's first experience with 1:4800 scale naval models.
After some two years, the last of the late Richard Houston's original metal-cast 25mm Naval Guns and Ship Fittings have now been completely supplanted by their 28mm 3D resin-printed successors with the addition of these latest items.
Better detailed and more accurately scaled, the new Houston's range is now by far the most extensive and bargain-priced collection for wargamers and ship modelers anywhere in the hobby. And while a few more Fittings and the odd weapon system will be added in future, these new additions may be considered 'definitive'.
The replacement 'military' anchor has now been added, and in two sizes. The first is a smaller version suitable for gun= and riverboats.
The second version is a full-sized design suitable for freighters and larger warships.
Completing the range of anchors, there is now this 19th Century design suitable for wooden-hulled vessels under sail or steam.
For damage control on any large vessel, there is now this firefighting sation of a vertical water main with valve and fire hose with nozzle on reel. This complements the already available firefighting crew figures.
One of the most basic features on any steamship for wargames is the ship's funnel, and now instead of modelers having to fashion their own, a ready-to-use version is offered, complete with optional height extensions.
In the same vein, but for those modelers of 19th Century/Victorian-era vessels, an evocative alternative is now offered.
Besides these latest fittings, there is one final (?) addition: the venerable Hotchkiss Machinegun (with 'ammo stick') on a cone mount.
This same weapon will soon be added in tripod- and wheeled-carriage-mounted versions for use anywhere your French may be civilizing people.
To see more photos of these, their sizes, etc, and all other items in the Houston Collection, click here.
We hope the addition of these most recent ship fittings will tempt more folks to try their own hands at building gunboats, freighters and other craft to expand their wargame horizons.