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Thread: Target Ships

  1. #1

    Default Target Ships

    Hello...John here from Topside Minis. We are interested in finding out if there is an interest in using our ship images to be used as targets for aerial battles. We would develop sets that we would offer for sale as a pdf download. They could be then printed on card stock. The card stock would lay flat and make it easy to move the planes on/over them. The current scale is 1/1800 but they could be reduced or scaled up a little if need be. If you are not familiar with our ship images, you can view them in the image gallery on our site here http://topsideminis.com/tsm-image-gallery-home-page/

    Thanks for your time.

    Here is an actual size of a US carrier. It is 6.25 x 1.5 inches. This is the largest size we currently have. They could be enlarged a bit if needed or shrunk down as much as needed.

    Bunker Hill-Sample.jpg
    Last edited by JAG; 06-25-2015 at 13:41.

  2. #2

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    I visited your booth at RockCon in Rockford, IL, two or so years ago. I remember being impressed with the aesthetic and finish of your minis.

    It might help to post a picture and dimensions of the largest scale image you are able to produce. There would be a difference between bombing a target from higher altitudes and torpedoing a target from lower altitudes. I assume those interested in the latter might like larger minis.
    “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” ― Plato

  3. #3

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    Quote Originally Posted by 7eat51 View Post
    I visited your booth at RockCon in Rockford, IL, two or so years ago. I remember being impressed with the aesthetic and finish of your minis.

    It might help to post a picture and dimensions of the largest scale image you are able to produce. There would be a difference between bombing a target from higher altitudes and torpedoing a target from lower altitudes. I assume those interested in the latter might like larger minis.
    Thanks for the suggestion....image added. We should be back at the new WHAT-CON convention this year!

  4. #4

    matt56's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies.
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    I bought your WWI Falklands set with that specific purpose in mind, John! It's a gorgeous product you have and perfect for the type of targets one might need in gaming here. In fact, someone's AAR here somewhere (Rob, was it you?) used Topside minis for that purpose, and THAT'S what led me to your website.

    I would love to see more options for WWI - it looks like your WW2 side is pretty extensive already, but some smaller stuff for Channel and coastal targets would be wonderful - I imagine that could work for WW2 as well as WWI.

    I really DO recommend your minis to anyone interested - they're gorgeous (but then I'm someone who cut his teeth on AH's "Jutland" ages ago, and I loved the ships in that game...)

    All the best,
    Matt

  5. #5

    Default

    BigglesDownunder and I have played a couple of games using their WW1 ships. They are very good and make excellent targets.

  6. #6

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by JAG View Post
    Thanks for the suggestion....image added. We should be back at the new WHAT-CON convention this year!
    Great. Thanks for uploading that; what a difference.

    Unfortunately, it is the same weekend as a small gaming convention in Bloomington, and I plan on running WoG and SoG there.

    Best wishes.

    Quote Originally Posted by matt56 View Post
    I would love to see more options for WWI - it looks like your WW2 side is pretty extensive already, but some smaller stuff for Channel and coastal targets would be wonderful - I imagine that could work for WW2 as well as WWI.
    Agreed.

    Quote Originally Posted by matt56 View Post
    I really DO recommend your minis to anyone interested - they're gorgeous
    Agreed, and they're very easy to store.
    “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” ― Plato

  7. #7

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by matt56 View Post
    I bought your WWI Falklands set with that specific purpose in mind, John! It's a gorgeous product you have and perfect for the type of targets one might need in gaming here. In fact, someone's AAR here somewhere (Rob, was it you?) used Topside minis for that purpose, and THAT'S what led me to your website.

    I would love to see more options for WWI - it looks like your WW2 side is pretty extensive already, but some smaller stuff for Channel and coastal targets would be wonderful - I imagine that could work for WW2 as well as WWI.

    I really DO recommend your minis to anyone interested - they're gorgeous (but then I'm someone who cut his teeth on AH's "Jutland" ages ago, and I loved the ships in that game...)

    All the best,
    Matt
    Thanks Matt, we are going to complete an entire Jutland set sometime next year and I am sure we can throw in some coastal action for WWI!

  8. #8

    Default

    If you guys think that people would go for it, we could commission a few ships per country at the 144 scale size...would that be of interest? Wait..that would be kind of big...but we could make them as big as we need too.
    Last edited by JAG; 06-25-2015 at 14:27.

  9. #9

    Default

    The ones I got from you are just for this purpose. I like the scale as is.

