"Dapol 20 mm buildings" Topic

Dapol's a model railway company that retails OO gauge models that can be used for wargaming in 1/72 scale.

Here are a few examples (actually, about half their suitable range)

These are actually unpainted plastic models. They can be used for games set in western Europe from the 1940s. Actually, I find them somewhat soulless, but they are quite cheap (these 4 cost me less than 40€, including P&P) and you can keep the roofs loose and place figures inside. IMO, a good way to get started, like me, on your 20mm terrain.

Ah, it's good to see the old Airfix models are still available. Yhey are quite iconic.

They can be used for games set in western Europe

Well yes they can, but their designs are quintessentially English, so are not really accurate for anywhere else in Europe.

Oh and the thatched roof on the cottage is far too yellow. Thatch weathers quite quickly to a dark grey colour

I use the church for my WW2 western European games but the others are a bit English mind you if you want to do the eagle has landed in 20mm…

Well yes they can, but their designs are quintessentially English,

Unless, of course, you're willing to be a bit creative and do some kit bashing.

Back in the distant past of Airfix magazine noted wargamer Terry Wise did a series on converting the Trackside buildings to more useful things.

The Signal box became a Western Saloon. The modern garage became two false fronted Western town buildings.

The Ticket booking hall became a Southern Court House.

There's some examples in the review here : PDF link

And the Vintage Wargaming Blog has examples of some of the original "how-to-do-it" articles :

link

Of course none of these topped what Terry Wise did with the Sherwood castle kit (huge, impressive castle) and the Roman Mile Fort kit (medieval walled town!!).

Thanks, I didn't know Airfix had made some buildings for model railways. Seems fitting I recently built their good old 88 and SdKfz 7…

Indeed, the buildings are more English than anything. But, being French myself and having lived for years in the northern half of the country, and traveled quite a bit as well, I can tell you'd find quite a few buildings not that dissimilar from these models.

Love how neat that dark grey thatch is – wonder why we all seem to use scraggy teddy bear fur

I always wanted one of the windmills.