Every scale has its charm, whether being able to add lots of realistic details in the larger scales like 1:32 or O-scale or being able to portray realistic landscapes in N or Z.
Recently, I have tried a new scale, 1:700, the smallest I have ever built models in. The reason was the game Black Seas, where to fleets of varying size battle on a maritime tabletop, set in the years 1770-1830.
The game rules are found in an attractive starter set at a reasonable price, including everything needed for playing.
I was drawn to the game by the incredible detailed tiny ships, here a 3rd rate ship of the line. The plastic models go together easily with a good fit, and it only takes a few minutes for the hull and the masts. The rigging and sails take somewhat longer, but can be left out, if it feels to fiddly.
The starter set comes with three frigates and six brigs, more than enough for a battle. I also bought two East India Men and some 3rd rates to get an idea of the offerings.
Several different hulls – the yellow brigs and frigate came with the starter set.
To learn more about the scale and the models, I painted one of the brigs in standard British colours, and it looked surprising good. For my own navy, I will model the late 18th century Danish-Norwegian navy.
I eventually figures out it was easier to leave off the masts until the painting was complete. It is not impossible to paint the ships with the masts glued on, just annoying 🙂
I love how the printed sails and ratlines add a ton of details to the models – the end up apprearing like small Fabergé-eggs. Especially the ratlines are quite clever, being printed on clear acrylic. Seen from the right angle, it looks spectacular!
A Chinamen of the Danish Asiatic Company from the 1770’s are almost done and just needs sails, ratlines, flags and a bit of touching up here and there.
It is quite a pleasure painting the models – one day I might even play the game as well, but falling in the love with the elegant models is a great start 🙂
Epoch 