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Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on August 8, 2012.

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Casting miniature cannon and crew for naval battles in the Napoleonic era and the War of 1812.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO REACH OUR GOAL!  So we are adding a few bonus rewards.  Any backer whose total pledge is greater than $150 will get a free gunboat (one of the four designs shown below).  Any backer whose total plede is over $300 wll get that free gunboat and a one small ship (either the cutter Lee or the Cutter Lady Nelson) of thier choice!  Now is the time to get in on the action!
 
EXTRAS!  For returning viewers, scroll down and check out a few extras we have added
 
 
Last month marked the 200th anniversary of the start of the War of 1812. We are calling on our friends in the miniature wargames community and anyone interested in celebrating the rich naval heritage of the period to help us:
 
Run Out the Guns!
 
What is this all about, you ask?
Well quite simply, we want to create all the toy miniatures and gaming accessories needed to fight the famous naval clashes of the War of 1812 in 28mm scale. Imagine yourself in command of the Sloop-of-War USS Wasp as she blasts the HMS Frolic into splinters and boards her, only to be captured hours later by a British Ship of the Line.
 
USS Wasp vs HMS Frolic
USS Wasp vs HMS Frolic
 
Recreate the Battle of Lake Eerie as Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry has his brig, the USS Lawrence, shot out from under him and transfers his flag to the sister ship Niagara to re-enter the fray and seize victory!
 
Oliver Hazzard Perry transfers to the USS Niagra.
Oliver Hazzard Perry transfers to the USS Niagra.
 
Do we dare dream of the glorious USS Constitution – Old Ironsides herself?
 
Old Ironsides vs the HMS Gurreierre
Old Ironsides vs the HMS Gurreierre
 
All this and more awaits!
 
Laser Dream Works model kit USS WASP
Laser Dream Works model kit USS WASP
To do this, my company, Laser Dream Works started producing laser cut wooden ship kits about nine months ago and have been steadily expanding our line of available models.  These kits are specifically designed with wargamers in mind and strike a balance between authenticity and playability.  They are nowhere near as complex to build as a traditional wooden ship kit, but still retain plenty of detail for even a novice model maker. We are really pleased with the feedback we have been getting on them – but we are painfully aware of one great drawback – no cannon. Our current production capabilities are just not up to the task.
 
We have searched, with little luck, for other companies making crew and cannons to really bring our ships to life. While there are a few good products available, there is no complete line to represent all the appropriate cannons, carronades, and swivel guns of the period. Sadly, a warship without cannon is no warship at all! Clearly something must be done before the anniversaries of the first major clashes of the war start happening this fall!
A 32lb Carronade - just begging to be cast in miniature form!
A 32lb Carronade - just begging to be cast in miniature form!
So here is the plan:  We will cast our own!
 
With your support, we will purchase the spin casting equipment necessary to make and distribute our own range of cannon and other nautical accessories - think anchors, bells, lanterns, and belaying pins. All the things to really enhance the look and playability of our current line of ships, making them not only fantastic pieces of terrain for your gaming table, but the main actors in your heroic adventures as well. Looking longer term, we plan to expand the range beyond just the machinery and equipment to the actual crewman and the important personalities of the period.
 
So what is in the deal for you?
Well, if you are a gamer or model maker, and the age of sail inspires your inner patriot or pirate, then we are certain that one of the reward levels to the right will put you in command of your very own ship rigged out with all the appropriate guns! Feeling generous or ambitious? Then go for a whole fleet!
We have a wide range of ship types to build a whole fleet!
We have a wide range of ship types to build a whole fleet!
If gaming on the sea is not for you, but you would like to show your colors and commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, please consider lending your support with either our “Run Out the Guns!”T-Shirts or raise a toast with fabulous laser engraved pint glasses.
 
Love gaming, but are not so sure about the Napoleonic period? Are Roman galleys, Dwarven Submersibles, or Civil War Steamships more your speed? Then check out some of our options to help design your own ship, cannon, or accessories.We love the creative process and hope to help bring your gaming visions to life.
 
How long will this take to happen?
When we are fully funded we expect it to take another six weeks to purchase and train ourselves on the new spin casting equipment. Our first priority will be to cast the 32lb Carronades and 12lb Long Guns needed to outfit the USS WASP so that everyone will have those rewards in time to recreate the USS Wasp’s bicentennial fight against the HMS Frolic on 18 OCT 2012. That gives us three short months, so time is definitely of the essence. If we surpass our initial funding goals, then we would use those extra funds to add additional designers and sculptors and accelerate the casting of crew and fleshing out the range of cannon to include smaller guns like the 3lb, 6lb, and 9lb guns more common on smaller warships and trading vessels.
 
We would like to thank you in advance for your enthusiasm and support.  We hope you will help spread word of this project to your friends!
 
