Friday 8 September 2023

Elastolin style trenches

 Following on from the previous post, here is a command post I made many years back in the style of the old Elastolin modular trench sections:

For many years (more like decades!) I had been bidding at various auctions on original Elastolin entrenchments but without any success.  It's not that they're rare, they come up all the time, it's just that they are desirable and always sell for silly money.  So I decided to make my own.

Based roughly on an original model from the 1930's the basic structure is formed from polystyrene packing, the whole thing then covered in papier mache and sprinkled with sawdust for texture.  The entrance posts and lintels were provided by the stick from a firework rocket and the steps just cardboard folded into a concertina shape.  The paint scheme follows the original, an overall wash of earth brown with a drybrush of grass green and the odd highlight of drybrushed yellow.

The only problem is storage, the figures are 7cm tall so it's a big old piece of kit and the only place I can find for it at the moment is balancing rather precariously on top on another glass display case!

16 comments:

  1. Nice work Brian - having no knowledge of the original I Googled and was impressed by the number of different components that they made

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    1. Same here, MJT. I have on file a photo of an Elastolin German WW2 unit repairing a telephone line. It inspired me to create a similar unit for my 54mm wargaming collection, but their version still wins the prize for several reasons.
      Michael

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    2. Thanks MJT it makes a nice variation on the traditional toy soldier fort.

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  2. Brian, I think you have captured the pre-1980 look of dioramas (or 1930s Elastolin) which I remember in museums, and early modelling books and magazines. I think it looks great! Mind you, I do also like modern static and scatter materials.
    Michael

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    1. Thanks Michael, making terrain is fairly new territory for me but I have to say I'm quite enjoying the creative process.

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  3. Splendid work Brian, looks great!
    Alan Tradgardland

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    1. Thanks Alan, I must try to get more completed!

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  4. When I first saw your pictures Brian, I thought that these were some Elastolin pieces that I haven't seen before! You did an excellent job, looking very much like the very expensive originals!

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    1. Thanks Brad, I like the idea of having a setting for non combat poses.

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    1. Thanks Ross, I'm still learning after all these years!

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  6. Thanks John, I'm inspired to try smaller units that will be easier to store.

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  7. These are great Brian. Duly added to my 'I must get round to making one of these' list...

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    1. That sounds like another step on a slippery slope!

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