tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41466734976350363662024-03-13T20:47:15.530-05:00The Long Lead LineMy adventures in re-creating history in the world of Miniature Wargaming.Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-54811344681765485002010-05-28T13:42:00.006-05:002010-05-28T14:31:57.036-05:001st Batch of FlagsHey Everyone -<br /><br />WOW - two posts in one day, can you believe it?!<br /><br />I went to the post office a little bit ago and found a neat little brown box waiting for me from the <a href="http://www.flagdude.com/">Flag Dude</a>.<br /><br />First word that came to mind - AWESOME!!!<br /><br />Here they are.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w7uKytibNTe7qnre3nyQ6Utg93Pjr7jWCat-AOoBuYN1gQXIqF963SMd2TYpWhACp5bq2b56faFuAknm-3QMFT-gEC2Bp5-wAc1wEkHNCh6n_DRxXIe9uvMqR6VUIDaLlgtcWdxwYI0/s1600/Flags1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w7uKytibNTe7qnre3nyQ6Utg93Pjr7jWCat-AOoBuYN1gQXIqF963SMd2TYpWhACp5bq2b56faFuAknm-3QMFT-gEC2Bp5-wAc1wEkHNCh6n_DRxXIe9uvMqR6VUIDaLlgtcWdxwYI0/s320/Flags1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476394175985052978" /></a> The standards for the Simbirsk Musketeer Regiment.<br /><br />I really like how vivid the colors are and how 'alive' the flags look.<br /><br />The next set are for my version of the 'South Essex' from the Sharpe's Series.<br /><br />Now I know there's a company out there that already makes a regimental color for this unit, but to be honest, I never liked it. It always looked funny to me - not quite right.<br /><br />I also know that this flag was based on the artistic rendering done for the 'Sharpe's Appreciation Society'. Still, I don't like it. <br /><br />In looking at the painting, and the other flag out there, it dawned on me what looks funny - the chained eagle.<br /><br />The chained eagle looks way too big for the flag! Almost cartoonish.<br /><br />So, I started looking at all the British flags for the period I could find. Now I'm not even close to being an expert, but to my eye the special emblems, such as the chained eagle, were smaller. Sometimes they were really small.<br /><br />With this in mind I started playing with my paint program and came up with a flag that looks 'right' to me. When satisfied I contacted Rick (the Flag Dude) and asked him about making this flag. He said it was 'doable'. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5URKdkLarP3Iglp-yetPnSE5vYJahCA1rNXQp7kdEEfqe8XjyNFqRPvdJYfpNLklju9GtU5f4FqqcczzZF8iqU_MLNnsykHB4zDTZUCqhGfMtBx-NxoBPe7_EmgywD15MVNK6hl5VKqY/s1600/South+Essex.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5URKdkLarP3Iglp-yetPnSE5vYJahCA1rNXQp7kdEEfqe8XjyNFqRPvdJYfpNLklju9GtU5f4FqqcczzZF8iqU_MLNnsykHB4zDTZUCqhGfMtBx-NxoBPe7_EmgywD15MVNK6hl5VKqY/s320/South+Essex.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476393943739064850" /></a> Basically, this is what I sent Rick.<br /><br />You might notice there is no chain on the eagle - I couldn't figure out how to make one on my paint program. So this part, along with the wreath and such, I left in Rick's capable hands. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSRLASthD9SQhWTKWPfoLtGYGx9PK-1-Gn_d6TtHd6Sp5sKS_k99k0et-4QFqmjpEFPe1cEMt0cOeJZnFhouHAzAiuOJy6spS5wlI-aFzOru7Nsji1F_c4YDYGJ5AB6gajOmF3cbZDXc/s1600/Flags3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSRLASthD9SQhWTKWPfoLtGYGx9PK-1-Gn_d6TtHd6Sp5sKS_k99k0et-4QFqmjpEFPe1cEMt0cOeJZnFhouHAzAiuOJy6spS5wlI-aFzOru7Nsji1F_c4YDYGJ5AB6gajOmF3cbZDXc/s320/Flags3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476393760264409282" /></a> This is what Rick sent me.<br /><br />Aren't they grand!!<br /><br />Check out the chains on that eagle. You will also notice the cypher used is that of the Prince of Wales. Since the unit eventually became know as the 'Prince of Wales' Own Volunteers' I thought this cypher would be more appropriate than the King's. You will also see it on the King's flag as well.<br /><br />Perhaps the cypher is completely wrong and wouldn't have been used, but hey - the South Essex didn't really exist anyway did it?<br /><br />All-n-all Rick did a stupendous job! I can't recommend him high enough.<br /><br />BTW - before I forget, Rick did supply poles with some finials. I asked him to leave the flags off for a reason, but you will see them eventually.<br /><br />Hopefully my painted minis will do these justice.<br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />Larry ~Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-1952079479484888522010-05-28T10:29:00.005-05:002010-05-28T10:40:33.499-05:00New Mobile Painting TableHey Everyone!<br /><br />Several days ago I was inspired by the mobile painting station made by a person named Aaron over on the <a href="http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=1997.new;topicseen#new">Lead Adventure Forum</a>. So I decided to build my own.<br /><br />It would be easier for me to paint in the evening but in order to spend time with the wife it's hard to do. She likes to work on her laptop while watching TV and there is no TV in my painting room.<br /><br />So, I dug out an old typing desk that came from the High School across the street and adapted it. Casters were put on the legs and a new, slightly larger, top was attached (the old top broke apart).<br /><br />They're hard to see in the picture but there is a small drawer under the area where the mat is and a pull out board to lay papers on under the area where the light is.<br /><br />Now I can roll it into the same room where she, and the TV, are.<br /><br />BTW - I do plan to stain, and seal, the top.<br /><br />For those of you who are curious, the dresser behind the table contains terrain building supplies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitcB6z_6Rq4fLRZ2pXo7buFkxqu2x2prAJ0bD80NVc-c9FHAno-fAmuBbjaJCMtfEb78SO4OKx4n0iRyL3b5U3ER5R6R9aF-C8aTRWE_T8q-isKQz9Xo9mvp3qaM7lI_ktbiYiMYn_64/s1600/P5280002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitcB6z_6Rq4fLRZ2pXo7buFkxqu2x2prAJ0bD80NVc-c9FHAno-fAmuBbjaJCMtfEb78SO4OKx4n0iRyL3b5U3ER5R6R9aF-C8aTRWE_T8q-isKQz9Xo9mvp3qaM7lI_ktbiYiMYn_64/s400/P5280002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476345641665360706" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />Larry!Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-44961783894965281512010-04-22T20:19:00.022-05:002010-04-24T09:24:49.415-05:00Finally!!!! An UpdateWOW!!! It's been quit a while since I last updated this thing.<br /><br />Oh well, what are ya' going to do about it - string me up like a piñata and let a bunch of pissed off women beat me with sticks?<br /><br />It's not like I haven't been busy though. I've been busting my hump working on the house as well as a few other projects, but have been piddling in the wargaming world, just not painting minis as much as I'd like.<br /><br />Okay - I've been call a 'Gear Whore' in regard to many areas that interest me. However, in the wargaming world you could probably call me a 'Rules Whore'. Then again, aren't all gamers 'rule whores' at heart? In the past several months I've purchased a few new rules and am looking at adding a few more to my collection.<br /><br />The first one I picked up was '<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Killer-Katanas-2-miniatures-rules-Samurai-warfare-/160425209908?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item255a167034">Killer Katanas II</a>' by Brian Bradford. I've always been fascinated by Samurai. Presently I'm contemplating the purchase of enough minis to build two Samurai armies for the Sengoku period.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqSZ0bV9Tt425weaagFMPo6kTyrcYdjQmTpIhe1_BqvTIA_m65LNRufxETS4gLwShrqrdczBPunJW39IIADsfxukZMcJ9o7mzjB3s3PxXv694mbScvjwBlF2ft_LeemqZAJjlE3b4wpM/s1600/1+L.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqSZ0bV9Tt425weaagFMPo6kTyrcYdjQmTpIhe1_BqvTIA_m65LNRufxETS4gLwShrqrdczBPunJW39IIADsfxukZMcJ9o7mzjB3s3PxXv694mbScvjwBlF2ft_LeemqZAJjlE3b4wpM/s320/1+L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463139610810943218" border="0" /></a> And here they are!<br /><br />I have heard that these rules are way different than the typical Mediæval/Renaissance rehashed to represent Feudal Japan. Just thumbing through the section dealing with army setup will prove this AND boggle the mind!<br /><br />You can order them directly from Mr. Bradford or even through eBay and other sources.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUTf5Kyk2eKr6iI8sNTw5HAX6kXxHsQ-pUEZ-yaGaXHDIAzkJK4AFvzzSfueGm4DEKSs6eCYsTeYSYaq5JDxEhqYOcUGZJ8APrjRZm41x0J_x6STG1L4aXHsPhWx3oHzFdK5zpZIR_Nw/s1600/2+R.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUTf5Kyk2eKr6iI8sNTw5HAX6kXxHsQ-pUEZ-yaGaXHDIAzkJK4AFvzzSfueGm4DEKSs6eCYsTeYSYaq5JDxEhqYOcUGZJ8APrjRZm41x0J_x6STG1L4aXHsPhWx3oHzFdK5zpZIR_Nw/s320/2+R.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463139495874187074" border="0" /></a> When I ordered my copy of 'Killer Katanas II' from Mr. Bradford I snagged a copy of '<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Date-Masamunes-Battles-book-Killer-Katanas-2-/160409233788?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item255922a97c">Date's Battles</a>' as well.<br /><br />This is a supplement book, but you don't need to have 'Killer Katanas II' to use it. It's actually a guide to the army and heraldry of the one-eyed dragon - Date Masamune. It's similar to an Osprey book, complete with color pictures and tons of info on various aspects of Masamune's army such as organization, weapons, clans appearance and Heraldry.<br /><br />This is a MUST HAVE for those into Samurai history. The supplement can be ordered from Mr. Bradford or eBay as well as some other sources.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqWnAWMUcDIqPJE8H9PwkafpEtKmEP8ROcmbL08k4HzfgdJuJQi4WQnv1wS234McrPkPrATvaiAXadIpmxedJDx2163Pmln3SKVrjx77p7p0khjVZpH6krLsQuYOBE2Y8bvz1Aptg_vQ/s1600/3+L.