Sincerely,
Matt and Sara
 
AND A FEW EXTRA OPTIONS!
 

We have had several backers ask us about adding some extra options so they can customize their fleet a bit and take advantage of some of our other products.

Anyone who is backing our project at any pledge level can raise their pledge by $50 and add one either of our small cutters – The USS LEE or the HMS Lady Nelson.

Anyone who is backing our project at any pledge level can raise their pledge by $25 can add one of the following additional items:

1)      A set of 10 cannon of your choice in any combination of sizes or type.

2)      A set of Ships accessories including 2 laser cut Jolly boats, and an assortment cast metal ships anchors, oars, ramrods, and other nautical accessories.

3)      One of our four new Gunboat kits.   Gunboats were commonly used in defense of harbors and coastal waterways and also in amphibious invasions. They were small boats, similar in size to our cutter models.  They relied primarily on oars for movement and mounted cannon or carronades in the bow and stern.  Our four designs represent the various combinations popular in Spain, France, Great Britain, and America.  Each will come with the appropriate gun or guns for its type.  Check out the photo below or friend us on FACEBOOK to find out more.  These kits are very easy to assemble and are good practice before moving on to our larger kits.  They are perfectly suitible for a young assistant as well.

4)       A “Run out the Guns” T-Shirt

5)      A “Run out the Guns” Pint Glass

6)      A custom engraved Liscence plate frame with slogan of your choice.  See a photo of an example in the updates page.

 

We also have a few options for an extra $20.

A)      Several have asked about our Viking ship kit found at www.laserdreamworks.com.  While it has nothing to do with the war of 1812..we think it is pretty cool!

B)      We also make several sets of game tokens for use in your games.  The obvious set is our Pirate Set #1 – perfect for use with the CUTLASS! Rules system by Black Scorpion games.

 

Gunboats: From left to right : Spanish, French, American, The Cutter Lady Nelson, and British
Gunboats: From left to right : Spanish, French, American, The Cutter Lady Nelson, and British

FAQ

  • How difficult is it to build these lovely ships?

    That is hard to answer as I have been building model kits most of my life so my point of view is skewed.  But to help you judge for yourself, follow this link to get a copy of the instructions for our medium sized British Brig.  This is very typical of how all our ships are put together.

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/m9seiakur5wft7p/British%20Brig%20Building%20Instuctions.docx?m

    Last updated: Saturday Jul 14, 12:49pm EDT
  • How many 28mm figures fit on a ship?

    Fantastic question.  Our small ships can easily accomodate 15-20 figures on 25mm round bases typical of skirmish games. The Medium ships can get 50-55 on the deck and another 10 up in the crows nests.  The Large ships can get about 75 on the decks and another 15 up in the crows nest.  With that said, if you start adding cannon, they will displace figures at about 2 cannon per fig.

    So our british brig fully loaded with 10 guns could have a crew of about 35 and a few sharpshooters up in the tops! 

    Last updated: Wednesday Jul 18, 6:48pm EDT
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Funding period
Jul 9, 2012 - Aug 8, 2012 (30 days)

  • Pledge $1 or more

    3 backers

    The Landlubber: You receive our sincere appreciation, the pleasure of helping to bring a bit of history to life, and recognition on our webpage's Wall of Honor!

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $10 or more

    2 backers

    The Merchant - You receive A laser-cut "Run out the Guns" War of 1812 Bicentennial Wooden Nickel. We know your grandfather told you never to take one - but here is the exception to the rule! Also, accept our sincere appreciation and immortalization on our webpage’s Wall of Honor.

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    3 backers

    The Gunner – You receive 10 of our newly cast Cannon or Carronades in any combination of type or size. Overseas Backers, please add $5 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    2 backers

    The Patriot - Get your very own "Run Out the Guns!" War of 1812 Bicentennial T-Shirt! Overseas Backers, please add $5 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    0 backers

    The Name Plate - Not sure you need a ship, but want a nice keel plate for you car? We will custom engrave a metal liscence plate from with the slogan of your choice. Check out an example picture in the updates section

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    3 backers

    The Tavern Keeper - Raise a toast to the fallen heroes of 1812 with your very own "Run Out the Guns!" War of 1812 Bicentennial Pint Glass! Overseas Backers, please add $5 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Sep 2012
  • Pledge $35 or more

    2 backers

    The Master Gunner – You receive 20 of our newly cast Cannon or Carronades in any combination of type or size. Overseas Backers, please add $7.50 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $50 or more

    5 backers

    The Midshipman - Welcome to your first ship! Select either of our small ship models; the American cutter USS Lee or our new British Cutter the HMS Lady Nelson. This will come complete with a set of 10 cannon (3lb or 6lbs) along with a "Run out the Guns!" War of 1812 Bicentennial T-Shirt. Overseas Backers, please add $10 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $85 or more

