Bir Hacheim Bunkers

The range of trenches, that I sell through my business, Tunnies Terrain, were originally inspired by scratch building the scenery for the Bir Hacheim refight. 

After feedback from a number of people I decided to make the masters for the range and ask for Ian Clunie, at Shell Hole Scenics to cast them.

The modular nature of the range means they can be arranged in a multiple number of ways and it is easier to add further items to the range.

After the initial issue of sections which include straight, staggers and ends, I added a 'T' to make it possible to include a communication trench. 

Now I am turning my attention to designing a bunker.

One of the advantages of the range is that despite the difference in figure size the model trenches can be used for 20mm and 28mm high figures. This may make it a little more problematical to make a suitable bunker for the range.

I have added some pictures of the bunkers and emplacements from the scratch built items used in the games I have been posting. They are used for either housing infantry or guns and would welcome any preferences, additions and comments about the following with a view to the final design I will cast.

Here I incorporated a smaller resin item, with a roof, and widened the trench to accommodate figures behind. If the final design was based on this the bunker would be bigger, to be able to comfortably fit figures in it, the roof would be removable and probably not include corrugates sheets as I am unsure this was contemporary to the period. It would be replaced with thick wooden planks and come canvas sheeting.

This bunker was entirely scratch built with an additional exit to the rear. Here the bunker roof extends across the trench to the rear. The difficulty with design here is that the upright posts which support the roof would have to be white metal or plasticard items as resin would make casting difficult and would be prone to breaking. Therefore some assembly would be required.

This is an artillery position. It comprises sandbagged walls with wooden beams across the roof covered in scrim netting. There is also a rear exit, to allow positioning of the gun.

Here I made the netting from surgical gauze soaked in a PVA and water mix and painted when dry. Again this model would require some assembly and the customer would have to supply their own scrim. 

This is similar to the previous item but has a solid timbered roof. This would be a two parts kit and the roof could either be glued in place or removable. The only drawback with a removable roof is that if dropped it could break and as resin may warp may have to be immersed in hot water to return to shape.

I would welcome comments on the above or ideas for other designs.