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqWnAWMUcDIqPJE8H9PwkafpEtKmEP8ROcmbL08k4HzfgdJuJQi4WQnv1wS234McrPkPrATvaiAXadIpmxedJDx2163Pmln3SKVrjx77p7p0khjVZpH6krLsQuYOBE2Y8bvz1Aptg_vQ/s320/3+L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463139384736255538" border="0" /></a> The last item I got from Mr. Bradford was a copy of '<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Imjin-War-Army-lists-and-Rules-supplement-KK2-/160401501515?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2558acad4b">The Imjin War - Army Lists & Rules Supplement for Killer Katanas II</a>'.<br /><br />This supplement contains lots of info on the organization and weapons of the Korean and Ming Armies that fought Hideyoshi's Invasion from 1592-97. For being just 16 pages long is crammed full of information - along the same lines as 'Date's Battles' but without the pictures.<br /><br />Again, another MUST HAVE for the Samurai enthusiast.<br /><br />The other two rule set purchased are along the more 'normal' line for me - Napoleonic.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CbXhtj5_conRO7uSCE-MpNJ0lcwoKCnO2e1WVRGupTL_pSWxSruBNBQ1JwdaQr0RdnTLaQIvePlSK-ADQcK1_JSXxMy0VPMUd19K2Kf8sGO_-ZSs9C35Gre8RKWIGDr4wMU5UJVU-KI/s1600/4+R.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CbXhtj5_conRO7uSCE-MpNJ0lcwoKCnO2e1WVRGupTL_pSWxSruBNBQ1JwdaQr0RdnTLaQIvePlSK-ADQcK1_JSXxMy0VPMUd19K2Kf8sGO_-ZSs9C35Gre8RKWIGDr4wMU5UJVU-KI/s320/4+R.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463139218219289346" border="0" /></a> First up is LaSalle.<br /><br />There has be a lot of positive buzz about these rules so I just had to get a copy.<br /><br />I purchased my copy direct from Sam Mustafa off his <a href="http://www.sammustafa.com/honour/">Honour</a> site. <br /><br />One of the best aspects about Sam and his rules is the entire web presence created to aid the gamer. <br /><br />There is a <a href="http://www.sammustafa.com/honour/forum/">forum</a> where you can discuss the rules and get some great ideas. <br /><br />There's also a <a href="http://www.sammustafa.com/honour/downloads/">download section</a> where you can get all sorts of errata, tips and suggestions, new army lists, & etc.<br /><br />However, the most unique section, to me anyway, is the <a href="http://www.sammustafa.com/honour/scenario-wiki/">Scenario-Wiki</a>. You can go here and get loads of scenarios as well as supplements and even an army list for the US.<br /><br />I really like these rules. They are well written and even a thick headed, heretic, gamer such as myself can understand them. The only issue I have is with the Army Builder section - I don't see eye-to-eye with how the British and Russian armies are treated. Like I said though...I'm a heretic. <br /><br />There are lots of places on the web that have reviews and AARs, <a href="http://theminiaturespage.com/">TMP</a> has several, and I'd suggest you look through some of them if you are still curious about the rules. There's also an excellent review/AARs on <a href="http://trailape.blogspot.com/2009/12/lasalle-battle-report-part-1.html">Trailape‘s Wargame</a> blog. It is in more than one post but well worth the read!<br /><br />Another good 'meat-n-potatoes' overview can be found on <a href="http://deepfriedhappymice.com/html/rd_lasalle.html">Deep Fried Happy Mice</a>.<br /><br />Now this next set of Napoleonic rules are a bit more dubious. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmoHYqSc_-Y_IxPzeU0SqhMhgbKAkPCHOtmvX7jVqJq2fT_nZFOa0o-Ru3WngfzHLhf7nv7YlqigBvvEpMeD3z5gysyjVjGOBRw7MDADuvVfduACcsPVErchS8LjFFzccV-07yZeiZs0/s1600/5+L.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmoHYqSc_-Y_IxPzeU0SqhMhgbKAkPCHOtmvX7jVqJq2fT_nZFOa0o-Ru3WngfzHLhf7nv7YlqigBvvEpMeD3z5gysyjVjGOBRw7MDADuvVfduACcsPVErchS8LjFFzccV-07yZeiZs0/s320/5+L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463138964017705586" border="0" /></a> Here they are - <a href="http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/books/MATTNAP.asp">Napoleon by Matthew Fletcher</a>.<br /><br />I say "dubious" at the moment because I have not received my copy yet (it's in the mail) and can't comment on them personally. Also, there are tons of negative, sometimes brutal, reviews out there. Again, I would suggest looking around the web for reviews, especially TMP.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, you will find some positive, and kind of positive, reviews out there. However, for every positive review there are probably a dozen negative ones. Right now the negative press centers around the rules which make up about 32 pages out of 232 pages.<br /><br />The main reason I wanted to check out these rules for what's on the other 200 pages. According to Foundry there's information on painting and collecting Napoleonic models plus other sections detailing uniforms and historical background as well as advanced rules covering pontoon bridges, grand battery fire, ground conditions, setting fire to buildings, friendly fire and ambulances. <br /><br />As one guy on TMP said "OH LOOK PRETTY PICTURES" - that pretty much sums it up for me. I like lots of illustrations and pictures. According to the guys at Foundry - it has over 400 color photographs and illustrations, including many Knotël prints, plus numerous diagrams, maps and other illustrations.<br /><br />I'm a bit frustrated right now that they haven't arrived yet. I ordered them through Amazon and the shipping confirmation says they shipped on April 16 and estimated delivery was May 10th!!! So this means they could arrive any time.<br /><br />Now onto another subject altogether - Building Construction!! <br /><br />Last Monday I had an appointment in the big city. I don't often get to the city anymore so when I do go I try to hit as many hobby type shops as possible. This trip was no different.<br /><br />My first stop was to the main hobby shop around that carries anything close to wargaming. They carry lots of stuff for the fantasy gamer, but not historical. While there I found a nifty little tool used for cutting foam core made by <a href="http://www.foamwerks.com/">Foam Werks</a>. I have seen the other tools offered by this company and they weren't cheap. The tool at the hobby shop was no exception!! I passed on it.<br /><br />I then ended up close to a Michaels Arts & Crafts store so I popped in. This turned out to be the best stop in a long time! Not only did I find the same tool that was at the other shop, but Michaels had the whole line. Now get this, the price here for the tool was about 25% less than the first shop but the best part(!) Michaels was having a clearance sell on most of the tools!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WOOWHOO!!!!!!!<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><br />This made the tool more than 50% off the one at the first shop!!! So I snapped up a few new tools for building gaming structures. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu5vefjDXUnzP92anmjwXq2F2VtbSOmf7iA48_Esh0GeaXVUTzbRho2P3Cd_OYhxFA-3sBhWfu5Nmrfi9iufN_KJotnSB3wNnsSs-3EWXKQGVnA0RSjA1ny8ew-RhZUZpuxMVSox578I/s1600/6+R.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu5vefjDXUnzP92anmjwXq2F2VtbSOmf7iA48_Esh0GeaXVUTzbRho2P3Cd_OYhxFA-3sBhWfu5Nmrfi9iufN_KJotnSB3wNnsSs-3EWXKQGVnA0RSjA1ny8ew-RhZUZpuxMVSox578I/s320/6+R.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463138789805520130" border="0" /></a> The first tool is the straight/bevel cutter.<br /><br />As the site says "Features include adjustable blade depth, ergonomic handle and on-board blade storage".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJMvfE9M4HINkBBriEHDJ2S8TvZwdSBahkM7cUIEQl5vGa8LRyAaiZ57b7l73dk2FvJPujLuborh_IAL-OngXlf77Oy6H6IuyU5g5U2aSo4bVou-UNwkGUkdAJUQZ6NTw_eQGwUzKRl0/s1600/7+L.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJMvfE9M4HINkBBriEHDJ2S8TvZwdSBahkM7cUIEQl5vGa8LRyAaiZ57b7l73dk2FvJPujLuborh_IAL-OngXlf77Oy6H6IuyU5g5U2aSo4bVou-UNwkGUkdAJUQZ6NTw_eQGwUzKRl0/s320/7+L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463137705939815442" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br />Just a drawing of how the cuts look.<br /><br />Per the site you simply rotate the angled base block and it transforms from a straight cutter to a bevel cutter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD0te2v9OUaSSkpcxMaQYg7g15fXLdX1if4QwU-1MXNXLsl_whbRKA6AA5syzWvAZ7TrX2k-a5-rUhPgfV3HKR0ekPM22qeBER0iRB_avqstK0wflO2wublf6D-G_v8v1zbjtyb9ROGw/s1600/8+R.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD0te2v9OUaSSkpcxMaQYg7g15fXLdX1if4QwU-1MXNXLsl_whbRKA6AA5syzWvAZ7TrX2k-a5-rUhPgfV3HKR0ekPM22qeBER0iRB_avqstK0wflO2wublf6D-G_v8v1zbjtyb9ROGw/s320/8+R.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463137460138708738" border="0" /></a> This is the Freestyle Cutter. As the name implies it cuts any freestyle shape you want.<br /><br />Again it "features ergonomic handle, on-board blade storage compartment, blade safety shield and two blades".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIgauwo9aegifE4I3mfoMX9cNYd_nnby8-TzAitV9JRbMhwkUUaesfZGH3HVJb_PjzPFoKTZoOMXIEF67tK-ztHbhYb69yb1J0PGjU1-Sugl3BPl08YMXEpnr6yujsZvFdaJcrqCQYuo/s1600/9+L.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIgauwo9aegifE4I3mfoMX9cNYd_nnby8-TzAitV9JRbMhwkUUaesfZGH3HVJb_PjzPFoKTZoOMXIEF67tK-ztHbhYb69yb1J0PGjU1-Sugl3BPl08YMXEpnr6yujsZvFdaJcrqCQYuo/s320/9+L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463137343613067074" border="0" /></a> <br />Another drawing of how the cut can look. Looks like the beginning of a tabletop stream!!<br /><br />The advert says "easy to use, just insert the blade into the board and push to follow the desired shape". <br /><br />We will see... I have some Middle Eastern type doors and windows I want to cut and you know those have a lot of curves to them.<br /><br />Okay, this next tool is the one that sold me on FoamWerks when I saw it a couple years ago. For those of you who are familiar with the 'Rabbeting the Corners' section on the '<a href="http://zeitcom.com/majgen/39howst.html">Building Construction</a>' page over on <a href="http://zeitcom.com/majgen/index.html">Major General Tremorden Rederring's Colonial-era Wargames Page</a> you will appreciate this tool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9Ci-Tx8Bb3UlhApHi6SZruhr6k7PnAjyl0ES4eLszNS-_QeGdu4kJZVokpFHw-2UashYBgpERxNqVEzz04aR0Reh1nBUBRZH8hBGauCYkb8p5_WluPFZh1XfNMDVFUcdVhVtz9kwkAE/s1600/10+R.