That is really interesting as my model of the Graf Von Gotzen from Tumbling Dice has a resin hull with metal fixtures and fittings.

    I reckon that using the USS Fuschia would be a good shout - what about the CSS Dewney (or something similar)?

    I think Mr Manley is bringing out an update to the core rules fairly soon - nothing major, just a few tweaks here and there.

    All the best,

    DC

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    1. I had one of these models ages ago which I converted into a WW2 sperbrecher for coastal warfare games and that was also in resin. I guess Paul has gone back to metal for simplicity?

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  2. It'll be an interesting conflict to game. The restricted area of the lake, the nature of the combatant vessels, it's all good stuff.

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    1. The campaign system in the rules looks great...just need to sort out the various boats and make some suitable coastal terrain.

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  3. Nice little pieces, great additions to the fleet

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  4. Good call on the Dhanis - that model doesn't seem to be available anywhere nowadays. H&R have an 800 ton collier that I might try to convert. They also do a steam tug that I reckon will work for the Adjutant. The ones I'm struggling with are the Vengeur (ex-Delcommune) and Dix-Tonnes. DixTonnes should be an easy scratchbuild, but Vengeur is going to be trickier.

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    1. I have the 800 ton collier model but it's nothing like the Dhanis being too long. The Vengeur might be based on the TD drifter but it will need a lot of cutting about.

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