DAM Project! Revisited . . .

**clipper1801** · 11-30-2015 23:12

After agonizing over scales and strategies so long I had forgotten the fun of just "DOING IT!"

An innocent sheet of card board arrived wrapped around the new doggie bed, soon found its way to the cutting board . . .
Cross sections developed by "eye" to look cool - not necessarily to scale. Hot glued and taped to the main test wall.

Bomb side, water level 4" down from the top, faint line there . . .

Back side without water spillways cut in yet . . .

Bring on the "boys" (See my Bomber Box thread)

From the attack side to check scale "appearance . . .

Over the top . . .

And from the pull away side . . .

"Its a hit!" I dare say I think so!

This will be my test rig, next the bi-level playing mat, flack guns, terrain, and a huge table! Comments please, I am thinking this might be a fun Con project . . . it will be around 40" wide for the dam, loosely based on the Eder site, long enough to allow the initial approach and fly around for second passes etc.

**7eat51** · 11-30-2015 23:46

Wonderful idea!!!

I have been trying to add some eye-candy at the games at our FLGS. I think the folks have enjoyed it. Something like this would be a smash.

**Jager** · 12-01-2015 00:15

Great idea David. It's true that sometimes the planning just gets in the way of the execution. It definitely looks like a good eye-catcher for a con

Originally Posted by 7eat51

Wonderful idea!!!

I have been trying to add some eye-candy at the games at our FLGS. I think the folks have enjoyed it. Something like this would be a smash.

As long as it's not the bomber smashing into the dam

Karl

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 12-01-2015 01:15

Two great ideas in the same area Dave.
The dam and bouncing bomb.
Well done that man.
Rob.

**Marechallannes** · 12-01-2015 01:18

Nice project.

**Tonx** · 12-01-2015 01:53

Excellent idea - very best of luck in it's further development ...

One idea has just occurred to me though - the Eder Dam if you are going to base this project upon that particular site was undefended IIRC. The Mohne Dam was heavily defended by FLAK Installations - unless of course you are aiming to produce one dam target with elements of all of them incorporated into it? Currently thinking back to when I flew a Dams-esque Raid earlier this year using the default kit which comes along with the Avro Lancaster Dambuster Edition. Cannot remember how many practice runs I had at the target though I remember using two types of aircraft - not for the faint hearted!

**milcoll73** · 12-01-2015 03:23

"just "DOING IT!""

DAMN! i think your theory holds a lot of water......................

.......................

**clipper1801** · 12-01-2015 10:46

Originally Posted by Tonx

Excellent idea - very best of luck in it's further development ...

One idea has just occurred to me though - the Eder Dam if you are going to base this project upon that particular site was undefended IIRC. The Mohne Dam was heavily defended by FLAK Installations - unless of course you are aiming to produce one dam target with elements of all of them incorporated into it? Currently thinking back to when I flew a Dams-esque Raid earlier this year using the default kit which comes along with the Avro Lancaster Dambuster Edition. Cannot remember how many practice runs I had at the target though I remember using two types of aircraft - not for the faint hearted!

Exactly what I was thinking, the idea is to make it authentic looking and as accurate as you want to make it. I envision the torpedo nets, AA and spot lights as add ons to make it more or less challenging as desired. I am also working up a "zone of destruction" so when the dam is hit a section will collapse and release a flow of debris/fake water through the wall. . . to sweep downstream . . . hmmm might be too graphic though . . .

**Hunter** · 12-01-2015 15:18

Nifty and cool!

**Stumptonian** · 12-01-2015 18:41

You, sir, never cease to amaze me.

**clipper1801** · 12-01-2015 22:12

So here is the "skin" for the dam faces

Many copies to wallpaper both sides!

And a plan view of the game space. 48" x 72" should give enough room to enter, from north and south, turn on final, make the bomb run, dodge the lights, flack, and torpedo nets, release the bomb, climb over the dam and make a climbing right or left turn, return to make a second pass or return to base. This allows for near parallel attacks and flack drawing wingmen to accompany the bomb run. Any ideas or suggestions? There will be an elevation change over the dam of around 11" that can require a dive and zoom climb out for added fun!

Thanks to Maverick for his ideas and suggestions! I invite yours as well. The whole kit is being modularized to fit in a 16" cube box at this point for easy shipping and set up. Magnets and velcro, some parts will need some assembly! Batteries not included, but we will see, those clever Brits had some neat search light ideas . . .

**Blackronin** · 12-02-2015 01:36

More?!

**Mad Charly** · 12-02-2015 14:54

Really fantastic 3D map!!!

Carlo

Click image for larger version.

Name: image.jpeg
Views: 238
Size: 29.4 KB
ID: 182834

**matt56** · 12-02-2015 16:00

This will be simply spectacular, Dave! I look forward to seeing how it evolves...

All the best,
Matt

**clipper1801** · 12-02-2015 16:27

Not the first time . . .!

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 12-03-2015 01:36

They drafted in to help the Elves then Dave?

Rob.

**Mad Charly** · 12-03-2015 03:08

Finally we discover the Elves!!!!