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9Ci-Tx8Bb3UlhApHi6SZruhr6k7PnAjyl0ES4eLszNS-_QeGdu4kJZVokpFHw-2UashYBgpERxNqVEzz04aR0Reh1nBUBRZH8hBGauCYkb8p5_WluPFZh1XfNMDVFUcdVhVtz9kwkAE/s320/10+R.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463137225851944418" border="0" /></a> Here it is - the Rabbet Cutter.<br /><br />The product site says it "features on-board blade storage and includes two blades and can be used as either a right-handed push style or left-handed pull style action".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H1cckBu0UGYWZ6vGwicawBf8BVL1GV2e_i82k-8PgOrI7I6o05sf8Az3jBcpoOsSjLZfg82o0b_29jqB__CALXoPj7dMmG_W-_xaxAD1ERCYJjTFueBDbC2kcvxkti5nQTpuMOMZJoo/s1600/11+L.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H1cckBu0UGYWZ6vGwicawBf8BVL1GV2e_i82k-8PgOrI7I6o05sf8Az3jBcpoOsSjLZfg82o0b_29jqB__CALXoPj7dMmG_W-_xaxAD1ERCYJjTFueBDbC2kcvxkti5nQTpuMOMZJoo/s320/11+L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463137078083737906" border="0" /></a> <br /><br />Now doesn't this drawing look just about like the one on the Major General's site?<br /><br />FoamWerks claims the following: "Create perfect adjoining foamboard joints with one-stroke finished results". I hope it will work like it says.<br /><br />This next tool is the one I found at the hobby shop that leans towards fantasy gamers. They were selling it for $36 and I got it for $14!! It's called the V-Groove Cutter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG_K3DRVVOs2luxBgnvU7mpfDbRVzsX5g8AUiOWygF-jPzX3GUBaIM2-rGzBPzkpMciSi_i2jsXTkeK8g3UZvAPHCqQhp8_ETJogVKeDlHDoemR2GtDL8tnJhgSOHmHIuEm4CIbssS2I/s1600/12+R.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG_K3DRVVOs2luxBgnvU7mpfDbRVzsX5g8AUiOWygF-jPzX3GUBaIM2-rGzBPzkpMciSi_i2jsXTkeK8g3UZvAPHCqQhp8_ETJogVKeDlHDoemR2GtDL8tnJhgSOHmHIuEm4CIbssS2I/s320/12+R.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463136962902644562" border="0" /></a> Doesn't it look like some sort of viscous insectoid type thing?<br /><br />This sucker includes adjustable blade depth, quick change blade clips, magnetic blade slot, on-board blade storage drawer and five blades. There is a straightedge channel rail that it works with but I didn't buy that. I'm probably going to regret not getting the channel rail, but I figured I could use one of the straightedges I already have. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd9EO7IdeNMKqSFgG4rz-IuBJcSBCxJZo700R7XEa2g8mVNsoI1Ke54FakBNYjv-RRRtt0jOkmls_0MlbcMwHY1tWrvymX6CZ5TUSxVr4W6Q_yzVSs3cmf3-XYVajJeY_ejtY_wrLtjE/s1600/13+L.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd9EO7IdeNMKqSFgG4rz-IuBJcSBCxJZo700R7XEa2g8mVNsoI1Ke54FakBNYjv-RRRtt0jOkmls_0MlbcMwHY1tWrvymX6CZ5TUSxVr4W6Q_yzVSs3cmf3-XYVajJeY_ejtY_wrLtjE/s320/13+L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463136841037763346" border="0" /></a> This drawing is what first drew me to the tool.<br /><br />Apparently, if you use it correctly, it removes the need for rabbeting the corners and creates a seamless corner. Isn't that cool!!! <br /><br />Kind of makes you want to ask "why did you buy the Rabbet Cutter?" doesn't it? Simple reason - I'm also a tool whore!! Besides, I know there will be times I will probably need to use the smaller of the two cutters. <br /><br />Now if you think this feature is cool just wait till you see the next drawing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXhMHXMXxyvczkgeg1yzd0l5JRFj7KEOW-mV6ya6D2rYLy4jguH0u7iBwtgrKEmzYfFLbmuZiwBL5DOuPjfIZZ1hvYAkeGJugOze65In-JlEZ888dOVMO9TfsLaGw1nWPma7VpeQw3g8/s1600/14+R.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXhMHXMXxyvczkgeg1yzd0l5JRFj7KEOW-mV6ya6D2rYLy4jguH0u7iBwtgrKEmzYfFLbmuZiwBL5DOuPjfIZZ1hvYAkeGJugOze65In-JlEZ888dOVMO9TfsLaGw1nWPma7VpeQw3g8/s320/14+R.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463136695311404578" border="0" /></a> Do you see it?!<br /><br />That's right - you can use the V-Groove Cutter to make rounded forms!!! Think of all the rounded towers, wall edges, tunnels and arches you can make! Now this is a cool tool, at least to me.<br /><br />Gee...now I just need to figure out some cool type building to make. Perhaps a Bavarian church for the Naps, or an outpost fort from the Sudan or the NWF, or perhaps some Pasha's fortified palace. Hmm...decisions, decisions...<br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />Larry ~Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-7166776882719361792009-09-20T11:31:00.012-05:002009-09-20T13:29:53.927-05:00South Essex - Prince of Wales' Own VolunteersWOW!! I can't believe how long it's been since I've up-dated this blog.<br /><br />It was intended to keep a boot to my butt to get some painting done...guess it didn't work.<br /><br />I have been doing some sporadic painting while working on the house and Land Rover, but not near as much as I have wanted.<br /><br />I am gearing up to start on a new unit though, the South Essex ~ Prince of Wales' Own Volunteers. It is based on the fictitious regiment in the <a href="http://www.bernardcornwell.net/index2.cfm?page=1&seriesid=1">Sharpe Books</a> by Bernard Cornwell.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kRf1_t5bf2iQ_uWkIFK4Rs_GK9a15Hk_TGeCu8EuFRlPIDJiY1sGJC7sO5sxHJaMGtPG-gtonQm2kbF5nKDIgrw5fvmxnxig6j4RoDkQMoS2iTeQOs1-o7z_btxXIC4CqTNjbp5aDsw/s1600-h/1+L.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kRf1_t5bf2iQ_uWkIFK4Rs_GK9a15Hk_TGeCu8EuFRlPIDJiY1sGJC7sO5sxHJaMGtPG-gtonQm2kbF5nKDIgrw5fvmxnxig6j4RoDkQMoS2iTeQOs1-o7z_btxXIC4CqTNjbp5aDsw/s320/1+L.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383606077363490114" /></a> Going along with the ITGM rules this unit has 30 figures.<br /><br />You might note that there is actually 31 figures. I'll get to that later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq-yPYIxxMpfBCa5hMtNtLjTSE9RJH35oigKWq2ldI_psRcEr_7a1i8MVKvWxmESACokAGQSRNXiLimhEYIR1K3yct-VmCYkQowI3b9m_XpaBfSrJ1vZ4ELLW1kjkhV-o5LyE1GjniYM/s1600-h/2+R.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq-yPYIxxMpfBCa5hMtNtLjTSE9RJH35oigKWq2ldI_psRcEr_7a1i8MVKvWxmESACokAGQSRNXiLimhEYIR1K3yct-VmCYkQowI3b9m_XpaBfSrJ1vZ4ELLW1kjkhV-o5LyE1GjniYM/s320/2+R.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383605898480050434" /></a> If you look real close you will see a Rifles figure in the second row (second from right).<br /><br />The light company is going to be a mix of Rifles and Light infantry, just like Sharpe's Regiment. Since there are only three minis per company I might go with two Rifles figures instead of just the one like I have now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-Bt6SmZeo9RzdtVwHElxFEZb-OqNv4chXgkQH_jAxorvnXSb-phpDRKvhpwoT2bRamroGLHdnfD8Av4wBAw3HrDMoT0EAmhh2JTOATH6aDwHErb_Xn2useRJTl67HU-RkQ8et-B6Dl4/s1600-h/3+L.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-Bt6SmZeo9RzdtVwHElxFEZb-OqNv4chXgkQH_jAxorvnXSb-phpDRKvhpwoT2bRamroGLHdnfD8Av4wBAw3HrDMoT0EAmhh2JTOATH6aDwHErb_Xn2useRJTl67HU-RkQ8et-B6Dl4/s320/3+L.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383605111863347122" /></a> And here is Mr. Sharpe.<br /><br />I know it's not one of THE Sharpe figures some companies make, but until I purchase one it'll have to do. What I would really like to have a Sharpe & Harper figure to make a small command stand.<br /><br />I do think this is one of the best, single, officer figures made by Old Glory though!<br /><br />And here is my vision of Sharpe's regiment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT0Nw0vWIq5NcyuA4G66RbBnDvH9DMNZhHiM2y4ZZybqwBA8fGYBhOGqvHXEsUFc9el1F5Kh9Rjw8t0jlO6VROnkD1wxHM9g8j20nxuLvXY2bOoRTfGmx360nNVI5nMV-jUm1HIBW92c/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT0Nw0vWIq5NcyuA4G66RbBnDvH9DMNZhHiM2y4ZZybqwBA8fGYBhOGqvHXEsUFc9el1F5Kh9Rjw8t0jlO6VROnkD1wxHM9g8j20nxuLvXY2bOoRTfGmx360nNVI5nMV-jUm1HIBW92c/s400/4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383604922821503426" /></a> You might notice that the officer figure it it's own stand. In game play this figure would be purely eye-candy.<br /><br />The miniature regiment originally had two drummer figures on their own base. This base would have been eye-candy as well and placed behind the regiment.<br /><br />I know that these mounting style is unorthodox, but I saw some photos of some Napoleonic armies done this way and they were the coolest things!! The guy who made them said that they were there ONLY for the aesthetic value.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvdNsyToKn0IYrqYPOdka8lFzY8TVfU6QsfhHh05OKnAS_4o5imtF7c32Ag7SAPbiaeUoclmZTwrNMPbrgmKXxQ3w-jCLWvMijCX-M6II-EC8XcB2El2gdbrMQ1VXqCkzU1RiHww6Eco/s1600-h/5.GIF"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvdNsyToKn0IYrqYPOdka8lFzY8TVfU6QsfhHh05OKnAS_4o5imtF7c32Ag7SAPbiaeUoclmZTwrNMPbrgmKXxQ3w-jCLWvMijCX-M6II-EC8XcB2El2gdbrMQ1VXqCkzU1RiHww6Eco/s320/5.GIF" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383604764564142322" /></a> Here is a close-up of the flags.<br /><br />Since the regiment is purely fictional there is no flag for the South Essex ~ Prince of Wales' Own Volunteers I had to come up with my own.<br /><br />I would really like to have these flags look as nice as the one you can get from the likes of the 'Flagdude' and GMB Flags. I need to find someone who can makes these for me or see if one of the flag makers out there will do it. Either way I think the flags look great.<br /><br />Also, I have added several new links and such to the side bars so be sure to check them out as well.<br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers~<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-13394641395312592622009-02-15T14:37:00.007-06:002009-02-15T15:16:34.626-06:00Quick Up-DateHello Everyone -<br /><br />I'm posting a quick up-date just so you all know I'm still alive and kicking.<br /><br />I have spoken to some of you off line and part of that discussion was me being able to devote a lot of time to painting the past few days. Well, let's just say that didn't happen.<br /><br />If you are interested in the whole torturous reasons go to my <a href="http://simpsonsfolly.blogspot.com/">house blog</a> and you will understand.