Tuesday 6 February 2018

Walmington on Sea Part 1 – Building the Docks

Posted by Ste
When we decided to put on another Bolt Action demo game at Call To Arms 2017 we had a robust discussion about what the theme should be. I did my usual and stuck to my North Africa, desert obsession (one track mind!) however both Ash and Bryan were keen on exploring something a little bit sillier and we settled on Dads Army. Coincidentally Warlord Games had just published the Sealion campaign book so it was definitely a timely choice. In addition Bryan does a rather amusing range of Dads Army impressions and so the mood of the game was very quickly given a comedic feel.

First things first, roles? I volunteered to be Gamesmaster and generate the scenario with Ash opting for the dastardly Hun and Bryan the plucky homeguard. Now as GM I quickly realised that Walmington on Sea is just that, on sea and as such it would need a seafront.

So rolling up my sleeves I set to trying to build what could convincingly pass for a seafront/wharf/docks.
Ok, so the first task was to build the sea wall, luckily I had recently acquired a bunch of scrap polystyrene sheets, and with judicious application of pen and ruler could pass for a wall of sorts. Topped with thick card embossed with a biro to look like paving and I had a wall
Next was to get some water made. Not being familiar with all the plethora of fake water products and also being a complete cheapskate I opted for texturing a board and painting/varnishing to achieve the effect. So in steps Mr Polyfilla and Mrs Acrylic paint, liberally applied and then using a straight bit of sponge to stipple waves at the diagonal.


  
I’ve noticed now that we live next to the sea that generally waves roll in at an angel to the shore so that’s what I opted for. I mixed the polyfilla and paint before application so I wouldn’t have to paint the waves. Once dry it was a pretty straight forward thing highlight the waves with white and then slap three coats of water based gloss varnish on.



Next up, jettys and a boat!

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