ZeroTwentythree

OEGB finished

2012-01-13T20:57:00.000-05:00

I painted up OEGB.

He's painted as a cockatiel in honor of our old bird, Butthead aka "Tweeter" aka "The Screeching Harpy of Jawndomay. He was my wife's bird from long before we met. He hated other birds, and wasn't terribly fond of most people, but had a bit of a dog fetish. He was obsessed with her room mate's dog, and went through withdrawal when we moved in together. After we got our dog, he became obsessed again. First he would flip out if the dog wasn't within line of sight. Then it became freak-out time if the dog wasn't in the same room. Then it was non-stop screeching if the dog wasn't laying right at the base of his cage.

I wanted to like the bird but... well, he was kind of a dick. Like I said, he wasn't fond of people, and was afraid of hands (it made changing his food & water & cleaning his cage a bit of a challenge.) For I while I swore I was going to train him to be more friendly so he could ride on my shoulder, pirate style. That didn't go so well. But I did get him to be OK with taking treats (a bit of popcorn in the photo below) from my mouth, and he would give me "kisses" (gentle nibbles?) on my nose.

Tweeter had two eyes, though.

Primed

2012-01-06T22:32:00.000-05:00

I got the first bit of hobby time in about a month today. I spent about 15 minutes priming the OEGB and one of the planes I built a few months ago.

I put the beak, wings and legs on the OEGB last month. That, along with a bit of cleaning in the stoodii (while waiting for putty to cure) made up most of Decembers 3+/- hours of hobby time.

He's about 4" total height. The body roughly matches the size of the OEGR. I'm thinking about painting him similar to a cockatiel, as a tribute to our old bird. Firefox's spell check doesn't like the word "cockatiel" and recommends "cockatrice" instead.

I should really change the "vinyl toys" tag to just "toys" since I'm doing very little with vinyl lately.

2012 Hobby Goals

2012-01-02T01:13:00.000-05:00

I previously reviewed the resolution of my resolutions for 2011. As I stated in the comments on that entry, the list was a rough set of goals to look forward to. Not a hard list of things I felt I must achieve. Still, I was looking to hit about 50% and failed to get even that close. Frankly I'm a bit depressed about what appears to be the near death of my involvement of a hobby in which I've participated for over 25 years.

The 2012 list is a bit different. The expectations are a scaled down. A lot. It feels a bit like a last grasp at holding on to my hobby.

1. Play a game (or games) on at least 12 days this year. That's a game a month goal. I'm only counting my attendance at Cold Wars as a single "day."

2. Get at least 8 WWI planes completely finished, get the rest of the stands, a hex mat and play at least one game of Blue Max/Canvas Eagles.

3. Paint Romans, friends and foes. A hold over from the past two years. This year I will even set a modest number. Finish the mostly painted scutarii I started last year, and paint 4 units of Roman legion.

4. Make trees. I've got a kit of deciduous trees. I've had them for a couple years. It's about time I put them together.

5. Paint a unit of landsknecht pikemen and the pack of casualty figures.

6. Paint the strumpets. I've got 4 of them ready to go on the painting table, from the same range of Reaper figures as the previous civilians. In fact, a few more civilians would be nice as well. Let's say the strumpets plus another 6 civvies.

So there we go, my goals include painting a little over 100 figures, putting some trees together, finishing 5 plane kits plus building & painting 3 more. And 12 games. Not exactly aiming for the sun. If I can't score at least 50% on this set of goals, I'm selling everything at the end of the year.

I'd thought about adding "attend at least one local con this year and play in or run at least one game there" but sadly, that doesn't even seem realistic.

Merry Christmas to Myself

2011-12-22T20:36:00.003-05:00

Saw a used copy of the Malcolm McGregor Uniforms & Weapons of the American Revolution Posterbook at the local bookstore. Bought it for myself.

OEGR

2011-12-18T13:35:00.001-05:00

Again, not exactly wargaming, but a tangent... small toy sculpting & painting. I previously posted a pic of the sculpt in progress, but here's the finished critter, OEGR.

Again, he's about 3" to the top of his head. When I brought him home last week, right after this photo was taken, I dropped him outside my door while fumbling for my keys. My poor judgement, as he was balanced on a tall tower of wrapped Christmas presents I was sneaking in the house, and when it leaned a little too far to the right, he tumbled down onto the pavement. The worst of the damage was a broken neck. I'm trying to repair it (but haven't had time in the past week or so) but if I can't, he may end up with a painted on scar and stitches along the crack/joint.

I've got another one in the works, OEGB.

2011 Resolutions Evaluated

2011-12-17T14:21:00.001-05:00

With the holidays looming, very little free time on the horizon, and painting & gaming on my mind, I'm just going to evaluate my 2011 resolutions few weeks early. There's no possibility for any of these changing for the remainder of the year.

1. Get back into pointless gaming. This is a carry-over from last year. I'm going to throw the "Legendary Battle" into this one as well. I just want to play some interesting non-competitive games again. Although I've going to one in a little over a week, I'm really getting sick of tournaments and the tournament mindset.

Fail. I ran a couple of non-points based games, they weren't well received. Most people seem to only want to play competitive, points based games anymore.

2. Paint lots of Romans (and the friends & foes.) Again, a carry over from last year. This year I'd really like to be able to pit two Roman armies against each other for some dramatic civil war action in the late Republic.

Fail. I painted one unit of legion, one unit of Spanish cavalry, and got about 90% done with a unit of Spanish scutarii. I have committed to running a couple WAB games at Cold Wars, so I need to step things up ASAP, but I'm not sure how I will find the time!

3. Cleveland East-side gaming. I'd like to get some gaming in my general part of town. I know there are a few other people around here, so it's just a matter of organization. Ideally I'd like to do something a bit casual. Some friends and I used to get together every other weekend, drink some beers, have some laughs and play some 40k in the basement. Something like that.

Fail. Nothing happened with this. What little gaming I've done in 2011 has been far from home.

4. Make my hobby more profitable. That sounds a bit "unfun" but I assure you it isn't. I've said before that I believe that if one is going to devote 1/4 to 1/3 of their time to their work, it should be something they enjoy, and about which they are passionate. I've learned that lesson the hard way -- I'm now left with nothing to show other than a lot of stress & baggage from almost a decade of suffering at a job that made me miserable and made me feel shitty about myself. I don't want to go back to that. As long as I'm in this position, I want to try to do something positive with it. I'm trying to work on a few different possibilities. This is something I've really got to work hard for, and is probably the most important thing on the list. In terms of survival, that is. OK... everything else on the list is back to less serious business...

Mixed. While I was unemployed, I did do some commission painting that helped get me by. But it never became practical and the market has completely changed since I previously did this quite successfully about 10 years ago. So compared to the past it would be a "fail" but I feel like I did what I could within the current environment.

5. Paint more landsknechts. I've had some of them forever. I love the figures, and if nothing else I can work them into my Empire army. I'm not even sure I care if I use them. But they take time and I keep postponing working on them based on the idea that it's not efficient use of my time. I need to throw that idea out the window on occasion, and just enjoy painting them once in a while. (I did paint a few in 2010.)

Fail. Painted one unit of pike, never even found appropriate command figures for them.

6. Sculpt/Convert more. I've got some ideas. I know I can do it, I just need some more practice. It's a matter of motivation to get over that first obstacle -- starting.

Mixed. But not with wargaming miniatures. A bit of terrain, and a bunch of toys and whimsical artsy things. While this has been a "success" in terms of me being happy with doing stuff, it has little to do with gaming. So I'll be generous and call it "mixed."

7. Paint Macedonians/Successors. I've got a pile of pikemen. I want to paint them. I always seem to have other things that seem more pressing. Like adding to existing projects rather than starting new ones.

Fail. I've got one unit of pike primed, and one poorly painted test figure.

8. Paint Carthaginians. This has got to be one of the easiest to do. I've got a small batch of Carthaginian spearmen. If I paint them, I can mix in a bunch of mercenaries... some Spanish, Numidians, Gauls, etc. Most of those I've already got painted. Tah-dah: Instant Carthaginian army. Added bonus: they're cleaned, assembled, primed and based. They just need paint.

Success! Painted the Carthaginian spearmen, a couple of mounted command figures, and a Numidian elephant. Add the above mentioned Spanish to the mix and I've got a small but solid Carthaginian army. The one last thing I'd like to add is a unit of cavalry.

9. Gaming Table - refurbish or replace. I'd like to either repair and refurbish my existing gaming table (table tops that go on the dining room table) or replace them with an entirely new one.

Fail. I made some drawings for some ideas.

Six "failed" resolutions, two "mixed" resolutions, and one "success" for a painitng project that I've put to use in a single game. Even the silver linings seem to have some pretty big clouds.

There are a couple things not on the list above, both positive and negative. Non-resolution hobby events, I suppose:

0. This year I played in an RPG campaign, the first in 15-20 years. Although I am sad it ended, it was a lot of fun while it lasted. Success!

0. 2011 was the last WFB tournament for me. For many years they were more fun than competitive. But the balance has slowly crossed the threshold to a point where I am no longer interested in participating. Fail.

0. Speaking of WFB, I gave 8th edition more than year of "trial" before finally losing interest. It's not just that I don't care for 8th edition. I could probably deal with it and keep going in the hope that the gameplay improves. But the dead horse I've probably beat on too much is that the tournament/competitive aspect of the game has crept into almost any WFB gaming opportunity. So barring any changes there, I probably won't be playing any longer. Fail.

0. Lastly there's the recent WWI project I've started. It may seem like it came from nowhere (and certainly wasn't on my list above) but its something I've wanted to do for many years. The fire was finally ignited in 2011! Success!

So in the "unforeseeable" categories, I think I had a 50/50 split of success & failure. Even better if you just lump the two WFB things together into a catch-all "WFB is dead to me" item. ;)

I'm starting to think about resolutions for 2012, but there are a couple of hurdles I'm going to have to clear. In spite of the big turnaround and bright things that have been happening in most other aspects of my life, the wargaming & painting hobby thing seems to have one foot in the grave as the new year approaches. More on that in a few weeks, along with the new resolutions.

Aerial Progress & Cold Wars Ancients

2011-12-09T16:00:00.000-05:00

WWI Aerial

Per previous request, here's a shot of everything I've got done so far. Since the last entry, I assembled the Revell S.E.5a, which looks great and went together very quickly and painlessly - a big difference from the Sopwith Tripe.

Note, the DR.1 on the "ground" is the Eduard model I'm working on for a friend, not mine. Earlier this week I picked up some "music wire" from the local hobby store. It's a little finer than the wire I used on the Pup. I'm going to try it out on the minimal rigging on the DR.1.

I'm going to get a list of all the planes awaiting assembly soon.

Cold Wars

Apparently the GM registration for the Cold Wars PEL snuck up on everyone. It seems a bit early to me (and apparently to others.) I hadn't planned on making any final decisions until after the holidays, but I wanted to get in the PEL, so I made a last minute decision last night. I'll be running a pair of WAB games on Friday morning/afternoon, called "Hispania Ulterior" featuring Lucius Hirtuleius vs. Marcus Domitius Calvinus in some Rome on Rome action with plenty of special guests.

Guess I'll find out if WAB has any life left in it. ;)

So if I can tear myself away from the planes for a bit, they may take a bit of a back seat to finishing up some more Romans & Spanish by March.

A Day To Live In...

2011-12-08T00:23:00.000-05:00

Today I turned 40 years old.

I usually do a Pearl Harbor themed graphic for my birthday. But since I've been recently obsessed with WWI aviation, and I love this photo, I went with it. It's a Handley Page O/400. I found it at Breguet's Crash Files.

I'm actually expecting one in 1/72 kit form sometime this week, along with what should be the end of my WWI plane purchases -- at least for the moment. I still need to buy the remaining flight stands and a mat.

I finished the Sopwith Triplane... barely. I almost gave it up for a bit of terrain as a wrecked plane. It was that much of a pain in the ass to assemble, and really does look pretty bad. Photos forthcoming.

I was wondering if this was standard Revell quality, since the two Airfix planes were of pretty different quality. So I opened a S.E.5a and was pleased to see that it looks much better.

I've got a lot of thoughts running through my head about wargaming at 40. I'm going to let them roll around in there a little longer before writing anything (if I write anything at all.)

Another Fokker DR.1, Sopwith Triplane, OEGR

2011-12-04T01:09:00.000-05:00

I've finished assembling the Eduard Fokker DR.1 for a friend. From a distance it doesn't look so different from the Airfix DR.1. But the quality of the kit is far better, both in terms of detail and assembly. The only snag was that one of the struts was broken on the sprue. I believe I managed to repair it, though.

I have also started assembling a Revell Sopwith Triplane for myself. It's wretched.Worse than the Airfix models (so far) to a similar degree that the Eduard model is better. I have a couple more Revell waiting to be built -- I hope they're not all like this.

I'm also working on a little something different again. I call him OEGR, he's just over 3" to the top of the head. That's a single eyeball, by the way. Not a nose. Primed tonight, painting soon.

No More Crusader US

2011-11-30T17:38:00.000-05:00

Just read at TMP...

http://theminiaturespage.com/news/1487642375/

...Crusader USA (Old Glory producing Crusader figures in the US, under license) will be gone at the end of the year. I'm a big fan of Mark's figures, and buying domestically was so much more affordable than ordering overseas from the UK. Especially when working in Old Glory Army discounts.

Many (most, with the exception of the plastic Romans) of my ancients are Crusader, and I had planned on expanding on my previous purchases from several ranges (especially Spanish) as well as getting a few new (to me) figures (like Thracians.) I may rethink my plans, now. Because of the holidays I won't be buying before the end of the year. I hadn't ordered from A&A, for example, because it was less expensive to order domestically.

Not to sound even remotely nationalistic, but I really do wish there was more domestic choice. I'd like to see more options in the US miniatures market. The cost savings, being able to buy at shows, etc. would be great.

At any rate, the point is, I'm sad to see the agreement between Old Glory and Crusader at an end. It's been my favorite source of ancients.

The Might of Rome

2011-11-30T14:56:00.000-05:00

Neither of these photos are mine, I found them both while looking for something completely different. But I thought I'd share them, as my mind is spinning with modeling & gaming ideas... :)

New Reading Material

2011-11-29T00:12:00.000-05:00

Well, more like reference material, though I have started reading through it from the start.

My book (per Captain Brown's recommendation on Warseer) arrived today. Condition on Amazon was advertised as "Very Good" but the book that arrived was in virtually new condition. The spine hasn't even been bent. Bonus!

I looked up the illustrator (Bob Pearson) because the name sounded familiar. Found his web page with a CD of color illustrations for sale. Might look into purchasing that at some point.

http://www.cbrnp.com/RNP/CDv2/index.htm

I have also been following the blog (and referencing the web page) of W. I. Boucher.

http://wwiaviation.blogspot.com/
http://www.wwiaviation.com/

The Riddle of Steel

2011-11-27T01:12:00.001-05:00

...which translates to painting as well.

