Beyond The Sprues

Modelling => Completed GBs => Group and Themed Builds => Black Projects GB => Topic started by: Brian da Basher on August 01, 2012, 07:56:15 AM

Title: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: Brian da Basher on August 01, 2012, 07:56:15 AM: In late 1915, the Imperial German Army phased out its famous pickelhaube spiked helmet.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/german-pickelhaube-helmet-full-size.jpg)

It was the moment the Allies were waiting for. Production was ramped up significantly at the Branston Pickle Works.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/pickleworks.jpg)

With nothing on hand to counter the onslaught of British pickle production, the Germans needed an answer and fast.

Fortunately, a new Zeppelin, the L 143 was being built under the greatest secrecy at Count von Zeppelin's Gerschtinkenschkunkenwerke. Could the new airship meet the Allied pickle threat?

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143001.jpg)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143005.jpg)

Only time would tell.

Continued...

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: Brian da Basher on August 01, 2012, 08:01:33 AM: Fueled and loaded with bombs under the greatest secrecy, the L 143 took off from the Gerschtinkenschkunkenwerke on the night of January 11th, 1916, headed directly for the Branston Pickle Works.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143002.jpg)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143003.jpg)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143004.jpg)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143006.jpg)

Silently, the L 143 approached the Branston Pickle Works at high altitude. Since the night was moonless, the attack was carried off successfully and the Branston Pickle Works was heavily damaged. However, the British were not ones to give up and quickly repaired the pickle arsenal of democracy.

Continued...

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: Cliffy B on August 01, 2012, 08:05:03 AM: ;D

He's at it again!
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: Brian da Basher on August 01, 2012, 08:08:30 AM: Within a month of the attack, the Germans were facing yet another pickle onslaught on the western front. Once again, the L 143 was forced to take to the night skies.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143007.jpg)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143008.jpg)

However, this night was brightly lit by a full moon and the British were ready for the "Black Raider". Home Defence Sopwith Scouts took to the air and one piloted by R.F.C. Flight Right-tenant Ombrine "Briney" Gherkin found the L 143 and attacked.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143010.jpg)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143011.jpg)

While the L 143 boasted defensive armament on top of the envelope and in the gondola, it wasn't enough. "Briney" Gherkin's shots were true and caused the great black airship to slowly deflate. The "Black Raider" was forced to land near the marshes of Kosher Dell. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the threat to British pickle production was over.

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: Brian da Basher on August 01, 2012, 08:13:53 AM: The basis of this model is the 1/350 Hobbyboss Han class chinese sub. I turned it upside down and added a gondola made from an old bomb and engine nacelles scratched from sprue. The props were made from leftover struts which were also used to attach the engines to the airship. The decals were from spares and the model was brush-painted by hand.

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143012.jpg)

(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/L%20143%20Black%20Raider/L143009.jpg)

I had a blast building this since I really wanted to make another airship. I hope you enjoyed the story of the L 143 "Black Raider".

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: taiidantomcat on August 01, 2012, 08:19:57 AM: Very nice!! I like that you kept the "dive planes" as wings
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: ysi_maniac on August 01, 2012, 11:38:13 AM: You never disappoints me! :-* :-* :-* :-* :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: ChernayaAkula on August 01, 2012, 12:12:22 PM: This is awesome! (http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m309/ChernayaAkula/Emoticons/worship.gif)

Gerschtinkenschkunkenwerke. ;D

Quote from: taiidantomcat on August 01, 2012, 08:19:57 AM
Very nice!! I like that you kept the "dive planes" as wings

And, befitting their time, as biplanes, no less! :icon_beer:
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 01, 2012, 04:27:49 PM: :)
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: Frank3k on August 02, 2012, 06:50:12 AM: I love the biplane wings!

The gondola has a 1930's retro look. Like something Norman Bel Geddes would design:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/BelGeddesCar.jpg/800px-BelGeddesCar.jpg)

Or the Lautner house, here in Lost Angles:

(http://timelines.latimes.com/media/event_images/9/64769673.jpg)
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: Empty Handed on August 02, 2012, 07:59:34 PM: I really do enjoy your Zeps!
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: ed s on August 03, 2012, 08:32:45 AM: Another brilliant model.

Well done, Brian.

Ed
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: TimJ on August 15, 2012, 07:09:04 AM: Great build and the story was fun too. ;D
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: Cliffy B on August 16, 2012, 10:17:43 AM: I think you've found a new calling Brian. Keep the airships coming man 8)
Title: Re: L 143 "The Black Raider"
Post by: Doom! on August 16, 2012, 11:18:19 PM: BDB, I love the fact that you can consistently knock out great builds and stories to match!