    10 backers

    The Lieutenant - Congrats on the promotion! You are ready for the responsibility of a larger command. Select one of our medium ship model kits of either the British Brig, or the Merchant/Pirate Brig. This will come complete with a set of 10 cannon (12lb or 24lb guns) along with a "Run out the Guns!" War of 1812 Bicentennial T-Shirt. Overseas Backers, please add $10 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $95 or more

    6 backers

    The Cutter Clash - Ready for you first battle? Why not get one of each of our small ship models; the American cutter USS Lee and our new British Cutter the HMS Lady Nelson. This will come complete with a set of 10 cannon (3lb or 6lbs) for both ships along with a "Run out the Guns!" War of 1812 Bicentennial T-Shirt. Overseas Backers, please add $10 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $100 or more

    3 backers

    The Captain – Aspiring to command a ship with a real broadside? Then you are ready for our largest ships. Select one of our large ship model kits like the Sloop of War USS Wasp, or a British equivalent that will sail over the horizon this August. This will come complete with a set of 20 cannon (24lb guns or 32lb Carronades) along with a "Run out the Guns!" War of 1812 Bicentennial T-Shirt. Overseas Backers, please add $10 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $160 or more

    5 backers

    The Brig Brawl!- Ready to defend the high seas from nasty pirates? Get both of our medium ship model kits: the British Brig and the Merchant/Pirate Brig. These will each come complete with a set of 10 cannon (12lb or 24lb guns) along with a "Run out the Guns!" War of 1812 Bicentennial T-Shirt. Overseas Backers, please add $10 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $190 or more

    3 backers

    The Sloop Slaughter! - Witness the destruction of two massive ships locked in a broadside duel. Receive two of our large ship model kits: Sloop of War USS Wasp and a British equivalent that will sail over the horizon this August. These will each come complete with a set of 20 cannon (24lb guns or 32lb Carronades) along with a "Run out the Guns!" War of 1812 Bicentennial T-Shirt. Overseas Backers, please add $15 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $250 or more

    2 backers

    The Commodore - A single ship will just not do – it is time to command an entire fleet. Select one small, one medium and one of our large ship kits. Of course they with come complete with all the appropriate cannon as outlined above, along with a "Run out the Guns!" War of 1812 Bicentennial T-Shirt and a pint glass! Overseas Backers, please add $25 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $250 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    The Shipwright’s Apprentice: If our current range of ships does not suit your fancy. Work with us to design your own! The ship can measure up to 12” long and 5” wide and mount up to 10 guns. This design does not have to fit into the Napoleonic period so feel free to get creative – within the reasonable constraints of what is possible for our construction methods. Once the design is complete, we will give you three complete kits, and then make the design available to the public with credit to you as a co-designer. Overseas Backers, please add $25 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $400 or more

    0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)

    The Shipwright: Just like the Shipwright’s Apprentice, you get to design your own ship. At this level you can design a medium size ship up to 18” long, 6” wide, and up to 16 guns. Overseas Backers, please add $25 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $500 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    The Master Shipwright: Just like the Shipwright’s Apprentice, you get to design your own ship. At this level you can design a large size ship up to 24” long, 8” wide, and up to 16 guns. Overseas Backers, please add $25 to your pledge for additional shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $500 or more

    0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)

    The Master Shipwright II: With the Master Shipwright sold out, we have decided to add another opportunity - the only difference will be that I will complete the design work on the first set of ships and I will push the expected delivery date of this one back to January. So as a reminder, you get to design your own ship. At this level you can design a large size ship up to 24” long, 8” wide, and up to 16 guns. Overseas Backers, please add $25 to your pledge for additional shipping costs

    Estimated delivery: Jan 2013
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    2 backers

    I got this note from our backer Kevin Windbigler. He says: How about a "create your own package" for the $1000 pledge level? By this, I mean, combining packages from previously offered selections where the total value of the package does not exceed the amount of the pledge. And an admiral to stand on the quarter deck of this fine fleet, painted by the CEO of this project. DONE! I have a few sculptors in mind - preferably one that can do a really fancy hat! If Admiral Windbigler puts us over the top, you will all get a free figure of him!

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2013
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    0 backers

    For a bid of $1000, I will model the 44 Gun Frigate USS CONSTITUTION in 28mm scale and give you a fully assembled and painted ship (I won’t be able to do the rigging or I will never be able to ship it successfully with the masts up) and ship it to you complete with cannon (that’s 32 24lb long guns and 22 32lb carronades) all the ships boats (a launch, 3 cutters, 2 quarter boats, and a gig) and appropriate accessories like anchors and bells. See update #8 for a few more details.

    Estimated delivery: Mar 2013