I stumbled across a painting blog tonight. Not miniatures, but watercolors, which is another interest/hobby/pursuit of mine. And on this blog there were questions from people, several of whom claimed to be novices, asking very specific questions about which brushes, brands of paint, etc.

And I don't think that's necessarily a good idea. And that goes for miniatures painting as well. Reading that made me think of painting miniatures, as I thought those sorts of questions were unique to this hobby. I always see a lot of beginners asking about "recipes" for painting certain colors, etc. But in a Riddle of Steel sort of way, I think that the hand, eyes and mind pushing the brush and paint around are infinitely more valuable. The technical specifics? That's something that should be left for later. Fine tuning, I think.

I guess the two things on my mind are... One, that while I could probably fine tune my technique and improve by spending a fortune on the best brushes, paints, etc., I can get by pretty well with something cheap. And, Two, that knowledge, and the skills built up to support the previous statement, come from just trying different things out for myself.

If I tried reading some of the painting forums, CMoN, etc. as a totally new painter, I would be under the impression that I would need to invest hundreds of dollars just to get started in painting if I wanted to "do it right." But I would argue that this is far from the truth. While quality materials are important, I think you can learn a huge bulk of your early lessons (and skill development) on a far smaller budget. I also think that you will learn far more along the way and that the best way to achieve a solid footing in any skill (painting or anything else) is to have a broad understanding of it from the ground up.

Mind you, I'm not the best painter around. But that's my point. I see a lot of painting instruction that's more suited for the top fraction of painters. But new painters shouldn't necessarily start out there. They should build decent foundation down here, with those of us in the common dregs of the painting pool. ;)

Hail Caesar, DBA and Fall In Loot Collection

2011-11-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

Had a #000000 Friday mini game day. Well, very mini, just four of us and it the games only lasted a few hours.

First up was our first trial game of Hail Caesar. Metellus Pius and his Romans on the left, Lucius Hirtuleius with a mixed force of Spanish, Celtiberians and a pair of Roman legions. It was a small game with two commands on each side.

On the far end of the battlefield, the Celtiberians broke, but not after wearing down the Romans including the one unit of veterans. On the near side, the Roman led Spanish smashed through the Metellus' nameless (and incompetent) subcommander's division.

The Sertorian faction stays in control of Spain... for the moment.

There were a few bumps in learning the new rules, but we still finished in less than 2 hours. Overall, I liked the rules. I'd like to see some larger games, especially after getting to know the rules a little better. Overall, though, I like Hail Caesar so far. Not sure if I'm as instantly fond of the rules as I was with Black Powder, though.

Next up was a bit of experimental DBA, Alexander v. Porus. The brown strip was actually a (muddy?) river, which turned out a bit difficult to cross. The Indians won a cheap victory by raiding the Macedonian camp and taking down Alexander.

I also got to pick up the loot I had a friend pick up for me at Fall In: "Last Argument of Kings," some landsknecht casualties from Artizan (they were out of the looters) and a 1/72 Esci SE5a. I also took the copy of "Trench Wars" that he didn't sell at the flea market off his hands.

New Paint for the Pup

2011-11-20T22:38:00.000-05:00

I tried a new color of paint on the Pup. I also managed to pry off the nut on the bottom of the DR.1 and reposition it so it fit better on the stand. Decals still to come. I actually did this earlier in the week, but haven't had time to take a photo. My weekend was more or less shot, so no work on anything. I'm lucky to get time to post this brief update.

Pup Painting

2011-11-17T01:48:00.000-05:00

I picked up a couple of paints for the Pup today. I took the Airfix colors, looked up the equivalent Vallejo Colors on the The Ultimate Model Paint Conversion Chart and got something that looked not entirely dissimilar from what I expected based on illustrations, profiles, etc. Not really happy with the colors. The fuselage/wing color seems too light.

I haven't even bothered to show the bottom, as the color looks more "banana" and less "clear doped linen."

On the other hand, now that there's some paint in it, I like the rigging better. The glue joints are too pronounced, but I do like the rigging itself.

Still more touching up and finishing to do. And decals, of course. I'm not a huge fan of waterslide decals, so I'm probably going to postpone for a bit and then do several kits at once.

In other news...

I've started putting together the Eduard Fokker DR.1. for a friend and I've got to admit that it's a huge step up from the Airfix kit. Hopefully I can do it justice. I'm looking forward to working on the paint scheme (Lothar Von Richthofen)

The Flight Stands Have Landed

2011-11-12T23:39:00.002-05:00

I received the two Omni-Stands I ordered from CorSec Engineering. I got the 5" bases. They are clear acrylic but come with paper backing on both sides -- which I suppose makes one of them "fronting" -- and a metal threaded receptor in the center. The paper is still on in the photos below. The two telescoping rods have spherical magnets on the top, one 1/4" and the other 3/8".

I had a chance to spend a couple hours at my stoodio between running errands today, and couldn't wait to test them out. They are exactly what I'm looking for.

I've used small nuts glued on the underside of the planes, as close to the center of gravity as I could get. I don't remember what size (saved the label in the container in which I'm storing them.) The smaller, 1/4" magnet is just strong enough to hold the planes in position. The larger magnet is almost a bit too strong, but I think I may keep a couple of those around in case I end up with some larger/heavier planes.

One mistake I made on the Fokker DR.1 was that I glued the nut appropriate for balance, but not far enough back from the plane that spans the landing struts. So it fits a little awkwardly. I'm not certain I can fix that at this point.

Almost done with the first DR.1. Not sure I got the colors & effect exactly right. Should look better with the markings on it.

So I'll definitely be picking up some more of the Omni-Stands.

I'm also looking into the hex map issue. The two current options under consideration are 72" x 48" felt European Field map from Hotz Mats, or having my own design printed locally on 72" x 48" outdoor banner vinyl. The former is about $60, the latter is $140.

EDIT: It looks like CorSec makes some potentially nice looking mats as well. I'll take that into consideration too.

Regarding Rigging

2011-11-09T12:19:00.000-05:00

A follow up to my previous entry, in which I questioned the issue of rigging for WWI planes.

I found & read this article, along with quite a few other articles, forum discussions, blog posts, etc.

http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2004/08/stuff_eng_tech_rigging.htm

Again, it's coming down to a scale issue. If I was doing 1/48 scale planes (or larger) a lot of this seems like great info. In fact, I may try a larger display piece in the future just to have a shot at some serious rigging. But I'm not certain how well it would work on 1/72 planes. For example, the shrinking method will require the heat source getting close to other parts of the plane, due to the size of the model.

Still, so far I do like the look of the rigged plane. I would like it better if I didn't screw up a few parts. So right now my instinct is to keep doing it, at least for another few planes.

Dogs & Birds (Pup & Albatros)

2011-11-08T17:39:00.001-05:00

Almost finished with the rigging on the Sopwith Pup. I screwed a few things up, and it's not the cleanest bit of modeling, but it's my first one and 1/72 scale isn't exactly large. I forgot a second (forward) tail stabilizer on each side. I will go back and finish that.

I also put together (minus pilot) the Albatros D.V. This is the last of the original 3 Airfix planes I had.

So, my question is... do I continue rigging all the planes? Some of them are far more involved than the pup. I'm trying to weigh the time & effort involved (which is significant, but not a horrible experience) with the fact that these are for playing games, not just display. So I've got some concerns about durability as well.

Here's a comparison shot.

Still waiting on the batch of allied planes. Lost out on the German planes I was hoping to get on eBay, but I did stop at the semi-local hobby shop (Wings Hobby Shop in Lakewood, OH -- no web page). Like just about everything else in this damned city, it's on the opposite side of town from where I live. The selection of 1/72 WWI planes was predictably small, but they did have some. I grabbed a Fokker D.VIIF and two more DR.1's (one for me, one for a friend.)

The manufacturers are Eduard and Roden, and I can already see that they are better than the Airfix DR.1 and Albatross. The Airfix Pup was really a nice plane and of similar quality to the new ones I got, though.

Ordering a (some) flight stand(s) tonight.

As I've been inhaling all nature of unhealthy fumes while working on that first plane, I've been wondering... Why does Snoopy fly a Camel rather than a Pup?

Sopwith Pup - Rigging & Mounting

2011-11-06T22:59:00.000-05:00

I've started the rigging on the Pup. I've done the cross bracing so far. I've used 28 gauge steel wire. The rigidity helps make it easy to assemble. But it does look a bit thick.

In order to help work on it, I got impatient for working out a way of mounting. So I glued a small #40 nut on the bottom of the plane, roughly at the center of gravity. I then cut few 4" lengths of 1/2" wood dowel, with a small wood screw in each end. So I can use RE magnets to hold the plane on the dowel, and the dowel on my steel work table. Hopefully the nut works with the Omni-Stand I'd like to use. Based on the strong bond with the magnets I've already got, I think there are some other options as well.

Fences

2011-11-06T21:18:00.000-05:00

Did some easy terrain this weekend. GW fences and signs from the fortified manor.

Fokker DR.I - Assembled

2011-11-04T00:26:00.001-04:00

I've been working late at night, squeezing in an hour or two of hobby stuff after a long day of watching my daughter and work. Not that I mind either of those, I enjoy both my new role as father and my new job quite a bit. But my hobby (and other interests) time is more or less limited to the last hour or two of the day - late at night. So I didn't feel up to working on the Pup's rigging tonight.

Instead I assembled the Fokker DR.I. Like I said previously, it really isn't even close to the quality of the Pup. But it was still a pretty quick assembly. If it was molded better, it would have gone more quickly. But in the end it looks OK, as long as you don't examine the detail (like the guns or engine) too closely.

This time I did leave the pilot separate. Sadly, there are cockpit details, as there were on the Pup.

The third model I already have in my possession is one of my favorites (and I don't know why, exactly) in the game, an Albatross D.V. Again, another Airfix model, and again it's got some soft detail and mold lines, like the Fokker, and not near the quality of the Pup. Maybe this is a British bias against German planes showing through? ;)

Over the weekend I hope to at least install the rigging on the Pup (none on the DR.I). With a little luck I will assemble the Albatross, too. Hopefully next week the next wave of planes will arrive here, as well as my first flight stand.

Sopwith Pup - Assembled

2011-11-03T08:59:00.001-04:00

Here's my first plane assembled, a Sopwith Pup. It's an old Airfix kit. I thought I would try assembling the whole thing first, then painting. In hindsight, I should have left the pilot out and painted him separately. But this is the first plastic non-gaming-specific kit I've done since I was a kid, so I was just following the instructions.

It was a little trickier than I thought. The cross-piece for the landing gear was missing, so I used brass rod and had to guess at the length. The upper wing was a pain in the ass to attach, as all its held on with are the struts connecting to the lower wing. But it turned out OK for a first try. I need to touch up the engine cowling a bit with some filing and maybe a bit of putty.

Unlike some of the other planes, this one is probably not going to be terribly interesting to paint.

I just cracked open what may be the next plane, a Fokker DR.1. It's another Airfix, but the quality is horrible compared to the Pup. More to come as I continue...

edit: As I just posted in a reply below, I found this site with some great photos to use as a reference for the rigging: http://www.werkost.com/Pup.htm

New Project Takes Flight

2011-11-01T13:05:00.001-04:00

I've played Blue Max, and more recently the further evolution, Canvas Eagles, with friends for many many years. In fact, since I met & joined the Twinsburg Wargame Association back maybe 15 years ago. (Wow, has it been that long?) In fact, I posted some photos from our recent Game Day last week.

So after years of consideration, I'm biting the bullet... I've got some 1/72 plane kits and I'm going to gather together some more, along with flight stands, hex map, etc.

I'm ordering a magnetized Omni-Stand from CorSec Engineering to see how well it will work with the 1/72 planes. I've got a mat from Hotz Mats, but unfortunately it's got a 4" hex pattern on it rather than the 5" I need. So I may order another from them, or maybe try one from CorSec. I've got a small selection of Allied planes, but I'm looking to expand the meager two Central planes in the collection so far.

These will be the first plastic aircraft kits (or any non-game company kits) I've built since I was a kid. Back then I was interested in the then contemporary jets of the '70s & '80s. Since then I've become far more interested in the early days of flight, which has further nudged me (for a long time) to start my own collection for Blue Max/Canvas Eagles.

As I mentioned previously, I enjoy the game quite a bit and think its appeal spans between both hardcore wargames and casual or family games. So another part of my reasoning for this project (besides just enjoying the planes) is to not only get more games in, but maybe recruit some new players.

Naturally, I will update my progress here.

Thatching

2011-10-26T14:20:00.000-04:00

I'm working on putting together an alternate thatched roof for the Armorcast stone cottage. Hopefully I can get them to cast some. I ran out of the brown putty while doing to exterior and had to switch to the grey.

I still want to add some texture to the purlins and then add a few rafters.

Game Table (Again)

2011-10-24T01:08:00.000-04:00

I'm still thinking about a game table, as I've previously mentioned.

Here's the situation: We live in a split up & down house. We're the "down" but share the basement with our upstairs neighbors. They have the attic, and I don't know if they are using that or not, but they really haven't made much use of the basement other than the laundry.

I have used gaming boards placed on the dining room table before. But that's not 100% ideal for a number of reasons -- though it's not completely bad, either. It just involves cleaning off the dining room table, making the boards small enough to carry up & down stairs, and then the actual carrying of all the boards, terrain, figures, etc. from the basement. So its a bit of a hassle. But simply making some new portable boards to fit in the dining room is still one option.

The other is to make use of an empty corner of the basement, which has a clear space of about 12' x 13'. The end of the 13' is open and adjacent to the laundry area. So my basement limits are that I could put a table as long as 12', and probably as wide as 6' (leaving 3' on either side for the players.) One short end would be against a wall, the other would be next to the laundry.

So looking at my options I can:

4x8 portable tabletop for the dining room.
4x8 table in basement, plywood with folding table legs.
(2x) 4x6 tables in the basement, plywood with folding table legs.. I can use them together for as large as a 4x12 table or a 6x8 table.
4x8 all wood table in the basement.
Larger (6x8? 5x10? 6x12?) all wood table in the basement.

#1 is the easiest and cheapest to build, but involves an effort that usually prevents games from going on here in the first place. Also, using the dining room table with boards on top is somewhat unstable. But at least we get to play in a more civilized part of the house.

#2 & #3 are fairly easy and inexpensive to put together, and will still remain portable. If I really wanted to, I may be able to temporarily bring those tables up to the living & dining rooms of the house if I wanted to.

#4 & #5 will involve more building and more expense, but the tables will be nicer, can incorporate storage, and although slightly portable, they are more sturdy. If/when we eventually move into a single home, I plan on trying to secure a permanent gaming space and this is the sort of table I would want for that. I have a couple of ideas on the exact design, but two are my own and a third would be to use the Drunken Dwarves "Ultimate Gaming Table" design (adjusted slightly.)

Game Day 25 - What is good in life?

2011-10-24T00:47:00.000-04:00

This weekend was the 25th Game Day hosted by Ron, one of the members of my ol' gaming group.

