Try Before You Buy & Other Stuff

A while since my last post and things have been ticking along in the background, so I thought I'd do a bit of an update.

Try Before You Buy

Many years ago I made a load of mdf blocks so that I could try out rules and periods before comiiting my hard earned shekels to toy soldiers. It's been a long time since I used them and frankly kept forgetting that I had them. But recently I almost literally stumbled across them whilst having a bit of a sort out.

Thos coincided with some good posts on Chariot Wars from OB at the excellent You Do Not Know The North Blog that piqued my interest, alongside Jon Freitag's games in the past. So having the tools to hand as it were, I dug out my copy of Hail Caesar II and set up some simple games to get a handle on the rules.

My 2' x 2' board set up to have a bit of a play.

Some essential reading material.

It was fun getting the blocks out and running through the rules, that felt pretty comfortable given the core engine they share with Black Powder II et al. Still an awful lot to learn, but that's half the fun isn't it? In the end I wisely tidied these away as I was getting far too distracted when I had plenty of other projects that needed my attention.

Games Room Decor

I have previously touched upon wanting to add a few things to decorate the games room and whilst on a recent visit to my Dad, he let me take back a 25 pdr shell casing as a start. He is pretty sure it's a practice round as it is a lot shorter than the other two full sized casing he have and doesn't have the taper at the neck either. He has a couple of 2 pdr casings too that used to adorn the mantle piece, but we couldn't find them. The all came from a firing range in South Wales that a maternal Great Uncle 'liberated' many moons ago and they've always been in the family as long as I can remember. I'm undecided at to whether to polish it up or not, something I remember my late Mum doing religiously every month with Brasso and newspaper on the floor.

It is 11 1/2" high by 3 1/2" in diameter.

There are loads of markings on the base, including '1941' at about 4 o'clock as you look at it. 

Books

Again whilst on the visit, I took my regular trip to the local second hand bookshop in Downham Market, which is a little treasure trove and with very friendly staff. I managed to pick up the following for a few quid and ticks the boxes for the Glorious Revolution, a big interest of mine now, plus I can't resist anything by David Chandler!

An excellent title by the look of it and all proceeds go the the West Norfolk Deaf Association.

I also have just finished reading Cozzen's superb book on the 1862 Shenandoah Campaign, which not only is a gripping read, but to me exploded much of the myth surrounding Jackson. A must read for anyone interested in this campaign IMHO.

Terrain

With the Cotswold Wargames Day in about a month's time, I've been working on some more fencing, which you kind of need for an ACW setting. This doubles the maount of snake rail fencing I have, which should be enough given the walls and other fences I have. Simply made from matchsticks and wooden tongue depressors for the bases.

Painting

With the schools back, Autumnal weather here and the looming deadline of the CWD, I'm slowly getting back into painting figures. To ease myself in I finished off some Light Infantry figures from Commission Figurines. Nothing fancy but a good way to get the hands and eyes back in. Having been away from the painting table, I realised that I doubt I could paint true 6mm figures now to a level I would be happy with. So aside from these figures, it's 10mm for me, famous last words!

Colours Wargames Show

As I've said many a time, the Colours show I see as the start of the wargaming season for me and this Saturday will see me off there for a visit, meeting up with my good friend Keith Flint. Sadly the show has declined in quality in recent years, but there seems to be quite a few good games on show. I know it will never compare to Partizan, that is the pinnacle of the hobby for me, but it is just over an hours drive away and I get to meet up with friends in a very nice setting. At least it won't be as hot as last year! Unfortunately Anita's Books are not there, which is a shame, as I always find something on their stand I want at a very good price. I have a small order to pick up from Pendraken, but I'm sure some things might pique my interest, aside from books of course! A report will follow in due course.

FtF Gaming
I will be seeing Keith again on Monday as he is coming over for a test game of his Startline rules he is developing, which will be fun. I've only played Poland '39 so far with these, so it's a chance for Keith to try a game in 10mm and late War, with a real mix of kit in the Normandy Bocage. The OOB will not be accurate, but set up to try a mix of kit and troops so Keith can see how the rules work in a 1944 setting. Again some photos to follow I'm sure.

So thanks as always for popping by for a read and it would be lovely for you to leave a comment or two!

TTFN.