  10. #10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by JAG View Post
    If you guys think that people would go for it, we could commission a few ships per country at the 144 scale size...would that be of interest? Wait..that would be kind of big...but we could make them as big as we need too.
    WWI is 1:144, and WWII is 1:200. I know one person who would buy some, especially if they had the same finish as the ones you were selling at the con.
    “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” ― Plato

  11. #11

    Default

    At Origins, some of the guys ran events with a rather large 3-D carrier.
    “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” ― Plato

  12. #12

    matt56's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies.
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    Like Peter, I think your scale for use with THIS game is just fine! Oooh, Jutland!

    Dare I suggest some WWI Adriatic targets? Perhaps some Austro-Hungarians and Italians? With the Ares Capronis and Macchi flying boats, these sorts of targets would be ideal...

    You might also consider some potential Gallipoli surface units - there could be some fun action there, too.

    So great that you are seeking input!

    All the best,
    Matt
    Last edited by matt56; 06-26-2015 at 02:16. Reason: typos

  13. #13

    Thumbs up

    G'day John!
    I have already purchased quite a number of US & Japanese ships in your standard range that I use under War at Sea 3D models for Wings of Glory WW2.
    I find they are just great as when I remove the 3 D model to overfly the target I still have the ship image below.

    Of course I do not really need the 3 D models but they look great in After Action Report photos.

  14. #14

    Smile

    Quote Originally Posted by matt56 View Post
    I bought your WWI Falklands set with that specific purpose in mind, John! It's a gorgeous product you have and perfect for the type of targets one might need in gaming here. In fact, someone's AAR here somewhere (Rob, was it you?) used Topside minis for that purpose, and THAT'S what led me to your website.

    I would love to see more options for WWI - it looks like your WW2 side is pretty extensive already, but some smaller stuff for Channel and coastal targets would be wonderful - I imagine that could work for WW2 as well as WWI.

    I really DO recommend your minis to anyone interested - they're gorgeous (but then I'm someone who cut his teeth on AH's "Jutland" ages ago, and I loved the ships in that game...)

    All the best,
    Matt
    Naaar that was me Matt in both the Pearl Harbour Pacific solo campaign & the Midway game at our games club..

  15. #15

    Default

    For conventions, I have used a 1/200 scale carrier to attract interest. It certainly drew eyes and people to the table.

    Glorious 1 Setup_IMG_2766.jpg

    Your solution would make overflights and storage much easier, but not as visible across the convention room floor.

    With altitude, smaller targets would be somewhat better, except for torpedo attacks, where full scale should be considered. It plays hob with the "standard" one peg = 1000 ft, though, when you need six pegs to be level with the flight deck.
    Last edited by OldGuy59; 06-25-2015 at 18:35.
    Mike
    "Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
    "Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59

  16. #16

    matt56's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies.
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    Sorry, Barry! I knew it was someone who had posted a lot of stuff - thanks for turning me onto Topside - I look forward to using them in the not-to-distant future in a game of my own.

    All the best,
    Matt

  17. #17

    Thumbs up

    Quote Originally Posted by matt56 View Post
    Sorry, Barry! I knew it was someone who had posted a lot of stuff - thanks for turning me onto Topside - I look forward to using them in the not-to-distant future in a game of my own.

    All the best,
    Matt

  18. #18

    Default

    I would like them to be in both 1/200 scale and the smaller size as well. My printer is not all that great by I could take a zip card to a print shop.

    Thomas

  19. #19

    Default

    I applaud anything of this type which adds extra colour and interest to our game John.
    The way that members have imaginatively used your products to develop and enhance our hobby at shows and in AARs here on the Drome is a real incentive to purchase your line of ships.
    I am sure whatever you choose to do they will continue to sell.
    For myself I am quite happy with the present sizes.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  20. #20

    Default

    For me personally I would prefer 1/1200 scale to go with the collection of 3D ships I already have.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  21. #21

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by matt56 View Post

    Dare I suggest some WWI Adriatic targets? Perhaps some Austro-Hungarians and Italians? With the Ares Capronis and Macchi flying boats, these sorts of targets would be ideal...


    I second the desire for Adriatic vessels--that would be a great addition for that theater.

  22. #22

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    I applaud anything of this type which adds extra colour and interest to our game John.
    The way that members have imaginatively used your products to develop and enhance our hobby at shows and in AARs here on the Drome is a real incentive to purchase your line of ships.
    I am sure whatever you choose to do they will continue to sell.
    For myself I am quite happy with the present sizes.
    Rob.
    Thanks Rob!

  23. #23

    Default

    Well the Adriatic theater can certainly be done....it's a matter of choosing the right battle or ship sets. Does anyone have any requests/suggestions in that regard?

  24. #24

    matt56's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies.
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    I'm sure there must be some ship lists somewhere online, John - I'll do some looking around this weekend and see what I can find. Now that I'm finally on Summer Break I have some 'me' time...plus SWMBO is away for the weekend!...not that there isn't a Honey-Do list...