We played three rounds of games. The first round was one of my favorites (in spite of never doing very well at the game,) Blue Max using the Canvas Eagles rules and 1/72nd planes, hosted by Rich. I piloted the Albatross D.V in the center of the third photo. This was the only game I've seen in which every single plane survived the game. In fact, this was a rare battle in which I survived. We did have a record number of potential collisions, though -- but not a single one happened!

As with every game of BM/CE, I came home and dug out the three plane kits I bought years ago but still haven't built. I think I may go with a magnetic Omni-Stand and hide some chunk of metal inside each plane. (For the curious I have an Albatross D.V, a Fokker DR.1, and a Sopwith Pup, all Airfix.)

The second round had games running. One was a multi-player Hordes of the Things hosted by Sam. I fought on the side of Tarzan and his mostly animal minions, losing horribly to an alliance of Conan and Jason and the Argonauts.

In a second game I played a one-on-one against on of the new HotT players and did a little better, using the Conan army against Jason. But then, how can you go wrong with Conan. :)

At the same time the Things were Hording, Ron was running a Killzone game on another table. I don't know the details but it seemed to be something like a cross between Killzone, Toon and the movie The Running Man. There were various anthropomorphic gangs (rabbit gang, frog gang, etc. all with shotguns, pistols, etc.) competing in a futuristic televised gladiatorial type competition.

And in the third round, two more games were going on. I ran a modified Warhammer Fantasy Battle game in which barbarian refugees from the north are denied asylum in the Empire so, hungry and homeless, they descend on the village of Hintersdorf. The game ended up closer that I thought it would be, thanks to my realizing that units defending buildings are steadfast after we had started playing. That helped the Empire hang on and defend themselves better than I had thought they would.

Next time I change that rule.

Still, the barbarians did make off with a bit of the livestock, a few villagers for ransom or slaves, and a few of the buildings were burned down. But I call it a minor Empire victory. They took minimal casualties, half the town was intact, they still had some of the livestock and most of the villagers.

While the WFB game was going on, Ron was running a D&D game at another table. I didn't take any pictures because I was running the WFB game and there were no miniatures on their table. ;)

A late fourth round was also scheduled, but everything was running a bit late so we passed on the last scheduled round which was going to be me running Betrayal at the House on the Hill, pick-up card games, and possibly Ron running Space Hulk.

Once again, a fun time was had by me, and hopefully everyone else as well.

New GW Terrain - "By The Power Of..."

2011-10-22T01:39:00.000-04:00

Let me just start with this (not my graphic)...

...because that was one of the first things I thought of when I saw this...

GW has some great ideas, skill and quality. Sadly, they kill it with an obnoxious obsession with plastering everything with SKULLZ. That tower? Would buy two of them if it wasn't for the SKULLZ overdose. New Forge World Empire hero? The SKULLZ barding is too much. That last tower they released? Same thing, far too many SKULLZ for my taste. There's such thing as trying to maintain a certain style... and then there's a point at which you go too far overboard and become a caricature of yourself. Sadly, that is what has happened with someone(s) in the creative department at GW.

But other than the OMFGSKULZZZ of the above tower, I think its great. It's got a whimsical fantasy character that I love, but not in a cheesy fantasy way. Like the building with a ship for the top floor that has appeared in some of their photos.

Blacksmithy

2011-10-21T00:44:00.000-04:00

I finished the next Armorcast building, the blacksmith's shop...

On the Flexibility of Fantasy Wargaming

2011-10-21T00:41:00.003-04:00

OK, I am admittedly on a path continuing to diverge from the official GW canon. I don't care. I'm enjoying taking some creative liberties with what is a make-believe game in the first place. I'm running my first "take fantasy back" game this weekend and it's going to involve a whole lot of unofficial stuff. I admit, not only am I really getting into the barbarian invasion of the Empire idea, I think I'm going to start indulging in some heretical inter-Empire conflicts as well.

(OK, so strictly speaking Marienburg is outside the Empire. And my plan is to build a second Empire army, that of Nordland, and battle them against each other. And also the other armies some of my friends have.)

So back to my new fantasy figures...

I painted & converted a lesser air elemental/air spirit/djinn. The top half is an old Rackham Confrontation Kelt Fianna, the bottom half is wire and putty. A simple conversion, but I'm happy with the results! May her winds blow long in Marienburg sails!

Click to enlarge!

Air Elemental/Spirit Conversion

2011-10-20T01:13:00.000-04:00

I wanted to make a humanoid air elemental/spirit/djinn. So I thought I'd try converting an old Rackham figure by cutting off the legs & replacing them with a swirling cloud of air. I'll paint it soon.

I really want to extend her ponytail to a much greater/larger size, but the smallest brass rod I've got is too large to fit in the little bit that's binding it. I may still cut the whole thing off and replace it. Or maybe no ponytail and just a voluminous (ridiculously so) mass of whispy hair instead?

Stone Building

2011-10-19T23:58:00.000-04:00

Finished the next Armorcast building...

Angry Trees Done

2011-10-18T00:33:00.004-04:00

I don't have my camera with me, so these are just crappy phone pics...

I almost forgot to put another figure in for scale. Sadly I didn't have the same handgunner as in the rest of the photos. But here's a slightly blurry pic with a converted pikeman.

I'm wondering if I should leave them as-is, or try putting some foliage on them. Opinions?

Also... anyone else having problems with blogger's new post editor? It's buggy as all hell, at least in Firefox. Moving text and photos around is nearly impossible. It actually makes laying out posts MORE difficult. I swear they are TRYING to drive people away.

Second Tree

2011-10-16T22:24:00.000-04:00

Finished sculpting & primed the second angry tree.

Both are half painted. Photos when they are done.

PSA - Ogre Trade?

2011-10-16T15:49:00.002-04:00

Blogger Image Formatting (Lightbox) - Disabling

2011-10-16T11:30:00.001-04:00

For those who dislike the new "Lightbox" image display for Blogger, you have the option to turn it off on your blog (as I have).

Go to Settings ---> Formatting ---> Open images in Lightbox ---> and then select "no" and save your settings.

My problem with it is that it is very slow, especially on my lousy internet connection, and it often just hangs on image heavy blogs. So I end up not bothering with looking at peoples pictures. Lightbox really is a case of "bloggers answer to a question nobody was asking."

Wooden Buildings and Angry Trees

2011-10-16T11:26:00.000-04:00

Shots of the interior of the house & barn, plus post-assembly shots. The roofs are removable, so you can see the inside after assembly. The chimney looks more crooked in the photos than in real life. Still, I should have fit it a little better.

Also, (finally!) finished the first angry tree and started painting it. The second one was just finished at the end of the night, after the batteries in the camera died. I'm hoping to prime it tonight.

Instant Mold

2011-10-14T15:58:00.002-04:00

After watching some demo videos and hearing people talk about how well it works, I just ordered a pack of Instant Mold.

2011-10-12T23:42:00.000-04:00

A few more barbarian heroes (forgive the blurry photo.)

And I've painted the components for the first two Armorcast buildings -- a small wood house, and a wood barn.

Now I just need to assemble them! I've prepped & primed two more, a blacksmith shop and a medium stone house.

Solo Wargaming

2011-10-12T01:16:00.000-04:00

I've tried looking into solo wargaming a few times, but I really haven't found much other than a few recommendations for existing systems to use. Today's fit of curiosity is fueled by two posts on TMP:

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=245210

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=244902

What I'm wondering is whether solo gamers just play both sides in most games, or if there is some further "automation" of one side or the other, either through random actions,or flowcharts setting conditions or reactions, etc.

I enjoy pitting tactics against an opponent, whether that's a live person or the AI in the rare computer game (haven't played any in something nearing a decade, but I've been thinking about the PC version of FoG as an alternative to tabletop gaming.) So I'm not certain how I feel about fully playing both sides.

Any thoughts?

Information online somewhere?

Building the Villiage

2011-10-06T00:27:00.000-04:00

Just got a start on my upcoming Imperial village. A box full of buildings from Armorcast!

Now I need a name for the village...

Invasion Force Building Up

2011-10-05T00:56:00.000-04:00

Continuing to work on some fantasy elements to use with my ancient Germans and Gauls, for a fantasy barbarian army...

And a couple of old figures I dug out for the occassion...

Manufacturer's Links (Big Update)

2011-10-04T14:41:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while I've added link or two to my Manufacturer's list (see link at top of blog.) I've just added a lot more, expanding beyond the original list of 25/28mm ancients and medievals manufacturers. I've now got lists started for manufacturers of:

Terrain
Game Mats
25/28mm Halflings or Hobbits
25/28mm Giants

The former two lists are just the tip of the iceberg, but I think I've found a majority of the links for the latter two -- though I'm always interested in adding more. Let me know if I've missed any! At some point in the future, I'd like to pretty it up a bit, and get better organized.

Warhammer Empire "Pleasant Surprises"

2011-10-03T22:32:00.001-04:00

This is the third year (of the four years of its existence) that I've participated in the Warhammer-Empire.com "Pleasant Surprises" which is a mystery figure exchange organized by one of the dedicated forum members.

Two years ago, my "target" was forum member CannonofDoom. After a bit of snooping, I found a photo of him and learned that he was an artillery man in the military. So I converted an engineer/crew to look like him (to the best of my abilities.)

So this year I drew his name again in the random shuffle. Doing a little more snooping, I found a photo of his family, so I decided to add a converted figure to represent his son as an "artillery apprentice." I used the Hasslefree Miniatures "Albert" for this, with just a few minor alterations. I thought the helmet would look close to a sallet with the crest removed, and I swapped out the morning star and repositioned the arm so that it was holding a cannon "swab"(whatever they're called) made of brass rod & greenstuff.

Both are painted & based to match his Empire army.

This year I received a mercenary ogre from Claus79:

Barbarian

2011-09-28T13:49:00.000-04:00

Spanish Cav & More Townfolk

2011-09-24T16:49:00.000-04:00

I've just about finished the unit of Spanish cavalry I've been working on the past... year or so. I just need to base them and make a few touch-ups. Not as detailed as I would have liked (and I'm considering repainting the standard bearer's shield) but they turned out OK.

I also finished up two more of the "townfolk" from Reaper Miniatures I had previously started. I posted three tavern workers previously. Again, still have to finish the bases. Not certain how I want to base them though.

Photo Background

2011-09-23T19:03:00.000-04:00

It's only been... I don't know, 6 months or so since I moved into my art studio, and my figures moved along with me. It's taken that long just to put up a backdrop for photographing figures. What a difference! The puke colored wallpaper really did alter the photos drastically.

Mind you, I still haven't fixed the lighting yet. So these photos are just a change in background...

The dipped Persians from the last photo.

And some Skaven jezzails left over from the sell-off of my Skaven army.

These (Skaven) are still for sale, by the way. I'm going to be posting a list of the remaining few items soon (maybe later tonight.)

Double Dipping - Persian Tests

2011-09-23T00:14:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd try two "dips" on some of those Persians I assembled.

The three on the left are don using regular ol' Minwax, the three on the right use my homemade "Substance D" that I've previously mentioned, and tested a few times.

Truthfully, I'm not that happy with either result. But I'm definitely more unhappy with my Substance D dip. I tried touching up the three on the right. Maybe if I give the three on the left the sametreatment they will look better.

I really don't want to (and don't have the time to) paint a hundred or so Persians. I think they are going on the back burner for a while, anyway. I just wanted to try a bit of comparative dipping. If/when I get some time, it's most likely back to the Romans & ancient Spanish.

Work

2011-09-18T23:53:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned a little while ago, I am now happily employed again. Without getting into too much detail, I enjoy my work and feel as if I've got a stake in the work I'm doing and the organizations for whom I am doing it.

One of these organizations is an aviation museum that's just getting off the ground (I'm trying to get some mileage out of that wordplay while it lasts.)

This is me, in one of the museum's planes, a North American B-25J Mitchell Bomber, earlier this morning. Not part of my work -- I just wanted to get a chance to climb around the plane, and finally had the time. The plane was at an event at a small airport in my part of town. I also got to tour a B-17 owned by another museum.

On a gaming note... I've never had a big urge to play any wargames beyond WWI. I've always felt a bit uncomfortable making a game of wars that friends and family have served in. That's not a value judgement, and it doesn't bother me that other people do. It's just a personal preference for myself.

Blogger Woes

2011-09-18T23:20:00.001-04:00

Actually, it's not just the photos.

But I am having troubles viewing photos on many peoples blogs with this new system. Sometimes it's horribly slow load times on the enlargements. Sometimes not all of the photos are loading at all.

Also, the new spam filter is blocking non-spam. Like my own replies on my own blog, using this same account.

Changes to the blog entry/editing interface are also buggy. I tried the new one and it was far worse, so I switched back to the old one which still isn't as solid as it was a few months ago, but it mostly works.

It seems the more blogger is "improved," the worse it gets. I do have to admit that I am glad they finally added the option for mobile-friendly output. (Now if they would get an Android app that lets me view my subscribed blogs...)

I don't suppose anyone knows anything or has any experience with the blogs at http://6sided.net/ or http://blogs.tabletopgamingnews.com/ ?

(not the) Last Argument of the Consumer

2011-09-17T23:00:00.000-04:00

I would like to order Last Argument of Kings, but it seems that Amazon is still not stocked yet. Disappointing. I'm really curious to take a look at the book.

I'm still holding off on Hail Caesar until we can try the game out a few times. I've still got a copy on loan from a friend. I need to get some painting done so I can put a game together.

Winter is Coming

2011-09-15T16:53:00.000-04:00

I finished "Achtung Schweinhund!" and enjoyed it quite a bit. The last few chapters seemed to be a bit judgmental about others in the hobby (and "related" hobbies), though I've got to admit my own biases.

I ordered "Quintus Sertorius and the Legacy of Sulla" by Philip Spann from the library, but even though it's just a transfer from the main library to my branch a few miles away, it appears to be taking forever. I was going to buy the book a while ago, but when I looked it up more recently on Amazon.com, the cheapest copy was $65.

At any rate, my wife just finished "A Game of Thrones," and recommended it. So within a short time I'm already about 1/3 through the book and have to admit it's a bit addicting already.

I realize I'm slow to come around to things, but that's just how it goes. I didn't start reading the Dark Tower series until the last one was out, and I'm like the anti-hipster of music -- I don't discover music until the bands have already come and gone.

And just because I'm still in "proud pappa" mode, a gratuitous baby pic of my Lady A.

Realistic Hobby Plans?

2011-09-11T00:51:00.000-04:00

I had a long post written about potential ideas for a new project. Since I've sold off a lot of figures recently, but the work situation has now stabilized, my mind has been on the fact that this opened up future new possibilities. I think this is typical a toy soldier/wargamer thing.

But between lack of local opponents (interested in games besides 40k & WFB), lack of space to play, and to an extent, lack of time, I'm not certain how "realistic" it is to pursue any toy soldier/wargaming plans. So I scrapped the post.

I'm wondering if I should look into the FoG computer game instead.

Or pick a new hobby altogether. :/

Sculpting Link

2011-09-09T09:43:00.002-04:00

I've been tossing around some ideas for trying my hand at sculpting again. Just for fun.

http://ironmammoth.blogspot.com/2011/09/figure-sculpting-armatures-dollies-and.html

I just spotted the well timed article above, that's mostly beginning stuff I learned from others early on, but it's a good article and I thought the video was great. I've not tried soldering an armature before (well, haven't tried soldering at all!) and this really showed me that it should be pretty easy.