<br /><br />I did manage to do one painting related thing on Friday though. I had to go into the big city to pick-up SWMBO from a business trip. I went a little earlier so I could go by the comic book store that sells miniature paints such as Vallejo and Citadel. It isn't often that I get to do this and I was going to be less than 2 miles from the place.<br /><br />The main reason I wanted to stop by there was to see if they had a set of the <a href="http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat1030005&prodId=prod1320002">Citadel Washes</a>. A new cyber/gaming friend of mine, <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/archiduccharles/index.htm">Iannick</a> (from Canada), highly recommended the set, as well as a few others.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2aSDApDDqch5kzBX57jySCAX8BX_QRjsNBLCNSFREQJzsTwDRAtITQZ5D_lvtnv66knUPLFjr2nVYtjWp0_nEKy2uwH17ENpTGQ5qLiN8PTOe0Q-VcQHzfChxehizrRp4xTlSqzRJ9Q/s1600-h/citadel-washes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2aSDApDDqch5kzBX57jySCAX8BX_QRjsNBLCNSFREQJzsTwDRAtITQZ5D_lvtnv66knUPLFjr2nVYtjWp0_nEKy2uwH17ENpTGQ5qLiN8PTOe0Q-VcQHzfChxehizrRp4xTlSqzRJ9Q/s320/citadel-washes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303131010358204562" border="0" /></a> The set contains the following wash colors:<br /><br />Badab Black<br />Gryphonne Sepia<br />Ogryn Flesh<br />Devlan Mud<br />Baal Red<br />Leviathan Purple<br />Asurmen Blue<br />Thraka Green<br /><br />When I went up to the register to buy the set I noticed what looked like coffee had been spilled on the box. It was under the clear plastic covering so I figured one of the bottles leaked. The guy who worked there let me open up the box to have a look. Sure enough, one of them had leaked - the Gryphonne Sepia one.<br /><br />The guy offered me the set at a discount so I took it. Once I got home and got a much better look (the dried wash had glued the bottle to the package tray). Turns out that MAYBE 1/4 of the wash leaked out.<br /><br />I have seen a few sites that offer some in site to these washes, but one of the best is <a href="http://www.kan.org/michael/mkp/citadelwashes.php">here</a>. Out of everything I've read about these washes no one has had much of anything negative to say about them.<br /><br />Anyway, I am determined to get some painting done tonight...really, I am...honestly.<br /><br />I'll keep you posted.<br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-81804705720856859552009-02-09T21:55:00.006-06:002009-02-09T22:24:20.827-06:00My 'Core' Russian ArmyI have finally organized the core of my Russian army.<br /><br />This should give me a good table top army and one that is easily added to.<br /><br />Following the organization chart is a break down of the figures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmwjbXEzOl1taJMy7w-7gY8hfu8mBE0C0IczF89krao28XfIUq-htmM8F4uP5ZdYErsVyRSK7YS9rZ1boaH6vszpqNl3yh3jmsu_7xd1uiOgjx1bAClRGHhDCHvjUGXdiZfo_SykhqhM/s1600-h/Russian+Army.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmwjbXEzOl1taJMy7w-7gY8hfu8mBE0C0IczF89krao28XfIUq-htmM8F4uP5ZdYErsVyRSK7YS9rZ1boaH6vszpqNl3yh3jmsu_7xd1uiOgjx1bAClRGHhDCHvjUGXdiZfo_SykhqhM/s400/Russian+Army.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301013255661604210" border="0" /></a><br />4 Musketier Regiments (32 figures each = 128 figures)<br />2 Jäger Regiments (32 figures each = 64 figures)<br />1 Pavlovsk Grenadiers (32 figures)<br />1 Cossack Regiment (20 figures)<br />1 Hussar Regiment (32 figures)<br />1 Dragoon Regiment (32 figures)<br />1 Cuirassier Regiment (32 figures)<br />1 Foot Battery (3 Guns & 12 figures)*<br />1 Horse Battery (3 Guns & 12 figures)*<br /><br />NOTE* The artillery batteries will eventually double per the ITGM rules. <br /><br />This comes to a total of 365 miniatures + 6 artillery pieces; and does not count a General or other personalities.<br /><br />I do plan to add additional miniatures such as limbers w/crew; caissons w/crew and other assorted baggage wagons and such.<br /><br />Geeze - I guess I better get painting!!!!<br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-29619181455287144982009-02-09T18:54:00.008-06:002009-02-09T20:05:27.794-06:00New ToysHello Everyone!<br /><br />This past week has been a major pain. Not only have I been fighting with the wood stain in our <a href="http://simpsonsfolly.blogspot.com/search/label/kitchen">kitchen</a> but I've also caught the 'crud' that's going around. SWMBO has been keeping me doped up for the past few days.<br /><br />With the exception of a few hours Saturday afternoon I've been in bed for the most part. Towards miniatures I've been doing research and playing with some organization stuff on the PC. I decided not to do any painting. Not to be gross, but painting with a runny nose would not be good.<br /><br />Anywho...Saturday we had promised to take SWMBO's father to the train show in the big city. I also needed to pick-up a few items for the house as well.<br /><br />While I really like model trains and such, my father-n-law is the big train enthusiast. I like to go and see the scenery and the items that can be used for modeling.<br /><br />This year did not disappoint - even if I was doped up. The problem is is that there are more items for the 15mm gamer than the 25mm gamer. However, I managed to come away with three items.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOyO0nh2NGiG89fvatZIMdzWBI8TDQqUUMIOtid1MU3BUdw_H2zrB-DVSRwOrpdiFxPmmaauiU2kd4M4DANiEMZ1GnxWuCUW1JhsSJwLBwiFdYA2lno1NQ_OMS_2olG3tn803FeCU7nk/s1600-h/Gaming1+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOyO0nh2NGiG89fvatZIMdzWBI8TDQqUUMIOtid1MU3BUdw_H2zrB-DVSRwOrpdiFxPmmaauiU2kd4M4DANiEMZ1GnxWuCUW1JhsSJwLBwiFdYA2lno1NQ_OMS_2olG3tn803FeCU7nk/s320/Gaming1+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300976779575635506" border="0" /></a> From the top there is a 'Wonder Cutter' (gotten dirt cheap); some Faller HO fencing (excellent for 25mm trellises); and a section of stone wall in plaster.<br /><br />I have wanted one of these styro cutters for quite awhile and couldn't believe my luck in finding a new one in a junk box!<br /><br />Now I can build some items out of foam without the mess now. I have read that these things eat through batteries so eventually an electrical one will end up in the tool box.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrTJZNm7sfRhIqGHCOeKj6nnxQS4YuSnWAMLNG9bdxAVkNbrB4CyHmT5mZqb6M1P2i7NOrhWlb8Ch-unmi-K3RcmSRA3ctSWIlTXf-PncF9RqCpigLKXpd2z2QXKTYm1tuzIVR5Nous0/s1600-h/Gaming1+008.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrTJZNm7sfRhIqGHCOeKj6nnxQS4YuSnWAMLNG9bdxAVkNbrB4CyHmT5mZqb6M1P2i7NOrhWlb8Ch-unmi-K3RcmSRA3ctSWIlTXf-PncF9RqCpigLKXpd2z2QXKTYm1tuzIVR5Nous0/s320/Gaming1+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300980590138893298" /></a> Here is a closer look at the stone wall.<br /><br />I am thinking about making a mold of this thing so more can be made. I have a few projects in mind that will require stone walls and making a mold is not hard.<br /><br />Hopefully I will get some painting in tomorrow. I wanted to some tonight, but my arms are sore from all the sanding and my nose is running again. At this rate I'll be lucky to get a Russian army finished in the next 10 years!<br /><br />Well, till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-88234233448350949262009-02-01T19:21:00.007-06:002009-02-01T20:51:05.268-06:00New Standard BearerJust a quick post.<br /><br />The new standard bearer has been brought up to speed with the rest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzk1BgfUrKQw__SvRs1xw-S9sZhnw2cSAzgZAAXMabp-7TPcMrZC6maPviyHxeoSa3-c23KMRU0x8MWlEM_YOhV-RaKiuO-en0O6U5g3ELqWyo4FMphcP3UL8K25c-rdEPOLUDRi0ISpI/s1600-h/Bleach1+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzk1BgfUrKQw__SvRs1xw-S9sZhnw2cSAzgZAAXMabp-7TPcMrZC6maPviyHxeoSa3-c23KMRU0x8MWlEM_YOhV-RaKiuO-en0O6U5g3ELqWyo4FMphcP3UL8K25c-rdEPOLUDRi0ISpI/s320/Bleach1+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298009335007288690" border="0" /></a> Introducing Принц Алексеи Павел Вазилевич.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY64slKg8lc_LvDruXCnQhD82_PAB3v3at-hmfz_ZbtxcJ9zH4xFZ8o7XKtxxRPjJsjp58I1pVg_oghkx8dxNa6-GW4NG-lV3TBLigyD91AASelYFwuCrvl-iMbMfsdWA8nbFKTpICOeg/s1600-h/Bleach1+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY64slKg8lc_LvDruXCnQhD82_PAB3v3at-hmfz_ZbtxcJ9zH4xFZ8o7XKtxxRPjJsjp58I1pVg_oghkx8dxNa6-GW4NG-lV3TBLigyD91AASelYFwuCrvl-iMbMfsdWA8nbFKTpICOeg/s320/Bleach1+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298010706288098866" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Also known as Prince Aleksei Pavel Vasilevich, Leksei to his friends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8PRqlFHgf5R0VCBw8T6r0vU7I56bLz5d64P3zPICv84_IpZzyDOmZhJg6uxqkpj1fXrqu-7Pa93ecTrexP5mBo4_Ux0Tx1Ws4RaRjRuxueMVrYqUAt2T8xSXya7I8P1AH5Da-ywWPUo/s1600-h/Bleach1+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8PRqlFHgf5R0VCBw8T6r0vU7I56bLz5d64P3zPICv84_IpZzyDOmZhJg6uxqkpj1fXrqu-7Pa93ecTrexP5mBo4_Ux0Tx1Ws4RaRjRuxueMVrYqUAt2T8xSXya7I8P1AH5Da-ywWPUo/s320/Bleach1+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298024489086596242" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Just barely old enough, the young Prince is eager to distinguish himself on the field of battle for his father, his Czar, Holy Mother Russia and most of all his God.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hopefully, by this time tomorrow more color will have been added to the Prince and the rest of the men of the Simbirsk Musketeer Regiment.<br /><br />До следующего раза...<br /><br />За Ваше здоровье!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-11127663575769846442009-02-01T11:36:00.010-06:002009-02-01T12:44:49.572-06:00Faces - I hate painting faces!!Здравствуйте!!<br /><br />I think the title says it all.<br /><br />I hate painting faces, actually ANY skin. I can never get it right.<br /><br />My all time favorite paint to use as a skin base tone is Ral Partha's # 77-911 Warrior Flesh. I have not been able to find it for many, many years and have not found a good substitute either.