Parting of the Clouds

[Flying Helmut]

I have been asked how I produced the clouds on the IPMS thread (link to follow), so here are a few quick pictures to explain.

Structure.


1 + 2 = 3

Kapok (is that how it's spelt, or is that a Kevin Spacey film?) + Litko "Elevated Cloud" marker & Aerodrome Accessories Cloud Marker = WOG 'Cloud-a-la-Helmut'

Litko price correct at time of going to press!

I glued the cruciform vertical cloud components to each other and to the horizontal 'cloud base' piece, and glued the transparent base/column together, but did NOT glue the cloud assembly to the base assembly, or the Aerodrome Accessories base to the column; this allows the model to be broken down into three pieces for transportation.



Transportation.

"Really Useful" box, which holds card decks, flak markers, Advanced and Regular cockpits and game charts, glue (3 different types!), Gimbal magnets/pegs, Game Counters compartment box, rulers etc etc, plus one KR Multicase Card Box (48 minis).
Plus, of course, 4 cloud models, fluffy Kapok clouds + bases! The 4 (currently) Kapok cloud sit in the box loose, without the need for individual storage - they are not crushed or compressed by anything.


For larger table area games (4 mats or more) I tend to use my own custom-made cloud base markers; these are much larger than the Aerodrome Accessories ones, and allow an aircraft to remain within a given cloud for an extended period (pilot skill permitting!).


These are white card sheets cut into irregular shapes, and are reversible (I originally made them as gas cloud/Nebula markers for 'Full Thrust' space combat games, but they serve admirably as benign or threatening clouds for WOG).




House Rule for Cloud Use

In games without altitude rules, cloud use is simple.
If the Peg Column of an aircraft is within the area of the cloud marker in contact with the mat, that plane may NOT fire or be fired upon. "Simples!"
If the line of fire between two aircraft which are both judged to be outside the cloud crosses any part of the cloud base in contact with the mat, then those planes may NOT fire upon each other. "Simples II - the sequel!"

Which of the three planes in the last picture are allowed to fire at each other? - NONE of them!

Since the Litko cloud's transparent column is of a fixed length, it is not possible to increase the distance from mat to horizontal cloud base.
Aircraft mounted on 3 pegs, plus an Aerodrome Accessories Gimble mount, can fly within a cloud without being hampered, and can bank, stall etc without restriction - 4 pegs can cause two-seaters to come into contact with the horizontal cloud base above them.



House rule for Altitude involves adding the Altitude Dial to the Aerodrome Accessories cloud marker, and is best visualised by flying all aircraft with a variable number of pegs, so it is clear to see whether an aircraft is above, below or within a cloud.


Hope that helps - I look forward to seeing other Forum members' cloud methods!

[gully_raker]

Some great work & thought there my friend.
I just "plonk" acrylic cushion filler on the mat in a bunched up shape which I lift if necessary but your idea is great to allow aircraft to pass under etc.

[prymus]

Very nice Tim, thanks for the tutorial. Really adds to the aesthetics of the game.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Great expose on the secret life of clouds.
I always wondered how they stayed up there Tim.
I at last have a use for all the perspex rod and bases I bought before Bomber pegs and the Oberst's bases were introduced.
Rob.

[Guntruck]

Nicely done Tim

[flash]

Towsers Tim !

[Baron Rolf]

That's really a great idea Tim

[Captain Chum]

Very cool!!!!!!!!!!

[bogue]

Tim,

Thanks for this thread, I have now got the bits to make the clouds.

Thanks

Nigel

[Пилот]

Litko & cotton combo gives a very good cloud.