The way I have tried armatures in the past is to take a single length of wire bent back upon itself. the end with the bend is the neck, and I twist it to the point of the pelvis, then split the two wires for the legs. Then I will use some putty to bulk up the torso, and drill out holes for the arms later on. It hasn't worked to my satisfaction, and using putty to assemble a full armature hasn't proven strong enough for the early sculpting, so I think I will try soldering.

I'm also considering throwing out my small pile of half-started projects (except the big trees) and starting something new. I've got a set of five half finished rat-men that I just don't have the enthusiasm for any longer. I also think I can take what I learned from the work I did do on them and improve.

WFB DOA

2011-09-07T01:24:00.000-04:00

Between the development of the game over the later parts of 7th edition (inconsistent army balance) and the changes in 8th edition (I really tried playing it for quite a while) combined with the increased focus on competitive/tournament play (and more importantly, the accompanying player attitudes), and the increasing cost of staying with "official" figures, I think WFB is more or less dead to me at this point.

It really is sad, as I am a long time player (since 3rd edition, well over two decades ago) and although it was not the first (nor last) game that caught my attention, it has certainly been the one with the longest lifespan. I've probably played more games WFB than all other miniature games combined (OK, probably not -- but the numbers are most likely in WFB's favor.)

But, to state it plainly: it's just not fun anymore.

That's not just in terms of the rules, but the atmosphere and spirit in which the games are played. Far more bitching, grumbling and anger. Much more rules-lawyering, points counting, and no one wants to play scenarios if they have nothing to do with tournaments, or any other sort of non-competitive gaming. Army list writing is far more important than making good in-game, tabletop decisions.

I've considered other fantasy games, but when I look at what's available they usually have one or more of the following faults/red-flags: they are trying to emulate WFB, or; they are focused on selling game-specific figures rather than being a more "generic" or open fantasy game, or; they are skirmish games. Some other games may seem appealing, based on the merit of the quality of their rules, but without the high-gloss, coffee-table look (and price) of GW games, or so-called "support" (which usually means a constant stream of new, expensive products to buy) most other people don't seem to have an interest. Image, it seems, sells better than content in the world of fantasy wargaming.

Yes, I'm in a mopey mood. Maybe I'm getting too old for it. I recently sold most of my Skaven, and it seemed more like a relief than something to be sad about. I think that says as much about how I feel about the game as all my rambling above. The Skaven were my first army, some of the figures (and I did keep a few) dated back to my youth in the mid '80's.

Persian Command

2011-09-06T09:53:00.000-04:00

There's not a lot of options for command figures in the WF Persian kit previously reviewed, so this is what I'm using:

The leader with the sword is just bits from the kit, the standard is a bit of thin plasticard on a longer spear that was left over from the Amazon set. The spears in the Persan kit were too small for a standard. I probably should have done something with the point at the butt end, but I was lazy. Both figures have the same stiff left arm because of the issue with the only alternate that I mentioned in my last entry. I may see if there are some other usable arms I can borrow from some of the other kits.

Just a note... This shot and the last were taken with my phone. I notice that while it doesn't render color very well, and isn't great with large, landscapy photos, it does a decent job with detailed close ups. If you click the image above, the enlarged version is only about 1/4 the size of the original file.

WF Persian Review Addendum

2011-09-04T20:30:00.000-04:00

Two more comments about the Persians in the previous review.

My boxes had 32 figures in them. Only 24 can be armed with bows. Not a big deal, just FYI. Also, there are no slings in the set. I think I will cannibalize some of the others I may have around for some slingers. The rest of the non-bow troops will probably end up with javelins.

Second, some of the left arms are unusable. See pic:

The arm is about 2/3 the length of the others, and if mounted on the figure, his hand only extends to about the waist. It looks like everything above the elbow is missing, but there are no upper arms to use with these. I can't figure out what they're even doing in the set.

Wargames Factory Persians - First Review

2011-09-04T00:34:00.001-04:00

I put together a few of the Wargames Factory Persians today. I've got quite a few of them (some cavalry as well) stashed away for when I jump back into the (barely started) Macedonian/Diadochi project. At any rate, I very quickly put together a few of the archers so I could post some pictures. Here we go...

My comments are based on cleaning several boxes off their sprues and assembling just those few pictured above. I have't painted any... yet. I also haven't touched up some of the joints on the figures above, yet.

I think WF (or at least the original crew) was progressively getting better with each kit, and I think these Persians really show that. The detail is more pronounce, and the design is easy to paint. One of my biggest complaints about the Celts & Germans was the detail being too fine to easily paint on massed hordes of troops. They seem to have resolved that in this set.

I also think the faces are and improvement over some of the earlier sets. Although I am puzzled by the fact that they used two different neck joints. Some heads/bodies are flat, some are ball & socket joints. I haven't attempted to mix the two, though I suspect with a bit of work they should be OK.

As with earlier releases, there are a lot of different bits, a variety of heads and plenty of opportunity to make a huge horde of Persian levies look like it's got variety rather than a synchronized chorus line of the same three figures.

All that said, I think there are a few proportional/consistency issues that stand out on this set more than some of the past sets. The hands, for example -- the hands gripping the bows are big and meaty (almost like some of the worse GW examples) while the right hands drawing/releasing the (imagined) arrows are smaller. I realize there's some clothing & drapery there, but the upper torso of the the kneeling figure looks smaller than the lower torso and legs. The other two figures have one piece bodies, so appear more consistent.

A mix of weapons and shields are included, to build a variety of troop. But there are not enough of any one weapon to devote and entire box to one troop type. For example, if you just want a huge unit of archers, there are only enough bows for part of the box to be equipped as such. Personally, I'm going to use them as archers and javelin armed skirmishers (some conversions) so I think I will be OK.

As I said with earlier sets, if you're looking for a cheap way to bulk out units/armies, I think this is a good way to go. In fact, unlike the Germans, where I decided to stick with mainly a mix of Foundry, BTD and Crusader, I will end up putting most of my Persian stash to use, and even trying to convert a few for other purposes. Although not as flexible as their "Numidian" set, I do think that these offer some opportunities to be used as more than just Persians. (Well, "Persian" is a bit too general a term anyway, but that's a whole other discussion...)

I'll post some painted examples when I get to them. I feel bad for saying this (even considering my bumpy relationship with the new WF mangement,) but their own painted examples on their web page are really doing a disservice to these figures. But I guess that balances out with the fact that I've just given the figures a generally positive review. ;)

Curious

2011-08-30T18:28:00.001-04:00

I wish I had known that I had a commercially marketable product on my hands a couple years ago...

http://zerotwentythree.blogspot.com/2009/11/snowmen.html

...who would have thought...

http://bluemoonmanufacturing.com/view_product.php?product=WF-03

:)

Recent Reading

2011-08-27T13:30:00.001-04:00

I've got a pile of books on my "to read" list, but wanted something a bit lightweight. So this morning I tore through the first 50 pages of Achtung Schweinehund! which I had purchased about a year ago after seeing many recommendations across various blogs and fora.

It is entertaining so far. I can relate in a general way, but as an American boy who grew up in the late 70's & early 80's, the experiences of an English boy who grew up in the 60's does fluctuate between the familiar and the alien. I'm still in the early chapters of comics, war movies and toy guns. I understand there's more about toy soldiers and wargames later on.

Part the reason I wanted something lighthearted was that I just finished The Odyssey.

Not that this was really heavyweight reading. It was just horribly tedious. I'm not entirely certain why I finished, other than curiosity and a desire to say I've read it. I know that must be some sort sacrilege, but it just wasn't what I would call enjoyable reading.

All Roads Lead to...

2011-08-25T21:40:00.000-04:00

There are quite a few new ancients rules out now, or on the horizon. I'd like to give each of them a chance, if I can. So when I had a few minutes to paint and decided to do a bit of painting for myself with that time, I went back to Rome. I can already field a decent sized Rome vs. Cimbri/Teutones game. But I've also had Rome vs. Rome in mind as an eventual goal. So I'm painting more Romans.

I went with a simple scheme again, and did a bit of speed painting, but without the dip.

Nothing terribly special, but exciting for me as it's the first real painting I've done for myself in a while.

I've also pulled out a unit of Spanish cavalry that I had started ages (a year?) ago, and may try to get to that next, while I prep some more Romans.

I think I may indulge my Plutarchian fondness for Sertorius, and start with a Rome vs. Rome & Spain goal. I think this may be a good way to throw in not only a lot of Roman legion, but see how the different game systems handle different types of lighter and/or "barbarian" troops.

Since it's been a while, I thought I'd try to post some extra photos. So here's a few old Lance & Laser figures I painted for Armorcast, who is the current manufacturer.

Ideal Game Table Size

2011-07-30T00:38:00.000-04:00

Lets say you were thinking of building a gaming table, and the room in which it would be set was pretty large. Let's also say that said gaming table would be used mostly for 28mm gaming, but also some smaller scales on occasion. Let's also say it would be used for a variety of games, and by different people, playing anything from ancient mass battles to 20th century urban warfare.

What reasonable size would you aim for?

All of my tables have been 4'x8' but given the chance, I'd like to try something a bit larger in the future. I think 6'x12' would probably be the extreme limit. Maybe 5'x10'?

Two New Little People

2011-07-29T00:21:00.000-04:00

Two new additions to the household. One significantly more important than the other.

First is our daughter, Abigail, born Thursday morning at 12:08am. She's beautiful, healthy and happy -- as is her mother. She is our first (only?) child, and has already captured her fathers heart.

On a less profound note.... the day before the baby arrived, I painted a hobbit figure I picked up from Reaper Miniatures, to use as my character in our RPG campaign. Nob Scrobbleton, rustic but ambitious hobbit trader of herbs and other exotic commodities, turned adventurer.

Medieval Burgundians For Sale

2011-07-19T23:32:00.003-04:00

Per my last entry, I'm getting a little desperate. I have actually found a new job, which I start in August, and should get my back on my feet again. But in the interest of avoiding losing my car & both our phones any day now, I've still got to raise some cash ASAP. So I've decided to offer up my Burgundians as well as the previously posted Skaven. I hate to do it, but once again, my loss is your gain. I can be contacted at my user/blog name (at)gmail.com

So...

Painted 28mm Burgundians (15th Century Ordonnance, Charles the Bold)

Figures are all painted, mounted on a mix of single and group bases, with infantry having a 20x20 "frontage x depth", and cavalry having 25x50. All bases magnetized. Figures are a mix of at least half being Front Rank, the rest being a mix of Crusader, Old Glory, and Grenadier (Copplestone sculpted figures currently being sold by Mirliton.)

Totals: 167 Infantry, 27 Cavalry, 2 guns
$1300
Price includes shipping to most locations around the world.

Photos of many of the figures, both in-progress and finished are available here:
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/burgord/?start=all

You can also hit the Burgundian tag here for some of it.

64 Archers
30 Ordonnance Pike
25 Low Countries Pike
14 Crossbow
10 Hangdunners
21 Dismounted Gendarmes/Heavy Men-at-Arms
21 Gendarmes
6 Coustilliers
3 Artillery Crew
1 Light Cannon
1 Organ Gun
80mm frontage of pavises on separate bases
180mm frontage worth of stakes on separate bases

The numbers above include command figures, including a suitably ducal looking cavalry figure.

I will also throw in a few unpainted artillery crew figures, since I only ever got around to painting three.

Skaven For Sale

2011-07-13T23:27:00.005-04:00

Selling. Cash only. Losing my job and having baby on the way are forcing me to sell off some of my gaming collection. Reluctantly. My loss is your gain. Buyer pays shipping and any extras (insurance, etc.)

WFB

Skaven - Painted

Basing note: All bases are magnetized. That's how I travel with my army. Most are basswood with magnetic sheet on the bottom. Figures are either glued straight to the base, or in the case of many of the metal figures, the tabs have been cut and they have been pinned as well. I used white/PVA glue to stick the figures on the base, so if you don't like the basing, they shouldn't be too difficult to remove. Most of the group bases include extra scenic elements like arrows stuck in the ground, rats running among the troops, mushrooms, etc.

90 Plastic Clanrats: $270
These are the previous multi-piece clanrats, with some giant rats mixed in to accomodate the figures ranking up. They are all based on magnetic bases, with a mix of single bases and multi-bases. The multi-bases accomodate a lot of the conversions and "unruly mob" look I was after. Two units of 30 were designed to have the front rank holding large improvised shields (inspired by the historical "shield wall" concept) with the second rank attacking over their heads. These have been used for years, and as anyone who has had these figures can tell you, there will be a sertain amount of snapped tails involved. I've tried to make repairs & repaints where I can. Just understand these are well painted/converted gaming figures, not display pieces. ;)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skcl01a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skcl01b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skcl02a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skcl02b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skcl02c.jpg

30 Metal Plague Monks: $100
"Brotherhood of the Red Pox." Mounted on magnetic bases, a mix of single based and multi-based. I traded for the figures, whoever had them before me cut off a few of the second hand weapons for some reason. Hard to notice in the mob. I have added a painted banner to the standard since the first photo was taken.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/mnk1.jpg
Pic of the monks with the Furnace, for reference, so you can see the banner. (Furnace sold separately!!)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/furnwip3.jpg

6 Plage Censor Bearers: $30
Mix of metal and converted plastic figures. Painted to match the "Brotherhood" above.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/pcb1.jpg

Plague Furnace: $100
A lot of hard work and... blood went into this. Not sure why I don't have a finished pic of the Furnace, but below are a couple WIP shots without the crew finished, nor the base on two of the photos. The crew & plage priest are painted to match the monks & PCBs above.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/furnwip3.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/furnwip1.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/furnwip2.jpg

10 Metal Clan Eshin Gutter Runners/Assassins: $60
10 of the figures from the group below in the pic. I will supply maximum variety (at least one of each pose.)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/esh12b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/grtt01.jpg

4 Swarms: $40
Mix of actual GW "swarm" stands & rats on scenic bases.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/swm01.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/swm01b.jpg

Converted Skaven Themed Game Turn Counter! $100
Converted from the old Doomwheel, plus some other bits. Rotate the engineer on his throne so that it points to whatever turn it is. Magnetic base. The standard was painted black with the intention of painting a symbol or a tick mark for every defeated enemy, but I never got around to it. But all the better for you to do it after you buy this unique conversion from me! ;)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/turn05.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/turn03.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/turn04.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/turn05.jpg

Rat Giant! $100
100% Scratch sculpted giant rat critter, accompanied by his Clan Moulder escort on his base. Previously used as a DoW giant in previous editions, I've used this as an Abomination since the latest army book came out. Based on a 50x50 magnetized base. You will need to add a secondary base (I was using a metal base, built up in the front and back) or rebase him to match the new base size. Scupted with a durable mix of epoxy putties on a heavy gauge wire frame.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skgt10a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skgt10b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skgt10c.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skgt10d.jpg

1 Converted Plague Wind Mortar (PWG figure not included)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skmort2.jpg

Old metal Grey Seer on old metal Screaming Bell: $100
One of the centerpieces of my army. It's on the old sized base, so I've been slipping another base under it for games until I got a chance to rebase it. The Seer is has a pin in one foot, that fits into a hole on the top of the bell. Also included is one matching 20x20 infantry base with two holes, so if the bell is destroyed you can remove the Seer and put him on an infantry base.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell07.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell06.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell05.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell04.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell03.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell02.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell01.jpg

Photos still to come on these:

46 Metal Slaves: $140
Magnetic bases, mix of group and single based. These are the skinny slaves released for a short time in 6th edition, mix of poses & weapons, including a musician.