    All the best,
    Matt

  25. #25

    Default

    This sounds like a good idea to me.

  26. #26

    matt56's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies.
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    I found this rather neat overview of the war in the Med and associated areas, John; perhaps you know of it already.

    www.naval-history.net/WW1AreaMed1914-18.htm

    It lists all sorts of ships - capital ships to torpedo boats and submarines, and covers losses on all sides nicely, it seems to me. While it would be great to have all the Austro-Hungarian ships 'bottled up" in Pola so you could fly Caproni bombing missions against them (), I'm not sure how many would buy them all.

    Certainly capital ships make nice targets, but I would think the smaller ships might actually be better - subs and MTBs and the smaller escorts, along with freighters or supply ships - these would be prime targets for flying boats and other single and two-seaters flying along the coast, or even out at sea a bit. Likewise I would think these sorts of smaller vessels would work well for Channel or North Sea and Baltic operations. The French sub "Foucault" would be great to have, so that Lohner flying boats could sink it ()...

    You already have the "Goeben" and "Breslau", along with several of the British ships sent to the Med, but I think you might be better suited to identify 'marketable' ships that might fit in with your production plans. If you are going to do Jutland, then obviously many of those ship profiles/plan views might find easy renaming to be used elsewhere. While I'm no naval expert, I am happy to offer whatever input you'd like.

    All the best,
    Matt

  27. #27

    Default

    That is a very good site Matt.
    Now what I must look for is the equivalent one for WW2.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  28. #28

    matt56's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies.
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    Try www.naval-history.net Rob; they have all sorts of stuff and I bet they do something similar for the Med in WW2...

    All the best,
    Matt

  29. #29

    Default

    Thanks for that info too Matt.
    That site has all sorts of goodies too.
    Had a cursory look see, but will delve further later.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  30. #30

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Baxter View Post
    BigglesDownunder and I have played a couple of games using their WW1 ships. They are very good and make excellent targets.
    Yep, Baxter and I have played several Monday night fights using them purely as static targets. They are ideal for this purpose - can't recommend them highly enough!

    It's a 'yes' from me!

  31. #31

    Default

    My main use for them would be WW1 small coastal actions. If those were produced I would buy them. Not sure about the scale? the ships I have are in 1/200 and with such small models they work well, but I will let you sort that out!

  32. #32

    Default

    A bit too small a scale for me - my stock target ships are 1/700 scale.

  33. #33

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Helmut View Post
    A bit too small a scale for me - my stock target ships are 1/700 scale.
    I wonder how much detail loss there would be if you expanded them; you can do that with PDF printing, no?
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  34. #34

    Default

    I like the scale you make now as I put 1/2400 ship models on them. Someday I do hope to build a scale ship or two!

  35. #35

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    Voted yes to this poll - ships just like trains make interesting and varied targets. Especially for those of us with a dive-bomber or two in our Collection. Not to mention the up and coming release for WGS of the Douglas SBD Dauntless!

  36. #36

    matt56's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies.
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    So, John, it looks like from a Channel standpoint you would need destroyers and torpedo boats and subs for the Imperial German forces in Ostende and Zeebrugge - of course, you'd have the Helgoland fleet as 'backup' - so if Jutland is in the works, there will be plenty of capital ships to go around on both sides. I have a lovely book called MarineKorps Flandern that covers the naval campaign (Kleinkrieg) from '14 to '18 with plenty of OBs and other material to help with specific ships. The Brits would have similar forces, along with supply ships and cruisers and other bigger vessels.

    For the Adriatic theater, I think the same would apply - Austro-Hungarian smaller ships and subs versus Italian and French and English of the same ilk - with the capital ships thrown in here and there for good measure. The site I listed above has some nice details of specifics, but I could certainly cull a list for you if you'd like.

    I personally would LOVE to run a scenario of a massed Caproni attack on Pola (similar to what Neil did at Origins with his Taranto scenario) against the A-H main fleet bottled up there, so you'd sell at least ONE set of A-H fleet elements ()

    When it comes to scale, your plan pictures are 1/1850, right? I really like them on the table top compared to the planes in 1/144th - for those with 1/2400 3D ships, it's not too much of a shift to use your plan views and then switch to their 3D models when necessary - likewise I think to go larger from your plan views up to 1/1200 models for 3D would work equally well.
    Your plan views are SO nice; they really add to any sort of game in which they're used.

    I would be happy to help however you need me to in order to come up with specific options for further releases - just let me know what you need. School doesn't start until August 12th, so I have some time...

    All the best,
    Matt



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