<br /><br />So, I'm playing around with a few colors trying to work something out. I had found a real good combo when I was working on my OG F&IW British foot but have lost my notes. I still have the sample card I made but for some reason I didn't write down the paints on it.<br /><br />So far I've tested Vallejo Game Color 72004 'Elf Skintone' and Citadel's Foundation 'Tallarn Flesh'. The first one was too pink and the other looked good wet, but strange when dried. I have also played with a few combinations as well.<br /><br />The combo that I've settled on is Vallejo Model Color 860 'Medium Fleshtone', Vallejo Game Color 72041 'Dwarf Flesh and DecoArt Americana 'Cashmere Beige'. I used equal parts of each and it's 'Okay', but still a bit pale. I've talked to a few friends about what they use and am going to try some of what they've suggested.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPcw67AovD5BFGxq4ZhtXpYuoWtzzxtPI68MErgGU1RhXY5mgCWWigDA6EpMX_HdPxULbIr5tKmYc9K2J5eFE6S_b1wSXmcJIkSbNzlPiLKxc8Ch1ZXHSpcXgp8q0VjwmQ0wBFHqwqNM/s1600-h/RussianFaces+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPcw67AovD5BFGxq4ZhtXpYuoWtzzxtPI68MErgGU1RhXY5mgCWWigDA6EpMX_HdPxULbIr5tKmYc9K2J5eFE6S_b1wSXmcJIkSbNzlPiLKxc8Ch1ZXHSpcXgp8q0VjwmQ0wBFHqwqNM/s320/RussianFaces+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297893084019189298" border="0" /></a> This is an example of the combo paint being used as a base.<br /><br />You might note that my picture taking is getting a little better as well. This time the green shows up better!<br /><br />This next photo is of a couple of test figures. While blocking in the uniforms I noticed what looked like hoodies on some of the heads, under the chinstraps. I didn't like it so I replaced them and am using the figures as test subjects.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29z-5uJduiGHAMfFxaLQs_6Go5PhLWeWjoNmwYaHFtYMDyKHwsqJSr-EoDxlFv_F7Uq6lfPLvRre1sWwSpCpPnQhVuFvo4NsMdE0QXrFWGJE4X0E1hYidtbZSSzxn-8CMPslBn0t1jTc/s1600-h/RussianFaces+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29z-5uJduiGHAMfFxaLQs_6Go5PhLWeWjoNmwYaHFtYMDyKHwsqJSr-EoDxlFv_F7Uq6lfPLvRre1sWwSpCpPnQhVuFvo4NsMdE0QXrFWGJE4X0E1hYidtbZSSzxn-8CMPslBn0t1jTc/s320/RussianFaces+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297894208514219570" border="0" /></a> What you are seeing are two of the minis with the combo skin tone and a flesh wash.<br /><br />The flesh wash is Games Workshop Citadel Colour 61-76 'Flesh Wash'. I used it straight out of the bottle and undiluted.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21JRjs-KoYbSNXGds0v8y4KmQX-WHqcHXbcWkWw8GNJ6Ux_pxzm92CgKqkp7Ec2k76VYK2E-NGGb27aqCzBZuj9L3wm5D6nOfeBxUtImu_VCrjhZjTtpkH18crJFXSvZUaYvV9EP-eaA/s1600-h/RussianFaces+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21JRjs-KoYbSNXGds0v8y4KmQX-WHqcHXbcWkWw8GNJ6Ux_pxzm92CgKqkp7Ec2k76VYK2E-NGGb27aqCzBZuj9L3wm5D6nOfeBxUtImu_VCrjhZjTtpkH18crJFXSvZUaYvV9EP-eaA/s320/RussianFaces+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297895108102059394" border="0" /></a> These are the same figures.<br /><br />Next time I'll use a wash formula given to me by a friend of the net. Here is the formula he uses for a basic black wash.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"...basic Black Wash I'll use about 1 part in 6-8 Floor Polish, the balance being water and acrylic paint or oil (typically 3 or 4 parts Tamiya Smoke and/or Black with 2-3 parts Water and 1 Floor Polish) – this is designed to give best of both worlds, break the tension and help provide a bit of a hard coat on the pain job."</span><br /><br />What I'll try is one part floor polish to 3 or 4 parts Flesh Wash and 2 or 3 parts water.<br /><br />I'll let you all know how it turns out.<br /><br />Before I go, let me tell you about another figure that disappointed me.<br /><br />While painting the flesh tone on my Russians I noticed that one of the standard bearers had that same hoodie type thing on it's head as well. The only thing I can figure is that it's a head wrap to keep the ears and neck warm. I still don't like it so he had to go as well. The poor chap has been sent to the Gulag in Siberia as a test subject.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NWuKQNDt3D-igflzm86IoE9iGtwJbXnJ6XWcIeaqlxZFOZyvq93Gu6nVJ2vO4Gpl0XhlIyXcPbKPnOzQfuaBfBHjbKQe6f0Wqlleb-XPB_RDQQml7Auya1dI30pWYW99Og8r10hbtkI/s1600-h/RussianFaces+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NWuKQNDt3D-igflzm86IoE9iGtwJbXnJ6XWcIeaqlxZFOZyvq93Gu6nVJ2vO4Gpl0XhlIyXcPbKPnOzQfuaBfBHjbKQe6f0Wqlleb-XPB_RDQQml7Auya1dI30pWYW99Og8r10hbtkI/s320/RussianFaces+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297898400666747554" border="0" /></a> Here's the new recruit who replaced him.<br /><br />I think I'm getting the hang of using the pin drill. This time I was able to get a perfect hole drilled right through the center of the hand/pole section. All that had to be done was the removal of the tiny sliver of pole left on the outside of the fist.<br /><br />This guy will get his primer coat and then will be brought up to speed, paint wise, with the others. After this I'll get to work on the flesh.<br /><br />Perhaps tonight additional pictures will get posted. I have some work to do on the woodwork in our kitchen first. We've had a bit of an indecent at the house that has turned into an nightmare. If your interested you can check that story out <a href="http://simpsonsfolly.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />До свидания!!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-76078105634153420662009-01-21T20:40:00.019-06:002011-12-03T14:08:48.794-06:00Russian Up-DateOkay, I have finally made headway on my OG Russians.<br /><br />The unit will be based on the I Battalion of the Simbirsk Musketeer Regiment.<br /><br />The Simbirsk Musketeer Regiment came from the Simbirsk area within the Middle Volga region. It is located along the Volga River and is about 554 miles east of Moscow.<br /><br />The citizens of Simbirsk took an active part in the 1812 Patriotic War. The Simbirsk Infantry Regiment performed many heroic feats and distinguished itself in some critical battles. <br /><br />During the Battle of Borodino, the Simbirsk Musketeer Regiment was a part of the 27th Infantry Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Neverovsky and attached to the VIII Infantry Corps commanded by Lt. Gen. Mikhail Mikhailovich Borozdin. The VIII Infantry Corps was part of Prince Peter (Ivanovich) Bagration's Second Western Army. During the battle the Regiment was commanded by Capt. R. Baykovsky.<br /><br />The Simbirsk Musketeer Regiment was virtually wiped out during the fighting against Marshal Davout at the fleches at Borodino. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6F5Ovx90cKImtH_s30Ktd0mrguidLLQT_9gYl8eR6475pxkDMD-MN6CDo9dWQIyYrhrrOauEko1QsQ3df7eFn0VDfghQe8GdMOsekYyawYV45-TxTozZgXmpwLalGe4WYgqmyV-Ijzf4/s1600-h/ru-03rsm.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6F5Ovx90cKImtH_s30Ktd0mrguidLLQT_9gYl8eR6475pxkDMD-MN6CDo9dWQIyYrhrrOauEko1QsQ3df7eFn0VDfghQe8GdMOsekYyawYV45-TxTozZgXmpwLalGe4WYgqmyV-Ijzf4/s320/ru-03rsm.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293949514032538098" border="0" /></a> This would be the standards carried by the I Battalion<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Before we get to the pictures it might be worth noting the following.<br /><br />In the I battalion the Grenadiers had solid red cockades tall black plumes; the Strelki had solid yellow cockades with tall black plumes and the Musketeers had white cockades with green center. The shoulder straps were green with red ends except for the Grenadiers who wore solid red ones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCFv87BVJTS1-ySPfVB4zMvU7U_n12xFOXg4QXYx67dOqAdTNzpuS4igGXqfEHrQBkO70FZoet70bsiiziI_M0U4aAwnuGgijShgxffpglOMd83zZkv4HH0BdJJA1YZY__2O7o7h4wjM/s1600-h/Russ4.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCFv87BVJTS1-ySPfVB4zMvU7U_n12xFOXg4QXYx67dOqAdTNzpuS4igGXqfEHrQBkO70FZoet70bsiiziI_M0U4aAwnuGgijShgxffpglOMd83zZkv4HH0BdJJA1YZY__2O7o7h4wjM/s320/Russ4.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293956986909503170" border="0" /></a> This should give you a general idea of what the shoulder strap would look like.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway, here are some pics for you to look at.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7M3W0Belibh-OjesdQ3Wl-BCSUG2mBxKmWj2PPPL7SxNj_5uw-hCZJIXAcVFWwFcxFyPTk7-ZwnNLofYuTOfuWy7rKfmkTxU0ZSe4Y3_dwsV_HPYJG8AVnGu7hP6Ghh_070G8BCrGiPE/s1600-h/Chase+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7M3W0Belibh-OjesdQ3Wl-BCSUG2mBxKmWj2PPPL7SxNj_5uw-hCZJIXAcVFWwFcxFyPTk7-ZwnNLofYuTOfuWy7rKfmkTxU0ZSe4Y3_dwsV_HPYJG8AVnGu7hP6Ghh_070G8BCrGiPE/s320/Chase+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293957807638448930" border="0" /></a> Just your typical 'before' picture.<br /><br />Behind the Russian unit is the British Peninsular Line unit I want to get started on as well.<br /><br />The tubs with blue lids are various other units.<br /><br />You can also see a couple of canoes for the F&IW as well as an elephant.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4uB6NDZaDRSAVER9Z9xrPLDrf4sXG2Cz-JG3vK3C3QQvXNZdVVG1KR6LYFdbSjKTzp6XEDJzvjCWCHjhgwkDkDcp2SHNo7XXalD7Zb2_Exq1wzd6h56dxaJ1qOoZpjmtqRwCLcbFa9Q/s1600-h/Chase+001a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4uB6NDZaDRSAVER9Z9xrPLDrf4sXG2Cz-JG3vK3C3QQvXNZdVVG1KR6LYFdbSjKTzp6XEDJzvjCWCHjhgwkDkDcp2SHNo7XXalD7Zb2_Exq1wzd6h56dxaJ1qOoZpjmtqRwCLcbFa9Q/s320/Chase+001a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293959565884295538" border="0" /></a> An here is an 'after' pic of today's work.<br /><br />Now that you've seen the whole group, let's see a few close-ups. Again, please forgive the photo quality.