46 Metal Slaves: $140
Magnetic bases, mix of group and single based. These are the skinny slaves released for a short time in 6th edition, mix of poses & weapons, including a musician.

1 Ratling Gun: $15

1 Ratling Gun: $15

1 Warp Firethrower: $15
Original Jes Goodwin sculpt

1 Warp Firethrower: $15
Original Jes Goodwin sculpt

1 Converted Warp Grinder: $15
Converted from fogires from the old metal WLC plus other bits. Painted, but here's some pics of the figure before being painted:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/GRND02.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/GRND03.jpg

8 Jezzail Teams: $80

1 Warp Lightning Cannon: $55

9 Poisoned Wind Globadiers: $30
Old (original Jes Goodwin) metal figures. Mounted on old 25mm round bases. I haven't had much trouble using them, but probably need rebased for current ultra-competative WFB environment. I will throw in 9 unused 20x20 bases.

7 Rat Ogres, 20 Giant Rats, 5 Clan Moulder Packmasters: $100
I will throw in unassembled/unpainted bits for a couple more packmasters and some more giant rats as well.

Skaven - Unpainted:

New Plastic Doomwheel: $25
Everything on sprues except one of the two optional driver heads (used in a conversion, above.)

9 Poisoned Wind Globadiers: $25
Old (original Jes Goodwin) metal figures. Bare metal.

Metal Verminlord: $25
Bare metal, unassembled.

30 New plastic clanCrat spearmen: $35
Converted with extra long ("pike") spears. Assembled, based & primed black (one test model is paint.) Shields separate, but included. Photos of the first 20 after they were assembled/converted:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skpko6.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/pptest.jpg

You may be able to find more pics, info, and see how your new troops have performed in battle here:
http://zerotwentythree.blogspot.com/search/label/Skaven
http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4082928#

Adaptation

2011-07-06T01:26:00.004-04:00

Given all the changes I'm dealing with, maybe I should just consider 6mm gaming?

I do prefer larger scale games. Money, time & space are getting tighter.

Maybe this...

http://www.warlordgames.co.uk/preview-black-powder-last-argument-of-kings/

...would give a me good excuse to change gears as well. Given the relatively easy learning curve, I might even be able to get some new blood interested. Not sure how many people I know have any interest in the musket era, though.

Anyone have any opinions on 6mm vs. 10mm? I've never really compared before. I've mostly been a 15mm & 25/28mm guy.

Changes

2011-07-05T10:54:00.004-04:00

Employment and financial problems continue. Its looking like I will be selling off a lot of my gaming stuff. I will be posting a list of all my Skaven figures in the near future, and probably sell them unit by unit. I have some more difficult choices after that, but I think the next two on the sales floor may be the Man-O-War collection and the Burgundian army. I will probably try to sell each of those as single lots first. I'm going to try to hang on to the ancients as long as possible, before getting desperate enough to part with them.

It sounds like the RPG campaign may be winding down already, too. I'm a bit down about that. We only manage to get together maybe once a month (originally started as every second week) and a couple of the players have jumped into a more modern game elsewhere. I've been enjoying the RPG "flashback" and it has been a good way to unwind.

I (still) haven't painted any figures recently, but I have been doing other painting. This weekend I painted the (soon to arrive) baby's room. We're going with a whimsical enchanted forest theme. The past few months I've also been working on some cartoon-y paintings to hang in the room. I've had to squeeze out some free time where ever I can, but I've got three of the planned four done already. The baby is due sometime in the next few weeks. So it will be a race to get the last one done!

"Seem What the Owls Are Not," "The Rabbit, The Treefish and the Inchworm," and "Flight of the Cuttlefish." I've gone through a pile of ideas for the fourth one but I think it will end up being a partner for the center one. I told my wife I could probably keep going and cover the walls, given time and materials to do so. I'm contemplating scaling that down, though, and instead making a (or several) home made children's story book(s) instead.

Wanted: 15mm fantasy, medieval, ancient odds & ends

2011-06-06T01:46:00.002-04:00

We're still trying to hang on to the old-school RPG group. At 7 people (6 PCs and a DM) it's hard coordinating free time, especially once summer hits. We're hoping to maintain once a month games until the fall. We've only met twice in the past two months, though it's been a great deal of fun!

The DM has been using dice and some plastic Risk figures for trying to visually organize the battles. I'm thinking of suggesting figures, but because of space considerations I'm tempted to try 15mm instead of the usual 25/28mm. The problem, as I see it, is tthat most 15mm figures come in larger quantities of 12-50 per pack.

So I am looking for your 15mm odds and ends. For sale (preferably cheap) or trade. We could probably use a variety of generic human fantasy archetypes (either fantasy or historical figures - some armoured, some barbarians, some "rangers" etc.) as well as typical fantasy RPG figures (skeletons, orcs, goblins, dwarfs, elves, etc.) That would be the best place to start, I think. Maybe we can work on some big critters after that.

Campaigns, Careers and Mind Games

2011-06-01T23:05:00.003-04:00

First the bad news...

After being unemployed for about 6 months, I finally took the only available job I could find (for now,) which has a whole lot of great things going for it except for two small details: atrocious hours and even worse pay.

So gaming for me has been virtually non-existent and I've been (reluctantly, in some cases) selling off some of my gaming stuff to help cover the bills. Hopefully something will turn up soon and my life will return to normal (or at least "normal" in the sort of way that's "normal" for a grown man who likes to play war with little toy soldiers.) The fact that my wife and I are expecting our first baby in less than two months, in addition to all the job/money/time issues, isn't exactly instilling me with a terribly positive outlook, though.

So other than those last couple entries, I've had almost no time for games or painting.

Then the good news (such as it is)...

I have, on the other hand, continued to toss around ideas in my head. My imagination is my last refuge. Mostly in terms of campaigns, as far as gaming goes. As I believe I mentioned previously I'm considering the idea of trying a Roman campaign before a Successors campaign. (This is all ignoring the fact, for the moment, that I have the above mentioned no-time for games.) To an extent, I suppose it will be a trial run for mechanics and practicality. I think I've got quite a bit of it worked out and have started putting some of it into a playable form. Right now it's just notes and the begeinnings of a deck of "campaign cards."

I am also thinking of indulging in a bit of alternative history. I came up withe idea for doing with ancients what others have done for the 18th century, in creating an "ImaginAncients" setting similar to the ImagiNations concept.

The basis for my Roman campaign, as I am imagining it, would involve at least three Roman factions, plus one or two outsiders.

One is Sertoria/Hispania, a "new" somewhat multi-cultural but still Roman dominated republic in Spain. In this setting, Sertorious would not have been assassinated, would have continued to fend off Roman attacks on Spain (helped by further splintering of factions at Rome), gained greater popularity both with the native Spanish peoples as well as the exiled Populares. A republican government and senate based on the Roman model were founded, encompassing the Hispania & Lusitania, all the way to the Atlantic, and maybe some small bits of south-western Gaul and/or Mauretania. After his death, a cult of personality formed around the (then deified) Sertorius.

That is the biggest bit of alternate history. A lot of the rest would at least remain along the lines of real-life history (as far as we know it.) Rome, as it had been, continued to be embroiled in factional strife. Not long after the death of Sertorius, Caeasar embarks upon his Gallic War. The campaign starts with Caesar in control of all of the Gallic territories.

The Optimates have retained a hold on Rome, Africa and most of the East. I am still tossing around the idea of splintering them off into two factions.

In terms of non-Roman factions, the two that come to mind are some sort of "alternative history" versions of Germania and Parthia. As far as Germania, I was thinking of some sort of German Vercingetorix who (somehow) manages to unite a large number of Germans who, as a reaction to the threat of Rome, go on the offensive. Or maybe there is an outside force that pushes the great German migrations forward in time. As far as Parthia... I admit a bit of ignorance. I'm not sure how to work them into a more effective, organized and expansionist role. Another "great personality?" How about a Persian revival instead? Or Pontus?

Like I said, still a bit of a mind-game. It's the closest thing to "gaming" I've got, currently. I barely even have time to read. So I'll continue to toss some ideas around in my head in the hopes that I can pull something together by the time I (hopefully) get back to that mythical "normal" gaming life.

Any suggestions are welcome. As are job offers. ;)

WFB Core Battles

2011-05-17T08:03:00.006-04:00

Some of the old game club got together again for another day of WFB gaming. We played two rounds. The army rules were:

2000 Points
No Lords
15% Max. Heroes
20% Max Special
No Rare

I drew up two army lists. One for Empire, one for Skaven. I decided to play the Empire list, but when it came time to pack the car, I discovered that the Empire figures were all over the place (some packed in the travel box, some in a cabinet, some out on the desk) and laziness won out. I brought the Skaven. The army looked something like this:

1 Chieftain with heavy armour, shield, warlock augmented weapon
1 Chieftain with battle standard, heavy armour shield, and the magic standard that causes -1 LD to enemies within 12" and units in base contact reroll successful LD tests.
1 Engineer w/ LV1 magic

50 Clanrats with spear & shield
1 PW Mortar
30 Clanrats with shield
1 Warp Fire Thrower
30 Clanrats with shield
1 Warp Fire Thrower
40 Slaves
40 Slaves
30 Monks
6 Rat Ogres + 3 Handlers
2 Swarms
15 Night Runners
1 Warp Grinder

My first game was against a dwarf gunline. It had a bunch of units of 10 dwarfs with either handguns or crossbows, heavy armour and great weapons, three units of 5 miners, each with a drill, a unit of rangers with crossbows, three bolters with engineers, three slayer heroes and a thane.

The dwarfs set up on their back line, with the larger part of the army on a large hill. The slayers and miners were sent out to slow down the advance while everything else got shot up. It largely worked. Most of my Skaven are S3 and it took a ridiculous number of combat rounds to roll just two wounds on each slayer.

The big break for the dwarfs happened when the 50-rat horde, containing both the general and BSB, failed a freak panic test early in the game and spend a couple rounds fleeing, keeping them mostly out of the game.

In the meantime, fire was focused on the unengaged units, whittling them down to numbers too small to be effective by the time they got to combat. It was almost a re-fight of the recent WAB games against Persian and Macedonian missile armies, posted previously.

In the course of the game, I had a pretty freaky dice roll...

Game 2!

Game two was against an Empire army. It was something like:

30 Swordsmen
10 Swordsmen detachment
10 Handgunner detachment
30 Swordsmen
10 Halberdier detachment
10 Handgunner detachment
30 Spearmen
10 Crossbow detachment
10 Crossbow detachment
10 Knights with a Warrior Priest
1 Captain with battle standard
2 Mortars
1 Cannon
1 Engineer

It would be another game of mostly me moving up to contact the enemy. The first turn was brutal, as a couple of mortar rounds dropped my 50-rat horde below half strength. I got my rat ogres into combat with the knights early on, but I rolled horribly, he rolled great, and the result was that I lost combat by a lot and ran away. After a forced pursuit, they turned around, failed a charge and spent a couple turns getting flamed by a fire thrower before blowing a panic test. They rallied at the end, but were effectively removed from the rest of the battle. (At a high cost to me.)

My plan was to stall on one side or the other. I decided on stalling on my right (foreground in the photos) by sending swarms on the far side of the village, and slaves (and the other WFT) "refusing" (I hoped) the flank of the main line. My tunnelers popped up in front of the artillery, but were then charged by the flagellants supporting them from behind. I sent monks over the far hill, but they also got shot to pieces and broke in the second round of combat, after failing to do much of anything in spite of their "buckets o' dice" in combat -- even against mere humans.

The remainder of the horde did win combat in the center, but were then left standing alone just outside of the minimum firing range for the mortars. My only real luck was with a unit of clanrats on my left who made it to combat largely unscathed by missile fire, beat a detachment of crossbowmen, then turned and fought the swordsmen who had defeated my monks. After two rounds of combat, I managed to squeek by with a narrowly won round and lucked out when my opponent failed his break test.

We didn't total points or anything, but looking at the battle, I think it was at best a draw for the Skaven -- and that's being generous. All I had left were a couple units of clanrats. My opponent had lost most of his combat units, but he still had enough shooting to prevent me from turning and charging him effectively. At some point, the knights would be back, as well, though it would probably just be to mop up any remaining rats.

The next games will hopefully be in a couple weeks, and will be Ancients again.

Wargames Factory Resolution

2011-05-06T00:32:00.003-04:00

As I explained in a previous entry, I've had a bit of difficulty collecting payment for painting services performed for Wargames Factory.

Yesterday was the final step in a resolution of the issue. I accepted payment in WF product in lieu of cash, and after about a month of delays, said product finally arrived on my doorstep.

Since those to whom I have financial obligations (utility bills, the grocery store, etc.) are not as gracious as I am in taking toy soldiers as "legal tender" I am now looking to convert this plastic currency into something with which I can pay my own bills. After setting aside figures for myself and friends, I have the following available at $12 per box, plus postage:

6x Shock Troops
2x War of Spanish Succession Infantry
1x Ancient Numidian Infantry
5x Ancient Persian Infantry
2x Ancient Persian Cavalry

If you buy three or more, I will drop the price to $10 each. Buyer pays postage.

Phalanx, Primer, Crusader, Campaign

2011-05-01T21:16:00.009-04:00

Phalanx Test

This is my first phalanx test figure. The base isn't painted yet. Most of the figure was painted using blocked out colors, then a wash using my Substance-D. The only post-wash painting was the face of the shield and the pike shaft. I'm considering getting some decals for the final shield design.

Armory Primer

There is a saying, "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me." I would like to amend this to contain the third phrase, "fool me a third time and I must be a f-ing idiot." Why? I primed my first 24 phalanx using Armory primer. I had run out of my usual Krylon, and the only stores that seem to carry it are across town. I had no plans (nor time) to go across town for a can of primer, so I figured I would give the Armory another chance as I still have cans and cans of the stuff (all colors, plus clear) filling a small crate. Everything went fine. I did a test figure and it worked fine. I did a few other figures, they primed fine. I put 24 Macedonians on the painting board -- they turn out fuzzy. F-ing worthless Armory primer.

Crusader Miniatures

On a more positive note, I would like to state (once more) how much I love Crusader brand figures. My first 72 Macedonians (including the one above) are Crusader. I've also got about 24-28 Crusader Thureophori to work on. I also own and have painted some of his Ancient Germans, Spanish, Romans, Numidians, and the recently posted Carthaginians.

