Monday, 18 July 2011

The return of some old friends.

Inspired by the Fletcher Pratt naval wargame at COW recently, I ordered a set of the re-released Airfix 1/1200 Waterline ships. This set, sold as 'Sink The Bismarck', includes the full range of these 35 year old kits - Hood, Suffolk, Ark Royal, two Tribal class destroyers, Bismarck and Prinz Eugen.
I did own a full set of these in the '70s, when the individual boxes each bore the word 'new', and indeed it was around this time that I 'discovered' the Fletcher Pratt game. I gather that the new set is intended to retail for around £20, but it is readily available for the £15 I paid. This makes it something of a bargain, as it contains five Series 2 kits and a Series 1.
I will post photos as and when I get round to building the ships - the timescale will be governed largely by the pressure I come under from my fellow members of the Sheffield club for whom I have offered to run the FP game.
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15 comments:

  1. Conrad Kinch18 July 2011 at 10:50

    Already started one new period this week - must resist classic....

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  2. Tim Gow18 July 2011 at 11:33

    Conrad Kinch
    Famous last words...

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  3. Paul18 July 2011 at 12:25

    I must get round to actually making a model ship, rather than landing craft.

    Seems a very good price.

    Nice buy.

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  4. David Crook18 July 2011 at 12:37

    Hi Tim,

    Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear - I can only echo both CK and your response!

    Many of these models served in various guises in Eric Knowles South East Asia WW1 naval campaign (following on from Madasahatta) in which I was lucky enough to take part (in charge of the Turks). This was also using Fletcher Pratt rules and was an absolute hoot to take part in.

    If I remember correctly, the Turkish Fleet flagship was based on HMS Hood, was armed with 10 x 15" and went under the name of Sultan Fineghar The First.....

    The upturned hull of a Tribal class destroyer was used for a whole variety of cruiser types.

    Great fun and I shall be hard pressed not to buy this set!

    All the best,

    DC

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  5. Tim Gow18 July 2011 at 13:19

    Paul
    At least the terrain is easier!

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  6. Tim Gow18 July 2011 at 13:21

    David Crook
    It seems that we all have fond memories of these kits, and that a surprising number of them were used for games using or based on FP's rules. I expect that by the time I type this you'll have have ordered a set.

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  7. Peter Douglas18 July 2011 at 15:42

    Tim

    So do you have a school gym or chruch hall to actually play a FP game in?

    Tempting as these are, fortunately I've shot my gaming budget on 1:2400 GHQ models.

    PD

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  8. Tim Gow18 July 2011 at 15:55

    Peter Douglas
    You only really need a ballroom for a major fleet action. As it happens, the Sheffield club meets in a very big room with a hardwood floor...

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  9. Tim Gow18 July 2011 at 19:03

    West1871
    As always Rich - don't hold your breath!

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  10. Al18 July 2011 at 22:21

    Nice. I like this, most unusual. Do the rules cover skirmish type stuff as well or mostly fleet actions?

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  11. Tim Gow18 July 2011 at 22:41

    Al
    The Size and scope of an FP game is governed largely by the number of players and umpires you can round up. I have seen it used for everything from a couple of ships a side up to convoy attacks and actions involving several capital units and a few DDs on each size. Have a look at http://www.wargaming.co/books/pratt/homepage.htm. Go on. You know you want to.

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  12. Peter Douglas19 July 2011 at 15:48

    Tim

    You're an evil, evil man. Now I want it!

    PD

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  13. Tim Gow19 July 2011 at 17:14

    Peter Douglas
    Bwa-haahaahaahaa. It's not easy to type manic laughter!

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  14. Geordie an Exiled FoG23 July 2011 at 22:22

    If I see this set I'll buy it!

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  15. Tim Gow23 July 2011 at 23:16

    Geordie
    It seems to be readily available for around £15. Silly not to really.

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