Wargames Terrain and Buildings (ePub)
WWI Trench Systems
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
File Size: 118.1 MB (.epub)
Pages: 136
ISBN: 9781526793553
Published: 29th June 2021
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| Wargames Terrain and Buildings Paperback Add to Basket | £14.99 |
Although it was a global conflict, for many WW1 is synonymous with the war in the trenches of the Western Front. For anyone wargaming these battles a good trench system is a must.
Douglas Hardy is a very experienced wargamer and terrain modeller and a member of the Western Front Association who has walked the battlefields many times. From the initial choice between stand-alone pieces on a mat or a fixed, bespoke layout, through to final detailing, he shares his experience, giving practical advice on building your own trench system.
He considers the differences between British, German and French trenches, which differed in design and construction, as well as developments in defences through the phases of the war. A trench system is not just the trench itself of course, but also the dugouts, barbed wire entanglements, sandbags, gun emplacements and pillboxes. Shell holes and shattered forests are also covered. Each element is explained in step-by-step detail, illustrated with numerous colour photos and there are also reference photos of real trenches.
The book is continually illustrated throughout with wonderful photographs, which adds a visual picture of the advice and tips provided by the author. One for example shows a trench section where there is a collapsed trench wall, and how this can be done using textured paint. The photos are developed as the model progression is built up, with colour and model figures. Another shows artillery battered trees in no man's land. Seeing the end result helps to provide some inspiration to start your own modelling in this area; or at least ideas of what it 'should' look like!
Jon Sandison
Written for modellers & wargamers this is a fascinating insight into trench building & design, so appeals to a much wider audience, especially as it includes a section on WW1 archaeology too. Something different and an enjoyable read!
Twitter, @sommecourt
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"The best thing about this book is the large amount of photos showing the author's own trench systems, both in progress and finished."
The Miniatures Page
“If you've ever thought about creating WWI trench systems, here's the book to pick up to learn from an expert."
Historical Miniature Gaming Society
Read the review here
If you are a wargamer looking for help with building your miniature trench systems, this is a book for you.
Great War IPMS, Great War SIG newsletter – October 2021
I found this book to be thoroughly enthralling, giving excellent references to the subject matter while at the same time, not getting lost in the timeless history surrounding it. The author has managed to show history through a few clever tricks and displays.
ARRSE (Army Rumour Service)
I would definitely recommend this book to any modeller or amateur historian.
Rating: five out of five.
Read the full review here
The war games series has proved very popular with both war gamers and military history enthusiasts. The high photographic content provides considerable detail of the trenches and buildings constructed in WWI – Highly Recommended
Firetrench
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The trench system was such an overwhelmingly integral part of WW1 warfare, that to have it described and examined in such minute detail is something quite special.
Books Monthly
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I found an easy and quick read. It will be invaluable for any wargamer who wants to create a trench system for their gaming table and I highly recommend it.
Iron Mammoth's Studio
Read the full review [link=https://ironmammoth.blogspot.com/2021/08/book-review-wargames-terrain-buildings.html]here[/llink]
In this book Douglas Hardy gives the wargamer and terrain modeller the benefit of his great experience in modelling, provided and of his excellent research and knowledge of not just modelling methods and materials but referenced to actual trench systems in the period supported by good practical advice. A valuable addition to the wargamers library and is highly recommended.
Martin Willoughby, Chairman of the Wessex Branch of the Western Front Association
What a fascinating little book about the WWI Trench System, from making your own in miniature model form to the latter-day refurbished trenches of today. The book is written in order and explains to the reader how to exactly create from scratch a model trench system and looks at the various types of trench used by different nations such as the British, French and German. There is actually a difference between them which some might be surprised at with many having differing benefits and problems. Douglas Hardy is clearly an expert on the subject and writes a good book which I think would benefit both the beginner and regular modeller. The photos in the book are varied and easy to follow whether it be models or the real thing. An excellent book and even if you are not into modelling there is still plenty to learn.
UK Historian
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The pictures of the authors groundwork along with the pictures of preserved trenches in the final chapter is set to inspire plenty of modellers/wargamers I am sure. Another very useful addition to this series of books for wargamers, this time in particular for those interested in the period of WW1.
Military Model Scene
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Simply invaluable for any WW1 modelling project.
Michael McCarthy
Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide
About Douglas Hardy
The author is a very experienced wargamer and model terrain builder. He is a member of the Western Front Association and has visited the battlefields of France and Belgium numerous times. He lives in the Southeast of England.
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