They are clean figures, both in terms of sculpting and casting. Because of this they paint up quickly, and look nice and distinct on the tabletop. As a US customer, I appreciate that they have a North American distributor/caster, as it saves me a bundle on postage that I would pay ordering from some of the other UK companies/sculptors that I would otherwise like to buy from. That's a big advantage to adding +40% for overseas postage from the UK from some companies. At any rate, I for all of those reasons I am a fan of, and enjoy painting and collecting Crusader figures!

Ancients Campaign

As much as I had been looking forward to trying to put together a Diadochi campaign, I think I may try a Roman "end of the Republic" campaign first. Of the 5 local WAB players I know, we now have 4 Roman armies, and one "barbarian" who we can easily work in. My thought is to divide into two major factions (Optimates and Populares or whatever) with two Romans in each faction, then toss the barbarian player in as a bit of a wild card. I'll set up a map that will determine resources (points and troop options) are available to those possessing different territories. Points will be assigned in two groups, Core (mainly legion & Roman characters) and Allies/Mercenaries/Levies.

Attacks will be made in adjacent territories, or if an army is in a territory with a port and is willing to risk a hazardous sea voyage (roll on a table for effects) they can move to another port location. Moving into an unoccupied territory means you take possession of it (I'm thinking of throwing in a random table to see if there is some sort of temporary side effect.) Moving into a territory with an enemy army in it means a battle. Each army will have a certain amount of the total faction points assigned to it. Battles can be fought between any player or players from the faction involved, based on who is available to play. I figure this will allow the campaign to continue without getting bogged down by people's schedules, while letting those who are not as frequently available still get to play some occasional games.

I'm thinking of putting a couple of special rules for a few territories and/or troop types. Maybe something like Egypt requiring a dedicated garrison force, Germania can not be conquered, bringing too many foreign troops into Italy or Rome will risk an uprising, some troop options become unreliable if taken too far from home, etc.

At least those are my thoughts thus far. Maybe this can be a practice run for a Successor campaign to see what works & what doesn't.

Game Day 24 & More Vinyl

2011-05-01T09:43:00.009-04:00

Game Day 24

Saturday was my old game club's 24th Game Day.

I arrived a bit late for the early game, but it seemed like it had just started, so I got thrown into it. "Toho Monster Explosion" is a home brewed giant monster game that we've played for quite some time. I was Guillon, and my high point was chasing Godzilla off the table. (Well, OK, I had some help, but I was the one to strike the final blow.)

After that I had a bit of a horror theme going. I played in The In-Between, a home brewed mystery game. I went insane at the end of the game. At the same time, a game of Man-o-War was being played on the other side of the room. Now I've got Man-0-War my mind, and may dig up my fleets and try to see if I can dredge up an opponent.

In the third time slot, I ran another horror/mystery game. I broke with tradition and brought a board game, Betrayal at the House on the Hill. It was a good game, we ended up with two Traitors, and three of the four remaining Explorers lived and "won" (but just barely.) Another group was playing WFB, Warriors of Chaos against Skaven. I believe the Skaven won, but I'm not certain of that.

The late slot was Circus Maximus. We started with eight charioteers, and by the time we completed the first lap, there were only three left. The lead chariot was in much better shape than the remaining two (of which I was one) and couldn't lose. Below you can see the entry to the second turn, which was the doom of three or four chariots.

Another fun day of games! It's still a way off, but I should start planning something new for Game Day 25.

More Vinyl (New Muny)

Last week I finally finished the next Munny vinyl toy I was working on. Inspired by the opera I attended when I had started it, I have titled him, "Donna Anna's Song of Cruel, Cruel Vengeance," or shortened as, "Giovanni."

Dipping and Bitching

2011-04-24T00:18:00.004-04:00

Dipping

I've made my next experiment with dipping. I've headed back to my Paint Machine Project blog for this, as I tracked my time and it seemed appropriate to post there, as that was the whole point of starting that project. My comments are there, in my latest entry. I won't elaborate here, other than to say that I think a bit more experimentation will be done.

Well, that and I'm not sure why I am still referring to it as "dipping" as there is no dipping going on, other than a brush dipping into the wash medium.

Bitching

This is just a bit of an overflow of my bitching elsewhere. But I think my interest in WFB is hitting an all time low. I think I've even got over the 8th edition blues. Well, I still think 6th/7th were better, but I just accepted that 8th edition was the reality of the current game and I came to a state of acceptance.

I think that the current focus on tournaments and competitive play is just pushing my interest further down. I play wargames for the mental challenge (I view the games like a kinetic puzzle, evolving on the tabletop between two or more players,) but also for fun and relaxation. Right now there seems to be too much of a focus on the "meta game" and list building, too little on pushing figures around and rolling dice. Tournaments that were previously relaxing social events are becoming a source of arguments and bitching about determining a "winner" and/or bitching about whoever was decided as the "winner." This is all spilling over into local "friendly" games which, it seems, are now being dictated by this competitive environment.

That's fine for the people who are really into that. I guess it's just not my thing. So I think I've decided I'm done with tournaments, and I'm bordering being done with WFB entirely.

Painting On Deck

2011-04-20T21:50:00.004-04:00

Just a few quick photos to show what's "on deck" in terms of my own figures on my painting table.

First, I'm excited to finally be starting work on my Macedonians/Successors/Diadochi. No, they're not "Silver Shields," but I've just cleaned them up and have them ready to prime. The first group of 24 phalanx. These are Crusader figures. Two more groups of 24 are the same. Then there are two groups of 24+/- Foundry figures.

I've also dug up 16 Greek archers from BTD. I think I picked these up from a rare bargain on eBay. Nice figures, though I'd like more variety. These are going to be my next experiment in "dipping" before moving on to the phalanx above. These should see use as Greeks, Cretans and maybe some other regional skirmishy archer types.

Rounding out the previous unit of Carthaginians and elephant (and all their already painted allies & mercenaries) I've partially painted a couple of command figures. Again, Crusader figures. These are from the cavalry command pack, but I'm going to use them as a general and army standard.

And lastly, some more landsknecht pikemen. These are mostly Foundry, along with a few assorted painted figures in the back. I've also got 20 Artizan figures (though some are command) to clean, prime & base to add to this group. I should end up with somewhere near 36 figures in all. I'm not sure these will be a priority, as I'm anxious to try putting together a Hellenistic campaign at some point.

GW Triple Whammy

2011-04-12T21:51:00.004-04:00

A few of pieces of GW news this week have me wondering what is going on with them...

First is Forge World's release of Kampfgruppe Normandy, a WWII game. I don't play WWII games, so it's roughly $86.00 price tag (at today's exchange rate, including postage, not not service fees for currency conversion) for US customers won't hurt my bank account.

What also surprises me is that they not only continue to spiral off in other directions, but then have the balls to charge prices like that when they have a reputation for not supporting the other games they've left incomplete. I'm still bitter about buying WAB2 and buying into their promises of army lists that were supposedly soon to follow.

Second is GW's Storm of Magic expansion for WFB. Two of my complaints about 8th edition are the game winning spells they introduced, as well as the increased focus on huge critters (and the associated downplaying of troops, maneuver, tactics, etc.) Any thoughts I may have had that this was an unintentional fluke in the game has been washed away by the description of Storm of Magic, which promises to increase both of those.

Third are the rumors of the discontinuation of metal figures from GW. According to many sources, retailers have been told there will be no more metal, and further rumors indicate that they may be switching to resin. I've bought very few of the metal figures in the past few years, as I can't stomach paying $12-$18 for a single infantry figure. Since every other time GW has announced an "improvement" and "cost savings" it has been immediately followed by increased prices, I expect the resin figures to be of lower quality (unless they've really got something new up their sleeves) and at a higher price.

Every bit of GW related news the past couple years seems to be driving me further away from their games. I'm seeking ancients rules elsewhere. I sold of all the figures I had collected for a WFB wood elf army, and just sold off most of my unpainted Skaven and I am thinking of putting the painted stuff up for sale next. While I hear some people rabidly supporting the company, I just don't see much appeal any more, and have seen a fair number of other long time veterans departing as well.

Dipping Experiment - Continued

2011-04-08T09:32:00.005-04:00

I'm pretty happy with the results of my Minwax dipping experiment, and my subsequent home-brewed dip experiment (see below.)

So here are the Carthaginians, post-dip. After the dip, I painted the shields using a quick three layer technique (hard to see the shading, the photo washed out the white.) And finally I added a layer of matte varnish. I just used Krylon UV Protection Matte. I thought I might have to pull out the "big guns" of matte varnish (Testors) but it doesn't seem necessary. These are simple figures with a lot of mail, but overall I'm happy with the results. The only minor change I should have made was using a different color for the spears.

As a result of discussion of my attempts at replicating GW's Delvan Mud wash in the replies to my last entry, I took some anonymous advice and sought out a bottle of Ceramcoat Dark Burnt Umber. I found it at the local craft store for a whopping $0.79 and it is perfect. Far darker than any of the other browns I currently have, but a bit warmer than black.

I mixed up a batch of Future, water, DBU (dark burnt umber) and a bit of anti-shine additive and applied it to the figure below. It was a little two thin, so I added more DBU the the mix and gave it another coat before the first had fully dried. I probably should have used another figure, but I was impatient. So the results look good. I think I need to fine tune the mix a bit (maybe less/no water?) and apply it to a fresh figure. But I'm optimistic.

I have labeled the bottle with this mix, "Substance D" -- as in "D"evan Mud replacement (and "D"ark Burnt Umber.) But also because I am a Philip K. Dick fan, ans Scanner Darkly is one of my favorite books.

So here's my plan, then.... I'm going to try some more figures using both my Substance D and the Minwax. Then I hope to make use of "dipping" one some of the piles of rank and file troops that have backed up in my collection and get them on the battlefield.

Taking the Plunge -- With Dipping

2011-04-06T01:04:00.005-04:00

I'm finally making my first experimental foray into using the "Dip."

After much reading on the internets, I actually purchased these supplies almost a year ago. But I've just now got around to trying them.

Here are my shiney shiney Carthaginians spearmen, basecoated.

And here is a somewhat poorly lit shot after the "dip." I didn't actually dip the figures, but used the "apply heavy wash with brush" method. But that's a bit much to say or type quickly.

So far the results look OK. Hard to say until they dry completely and I can hit them with a matte clearcoat. But so far I'm not sure the results are quite as good as I could get with a similar wash method using GW's Delvan Mud. The trade off, of course, is that the large tin of Minwax costs less than two tiny bottles of Delvan Mud. And for what it's worth, I can skip the gloss coat and go straight to the matte.

After considering the Devan vs. Minwax, I tried mixing up a new homebrew wash of Future, Reaper anti-shine addative, a bit of water, a bit of matte medium, and some dark brown paint. I used Vallejo "Leather Brown" which paints very dark straight out of the bottle, but as a wash it turned out far too light. I may dump it and try using some dark artists acrylic in a new batch. I think I have something pretty dark, but don't remember what (Umber? Van Dyke?)

Not that I'm ready to give up on the Minwax yet. I've got a lot of the stuff and a bunch of figures that need painting. I will continue to experiment, and will post further photos as I finish these guys.

This last photo shows why the above photo was poorly lit. I've got my "dipping station" set up on a separate table, so I can let it sit & dry overnight while not getting in the way of my regular painting spaces.

eBay stuff

2011-04-06T00:55:00.002-04:00

I've put some of my unsold stuff on eBay. I will be adding a few more items later in the week.

http://shop.ebay.com/zerotwentythree/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

Right now there's some 40k, WFB and Warmachine.

I will be adding more WFB, 40k, those WWI French I previously posted here in the next couple days.

Bid early, bid often. (And help me pay my bills!)

Landsknecht Pikemen

2011-04-04T22:03:00.006-04:00

I finally finished the Old Glory landsknecht pikemen I've had. Again, I sort of "speed painted" them. While they're not as crisp as Artizan or Foundry, they are very nice figures. In fact, I'd say some of the best Old Glory figures I've painted. The castings were very clean as well, and required minimal cleanup.

My photography, sadly, is not as clean or nice. But here are a pair of photos of the group.

I still need to add a banner (or two) and find a suitable leader and musician. Foundry and Artizan look too bulky to mix in to the unit, and the few TAG figures I've got are too small & lean. Anyone have a spare Old Glory leader (or halberdier) and musician?

These figures will also be seeing use in WFB, as I will be starting to use the fan written Dogs of War book. They'll possibly see battle in the my Empire army, as spearmen, too. Both Empire and DoW are going to be "Marienburg" armies, just with different rules.

I've also broken my own stoodio rule (lasted all of a month and a half at the new place) and allowed my latest art critic / assistant in. Milo likes to sit on my lap and point at where I should paint while I'm working figures. When I'm at the easel he just headbutts and paws at my shins while trying to engaging me in conversation.

Adepticon 2011

2011-03-31T10:22:00.004-04:00

This was supposed to be the year I went to Adepticon. I was very excited about that. But the unemployment and upcoming fatherhood have thrown a bit of a wrench into those plans. So no Adepticon for me. It's a bit difficult reading about everyone else going, all over Blogger and the fora I visit. But I'll survive. Maybe I will try to get some more gaming at home in this weekend.

I may not be going to Adepticon, but some of my recent commission work is! I just painted most of the Cinematic Effects range of accessories for Armorcast. One of the owners was putting together a really nice looking display for them when I recently dropped off the remainder of the pieces. They're really unique items and were an interesting change of pace to paint. Especially the "HE hamster rounds." ;)

I don't do much sci-fi anymore, but I'm hoping to try using some on a few figures in the near future. (Digging through old piles of minis!) At any rate, stop by & see what they've got. I believe they will have some new figures on display and for sale as well.

WAB: Rome vs. Carthage

2011-03-31T10:01:00.003-04:00

Got in a WAB game with a friend who's just starting out. He's an experienced WFB player and has been working on his WAB figures for a while, but this is the first game we've played. He brought Republican Romans, so I wanted to try something more interesting than more Romans or Gauls, so I put together the elephant I posted in my last entry, and pulled out my half painted unit of African spearmen and fielded a Carthaginian army. It was a Punic War in Spain list, so other than those two items mentioned (and the leadership, of course,) the army was mostly Spanish & Celtic (or Celtiberian.)

Romans are on the left, Carthaginians are on the right. Here's the first turn advance...

My elephant took a wound in the second turn, stampeded through the unit that caused the wound, and into the first line of Romans.

Unfortunately, Jumbo blew his dice against the Romans (the crew both caused wounds, though) and stampeded back towards home. I had already prepared for this possibility and had opened a lane for him. Some of my own skirmishers, and my army standard bearer, panicked at the site of the elephant fleeing, though.

My heavy cav on my left flank (Gallic) have got themselves through the skirmishers and first line of Romans, and are locked in combat a little too far ahead of the rest of the army. Spanish caetrati have attempted to sneak through the woods in support.

