Just a quick post this morning as it occurred to me that we haven't really showcased this particular example of James' amazing work. The electricity substation is a wonderful example of just how confident James has become in realising my intentions, it is as if he can see into my mind, a truly terrifying thought! In this instance, I had happened across a reference of the battle in the Prison Journal of France's former Prime Minister, Édouard Daladier, which read...
two of the German soldiers who had come with [Gangl] had taken up positions, with their rifles resting on the window sills. They pointed out [SS troops] firing at the "castle" from a few hundred yards away, near the little electric plant, on the edge of the forest.
James and I talked about this exchange for awhile, what it might look like, both agreeing that it would serve absolutely no purpose to the game, but might make another of those, oh so interesting, extras that we both enjoyed.
The next thing I know a fully realised substation has been designed and built by James, I was nothing short of flabbergasted! Other than paint the groundwork, this is all James' handiwork including the specially designed electricity cable drums with their cheeky names.
Looking at it again, during this period of isolation, I was instantly transported back to a time when young Master Awdry, was routinely terrified by any number of public information films, in this instance Play Safe - Kites and Planes.
I shan't spoil the ending, but suffice to say it is a shocking tale of misadventure and the reason why James' substation know has a blue kite lodged atop the the transformer bushings.*
*I may have just made up that technical term.
There was something rather enjoyable about fashioning a kite from some tissue paper and florists' wire, yet another wonderful diversion, but just had to be done!
One last photograph below of the substation in situ, which I discovered when tidying up some folders last week. There were a number of shots of the final two boards before I had to leave them, which I shall edit and share as a final work in progress post.
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Wonderful stuff Michael. James has done a great job, it's the little elements of detail that can really make these games.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Stuart
Thank you Stuart, he is such a clever chap and this is such a lovely piece.
DeleteExcellent work from both of you Michael, sadly I to am old enough to remember that advert ! LOL
ReplyDeleteThank you Dave and really? Mmmm, not sure about that. 🤣
DeleteI am in my 50's honest, my birth certificate confirms it ! LOL
DeleteOh, that's marvellous!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteThe 1970's were a dangerous time, especially if you were a stop-motion squirrel crossing the road or knew a cartoon cat called Charlie...
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing we made it out alive! 😉
DeleteWonderful work! Excellent bit of table top eye candy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Peter, one of my favourite diversions.
DeleteFabulous terrain piece Michael. So much detail packed into it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dean, this is certainly one of James' best to date.
DeleteAnother fantastic collaboration! Once again your attention to detail wins the day!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Terry, this has to be one of my favourites of James' creations.
DeleteLovely bit of kit that, you need a little Michael Caine chucking his bicycle into it now!
ReplyDeleteDo you remember the advert with the kids running back and forth across the railway lines? that ended with the police giving his trainers back to his parents saying "He wont need these anymore". I always wondered if his feet were still inside them....
Cheers Roger.
That was Michael Caine?! I just tried to find it now, but to no avail, I will need to have a proper look later. Some of those films were terrifying, Death stalking the children playing by the stream is another that springs to mind.
DeleteLovely looking substation! Marvellous work, great details!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you Iain, it is such a lovely piece.
DeleteThat´s a lovely bit of terrain.
ReplyDeleteThe warning vid. I remember seeing that way back and then going out with the "gang" and actually trying it out..and shockingly, Nowt happened.
Shockingly?
Thank you Paul, looking back at some of those films there is an argument to suggest that they actually gave clear instruction as to the best way to break into dangerous places. Shockingly is a wonderful word. :)
Deleteor the best way to stop the electricity to a whole area.
Delete🤣🤣🤣
DeleteAwesome work Michael!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Michal.
DeleteBrilliant as always!
ReplyDeleteThat's incredibly kind, thank you.
DeleteA delightful little model! Well done, Michael and James.
ReplyDeleteYes, those information films put the wind up me good and proper.
Thank you A.J. one of James' best to date.
DeleteAn excellent little piece that will be useful for so many games. The blue kite as a highlight if colour is a very clever addition.
ReplyDeleteThank you, not sure I was thinking of it as a highlight of colour, but I see what you mean. More lucky than planned, but pleased with how it looks.
DeleteGood pickup froma throw away comment and a wonderful outcome too! It may not have much bearing on the game but is yet another wonderful bit of eye candy!
ReplyDeleteThank you Joe, we have thoroughly enjoyed the diversions along the way and this was certainly one of the more entertaining.
Deletelooks brilliant
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteYou two are really adding in some dead fun and characterful pieces to this table. Love love love this and that little kite makes it for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Dai, the apprehension of seeing altogether is really building now. Can't wait.
DeleteWho doesn't love a substation ?
ReplyDeleteSo much detail at 28 mm scale ... and that kite ... genius! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's class.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful addition, a masterclass model. The kite is a stroke of genius!
ReplyDeleteThank you, not sure I was thinking of it as a highlight of colour
ReplyDeleteNice share..
ReplyDeleteGreat post
ReplyDelete