<br /><br />Before we get to those let me show you the following picture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcvUqZ_hoGOCSl0eszRgeHixILEXVzYS6d4WEIpQY7RfIdLTXybdfExCk2ffNdAmiOr0MHxMogRHLvnA9Fzu6Pkif0ZpHpcHIWvEh1GLJA1c_mp0mERzmU22_eZ4RtXd8ocVQn0q0m_Y/s1600-h/Chase+022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcvUqZ_hoGOCSl0eszRgeHixILEXVzYS6d4WEIpQY7RfIdLTXybdfExCk2ffNdAmiOr0MHxMogRHLvnA9Fzu6Pkif0ZpHpcHIWvEh1GLJA1c_mp0mERzmU22_eZ4RtXd8ocVQn0q0m_Y/s320/Chase+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293961225261830818" border="0" /></a> This is a sampling of the greens I considered for the Russian uniforms. I have never been too good at picking the proper colors but I wanted something that was as dark as the original green the Russians used, but still green enough you could tell it was green. Does that make sense?<br /><br />As you can see I started with 9 possibilities.<br /><br />I decided on Vellejo Model Color 3980 Dark Green.<br /><br />I hope the color comes through in the pics, but I just don't think they did. Oh well, maybe the next time I get pictures it'll show up better.<br /><br />Anyway, here they are.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4MUqX5nXkQjK0GuezdlWiQd_mL-xjdDEwhD8gW1Q54pTCAS2XdrqCgmRIv6P7fAUn6opsE6lYK80Am7XD8BGUHfuyuIpO6a1WvX49EAuHNIDlsmuWS9KvW4lXc0ZiSLs5h4pbN0YnXE/s1600-h/Chase+013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4MUqX5nXkQjK0GuezdlWiQd_mL-xjdDEwhD8gW1Q54pTCAS2XdrqCgmRIv6P7fAUn6opsE6lYK80Am7XD8BGUHfuyuIpO6a1WvX49EAuHNIDlsmuWS9KvW4lXc0ZiSLs5h4pbN0YnXE/s320/Chase+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293963343717216818" border="0" /></a> This is just a general picture of what I got painted so far.<br /><br />I have blocked in most of the black items, the white breeches and of course the green jacket.<br /><br />I do not bother being too neat at this point.<br /><br />For those of you interested...the hideous wallpaper in the background is from the mid 50s. I know one of the guys who helped hang it while he was in high school.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qNsIGNBbGCLttALAXm8P3-aK97_TNGPqlQoUSeWubNKytinrSU7l6OykhRb8G6PpdzyFYHsDyxYuF2l8t2MMNgFUxKsOKezjMgQsuUGO2BIcz_3DwN0Evm-7BA5QuP0hR9UmX8o0oVw/s1600-h/Chase+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qNsIGNBbGCLttALAXm8P3-aK97_TNGPqlQoUSeWubNKytinrSU7l6OykhRb8G6PpdzyFYHsDyxYuF2l8t2MMNgFUxKsOKezjMgQsuUGO2BIcz_3DwN0Evm-7BA5QuP0hR9UmX8o0oVw/s320/Chase+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293964808125472098" border="0" /></a> Here is a closer picture. I think you can see the green a bit better.<br /><br />I noticed that the digital camera picked up some spots that didn't quite get paint on them. OY!!<br /><br />Hopefully tomorrow I'll get to start on the flesh and adding a few more colors.<br /><br />Before I call it quits for the night, let me show you a couple more pics.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fdBzRqOBiviFy4Sq1IXxeCzT23SCcr_kExj4x8w08oWciILA2NzNZQcXVSyqHGBp7pgjOlfOXoeCAgNrNs0AvqD0Wd56OPUHeUZJQWbJx4FycwX7cwKqMPRnDCitKj1a6ydx02TaNFg/s1600-h/Chase+003a.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fdBzRqOBiviFy4Sq1IXxeCzT23SCcr_kExj4x8w08oWciILA2NzNZQcXVSyqHGBp7pgjOlfOXoeCAgNrNs0AvqD0Wd56OPUHeUZJQWbJx4FycwX7cwKqMPRnDCitKj1a6ydx02TaNFg/s320/Chase+003a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293974889260562690" /></a> Here are a handful of Front Rank Russian horses that I've primed. <br /><br />I'm going to practice a few horse painting techniques on these. I'll let you know how it goes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ghVL-W2BGHKaiHz3gC2Nl-lLJDd5PQxQu5HRqC41CaLMqHX1HWWzwp_RKpHi6H5sTVdBGaO39MeBQAE988Eia6gQQygVJdqcMLrZkvu4OnFBIy4EeVaAaEl1SgD8iXVjcWNZR3sRLwI/s1600-h/Chase.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ghVL-W2BGHKaiHz3gC2Nl-lLJDd5PQxQu5HRqC41CaLMqHX1HWWzwp_RKpHi6H5sTVdBGaO39MeBQAE988Eia6gQQygVJdqcMLrZkvu4OnFBIy4EeVaAaEl1SgD8iXVjcWNZR3sRLwI/s320/Chase.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293978860261914930" /></a> This is just one of those 'interesting' pictures.<br /><br />In case you are wondering why I'd be showing a picture of my paint rag - there's a good reason. I have had this rag since the summer of '76. It's got paint on it from every project I've ever worked on. Believe it or not, I even have the same little, folding, card table I used back then as a painting table!<br /><br />Well, that's enough for now.<br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-72430227586641695092009-01-18T21:58:00.003-06:002009-01-18T22:07:24.529-06:00Just In!!!!<span style="font-weight: bold;">WOOWHOO!!!!<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><br />I just scored a copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">'Tactics and Grand Tactics of the Napoleonic Wars'</span> by George Jeffrey off of eBay!!<br /><br />The best part - dirt cheap!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1c_IUPOZQhjEVSPvXNS3YZb7_WWkIZpiMOnJ_Mv58vQJH6ipIQVnBnvgz6J1sQvxB-767YCv0xsB-GnMZXdvhhYepoXto0Yx88Dj6cmKgTJiEpvFRwN5zvyR0Qa4GqJLmFK4CsTuAYA/s1600-h/b055_1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1c_IUPOZQhjEVSPvXNS3YZb7_WWkIZpiMOnJ_Mv58vQJH6ipIQVnBnvgz6J1sQvxB-767YCv0xsB-GnMZXdvhhYepoXto0Yx88Dj6cmKgTJiEpvFRwN5zvyR0Qa4GqJLmFK4CsTuAYA/s400/b055_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292849686206683074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-81048753986270647302009-01-18T19:40:00.039-06:002009-01-18T21:49:21.835-06:00Some Past WorkHello Everyone!<br /><br />I know I haven't posted for a while, but working on the house has to come first. I'm going to do my best to set aside at least an hour or two a day to paint.<br /><br />I'm a little leery of getting started though. Since starting this hobby, shadowing and highlighting have caused me problems. Switching to 28mm is going to force me to work on these two techniques and I'm not sure how it will work out. When painting 15mm figures I didn't really do a lot of this.<br /><br />With this in mind, let me show you some of my past work. All of the minis are 15mm Old Glory and Battle Honours. Also, I'm still learning to get pictures of my minis with the digital camera, so bear with me - the quality isn't the best.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnC1hNr0QaOLMqlEzaX0d1KeyomVERxHgw-rLUS1aBSC0xuWZUdKgfquUCBR161wIo6dJTu5Q2bFZsvaWI5Fp5H_55wnwy1abpCFZoQix0VYtYTbnQZ9q4XPzKYiCj0SoV6oFoFSSGMnw/s1600-h/Minis+023.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnC1hNr0QaOLMqlEzaX0d1KeyomVERxHgw-rLUS1aBSC0xuWZUdKgfquUCBR161wIo6dJTu5Q2bFZsvaWI5Fp5H_55wnwy1abpCFZoQix0VYtYTbnQZ9q4XPzKYiCj0SoV6oFoFSSGMnw/s320/Minis+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292815840477791602" border="0" /></a> These minis are the only exception to the above statement.<br /><br />If you look close you'll see a small white thing sitting on the stand. That's a grain of rice.<br /><br />The minis are 2mm Russian Musketeers. For the life of me I can't remember who made them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcWjNq_ldgUiQv3mFPkSs3E6FynevNBWidcQGJ7WomQ0TfNXi9u4xDwOd2pDGVjtyzeLVs42cKkI1qL4zCKvV0nPV_HSplb2luG0s8n_Ck7-CO1qTz4FEMU9ej0ZWXMah_na5fV6JOnI/s1600-h/Minis+029.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcWjNq_ldgUiQv3mFPkSs3E6FynevNBWidcQGJ7WomQ0TfNXi9u4xDwOd2pDGVjtyzeLVs42cKkI1qL4zCKvV0nPV_HSplb2luG0s8n_Ck7-CO1qTz4FEMU9ej0ZWXMah_na5fV6JOnI/s320/Minis+029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292817243791457378" border="0" /></a> This is my favorite mini.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I don't think he needs an introduction!!<br /><br />Vive l'Empereur!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0iOr9hVGVEPoKEySFBPGKi3goeHpPWzxDzvLal-I8csHoIAeVmMRhN760jk2f0ejfymJL-n5SWDcs23JIwfLlGFk1hTYlf056QV-iJ1R-sE-H8GHiMD1aDU-1TCES8OxfogSiFZ9XsM/s1600-h/Minis+024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0iOr9hVGVEPoKEySFBPGKi3goeHpPWzxDzvLal-I8csHoIAeVmMRhN760jk2f0ejfymJL-n5SWDcs23JIwfLlGFk1hTYlf056QV-iJ1R-sE-H8GHiMD1aDU-1TCES8OxfogSiFZ9XsM/s320/Minis+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292823200467244834" border="0" /></a> These are some Russian samples I tried out.<br /><br />The one on the left is from OG and the one on the right is from MiniFigs.<br /><br />Next are some of my French.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"Good line infantry is, without doubt, the sinew of an army." - Napoleon</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0ZBBXSMUffg0hLFNjAtrKIRZVd2dF-D7xKkYGhuScqZuba3VBvJwyT_ssuLc0lstmdY-V0M1maibyzLZpW_HpLAd0zMWIVVODwt_KnuT5GP_bEVQBFb1VYsPfd02d8Rx8VD6gs-aWfU/s1600-h/Minis+035.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0ZBBXSMUffg0hLFNjAtrKIRZVd2dF-D7xKkYGhuScqZuba3VBvJwyT_ssuLc0lstmdY-V0M1maibyzLZpW_HpLAd0zMWIVVODwt_KnuT5GP_bEVQBFb1VYsPfd02d8Rx8VD6gs-aWfU/s320/Minis+035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292823893371131186" border="0" /></a> French Command with members of Fusilier company No.1 , OG miniatures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixVUf8Gc0WdlK_aEh0nIXxhRAUpqadpPjK4GDi0TFJsq7j_jd9bQ6e_mR5rZpc8XgCINXyPjyGORI1FNfJTy9Mv9CNvE-7JwrvmDzEiE9xhnSlZOnvfu2u6nDbCE8_rB26rDfDL-WMVo/s1600-h/Minis+037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixVUf8Gc0WdlK_aEh0nIXxhRAUpqadpPjK4GDi0TFJsq7j_jd9bQ6e_mR5rZpc8XgCINXyPjyGORI1FNfJTy9Mv9CNvE-7JwrvmDzEiE9xhnSlZOnvfu2u6nDbCE8_rB26rDfDL-WMVo/s320/Minis+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292824854779897970" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />French Voltigeur company, OG miniatures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLvJkJouZO-4flnYZPr7X4ONhyP_gQPQA4uQBJW68QlAtvLP0WxHeyQDTxETZjyEaL_YO31sApZPrk0csH0j7v_p3ecOZeKgZD6h7RcRWgIod6CEzGh_oAps0i4lV1m3tKt2qsaF2BXs/s1600-h/Minis+038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLvJkJouZO-4flnYZPr7X4ONhyP_gQPQA4uQBJW68QlAtvLP0WxHeyQDTxETZjyEaL_YO31sApZPrk0csH0j7v_p3ecOZeKgZD6h7RcRWgIod6CEzGh_oAps0i4lV1m3tKt2qsaF2BXs/s320/Minis+038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292825958415468690" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />French Grenadier company, OG miniatures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPj1IwSEBqNj14WHQKBkYWCgqgDH3JFg2g2gl9BnRDuSDVGV4tJBtkMNVA_mC1CZT2oBq-XBg9CPh8wfLuuZA2Avwwke8Y1em2LgguA-P3pfFNFGXyNydi-kEr7Gt4yg_JmZrcLERLL4/s1600-h/Minis+042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPj1IwSEBqNj14WHQKBkYWCgqgDH3JFg2g2gl9BnRDuSDVGV4tJBtkMNVA_mC1CZT2oBq-XBg9CPh8wfLuuZA2Avwwke8Y1em2LgguA-P3pfFNFGXyNydi-kEr7Gt4yg_JmZrcLERLL4/s320/Minis+042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292826936927279202" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />French Fusilier company No.2, OG miniatures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7Sac2gu31gfRyamD_CLv25jgccDo0kxfrO8IY6nWvYL0W2GIVHEjWdZxm2arLoCuc53q5TUjHgHVMsUNYBEZmSwh_FPZgOLXB6IzhAa8wP3YSTl6JiM2jQiMEh-w71xatplmCQmXtyY/s1600-h/Minis+044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7Sac2gu31gfRyamD_CLv25jgccDo0kxfrO8IY6nWvYL0W2GIVHEjWdZxm2arLoCuc53q5TUjHgHVMsUNYBEZmSwh_FPZgOLXB6IzhAa8wP3YSTl6JiM2jQiMEh-w71xatplmCQmXtyY/s320/Minis+044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292827708693577890" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />French Drummers, OG miniatures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Okay, here is one of my idiosyncrasies when it comes to building wargaming units.