Bye

Carlo

Click image for larger version.

Name: MadCharlySigcopy.jpg
Views: 233
Size: 18.5 KB
ID: 182850

**Marechallannes** · 12-03-2015 08:17

Have an eye on the Lancasters turning radius, Dave.

**clipper1801** · 12-03-2015 10:42

Originally Posted by Marechallannes

Have an eye on the Lancasters turning radius, Dave.

I will, that's why I am doing some testing, I designed the board with a 9"-10" radii . . . tonight after the elves are in bed I will sneak down and give them go. Thanks for the warning : ) Did the Lancaster have a tighter turn with the torque that the cards do not indicate? Just wondering aloud. Mine has a definite desire to turn right but I have taught it to turn left . . .

**clipper1801** · 12-03-2015 21:19

All things Lancasterian . . .

Measuring the turn!

It appears that with the regular turn card the Lancaster can turn nearly 180 degrees like so, at a diameter of 13.5" or so. Just fine! So now to turn this:

into something like this:

How much detail . . . how to make the hills stand tall and still allow the Lancasters to cross . . . need more G & T to get the ideas flowing . . .

**flash** · 12-03-2015 22:49

Bombers on gimbals should help cope with uneven terrain - you may want to look at 'stepping' the hills to give somewhere to stand the bases but that might not give you the steepness you require.
You may also need to adjust the start position slightly to ensure that when the Lancs turn in on the bomb run they are perpendicular to the dam as it seems from your experiment they don't turn a clean 90.
Are you setting it up to have two separate 'racetracks' & bomb runs or are you having a single bomb run with loops off left and right ? If you have one on the centre line and run bombers down one at a time it might help with the room needed to make the 180 turn for the return leg.
Great project.

**Marechallannes** · 12-09-2015 01:43

Interesting thoughts about the turns.

Problems can be:

To make a 180 degree turn with slow speed on the map - around a 20 millimeter AA gun can be tricky.

You'll stay with the turn on the map as long as the aproach is nearly on the ideal line in the middle.

At all good reseach.

**Lt. S.Kafloc** · 12-09-2015 03:19

Dave I used a hex based searchlight token at Origins. Although for the complexity of Taranto I left the beam static throughout, my idea was to move the beam 1 segment either way per maneuver card played. The beam is linked to an AA gun and the beam was 2' long and 4" wide at the business end. The beam was split into 2 equal sections. The furthest being marked A and the nearest to the actual searchlight B. Any aircraft flying through or landing on the beam took the relevant damage chit. This may be difficult to replicate (the beam that is) with modular height terrain although if you could work some kind of actual beam (the elves and yourself being such masters and technical geniuses) I'm sure you could come up with a workable solution.

For the mechanics of the bomb run as single aircraft only were involved (I think) in the actual run (center line for run in) to drop a bomb placing a second aircraft to left or right as decoy, could that decoy aircraft (B) not turn the same way as the bombing aircraft (A), this would therefore increase the area for the bombing aircraft to turn and increase the area for the decoy to turn.

Click image for larger version.

Name: dam busters.jpg
Views: 216
Size: 43.5 KB
ID: 183198

Neil

**flash** · 12-09-2015 08:19

Originally Posted by Marechallannes

...To make a 180 degree turn with slow speed on the map - around a 20 millimeter AA gun can be tricky...

Yeah, true that Sven, I suppose that will depend on the rules used. If Dave goes with something along the lines of the solo AA rules in WWI it may prevent it being too devastating as he'd have to draw a special damage before he can draw for actual damage caused. If he couples that with the searchlight rules it may make things even harder perhaps. Lots to think about but potential for a stunning game is immense.

**Naharaht** · 12-10-2015 09:15

This is a really exciting looking project, David. I cannot wait to see the final result.

**Flying Helmut** · 12-10-2015 12:26

It will be truly awesome!

**Nightbomber** · 12-10-2015 13:04

Wishing you good luck on your efforts, chaps.
Lancasters, although magnificent planes definitely, are not my cup of WoG WGS tea.

**Jager** · 12-16-2015 02:19

Originally Posted by Nightbomber

Wishing you good luck on your efforts, chaps.
Lancasters, although magnificent planes definitely, are not my cup of WoG WGS tea.

Are they getting too much for your Nachtjaegers?
Karl

**Marechallannes** · 12-16-2015 04:59

Andrzej reminds me a little bit on Flying Helmut (No Sails)...

"NO LANCASTERS!"

**Flying Helmut** · 12-16-2015 16:38

Originally Posted by Marechallannes

Andrzej reminds me a little bit on Flying Helmut (No Sails)...

"NO LANCASTERS!"

**clipper1801** · 02-16-2016 16:48

Peel and stick moss sheets! Just found this in the floral section at Hobby Lobby today, might make some cool landscape for my 3D mat . . . any one use it yet?

A bit spendy, but it looks great, will I have to water it and mow it?

**Flying Helmut** · 02-16-2016 16:53

Originally Posted by clipper1801

Peel and stick moss sheets! Just found this in the floral section at Hobby Lobby today, might make some cool landscape for my 3D mat . . . any one use it yet?

