The inspiration for the Monastery on the mountaintop, along with the bridge crossing the ravine came from a wonderful table that I had seen at Salute a couple of years back of a 40mm Napoleonic Peninsula game from the collection of Ian Smith.
The eye-catching terrain at Salute was made by the very talented David Marshall of TM Terrain who commissions work at the highest diorama level (he did the Perry's Agincourt terrain for the Tower of London) and so I have based my poor man's wargaming version of a Monastery and bridge over a ravine but I extended the mountain to run the full length of the 10ft table which has enabled me to build a village on top.
The valley is still looking a bit bare but I will be making a walled terrace hill with the option of the windmill, blockhouse or pillbox sitting on top overlooking the river/bridge depending on if it is a Napoleonic Peninsula or WW2 Sicily/Italy scenario. I also need to fill the valley out with vineyards, olive groves, orchards, and Cyprus trees to line the road. Ideal terrain with lots of cover for WW2 but a nightmare for those formed units of Napoleonic infantry. Lots of skirmish units for Sharp Practice I think, especially the mountain terrain which will be ideal ambush country for the Spanish Guerillas and I have already made a destroyed version of the bridge which can be swapped over with the intact bridge.
The buildings and walls are either scratch built by myself or come from Charlie Foxtrot, GrandManner, Empress Miniatures and Warbases. The Napoleonic figures are either Perry or Alban Miniatures and the WW2 figures are again from Perry Miniatures. I have taken some pictures of this post with Napoleonic at one end and WW2 at the other end of the table.
Apologies for this post being so picture heavy, as usual, I got carried away.
If you are new to this blog and you are interested in the first book, Setting The Scene - Winter Wargaming, then we now have extra copies in stock so just go to the top right side of this page (second box down) and click on 'Setting The Scene' if you want to buy a copy.
Words fail me as that is simply superb Pat!!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thanks Christopher.
DeleteStunning, simply stunning.
ReplyDeleteCheers Jonathon.
DeleteMagnificent. Thought of doing one myself, doubt it would be on such grand a scale though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Phil, I don't usually go this big.
DeleteTop notch terrain and buildings Pat, absolutly superb...and fantastic photos!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like Phil.
DeletePositively amazing. Thanks so much for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThanks and thanks again Irishserb.
DeletePositively amazing. Thanks so much for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous terrain and photography, Pat! The one with Voltigeurs high above the Rifles evokes so much feeling!
ReplyDeleteCheers Dean, when your only 28mm tall its a long way up.
DeleteAs always, brilliant. I love pic 13, the view through the valley with the Bridge spanning it, very nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul, glad you like.
DeleteThe terrain and table is absolutely amazing. It is a great shame we do not leave closer together....well good for our families at least as I would never be home.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Vinnie
Cheers Vinnie, I know what you mean and our hobby can become rather addictive but my wife keeps me under control.
DeleteLike everyone else I'm blown away by this. So enthralling to look at and yet to inviting to play a game on. Wow!
ReplyDeleteYou mention the Perries Agincourt display. I think that's still at the Leeds Armoury which houses the Tower of London collection. Just in case anyone goes looking for it. The Armoury is well worth a visit - I've been at least half a dozen times.
Stephen
Thanks Stephen and good point with the new location re the Agincourt display.
DeleteAbsolutely stunning Pat! Such a beautiful table 😎
ReplyDeleteCheers
Matt
Cheers Matt.
DeleteThat's a hill and a half! Don't fancy attacking that in a hurry. Very impressive!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim, I think you are right but I will have a lot of fun trying.
DeleteAll looking fantastic! I really like the monastery,Im using your previous book to do winter trees, great resource!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks Iain.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Made my mouth water!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ray, just like opal fruits.
DeletePat.
Wow! Absolutely fantastic!
ReplyDeleteCdlT
I thank you Sir.
DeletePat.
Fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteCheers Simon.
DeletePat.
That stuff was super impressive and oh so pretty. Tables/terrain like that deserves a picture heavy post. 😀
ReplyDeleteVery cool mountain top monastery.
Thanks Stew.
DeletePat.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOops!
DeleteBrilliant table :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kym.
DeleteWow gorgeous eye candy. We are not worthy!
ReplyDeleteCheers Peter.
DeletePat.
Holy *bleep*!!!! Outstanding as usual ... that is spectacular!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Jay.
ReplyDeletepat.
I'm not a gamer but the only think that I can say is ..EPIC!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, that is very kind of you.
DeletePat.
That is stunningly pretty.
ReplyDeleteCheers Mike.
DeletePat.
Pat you continue to dazzle me with your skills, don't sell yourself short with TM Terrain, you both in the same league!
ReplyDeleteThanks Terry, I know my limits but very kind of you to say.
ReplyDeletePat.
Congratulations that is superb - a real spectacle - very well done indeed, love the pictures with the troops trying to cross the bridge
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, crossing that bridge will be a challenge gamewise.
DeleteImpresionante. Me encanta tu trabajo.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
DeleteIt's absolutely stunning. Not only does it look fantastic but I notice that you still make it playable with consideration for where miniatures can be placed etc. The steps on the back of the cliff being a great example. Not only can miniatures be placed there but it increases the playability with a "back door" to what is a very defensible position. /Mattias
ReplyDeleteNice paintwork....
ReplyDeleteThanks chaps,
ReplyDeletePat.