"Modelling ACW Abatis?" Topic
9 Posts
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| CATenWolde | 26 Jan 2012 5:57 a.m. PST |
Hi, Can anyone give some practical advice on modelling abatis for the ACW? I'm not sure if they preferred one type or the other (i.e. simply cut down trees and sharpen branches, or more elaborate sharpened logs set in earth) and how to best go about creating them. Note that it's winter in Finland (as opposed to the merely rainy Autumn and Spring) so I'm 6 months away from collecting any dry twigs myself! I'm gaming in 10mm if that makes a difference. I do have a few bags of Woodland Scenics trees that I haven't made yet, and could use the trunks and branches. Any other ideas? Cheers, Christopher |
ScottWashburn  | 26 Jan 2012 6:56 a.m. PST |
Hastily made field fortifications (the most common) would be primarily cut down trees with sharpened branches. Long term fortifications (like at Petersburg) would see the sharpened stakes set into the ground as well as the fallen trees. |
| kallman | 26 Jan 2012 7:27 a.m. PST |
Using the Woodland Scenics trees is the best way to go in my opinion. Just paint the trees grey then paint the branch tips a pale cream color such as GW's Bleached Bone. Since you are doing 10mm the small trees will be best I think. I have seen many games using the Woodland Scenics in this way for a variety of scales and it works very well and is easy to do. |
| William Warner | 26 Jan 2012 9:16 a.m. PST |
At stores like Hobby Lobby you can often find decorative brooms made of fine twigs. These are an excellent source for abitis material. |
| bgbboogie | 26 Jan 2012 9:33 a.m. PST |
As whitemouse said but use real wood froma small bracnh for the bottom layer prior to laying the scenic trees. |
| John the Greater | 27 Jan 2012 11:44 a.m. PST |
One way to make trees for abatis is to get some fine wire and twist one end together for the trunk and have the wires at the other end bent out at various angles (and various lengths) as the branches. A simple sort of bark colored paint with the wire ends painted light brown like they were recently trimmed and you will have a pretty good effect. I generally do 15mm but I'm sure this would work work for the 10mm as well. |
| general btsherman | 27 Jan 2012 1:49 p.m. PST |
This is a good topic. I to need to model abatis for an upcoming Fort Donaldson scenario. Using Woodland Scenics trees sounds like a good idea. -Bryan |
| general wilde | 27 Jan 2012 5:04 p.m. PST |
Most of the trees on my blog are weeds pulled from the ground and turned upside down. Weeds make the best trees and there free. |
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prepares to do some regimental-level ACW gaming.