I've been building a couple of
ACE models 1/72 scale Sagaie armoured cars. These are interesting modern French vehicles that look like they can be used for a low-tech sci-fi setting. However, design-wise ACE models are almost the exact opposite of the Heller VABs. Even for small models like these, there are many pieces to glue together, along with tiny etched-metal fittings. Taken together, they produce excellent detail, but are often not suitable for wargaming. I've left off many small plastic pieces as well as most of the etched-metal fitting, otherwise they'd come off the first time anyone moved them around on the gaming table.
The two armoured cars, showing their long 90mm guns in proportion to their bodies.
The front of the Sagaie, showing the detail of the turret mantlet.
The back of the Sagaie, showing the detail of the amphibious propeller housings.
Now I just have to paint them in a similar camouflage style as my VABs.
The two armoured cars, showing their long 90mm guns in proportion to their bodies.
The front of the Sagaie, showing the detail of the turret mantlet.
The back of the Sagaie, showing the detail of the amphibious propeller housings.
They do look pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteNick
Have you tried looking at resin ones designed for wargaming. Admittedly the selection is not as great as with plastic stuff (and working with resin can be unpleasant) but the piece number is very low. I've ran into the same problem trying to find T-26 for early WWII.
ReplyDeleteWow, those turned out pretty nice! I have more than a few ACE kits and they can be frustrating in the extreme!
ReplyDeleteWow these rock!
ReplyDeleteThose look cool. I found the same issue with the 1/72 scale Panhard AML-90. I ended up leaving off the etched pieces ad many of the small pieces as well.
ReplyDeleteNice work - I think they look good in that pale grey!
ReplyDeleteI am a modeler foremost, so would never consider leaving details off, but using scale models for gaming would definitely require some delicate handling. Nevertheless, they still do look good as they are.
ReplyDeleteIf I ever get the nerve to do it myself, I'd probably attach the model to a movement base so that the model itself does not need to be handled.
> otherwise they'd come off the first time anyone moved them around on the gaming table
ReplyDeleteThe voice of experience! Yet they look very nice even without the fiddly bits.
Wow, I think this is the most comments I've got for any entry. Thanks everyone for commenting.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am looking into resin models for these rare vehicles, as I don't think short-run kits from ACE really fit my needs.