A bit spendy, but it looks great, will I have to water it and mow it?

Sounds like a job for the Landscape Elves!

**grumpybear** · 02-16-2016 17:54

Great work David. You always amaze me with your ideas and workmanship

**clipper1801** · 05-04-2018 18:48

Three years later, a team of elves bravely approached the mountain of unfinished projects in the Clipper Zone . . . it all began again with a simple magazine . . .

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20180504_182025.jpg
Views: 148
Size: 142.8 KB
ID: 246196

Ahh the memories, the correspondence with the crew here . . . "Bring out the Book of Secrets!"

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20180504_163234.jpg
Views: 146
Size: 152.3 KB
ID: 246194

The Book of Secrets, I have had the habit since I was in 3rd grade, a secret book of plans, plots and projects. A notebook kept away from prying eyes and spies (sisters). Since then they have become more sophisticated, a bound edged notebook of graph paper to record my crazy ideas . . . Zeppelins, resin casting, lists of Shapeways models, color schemes, foam core aircraft carriers to sail boats, radar stations . . . really many of the projects you have seen here . . .

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20180504_163304.jpg
Views: 147
Size: 161.3 KB
ID: 246198

Looking like a crime scene in a bad mystery . . . plans had been drawn, details gathered . . .

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20180504_163349.jpg
Views: 147
Size: 150.3 KB
ID: 246200

Reviewing the research done . . .

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20180504_163159.jpg
Views: 145
Size: 142.6 KB
ID: 246201

Play schematic . . . determined a 4' x 6' play base . . . thinking it needs to be sketched full size . . . just happen to have a sheet of 4' x 8' thick cardboard at the office . . . left from a 1/6 size Noah's Ark . . . hmm

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20180504_163152.jpg
Views: 146
Size: 94.1 KB
ID: 246202

The dam cross section - oh yea, we will need a two layer play mat . . . 10" water difference from the upwaters to down side of the dam . . .

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20180504_163003.jpg
Views: 146
Size: 152.4 KB
ID: 246204

Enlarged photos, before and after . . . details, details . . .

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20180504_163038.jpg
Views: 145
Size: 155.0 KB
ID: 246205

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20180504_163048.jpg
Views: 146
Size: 157.2 KB
ID: 246206

Dinner will be a bit late . . . the elves are digging in this time . . . !

**gully_raker** · 05-04-2018 19:18

We await further episodes with anticipation!

**milcoll73** · 05-05-2018 00:14

i was beginning to think you didnt give a DAMN about this damn project anymore....................

**Shadowcat** · 05-05-2018 01:43

Well it is just another Dam project....

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 05-05-2018 02:06

Nice to see you have bounce back to this project Dave.
I will follow your progress with my usual degree of interest.
Rob.

**Angiolillo** · 05-05-2018 07:40

This is going to be EPIC.

**Stumptonian** · 05-05-2018 08:45

Originally Posted by Angiolillo

This is going to be EPIC.

Sums it up perfectly!

**Jager** · 05-05-2018 14:23

Originally Posted by Angiolillo

This is going to be EPIC.

With Clipper, Always!

Karl

**Sulring** · 05-06-2018 09:13

Originally Posted by Angiolillo

This is going to be EPIC.

Quite right! I would even say it's gonna be legen- wait for it - dary! Le-gen-da-ry!

**Xen** · 05-16-2018 16:55

Only just saw this thread, wow oh wow can't wait to see more!

**clipper1801** · 05-16-2018 19:31

The elves have just procured new foam sculpting tools today and the green foliage stuff is coming in tomorrow. Foam sheets await their skills and the 4' x 6' base plate is lurking in the garage waiting for Mrs Clipper to be distracted long enough slip it in onto the dining room table . . . likely as she watches the Royal Wedding Saturday a.m . . . . . .

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 05-17-2018 03:00

This is arousing my interest more and more Dave.
Rob.

**Popsical** · 05-17-2018 10:37

Rad shutters auto!

**BobP** · 05-17-2018 12:58

Another great project by the master of such things. As with others can't wait to see the finished project.

**Flying Helmut** · 05-17-2018 14:06

Oh my Giddy Aunt!

I'll be watching Clipper's Dam project, not the wedding!

**clipper1801** · 05-17-2018 16:32

Okay then, its Thursday here in the AZ and I have a 4 day weekend, well I have to show up for a few hours Saturday morning and Sunday morning, but then its all mine!!!!! On the way home from work today picked up a few "Dam" items more . . .

Click image for larger version.

Name: 20180517_155730.jpg
Views: 81
Size: 136.8 KB
ID: 247268

A few sheets of foam board, roll of green grass and a roll of flattened "trees" mat, a yard of night blue water cotton fabric . . . pulled the stonework sticker sheets, the Lancasters, a few hours of video inspiration . . . . enlarged before and after photos and some useful sketches . . . missing in the photo are the large foam sheets for sculpting the mountains and fabricating the "Dams".