So...er... I bought a....

...boat! I'd been pondering how to get a classic steamer for the Sudan project. No self-respecting Sudan gamer can be without one, surely. This was something of a long-term aim, I had vague hopes of a grand birthday gift from someone, like a custom-made one from TVAG in the US. But really, I knew it wouldn't be very cost-effective for something that's only likely to grace the gaming table a couple of times a year.

Of course, if I had the time and the patience I could have tried building on. Or there are quite a few do-it yourself paper kits at very reasonable prices, but I'd be pretty concerned about their durability.



So this dropped onto the doorstep this week. By which I mean a little red card dropped onto the doorstep and I had to yomp to the post office to pick it up. Cue much fun getting into my weighty package:


Eep, polystyrene!


Getting closer...


Ah ha, could this be a paddle steamer!

In the end, I was tempted by a very unexpected find on eBay from seller PMC.Games. They sell a wood and resin set for a very reasonable £20. At 14" long it is quite a big and weighty brute and comes in 10 seperate pieces plus a number of sandbags, cargo and a resin gun to mount on it. And it came pre-painted!

The pic from the listing

Of course it isn't a fine modellers kit, it is a rough and ready gaming piece, but I thought the price was very reasonable and it will be entirely serviceable on the table.

My version, without all of the bits

As well as deciding exactly how much to assemble for optimal gaming and storage assemble. I'll also need to figure out if I want to re-paint it. Mi not fond of the colouring but for now I may just pick out some details but it is something to consider. I'm also considering jazzing it up a bit with more detail, likely with a few railings and ladders to access the top deck. This should free up some deck space for more miniatures too. Even beef up its armament - perhaps with a Nordenfelt? I intend hit up a decent model railway shop and see what I can pick up that will do the job.

Now, I just need to make up a 2' wide river board to put it on...


All packed up until I decide exactly what to do with it.

In other news, Mike at Trouble at the Mill is doing a generous giveaway of Lardy goodness. I'm a big fan of Sharpe Practice and would definitely check out Chain of a command if I were to do platoon level WWII, so check it it for a chance to win.