<br /><br />I like to have the musicians on separate stands. I saw this done with another persons minis and liked the effect. I don't count the stand as one of the unit stands. It is there as eye-candy only.<br /><br />I'm not sure if I'll do this with the 28mm units or not, but I still think they're cool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQZoMjgcSiSA2k-nDBRJjbazUGq6ohyphenhyphenpXju-X2ntNhSvrsnIXXtA3m31nPcNmW0_GlznuhHmI3eVVkQ3mLGll0fQ2qYCBPr8IHqo2_UjGvvGw-ebBDdog-sbb8X1xZK__yQrg4xe4lMA/s1600-h/Minis+045.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQZoMjgcSiSA2k-nDBRJjbazUGq6ohyphenhyphenpXju-X2ntNhSvrsnIXXtA3m31nPcNmW0_GlznuhHmI3eVVkQ3mLGll0fQ2qYCBPr8IHqo2_UjGvvGw-ebBDdog-sbb8X1xZK__yQrg4xe4lMA/s320/Minis+045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292831171182675794" border="0" /></a> Here's the whole battalion.<br /><br />Now you can see how the drummers are positioned. <br /><br />Not counting the drummers there are six stands total for this battalion.<br /><br />Here are some of my Waterloo period British.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Scum. Nothing but beggars and scoundrels, all of them. Gin is the spirit of their patriotism." - Duke of Wellington<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhWoqYs4KFHfmnA3-gaXmCs4LV_yJHzkYuld6sg6YWvhHRvfaFe6cPiaVAjaaA78fhiNFGNB5_jA_X6LRsoI5XK7pshhBXOxsfHMn7YmUF9lSzp9_J9rgDvYykZigFX75STMdn0dzz6w/s1600-h/Minis+053.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhWoqYs4KFHfmnA3-gaXmCs4LV_yJHzkYuld6sg6YWvhHRvfaFe6cPiaVAjaaA78fhiNFGNB5_jA_X6LRsoI5XK7pshhBXOxsfHMn7YmUF9lSzp9_J9rgDvYykZigFX75STMdn0dzz6w/s320/Minis+053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292835949880540802" border="0" /></a> Command stand; Standards; and Drummers, BH miniatures.<br /><br />Again, I did these drummers just like the French ones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ_I4Bmgp8iycXT9SPmQ8rcpWaq-a5AI6igTnZO_tjLV4Tj4i9fiCXCyDXiszYfJ9bH5Oi1dD5JVQC0Cezh5iPuOvTzySGd94OMh0PDtFgVJsH5dfNDmhJjmzqfYjIuEhv2NVEHJNrGM/s1600-h/Minis+056.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ_I4Bmgp8iycXT9SPmQ8rcpWaq-a5AI6igTnZO_tjLV4Tj4i9fiCXCyDXiszYfJ9bH5Oi1dD5JVQC0Cezh5iPuOvTzySGd94OMh0PDtFgVJsH5dfNDmhJjmzqfYjIuEhv2NVEHJNrGM/s320/Minis+056.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292836555672012306" border="0" /></a> Sergeant with Center company trooper and the Standards again, BH miniatures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGyOUSgizsKV-p9weBMANfIXOC_az0kopFwmVCjHhEylFH4iFKj9WxmmZUWnrJZ7Li8dIBR6R0TYzNddliUlYjmlxPNt25QGkX7vA5dd-jhNI_Qs9aeHsof1vUKVQ5SE4tToGzmsTBAw/s1600-h/Minis+060.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGyOUSgizsKV-p9weBMANfIXOC_az0kopFwmVCjHhEylFH4iFKj9WxmmZUWnrJZ7Li8dIBR6R0TYzNddliUlYjmlxPNt25QGkX7vA5dd-jhNI_Qs9aeHsof1vUKVQ5SE4tToGzmsTBAw/s320/Minis+060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292837901082476066" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A couple of the Center company stands, BH miniatures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AS5DN1kr6w3tybTicDMZ2LFQZUVKOuwdgr6cX3pYrXYigc67mOQIjvnmhIvjFXT-XjzkLaSJvdThw9Zf5TfVfpRSqenZLjnVsCq4LbV5g-FAeYh8veLjYe70Jrf6WxVXhm9fpQ-p8Lw/s1600-h/Minis+059.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AS5DN1kr6w3tybTicDMZ2LFQZUVKOuwdgr6cX3pYrXYigc67mOQIjvnmhIvjFXT-XjzkLaSJvdThw9Zf5TfVfpRSqenZLjnVsCq4LbV5g-FAeYh8veLjYe70Jrf6WxVXhm9fpQ-p8Lw/s320/Minis+059.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292837599827920802" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Elite companies, Light company on the left and Grenadier company on the right, BH miniatures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4x9UikdHX5nC2ZdXgdIs0mppKIyTrl39jgjoz-evYkq087pxghWFqiyRppwerJYWtMoLl2ji47P24HiU_3FA-q827ccwv0UWdsGV502SkONLdqE_Jy76hsMGjSrcNX05fVdluYTLxhGI/s1600-h/Minis+050.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4x9UikdHX5nC2ZdXgdIs0mppKIyTrl39jgjoz-evYkq087pxghWFqiyRppwerJYWtMoLl2ji47P24HiU_3FA-q827ccwv0UWdsGV502SkONLdqE_Jy76hsMGjSrcNX05fVdluYTLxhGI/s320/Minis+050.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292846006235564754" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Here's the whole battalion.<br /><br />Just as with the French you can see how the drummers are positioned. Not counting them there are 10 stands total for this battalion.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMw6W3UUWy9gRAWaa5anzA1edSwrHLNB0pMADRjb2yepfO5784T9_EBwqypcIRtcTnfaFQrz07olKeJtqFA8Ri_INGtgJMmQiREhl-V-yeqqB9QIL0vV4eu-5cg0SII_WN-iETKeAoIZ4/s1600-h/Minis+062.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMw6W3UUWy9gRAWaa5anzA1edSwrHLNB0pMADRjb2yepfO5784T9_EBwqypcIRtcTnfaFQrz07olKeJtqFA8Ri_INGtgJMmQiREhl-V-yeqqB9QIL0vV4eu-5cg0SII_WN-iETKeAoIZ4/s320/Minis+062.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292840538709551602" border="0" /></a> Thought I'd toss in this picture for fun.<br /><br />Not only can you see some of my Brits in action, but they are defending a cottage I built. <br /><br />I really like scale buildings as well!<br /><br />Well, I guess that's enough for now. Let me leave you with a couple of parting shots.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmqkw7GCxiJ_dyVz1iidRzy0KSkad3gAU-MsuqYqERmPLwfsNLbRtKxlmpByQmP5p-UGlvxE3mHwCFzIzfy9jQxKKPpRwrgikd3TfnGdIt7SqnAT-1FTWMM5N7nytU5_w63eW1ihi63A/s1600-h/Minis+048.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmqkw7GCxiJ_dyVz1iidRzy0KSkad3gAU-MsuqYqERmPLwfsNLbRtKxlmpByQmP5p-UGlvxE3mHwCFzIzfy9jQxKKPpRwrgikd3TfnGdIt7SqnAT-1FTWMM5N7nytU5_w63eW1ihi63A/s320/Minis+048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292841683843188802" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Are you ready...</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKYUh7LDjA5HiC4x_m4kWnTQ3BJ8gMM5BpgghpG1BzEHa8NwhX8uwzEa5DN0Eus3P8YxwtLFJgwlBxQhj_-IOs-Z0ADFkiS73kMxLGLkFDU09N4LVtE_wOKGwjNC_yQ71fJ8c9JLHLK4/s1600-h/Minis+049.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKYUh7LDjA5HiC4x_m4kWnTQ3BJ8gMM5BpgghpG1BzEHa8NwhX8uwzEa5DN0Eus3P8YxwtLFJgwlBxQhj_-IOs-Z0ADFkiS73kMxLGLkFDU09N4LVtE_wOKGwjNC_yQ71fJ8c9JLHLK4/s320/Minis+049.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292842178569944562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">...to rumble?!?!<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-58644219793348480232009-01-08T11:03:00.017-06:002009-02-01T12:44:34.632-06:00MusingsHello Again Everyone!!<br /><br />I thought this post would be a bit more eclectic.<br /><br />As you will soon learn, I'm more of a gaming 'Wannabe' than an actual gamer. I have had a devil of a time finding gamers in my area so I do not game much at all. In fact, there is a guy in my area who games, but we have a very hard time getting together. Hopefully that will change with the new year.<br /><br />Anyway, since I don't get to game a lot I live vicariously through other gamers and their web sites and blogs. What I do is a lot of reading and research, collecting and painting miniature armies, and building terrain and buildings.<br /><br />Part of this process is the purchase of books (I'm passionate about books - so LOTS of books) and other items used in the hobby. This past week as afforded me the chance to go to the hobby shop and crafts store to purchase some of these items. Unfortunately, the store I really wanted to go to was not open. This shop is a HUGE comic book shop that deals in fantasy gaming. I've never had an interest in fantasy gaming, but the shop has lots of paints and other goodies for the hobbyist.<br /><br />While at <a href="http://www.hobbytown.com/">Hobby Town USA</a> I picked up a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Citadel-Hobby-Supplies-Drill/dp/B000Y48GNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1231435282&sr=8-1">Citadel Hobby Drill</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-MCe8JbkjwtvYhXLBUIwHkn5aRGcktorXu1Jpu9C4qSnzyHALUWfrLh6ntKLubOWh6pkBmwH38M2xZ_ccb3HZMaR0iqrY7crChbkjcAKF_gDIz5FtG7j1C8ptWOiQCudXnxnF7X4KFE/s1600-h/newimage.asp.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-MCe8JbkjwtvYhXLBUIwHkn5aRGcktorXu1Jpu9C4qSnzyHALUWfrLh6ntKLubOWh6pkBmwH38M2xZ_ccb3HZMaR0iqrY7crChbkjcAKF_gDIz5FtG7j1C8ptWOiQCudXnxnF7X4KFE/s320/newimage.asp.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288976752020566882" border="0" /></a> This is what the little bugger looks like. It even came with a small case of bits.<br /><br />Before we continue... Even though the link for the drill will take you to Amazon, I do try to buy as much as possible from local dealers - especially hobby stores. No one carries historical minis, flags or such so those need to be ordered. But items like paints, brushes, tools, and terrain materials I buy local.<br /><br />That being said...a stop at the local <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/">Hobby Lobby</a> was in order to pick up some Winsor & Newton <a href="http://www.winsornewton.com/products/oil-colours/artisan-water-mixable-oil-colour/">Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour</a> paints as well as brushes for them.