I've been thinking about how to build a proper fire base with sunken trenches and bunkers. I have enough bits to do the typical "above ground" style but it doesn't really satisfy. I ordered gun pits and revetments from our own Mr. Robson and have been tinkering with them. I have settled on an initial plan of attack:
Overall the base will be 36" square when complete. It will be modular so I can add/adapt or use for other games. The three circles represent three gun pits each 5" in diameter. Then I have noted the location of the three sunken bunkers (Command, Medcical, FSB). Other tents will simply be placed when/where as needed above ground. The center of the camp will be made up of four 12" square tiles, 1/2" thick. The modular nature will allow them to be set up in a few different configurations, and also allow me to make new 12" tiles when needed. Surrounding the center will be a ring of entrenchments and bunkers. The around that will be wire.
Around the center will be trench sections. These will be 1/2" thick but sloped. They will be 6" deep and probably in sections 8-18" wide (I haven't worked that part out exactly). The goal is that these too could be geomorphic so I can add sections in the future according to a set "profile" so I can create additional tiles and know they will conform. I will place a layer of shelf liner – the tacky kind – underneath all the tiles to hold them in place (or I may just glue sand to the undersides so they grip my game mat).
As it turns out I have decided not to use the revetments I bought. I decided this for a few reasons (none of which are tied to the excellent product itself). First their chamfer design requires cutting my tiles at a 45 degree angle on each side of the trench. Second, it means the trench has to conform to the lengths/angles available. And finally I would need a TON of them – over 240" linear inches. For a terrain piece I won't use all that often it seemed a bit excessive.
I think instead I may make my trenches flush and line them with illustrations printed on paper or card stock instead. I can make these in Corel and print them as needed. Plus, being paper they will conform to curves (the revetments require everything to be straight).
The wire will be made by coiling wire around a pencil and based (I've been told loose coils tangle like a m**ther 
cker!). This will allow sections to be removed when sapper sblow the wire, or if a tank creates a gap. I will not do three bands, the one base will represent any/all layers of wire. Multiple rings creates a real ground scale problem.
I will need 10-12 bunkers and have not yet settled on how to create those. Flashpoint make sandbag walls that may work, and then I just have to manufacture the roofs. I'll also be scratch building a watch tower (coffee stirrers are such a wonderful thing).
Thought, suggestions, concerns, criticisms welcomed and encouraged!
struggles to complete his SISI truck force.
