Scheltrum

Buildings and Ship Models

Reviewed By David Barnes

Review of Scheltrum Miniatures buildings and ship models, available from PO Box 10231, Aberdeen, AB12 3TT, UK

This is a newish venture by two architects who, like many in the past, decided they could do better than what was already on offer - only they actually did something about it. I will list the samples I have, comment, and then draw some of them, not to scale.

The Heat and the Dust (20mm) range

Rendered and flat roofed buildings primarily for N. Africa but also suitable for the Middle East through to parts of India and even parts of Central and South America.

HD2 Small Hut A rendered building, some of which has been naturally shown as fallen away. There is one small high window and a wooden door with a bar across it. 60mm x 70mm x 40mm. £ 3.50.

HD7 Large barn with double doors The double doors are wooden and are barred on the outside and mended too - simple touches that help verisimilitude. There is a window which reflects the Anglo Saxon word "wind hole" - i.e. no glass. There are wooden mullions to stop thieves getting in. The ground floor has a trapdoor in the roof and there are steps up to a small upper story which also has a flat roof which has 3 low walls round the top on the outside. Reminds me of photos from Don Featherstone's wargames, Afghans defending their village against a punitive expedition. One point, these are solid castings and very heavy. If they were cast partially hollow they'd be lighter and save some material for other excellent buildings. 110mm x 65mm x 70mm. £ 6.50 at time of writing.

Boats, East to Cathay (15mm) range

I'm very impressed by the scope of the ships/boats offered and by the cleanness of their casting. They look impressive in the "raw" material, painted up they look even better!

FECB4 Adaki-Bune These large warships would form the core of a naval fleet. Although slow, these vessels were formidable adversaries. In addition to their crew, these vessels could mount up to 3 cannon. One gets a delicately modeled hull in grey resin with a fighting forecastle separate to fix on. Also a metal decking piece and two sets of protective shuttering, also in metal. So far there are eleven vessels of various sorts to choose from, ranging in price from £ 3.00 for a large San Pan to £ 20.00 for the developed version (more formidable) of the Adaki Bune. Masts were not provided on my sample but small circular dowelling will serve admirably. 220mm x 75mm x 47mm. E18.50.

Hypoborean Heroes (25mm) range

HHB2 Medium Dugout Canoe Very simple. Too small in the interior to take most 25mm figure bases. Use two as a catamaran perhaps?

HHB4 Large Trading Canoe With plank and raised timber thwarts. 195mm x 35mm x 15mm. E4.50. A good solid bottom for goods and maybe the odd beast on a short haul. Some fine molding.

Fax number (01224) 581311. Scheltrum does not accept credit cards at this time, so payment must be made by check, PO, or IMO. The catalog and price list is £ 1 and well worth a look. I look forward to the Pictish multi-chambered (Scotland just scored a try against the Maoris) house - shades of Skara Brae!

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