And this is towards the end of the game. On my right, I managed to let a big unit of Celtiberians get flanked. They took heavy casualties, broke and took most of the flank with them. A lone unit of Roman velites mopped up most of the fleeing troops. My left flank was a bit similar, the cavalry broke and panicked the nearby skirmishers and ceatrati. In the center I pressed forward as quickly as I could in a last ditch effort. But my Punic spearmen panicked from the antics on the flanks, and left just two units going in alone, a big mob of Celtiberians and a unit of scutarii. Both performed fairly well in combat, but not well enough to break through the Romans. In the long run, they would lose the battle of attrition, and were on the verge of being surrounded anyway.

Victory to Rome.

I mentioned elsewhere that I don't have much faith in elephants. I've never used on in one of my own armies, but I have faced them. From that point of view, I have rarely seen them perform well. So while I'd like to give him another shot (or two) I'm already tinkering with a Jumbo-less variant on the list.

Two Beasties

2011-03-29T22:42:00.003-04:00

First some commission painting. It's a resin figure from Miss Painting Group, in Hong Kong.

And then an elephant for myself. Quickie paint job and poor photo taken with my phone.

Toys and Ancients and Late Night Rambling

2011-03-21T01:33:00.006-04:00

Ancients

Iron Mitten has posted an amusing illustration regarding the state of ancients rules...

http://iron-mitten.blogspot.com/2011/03/let-games-begin.html

The saying, "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me" keeps popping into my head in regard to WAB. Ten years after the game was released, I was still waiting for the promised supplements covering most of the popular ancient periods/armies -- many of my favorites. A year or so ago GW released a new edition of the rules, supposedly with a series of new army lists hot on its heels. Not only was the new edition barely a change from the old one -- I feel I paid a lot of money for a book that contained more errors than rule changes -- but we still have no lists.

I am looking forward to all of the new rules, and taking a second look at some already released rules.

Vinyl Toys

The opening reception for the vinyl toy show I previously posted about was this weekend. I had a long day Saturday, but managed to pop in the gallery for a few minutes. It was packed full of people and a decent variety of custom toys. There were a few I really wanted to buy, but alas, unemployment is taking its toll and I am really starting to feel the financial crunch -- it's no time for me to buy art toys.

Earlier in the week, I also started a new one...

...again, it's a Munny Mini. So far I'm pretty happy with it. I do have to admit to a certain amount of inspiration for this one. I'm working on painting up a set of the Armorcast Cinematic Effects for display, and was thinking about how much I really like they way that they capture a sense of action in our toy soldiers. The other inspirations were the fact that the Munny came with the baseball bat accessory and I wasn't certain what to do with it and earlier in the week I also saw a performance of Don Giovanni (in which my wife performs) and there's a lot of vengeance talk. Well, singing rather than talking, really. So mash that all together and I came up with the above. I'm hoping I've got some time to start painting it this week.

Hobby, Art and other Rambling

I've also been working on some 100% custom sculpted type things. I think the lines between my hobbies/creative outlets/work are starting to get a bit blurred. I'm not sure where those sculpts fall. For example I can trace my own process for two of them as coming from the vinyl toys, and two came from gaming & toy soldiers. Now all of them are converging into something that doesn't strictly fall into either of those categories -- at least not as I feel most people see it.

Painting and converting toy soldiers, painting and modifying vinyl toys, traditional sculpture, traditional painting, architecture, model building... there's always been a bit of crossover of skills & knowledge, but it's hit a point where I'm seeing far less boundaries. I feel like some of the toy stuff has completely left the realm of what most people do. When I've brought up 100% custom sculpts in the context of custom vinyl toys, it's like I was speaking a foreign language. I just didn't realize that what I viewed as a further evolution was something that they saw as "outside." I was recently talking about the fact that I sometimes like to see the obvious paint layers and brush strokes on some of my toy soldiers. That can be borderline taboo with many of the people who believe realism being the goal in figure painting (or any painting, for some people who only like realism in art!) I'm also (slowly) working on several larger "traditional" paintings based on one of the standards I painted on a WFB figure.

I feel like I can really appreciate the way that things I've learned in one media or interest has translated into some of the others. I think I've just had a few awkward moments recently where I've brought these up and they haven't fit into other people's narrower views of their hobby/art/job. But aside from the momentary awkwardness, I don't think this is a "bad" thing.

I've seen a few other similar cases on some of the blogs I follow, and I think that's great. I started this blog as a toy soldier and gaming blog -- and that's primarily what I follow as well. But I really enjoy seeing other people's sketches & drawings, paintings and other (even non-artistic) interests. It puts their toy soldier & gaming work into context.

Two WAB reports

2011-03-16T00:05:00.004-04:00

The past few weeks I've played a couple of WAB2 games with my Romans... much to my Romans chagrin. The games have been against Seleucids and Early Achaemenid Persians.

Both games played out more or less the same way...

First up Rome vs. Seleucids

Romans on the left had four regular legions, one unit of Spanish scutarii (auxilia), some Gallic heavy cavalry, and an assortment of skirmishers.

The eastern menace had four phalanx units, four heavy bolt shooters, a catapult, two units of archers, and an assortment of sling and javelin armed skirmishers.

Turn one the catapult snipes my general. From there it went downhill. I got close to engaging in combat (see photo below) but taking some last minute heavy casualties from shooting forced some panic tests, and resulted in the Romans fleeing, leaderless, from the battlefield. I don't think their odds would have been that great in combat anyway, considering their diminished numbers were facing fresh phalanx.

Game two, against the other eastern menace -- the Persians.

I fielded the same Roman army.

The Persians had about four units of Immortals, two units of levy, four bolt shooters, and some skrimishers.

I had wanted to take advantage of the Roman drill to try to fast march, but the bolters were a bit of a deterrent again. As it was, it wouldn't have made much difference by my after-the-fact calculation of the distances. That and I would have been eating six ranks worth of bolt shots instead of 2-3 after the first turn of shooting annihilated the skirmishers.

So that would be the pattern. The first turn saw the skirmisher "ablative armour" blasted away. The next few turns whittled down the legions and allies so that only a few lonely Romans actually made it into combat through the hail of arrows and other missiles. And like last game, they had to face fresh troops at a combat advantage (these were behind spara, rather than the phalanx benefit.)

In considering the assorted "stupid roman tricks" I'm not certain how to approach these all-shooting armies. In both cases my infantry units more or less equaled my opponents. So even if I bump up the skirmishers or try some shooting of my own, it will come at the cost of dwindling melee troops. Seems to be six of one, half dozen of the other -- in either case I won't have much that survives to actually get into combat. Maybe taking the raw recruits is the answer... go for cheaper troops?

I want to solve the puzzle with the Romans, but the easiest option seems to just switch back to the Germans & Gauls. ;)

Ogres and Goblins

2011-03-10T09:47:00.005-05:00

Score!

A year or two ago, the first three figures below were spotted at a Cold Wars or Historicon flea market. While I was cruising the rest of the market & thinking about going back to pick them up, they were sold to someone else. Later I discovered one of my friends had bought them. So now he decided to sell them and I nabbed them up, along with the hand cannon ogre in the second photo.

This nearly completes my collection of Marauder "Imperial" ogres. I am only missing the one with the morning star/flail type weapon.

Normally I repaint figures to match my own, but the painting on these is so good I see no need. I'm just going to base them up to match mine and touch up one or two spots of chipped paint.

Speaking of flea market sales, I've been dragging around my last three bases worth of painted GW snotlings for years, practically trying to give them away with no luck. So I've popped them onto individual 20x20 bases and will call them "lesser goblins." In addition to the ogres above, I also picked up some more unpainted snotties to add to the collection below. They will serve several purposes. One is that they can be pressed into servitude in my Skaven army, for more slaves. Second... I've been having thoughts of creating a light-hearted, oldschool "Dungeon" or "Heroquest" type board game, but using figures and (eventually) a modular 3D "board." So these make ideal low level denizens.

I've sent a lot of other stuff off to Cold Wars this weekend, for sale at the club flea market table. I'm having to thin the collection out to help cover bills. I do have one or two items someone is picking up for me from the dealers room. Although I'd like a pile of them, I'm going to have to be happy with one box of the Perry WotR mercenaries -- just so I can see how they look. Once my employment is settled, maybe I can jump back into medievals full tilt. Also, with an eye on finally starting the Macedonians/Successors I've asked for just a couple packs of Molon Labe (ex-Vendel) figures, since they're now easilly available in the US. I've long been curious to check out their size & quality.

Basing (and Re-basing?)

2011-03-07T09:33:00.002-05:00

I'm itching to paint up my Macedonians/Diadochi. Logically, I'd like to start with the pike. But there is one issue on which I can not decide: Basing.

Right now I feel like my preference in rules are in Limbo, and this will not be decided for some time. I think WAB is dying a slow death, and I'm not certain it has much to offer anymore. There are a number of sets on the horizon (mostly this year) including Hail Caesar (Warlord), Clash of Empires (Great Escape), War and Conquest (Scarab) plus I'd still still like to give Crusader (Crusader) a try. I've read the rules several times, never played yet. I've also heard a lot of good things about Impetus, and I still enjoy DBA, though I haven't played it in a long time.

So, that leaves me with several basing options...

1. Individual basing.
2. Linear basing (close to WRG)
3. Square/cluster basing (four heavy infantry per 40x40mm base)

I think I know the answer is #1, as it allows the most freedom. I just hate dealing with individual bases. But everything is magnetized, so I can make secondary bases on which to stick them as needed. Also, I can continue painting now instead of waiting for the next couple years to settle on a set of rules

I currently use a combination of #1 & #2, so if I want to play rules that don't conform (like Crusader) I will already have to adapt to my basing anyway. Either that or go back and rebase the WRG style figures. And I think many of us know how much fun rebasing is.

Really I'd just like to get over the basing stress and get my pikemen painted.

Hail Caesar on the Horizon

2011-03-06T10:58:00.003-05:00

Is it my imagination or does the cover of the new Hail Caesar rulebook look like the love child of the Black Powder cover and the WAB2 cover?

I played a game of WAB last weekend. My Romans vs. Selucids. I've got some photos & a report to post, but just haven't had the time to do it this week.

Munny Tree & Vinyl Show

2011-03-04T18:25:00.003-05:00

Looks like we're allowed to submit two at the upcoming vinyl toy show. Submissions are being taken tomorrow afternoon. Looks like I finished my Munny Tree just in time!

For those not familiar, each blank Munny toy comes with a "Hello My Name Is" sticker with a silver foil seal with a line drawing of a Munny and the motto "Seal of Munny" or something like that. Since I've split this one, body as one toy, head as another, and I'm using the name tag with the previously completed Rabbid Squabbit, I made a new one... in theme... from ink stained wood.

I'm still getting settled into the Stoodii, so my lighting arrangement for taking photos sucks. But for what it's worth (as usual, click to enlarge)....

1:1 Scale But Still "Miniature"

2011-03-01T09:46:00.005-05:00

Over the weekend my wife and I got our first look at "the new project" that will presumably take up a lot of my time later in the year. A friend's sister is an ultrasound tech and gave us a look ahead of our official ultrasound at the doctor's office (coming up sometime the next week or two.)

Everything looks good, and from what she could tell it looks like we are having a girl. I'm hoping that she will be "that more intelligent sort of girl who likes boys' games and books." I'll certainly give her a little nudge in that direction.

WWI Early War French (for sale)

2011-02-28T22:13:00.005-05:00

I'm continuing to clean out some of my old figures. These are from yet another one of my projects that never really got off the ground.

I've got 21 Early War French that I'm going to put up for sale. The photo below shows 10 of them. The remaining 11 need to be based, but otherwise match the figures below and include another officer. All figures are from Renegade Miniatures. The bases are 1" washers.

If they don't sell in the next week or so, I'm shipping them out with friends to the Cold Wars flea market. I'm looking for $150 for the whole bunch.

WFB Terrain (Marshes)

2011-02-24T10:23:00.005-05:00

Two more WFB "magic" terrain pieces. Both are from the Marsh category. This is my Earthblood Mere though I think I will use it as the Mist Wreathed Swamp as well. I had wanted to put reeds and other flora around the edges, but then it becomes a bit of a hassle for gameplay. So I left it flat for ease of moving formed units over it. I also wanted it to look less like a real swamp (this is magic terrain, after all) hence the colorful green.

Next is the Khmerian Quicksand. My terrain and my armies are not desert themed, so I didn't want to do something that looked out of place. So I tried something a little more muddy. As with most of the other terrain pieces, I'm trying to keep it simple and quick. I'm saving the big investment of time for some of the more involved pieces -- like the buildings.

More WFB Terrain

2011-02-23T09:44:00.000-05:00

Two more. Arcane Ruins and something I haven't decided. The elf was from a tournament trophy I won a long time ago. It was stored in a box in the basement and got a bit smashed up. I just found it again while packing up my office/studio for a move. Thought I'd turn it into terrain. I'll probably call it a Sinister Statue... from a Skaven point of view. Or I could use it as an Elven Waystone, I suppose.

Cleveland Game Store Review (repost)

2011-02-22T19:00:00.000-05:00

This previous entry and its replies seem to have disappeared from my blog. Here's a repost:

In my last entry, I complained about the lack of game stores in my part of town. Really, they are mostly concentrated in one area. As a long time gamer, I've seen stores come and go in the Cleveland and Akron (and beyond) areas. As with everything, I'm pretty opinionated on what I like in a game store. So what follows is my review of them on my own terms of what matters in a game store.

Disclaimer: I am writing this from the point of view of someone interested primarily in miniatures games.

There are several things I look for in a game store (besides proximity.)

One is Availability of Product. This doesn't necessarily mean it must be in stock. I'm willing to wait a week or two for the store owner to place a special order for me, and I've always been willing to pay in advance, unless they've given me reason not to. Stores that fail in this respect are just encouraging their customers to shop online, in my opinion.

Another is Environment. This includes organization, cleanliness, available gaming space, and whether or not the place stinks like a locker room located next to a landfill.

Honestly, I started to type a few more things, but when I cut down to the bone, these are the two most important factors. So I'm not going to bother with the rest. Sell me the products I want to buy (and if you're really good, sell me something else!) and make sure your store isn't so repulsive that I have an aversion to entering. Sounds simple, right?

So in Cleveland, on the map above we have a number of stores plus a couple semi-related stores that I will also address at the end.

Comic Heaven. This is the lone east side store. In truth, I haven't been there in years. It's a fairly clean & organized store. Nothing glamorous, but functional. They have one table, but I've never seen it in use. Most of the time, I've seen it buried in boxes. They are half comic store, half game store. They've got what seems to be a decent selection of board games, RPG games, and GW stock. They seem to carry some of the non-GW brands from what I remember. I've been in there asking if they had certain games/products, and if they did not I was never offered a special order to come back and pick up later. The staff has seemed friendly, thoguh. Seems like a passable store. But nothing special dragging me out there beyond the fact that my partents live nearby (and I grew up in the area), so it's occasionally convenient to stop in.

Recess Games. There are three locations. Until recently, a lot of my WFB gaming was done at Recess Games at Great Northern Mall. Honestly, it was one of the best run stores I've been in. It was clean, well organized, the owner and staff have usually been friendly, and if they didn't have something in stock (even if its a line they didn't carry, and even if it was a small order) they would get it for me. Some pre-orders were also available at a significant discount, and anyone who had their card (spend a certain amount & you get the card) got a regular 10% discount. Until recently, they also had a number of gaming tables where groups would meet for gaming on different assigned evenings. But the tables have disappeared, and the focus seems to be moving to board/family games and early childhood toys.

