Command and Colors board - getting there...

Having painted in the hex lines using white paint, the next step was to go over them using a dark green. So far, I've done this for four of the six required boards. You can see three pictured here, slotted together.

Once this was done, it was time to add the flock. I'm using Noch flock, which is the same stuff I use on the bases of my figures. I used a slightly watered down PVA as the glue, and then used a sieve to apply the flock, which helped to ensure the application was even. I don't want the finished surface to be too uneven, since there will be MDF terrain hexes sitting on top.

And here's a shot of the first finished board. It's ok, but I've learned a few things about how I'd do it differently next time. My biggest mistake was using a fine pen to mark out the lines needed to plot the hexes. I had assumed these wouldn't be visible underneath the flock, but I was wrong! I'll make sure I use a pencil next time.

I think a bit of colour variation would improve the look, so if I do this C&C board again, I'll paint a thin coat of browns and green over the hexes before applying the flock. This will also help to mute the hex lines a bit.

This weekend I'm hoping to get most of the other 5 boards finished. After that, I'll be thinking about putting together the terrain hexes for hills and rivers etc. For buildings, I've ordered a 10mm scale black powder set from Total Battle Miniatures, so I'm looking forward to those arriving and getting them painted up.

Meanwhile, figure painting progresses steadily. I added more bases to the Prussian infantry this week, and have another base of horse artillery currently on the paint bench. More photo updates soon!

Commands and Colors board - a bit more done

It's been a bit of a slow week or two for the hobby. Too much work, not enough leisure time. A familiar story for many. I have, however, found time to progress the Commands and Colors hex board.

I started marking out the hex grid on the first three sections of chipboard, which are now almost finished. I'll need six of these for a standard size 13 x 9 hex C&C map, so I'm about half way there with this part of the project.

It didn't take too long, once I got into a rhythm. It's not a terribly exciting task this - but strangely therapeutic at the same time.

I'm using white acrylic paint to begin with, but at this stage I'm undecided about whether I should leave the lines at that, or colour them some sort of green or brown shade. I'll probably do the latter, which is more work of course, but I think it'll look better (and less conspicuous) once the hexes are flocked.

As far as figure painting goes, I'm continuing to add extra bases to most of the units in both the French and Prussian collections. This past fortnight it's been mostly cavalry, and now I'm adding bases to boost the Prussian infantry. I did take some quick photos with my phone, but the light was awful, so not much point in sharing them. I'll add a few photos to the next blog post when I get a chance to photograph them properly.

Hope to show you a couple of finished sections of the board soon.