Name: Buran
Location: Trenton, Ontario
Games: Any A&A mainly AAG40, WAS

I liked the idea of the abacus for counting hits during combat so I built one for my gaming table.
I got the beads from Michael’s a craft store here in Canada, and a brass rod from Home Depot.  I did have the drill out the beads a little as they were a bit too snug on the rod.  I had the rod first.  I have mounted it on a some 3/4 inch plywood that I cut down, and I made the attachment points on the computer and 3D printed them.  At first I just used some wood blocks until I got the idea to 3D print the attachment points.

I painted the beads grey, green, and red in the same style as the chips from the game.  1, 3, 5.  this makes counting that much easier from across the table.

All in all a very useful tool/customization.  I have 15 per side, and only have troubles when doing the massive battles in Russia.

I have attached the STL files that I made for the 3D prints.  They will work with a rod dia of 3/16 of an inch.

Hope this helps.
Buran

Abacus Plates.zip

I did build a G40 table and one thing that I added to it was a large dice tray with an abacus for counting causalities.  It is a very convenient and a great way to see how many units you have to take off from across the table.
I also use IWNGU games IPC poker chips.

Buran
Currently Trenton, Ontario

@Intrepid:

I’m pretty sure you’d want to use almost anything but Paint. I only use Photoshop, but that’s a steep investment and without serious experience as a digital artist probably overkill.

GIMP is free, and generally well-regarded. I know I’ve also used Pixlr in a pinch, but not sure how large of files it can handle.

Google is your friend, I’d search “best free Photoshop alternatives”

I’ve been using GIMP and having good results with it.  I have actually used it to modify Imperious Leaders maps.  It’s still a big work in progress.  But I have cleaned it up a fair bit.  GIMP can be used to zoom in quite a bit, and edit a single pixel if need be.

@DiveCrewCanada:

@wartorn:

https://www.shapeways.com/product/P7JFN6N8N/majorfactory-qty-12?optionId=10600458

Just sayin ;) Want your input DCC… is this a high price?

Definitely higher then what I had in mind :)  For the full set of minor(15) + major factories(12) I was thinking in the range of $20 …. $19.99 if you UP this post :P  But then again, I want to know what people think.

$25 for the Airfield/Naval Base set (43 miniatures)

$10 for the “classic” factory set (15 factories)

Now, what do you guys think? (and remember, you don’t have to buy from me lol, you can download the files on YG’s website (FREE) and pester a neighbour or family member that has a 3D printer)… If you are really ambitious and don’t mind a divorce, you can buy your own 3D printer and explain to your wife the WHY this is so critical to have one in every household (But I am confident I am cheaper then a divorce lawyer!) :D

DCC these units look great.  And thanks for making the models free for all the players out there.  This community is one of the best out there with everyone sharing there ideas and mod’s, makes all the new people that find it want to share as well.

I just downloaded and will print as soon as I get back from a work trip.  Don’t need to pester anyone, or even pay for a divorce lawyer.  All a 3d Printer cost me was a romantic trip to Florida back in January.  (without the Kids) :-D

Buran

Nice!!! 
Love the paint job.  I’ve printed some bunkers myself just haven’t had the time to paint them.

I have thought of the ASW options, but as I have some torpedo bomber types of aircraft, I have given them that option.  Although they are a tech development.  Still working out the bugs in the rules, long process, but its coming there.

I more just wanted the Light/Escort Carrier to be a smaller cheaper flat top, to get more flight deck space on the board.

I have started to add this unit to my games, although I have combined Light and Escort Carriers into one category of units, depending on the units available to the nation.  But all have the same stats; A0 D1 M2 C9  It would have the same abilities as a Fleet Carrier, although it only carries 1 aircraft, (Fighter, or Tactical Bomber) as well it only has one hit.

I have also been looking at adding a super Fleet Carrier like the Essex Class for the USA, same stats as the normal Fleet Carrier, except Cost of 20 IPC’s, still a 2 hit capital ship, and can carry 3 aircraft.

With all the units the HBG has it is making these additions easy.

Buran

This is a photo of my abacus and I painted the balls with the same counter as the chips on the board. ie grey for one, green for every three, and red for every five.