Warzone Matrix. Our WFB gaming has moved to Warzone Matrix. Over the years the store has been through several names, and I believe several owners. It's the closest thing to being centrally located, is easy to get to (right off the highway) and I believe is the only store actually within the city of Cleveland. Unfortunately it's on the border area of a bit of a questionable neighborhood, and the jokes about making sure you park your car in a well lit area aren't entirely jokes. The store is packed with products, including some out of production and hard to find stuff. They've also got a lot of new/current items as well. One of the biggest draws seems to be the gaming space. They have a couple of separate rooms for RPG games (and I assume card games?), and in addition to the existing tables for miniatures games, it seems that they are expanding and adding a few more tables. But there are a few downsides. I've never tried ordering anything from them, but I have noticed some price increases. OOP products have been marked up to reflect pricing of new products (so, for example, you may find a pack of figures that wasn't sold for more than $8 when it was originally available, but now the price is scratched off and its marked up to $16) and when I've bought both GW and Vallejo paints the last couple times I've been there, I've been charged $5 per bottle. Although they've got a lot of stock and gaming tables, the place isn't exactly pleasant. It's partially a maze and very overcrowded. Finding stuff is difficult -- though each time I'm there I notice something I've never spotted before. Gaming there is somewhat determined by the weather outside. In the winter, it's cold. Everyone dresses in layers and leaves their coats on to play. In summer it's stuffy and smelly. It does seem like there is a bit of a reorganization going on as the store expands into the adjacent space, so hopefully conditions improve.

Gamers Haven. This store moved to its current location a couple years ago, from a storefront that was somewhere around 2-3 times its current size. The old location was large, roomy, well organized and clean, and had plenty of gaming tables. The stock was OK. Good for GW games, and it looked like they had a decent selection of RPG, board and card games, though maybe not as large as I've seen at some other stores. The new store is still pretty clean and organized, and still has a couple gaming tables. Be warned, though, that customers are not allowed to use the bathroom. So if you plan on playing a game there... you have been warned. Anytime I've emailed them about events listed on their web page, I've never received an answer. Every time I've tried to order something not in stock, it's either never come in (even when I've been told "come back next week" and then drove across town based on that) or I've just been flat out told that I should buy something that they already have in the store. I've been told similar stories by friends, including one who previously spent a lot of money there but was yelled at by the owner for not buying anything when he stopped in and they didn't have anything he was looking for. Last I heard, my friend had stopped going there altogether.

CtrlAltElite. I've only recently found out about this store. It's a bit too far for me to easilly get to, but I will stop by as soon as I can. From the photos on their Facebook and Web page, it looks like a nice place to play games, though the stock seems to be limited to mostly cards and GW products. I'll add more comments as I get more information.

A couple more comments about other related locations in Cleveland...

Alter Reality. I have never been to this store. As I understand it, they carry mostly RPG and card games. Not my cup o' tea, so I haven't been there.

Hobbytown USA, Mentor. There is a Hobbytown USA in the strip Mall outside Mentor Mall. It's a large hobby store, mostly full of plastic models, RC cars, planes, etc. and some train stuff. Last time I stopped in, they did have a very small selection of GW items. They're also useful for some terrain & basing products, like Woodland Scenics. This is out on the far east side, about 15-20 minutes past Comic Heaven.

Wings. As far as I know, Wings doesn't have their own web page. The link goes to the Google info page for them. Wings is also another hobby store, geared towards plastic models, trains, etc. Once again, it's useful mainly just for hobby supplies. I buy polystyrene sheet and glue here, but that's about it.

Have I missed anyone? That's what I know of within about 50 miles.

At one point there was another west side store, over in the same neighborhood as Warzone, the Recess stores, and Gamers Haven, but I'm not certain its still around. There was also a second store in Great Northern Mall that closed a couple years ago. There was a store in Twinsburgh, but the owner moved quite a few years ago.

Beyond that 50+/- mile radius, I'm at least somewhat familiar with a couple stores in Columbus, Massillon, Toledo, and Erie and Pittsburgh PA. But that's a bit beyond the scope of this "review."

Screwed Over by Wargames Factory

2011-02-21T20:45:00.004-05:00

My own bit of fuel to the fire that has been the Wargames Factory Takeover of Doom... I've generally kept quiet on everything until now. But at this point, it seems that it can't hurt. And I'm pissed off.

I did some painting commissions for Wargames Factory in November & December. Just a few units of (so far) unreleased figures, for their use on packaging and web/promotional materials. They were delivered to WF the first weeks of December and January. After re-submitting all of the documentation requested (invoices, shipping receipts, emails, etc. including my photos of the work) there was a long period of silence during which I sent occasional emails asking for an update on the status of my payment, I have now been told that they won't be paying me because the new manager does not have possession of the figures, and it has been recommended that I privately contact a former employee to try to get payment from them.

I painted for Wargames Factory, not for my contact person at the company. I honored my end of the agreement with WF, my work was delivered. After that the fact that their staff changed, and that somewhere in their apparently rough transition the work has not made it into the possession of the current staff, is not my problem nor does it negate our agreement.

So you can add me to the list of people who have been screwed over by Wargames Factory and their Takeover of Doom. Based on this experience I will (obviously) not work with them again. I recommend against anyone else working with them as well. Hell, at this point I'm done buying their product and encourage others to shop elsewhere too.

If all of this somehow gets resolved I'll post an update.

Here's an article I saw posted elsewhere that seems to piece together what has gone down at Wargames Factory:

http://www.montrealfinancial.ca/blog/the-parable-of-the-toy-soldier-how-a-small-gaming-business-b.html

UPDATE: As promised, I am updating that the management of WF and I have resolved this issue. Details in a newer blog entry.

More WFB terrain

2011-02-20T18:29:00.002-05:00

More WFB terrain.

The first batch of mushrooms (smaller ones) for the Fungus Forest. More on the way. Also a Wyrding Well, which is described as where the "blood of the earth," an amber liquid, bubbles up to the surface. Mine's more like a spring than a well, but I thought that was fitting.

Sinister Statue and one more small 'shroom for the Fungus Forest.

Ghost Fence.

WFB Terrain

2011-02-18T12:10:00.001-05:00

Considering that terrain plays a greater part in 8th edition, I've been bit by the bug to work up some new terrain.

Some of the new stuff I'm working on. First the small items I did last night in a fit of simple inspiration. I've altered a few of these a bit from the book descriptions (which are usually vague anyway):

Magic Circle and Sorcerous Gateway (fairy ring):

Bane Stone and Elven Waystone (warpstone):

And another project I am working on, these will probably get used for the Blood Forrest and Wildwood, as both are "angry tree" terrain pieces:

Badlands Showdown

2011-02-15T00:14:00.003-05:00

Over the weekend I played a 3000 point game of WFB. It was my Skaven vs. a friend's Orcs & Goblins. We used a 4x8 table and the terrain generation rules from the book -- though we dropped our total number of terrain pieces from 10 to 8. We randomized the scenario and ended up with Dawn Attack. Both of us ended up with several units deployed on our own right flanks, with nothing on the our lefts.

So here's a rough layout of the start of the battle.

In the distance, the black blotch is a Sorcerous Portal. The building was a Tower of Blood -- or in our case, a Library of Bloood. The settlement in the center of the O&G deployment area contained an Elven Waystone. The rough patch in the foreground was a Khemrian Quicksand, and the building along the edge of the battlefield in the forground was a Dwarf Brewhouse.

The greenies go first and more or less surge forward. A few blown animosity rolls leaves the general's unit squabbling along the back edge of their deployment area. The small unit of wolf riders are used to slow down my plague monks with a bait & flee. The Abomination takes a few wounds from a bolter, and the Warp Lightning Cannon (WLC) misfires and shoots off in a random direction off the Skaven table edge.

View of the battle from the Grey Seer's Bell tower.

View of the opposite flank, from the point of view of the Plague Monks. Clanrats and slaves rush around the Library of Blood to engage giant spiders and their invisible riders.

View of the Abominations ass. Plague monks to the right, slaves to the left. Lots of Orc shooting in ahead, plus a solid unit of biguns and their supporting night gobbos.

View just to the left of the last photo, right behind the skaven Warlord's unit. BSB is in the clanrat unit to the left. Night gobbos skulk through the settlement across the field.

In the distance, on the Skaven right, the slaves have chased down the spider riders and keep the rallied wolf riders at bay. The clanrats who ran along the inner side of the Library of Blood charge the orc archers and get bogged down in combat thanks to the unusually stiff morale of the orcs.

The Abomination is gunned down by orc artillery, and an attempted combined charge by the Skaven Warlord's unit and the slaves along side him fails, as the sluggish slaves have no thirst for combat. The general's escort goes in alone but wades through the orcs, routes them and chases them down. The plague monks begin their slow wheel and redeployment in search of a decent opponent.

Closer to the center, the rat ogres learn the danger of massed goblin archery combined with poisoned attacks. One lone, injured r'ogre is all that remains.

A lucky Scorch spell nearly annihilates the squig unit, which an unlucky attempt at firing leads to the second misfire in row and the WLC explodes.

A unit of Skaven gutter runners (and an assassin) sneaks on to the table alongside the giant, but are hit by a fanatic, suffer two casualties and decide they've had enough, fleeing off the table. One of the fanatics initially heads towards the open space beside the Seer's unit (behind a fence) but then heads back to the injured giant and takes him down.

The orc general's unit continues to squabble.

The Skaven Warlord's unit weathers the attack of several goblin fanatics and finds itself between the night goblins and the goblin hero riding a gigantic spider.

The bell continues to shamble aimlessly.

In a "contest of the abused" the lone r'ogre charges into the Quicksand and fights it out with the remaining squigs & handlers. He breaks and pursues, but is perforated by a hail of goblin arrows the following turn.

Towards the end of the game...

The Skaven Warlord deals first with the spider hero, then with the night goblins. The clanrats in the distance finally finished off the orc archers and then turn on the bolter. The slaves, seeing that the fighting is almost done, finally get themselves into combat and swarm the catapult.

In the center, the night goblins begin retreating as the BSB, clanrats and plague monks continue to advance. At some point the second unit of gutter runners appears next to one of the catapults, but is shot up by the the gobbo archers along the flank. The gutter runners again panick right off the table, but then the gobbos themselves are sent running after sustaining heavy casualties from magic.

In the end, it looked like a decent victory for the Skaven. The "big stuff" didn't have much affect. The monks & furnace, Abom and r'ogres were more or less kept out of combat. The clanrats and warlord did all the work, along with unusually successful support from the Seer's magic. Most of the Skaven casualties were caused by artillery fire, fanatics and a couple good rounds of volley fire by 40 gobbos. Just like the big Skaven threats mostly stayed away from combat, the Orc general & his big unit of orcs, the giant and the squigs all never saw any real combat either.

Another good game. I do have to admit that I am getting past some of my dislike for the 8th edition rules. It still makes for some frustrating and stupid things happening in game, but I think I've achieved some sort of almost Zen like state of denial. I am also enjoying these bigger games of WFB (3000 points) even more than the smaller games, too.

Munny Tree

2011-02-11T02:18:00.005-05:00

Although it's only sort of peripherally related to the toy soldier hobby that was the theme of this blog when I started, I thought I'd continue posting some of the other toy & sculpting updates in my life.

So I've wrapped up the custom Mini Munny I had previously been working on. The "Rabid Squabbit" will be entered in a custom vinyl toy show at the beginning of next month.

I'm not entirely happy with how things turned out. I will consider it a "learning experience," however. I still like the form & concept -- I've just got a lot of issues with the level of finish. My wife & friends have told me I'm being picky, but I think that's the point.

Since I replaced the existing head with a freshly sculpted one, I figured I'd try doing something with the head. I had a couple of ideas, but for some reason I kept coming back to concepts involving trees. So here's the basic skeleton worked out. So far it's made with the obvious Munny head, plus florist wire (mainly uncoated 18 gauge,) a fender washer and a bunch of epoxy putty.

Next I will work out the general shape of some roots (though it's pretty well balanced so far!) then bulk everything out, ads some smaller branches, and then apply a finish coat over the entire tree surface. Finally, of course, I will paint it. Or work out some sort of deal with someone else who wants it or wants to paint it.

I'm thinking the head should have been up higher, and at least one small branch should have been coming out the side of the head.

Quit Clowning Around, or The Shortest Campaign

2011-02-10T00:20:00.004-05:00

After numerous discussions, we've revived Mordheim with the local WFB group. Six of us played our first games of the campaign tonight. We had two Reiklanders, one Possessed, one Sistas of Sigmar... and then there was my game... sadistic Undead carnival beating up and eating up the Marienburgers for a laugh.

I present the pictorial evidence...

Off to the left side of my starting position, a group of zombie clowns shambles along flankwise. So I send off a detachment of melee troops to deal with it, along with covering fire from two marksmen, one with a bow one with a crossbow.

After shooting provides no results (across the board -- all game) I try to send in a champion swinging a gigundous sword, and a couple warriors armed with clubs & daggers. The big charge comes... and one man runs in, the others failing their fear tests. Mr. Lucky (as he was briefly named) walks in, swings blindly at one clown and is quickly surrounded and eaten. See above.

This is why people develop a seemingly odd fear of clowns.

They're just not funny when they're eating your brains!

In the meantime, the major scuffle is brewing outside the ruins of a walled manor house in the center of the table. My leader (Gunter) tries to impress the vampiric Ringmaster by doing his best impression of a doormat. The rest of Team Quitter mills about, half heartedly swinging weapons to no effect.

The turn following Mr. Lucky's devouration, the rest of the troops finally run into combat. However, their emotions for their fallen comrade must have been too strong to allow them to fight effectively, as the couldn't hit the broadside of a zombie. Not even the one that didn't even have a body.

Back to the manor house, Team Leader, Gunter has been skewered, and the Ringmaster follows up into Plastic The Noob (one of my youngbloods.) The rest of the team continues flailing wildly and ineffectively at the ghouls.

Here we see a reenactment of the legendary Mr. Lucky Zombie Clown Beatdown. It didn't go any better for his unnamed compatriot.

Too little, too late. Plastic The Noob gets a lucky dagger shot and takes the Vampire out of action. One of the swordsmen also drops a ghoul, though I continue to lose warband members and bottle out...

The result? Death, death, death, injury and poverty. I lose my leader, a youngblood and a swordsman, but the champion and warrior escape and fully heal. I get almost no rewards (one shard) and don't feel the warband is worth saving. Hence, the posthumous "Team Quitter" title. The carnival, on the other hand, appear to have both made off with significant wealth, and have some satisfied and well fed zombies. Zombie clowns.

I'm thinking of fielding either Skaven or Possessed next time. I feel the latter are reallly difficult to use, and tried them in three campaigns back in the day. Or maybe I should try something new. It could give me an excuse to paint some new figures.