<br /><br />A friend in the UK showed me an interesting way to paint horses using artist's oil paint so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm going to see if he'll give me permission to post his method. I've never worked with this type of paint so we'll see what happens. Luckily I have a handful of 28mm Front Rank horses to practice on.<br /><br />Okay, even though the excursions to the hobby shops was fun, the big event was going to the book stores!! I love books - all kinds of books. My favorite types are history books and if they are heavily illustrated the better. This hobby gives me plenty of reasons to buy lots of books. Even though my concentration is on the Russian army of 1812 right now, that does not prevent me from buying books of other areas I'm interested. Come to think of it, a discussion of those other areas might make a good post.<br /><br />Again, this past week gave me a chance to lurk around a few of the shops and find some nice volumes.<br /><br />Here are the ones that came home with me:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V_rsPpzX2JHw3RDKk8Zcww1npe4ITTsSVmRhUNLyJ5PGaPGlEhEriRKE0ytmre8SoO4TpVmAZ1Y1UFQVX6HLq5SXxQePmebmpmvtgujua0MnerGw7Zr42ke3BPvf8aOY3RH09gwcbcw/s1600-h/517HZZQP9JL.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V_rsPpzX2JHw3RDKk8Zcww1npe4ITTsSVmRhUNLyJ5PGaPGlEhEriRKE0ytmre8SoO4TpVmAZ1Y1UFQVX6HLq5SXxQePmebmpmvtgujua0MnerGw7Zr42ke3BPvf8aOY3RH09gwcbcw/s320/517HZZQP9JL.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288984064040737218" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Kiplings-Army-Byron-Farwell/dp/0393304442">Mr. Kipling's Army</a> by Byron Farwell.<br /><br />Excellent little book. It gives and interesting, and humorous, 'Upstairs/Downstairs' type view of life in the British army during the Victorian and Edwardian periods.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_OgvqsKr-pmF_l-8MzHknlf64X4mWSaK98miH40kDY8TNGrIMxyNKERnJ5eHVTQvMj1JUA2IAbUsNJ7jUmeot5F9S4_llSl_V7fNYKRdrxM_GN5akmElZUgu4IC_E-Sr201zIiXJag0/s1600-h/b888_1_b.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_OgvqsKr-pmF_l-8MzHknlf64X4mWSaK98miH40kDY8TNGrIMxyNKERnJ5eHVTQvMj1JUA2IAbUsNJ7jUmeot5F9S4_llSl_V7fNYKRdrxM_GN5akmElZUgu4IC_E-Sr201zIiXJag0/s320/b888_1_b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288984318543940194" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Battles-Britain-their-political-background/dp/B0006DKZSI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231273246&sr=8-1">Battles in Britain Volume 1: 1066-1547</a> by William Seymour.<br /><br />Now that I have this one 'Battles in Britain Volume 2: 1642-1746' NEEDS to be on my shelf as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiis_x5ziDfCVfmLq35GFtn1Pu1yj_M1AVYt2JYViHPNGJUEHrcD9UZjI_q_cUWgM0D6wVJwF500-mMRD_kdKdLtwdCudn7t3Rm-sJgqn7yDqxJ_dLKwQeylL2li4p-GVv2OyLPI-_OlFU/s1600-h/41D3csJoNEL._SS500_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiis_x5ziDfCVfmLq35GFtn1Pu1yj_M1AVYt2JYViHPNGJUEHrcD9UZjI_q_cUWgM0D6wVJwF500-mMRD_kdKdLtwdCudn7t3Rm-sJgqn7yDqxJ_dLKwQeylL2li4p-GVv2OyLPI-_OlFU/s320/41D3csJoNEL._SS500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288984591593401058" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Retreat-Moscow-Sergeant-Bourgogne-1812-1813/dp/B000OKUXIK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231274055&sr=8-3">The Retreat from Moscow: the Memoirs of Sergeant Bourgogne 1812-1813</a><br /><br />The title says it. This will be an excellent read for the project at hand.<br /><br /><br /><br />The best part about the three books above - I got them at an antique / used book shop for next to nothing!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4x053AF-xqUWekPxKMeG9Vkdrut9fCazCZt_pooxiFOEAhIjoT9DhKQ1npS6Jo2YRceWIocK5RGRUE7pKhacFWK-j4BfLnuimVKyygL3J0NEeM5bBbb_WPmMvu2OjggVog_3Rb8qIu8/s1600-h/CMate8Aug08_025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4x053AF-xqUWekPxKMeG9Vkdrut9fCazCZt_pooxiFOEAhIjoT9DhKQ1npS6Jo2YRceWIocK5RGRUE7pKhacFWK-j4BfLnuimVKyygL3J0NEeM5bBbb_WPmMvu2OjggVog_3Rb8qIu8/s320/CMate8Aug08_025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288984787447863394" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Weapons-Fighting-Techniques-Samurai-Warrior/dp/1906626073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231274141&sr=1-1">Weapons & Fighting Techniques of the Samurai Warrior 1200-1877 AD </a> by Thomas Conlan.<br /><br />Now this is one of those types of books that's a pure joy to look through. This book has tons of illustrations and fascinating facts. If you enjoy learning about Samurai you might want to check this one out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After looking through this book I was ready to buy some 28mm Samurai, but I restrained myself...really...I did...<br /><br />Well, I think this is enough for now. However, this post might give you an idea of what to expect in from future posts. Even though this blog is dedicated to historical wargaming, it isn't going to cover just minis and games.<br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-33148677382540390882009-01-07T18:14:00.046-06:002009-09-03T18:07:50.515-05:00The Russians are Coming - the Russians are Coming!!Hello Everyone!<br /><br />This post is a bit past due. I had wanted to post this a few days ago, but life just sort of got in the way. Better late than never though - eh?<br /><br />I thought I'd go ahead and do a post introducing my new project - Napoleonic Russians for the 1812 Campaign. Let's just say that this project is getting off as well as Napoleon's advance on Moscow did.<br /><br />The figures I'm using are the 28mm Russians from <a href="http://www.oldgloryminiatures.com/index.asp">Old Glory</a>. Some gamers do not think that the OG miniatures are all that good, but I like them and the price is right.<br /><br />So, the goal is to get these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr2khEnxbBm5OvJZ7F7Z0jgjIxW_BIZjNU8mfGg6evCX_PYZQ3Gz2l24ha6tQdy74tkaF2WsrXVCZSRrTiOJCHU1_bpez0x5mEspCqDWMWckIk8vTGOBLaeIsFZKDdHDt-XnvijcaKrM/s1600-h/RXI-03.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr2khEnxbBm5OvJZ7F7Z0jgjIxW_BIZjNU8mfGg6evCX_PYZQ3Gz2l24ha6tQdy74tkaF2WsrXVCZSRrTiOJCHU1_bpez0x5mEspCqDWMWckIk8vTGOBLaeIsFZKDdHDt-XnvijcaKrM/s400/RXI-03.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288773480762723922" border="0" /></a><br />To look like these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21-cjkLYlL8rvAtXaDl74oOfD8600CEgZUlgUh44x2GuOualxczIw8ivS80i9OrCn5n-yJ0hdEQMBeLGxJqUoFowjPhYzMbm3_XGE2K3gQ8HcqMeSp-1e9WvRHnrCquS4wpB3rhxc_D0/s1600-h/russianmasterr1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21-cjkLYlL8rvAtXaDl74oOfD8600CEgZUlgUh44x2GuOualxczIw8ivS80i9OrCn5n-yJ0hdEQMBeLGxJqUoFowjPhYzMbm3_XGE2K3gQ8HcqMeSp-1e9WvRHnrCquS4wpB3rhxc_D0/s400/russianmasterr1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288773196211162754" border="0" /></a> I'll be very surprised if this is pull off. <br /><br />While the first picture shows the unpainted version of the minis I'll be working with, the second picture shows a unit painted by a very talented painter who's name I have misplaced.<br /><br />Now, I'm not saying I'm a bad painter, I'm just not as good as such illustrious artists as Steve Barber, Steve Dean or Sascha Herm.<br /><br />Here are a few examples of sources I typically use as painting guides.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LIJQ39mqECPJHfIr8mBHSaPMuLT5hoI1S5liArtPVK3D5OwAsItwGPg5uxU2nTARVqDfLzajB3OhAVzdxUE8e-SHup3ATXt0XRUVhBeM8oH7WqE0gNCJvc30dyxIhuuz6n5fsoCeQ9Q/s1600-h/NapoleonicRussianInfantry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LIJQ39mqECPJHfIr8mBHSaPMuLT5hoI1S5liArtPVK3D5OwAsItwGPg5uxU2nTARVqDfLzajB3OhAVzdxUE8e-SHup3ATXt0XRUVhBeM8oH7WqE0gNCJvc30dyxIhuuz6n5fsoCeQ9Q/s320/NapoleonicRussianInfantry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288719312628513026" border="0" /></a> These are some plates from the <a href="http://www.ospreypublishing.com/">Osprey</a> books.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsb29ZpLkQ1R4Y9eR0M93aMnpLnk9PEI4DjG_hJgk-lFLgLj6cTjEai3jfTF-NPNMjrOmKOJ1K-aDbgGOBmktusFsPLMyqxe7koQ-TXiMjv5AyjHLeJYItBHi9nZcE1ORiNQFMiD_XA5Y/s1600-h/Russ1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsb29ZpLkQ1R4Y9eR0M93aMnpLnk9PEI4DjG_hJgk-lFLgLj6cTjEai3jfTF-NPNMjrOmKOJ1K-aDbgGOBmktusFsPLMyqxe7koQ-TXiMjv5AyjHLeJYItBHi9nZcE1ORiNQFMiD_XA5Y/s320/Russ1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288720126180950786" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is another sample of an Osprey plate.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I also like to use more contemporary sources if they are available. Here are some samples of these.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyw5DAVm1yG2RZrFm6onX2H4eoLckKODAntw0LtbV0vyUWRsYI1LRXAsBc28tmvKUnHlhYj9L_cOOZBtuEpr1DOMBpAbAQCiNxLPiN_UGk5CnOmNayqhZqOtEB1oSNA76eYvGT7BZwWc/s1600-h/uni_russinf07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyw5DAVm1yG2RZrFm6onX2H4eoLckKODAntw0LtbV0vyUWRsYI1LRXAsBc28tmvKUnHlhYj9L_cOOZBtuEpr1DOMBpAbAQCiNxLPiN_UGk5CnOmNayqhZqOtEB1oSNA76eYvGT7BZwWc/s320/uni_russinf07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288721969243147522" border="0" /></a> Officer...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRGEMeA2FfyF5Kqm0D04vNclq1I8F5RfQ-76DFMp8SJ_wLibPG3q2Cf8Qb1I1WU7AVnOafKuP1UO47BWBSiBpFzYFrLMHOmy5Q9kfA7UcwWkn55IafW9lxOZLga3LUH4_jH62DA5BrJU/s1600-h/uni_russinf11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRGEMeA2FfyF5Kqm0D04vNclq1I8F5RfQ-76DFMp8SJ_wLibPG3q2Cf8Qb1I1WU7AVnOafKuP1UO47BWBSiBpFzYFrLMHOmy5Q9kfA7UcwWkn55IafW9lxOZLga3LUH4_jH62DA5BrJU/s320/uni_russinf11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288722212647796498" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Standard Bearer...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQwYSpYC0uhXYz96X4FGZzY_EvpEHocRR1wDvBXkWi5KrE3RUlmza7Ocls4xLWzPN0DilGTeFoN2qF-KGCOvPaLhGBxaAHBF6edmqaMSScjK9Y7OeGL546G_wJCmybE39SrR2aYNxbqI/s1600-h/uni_russinf12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQwYSpYC0uhXYz96X4FGZzY_EvpEHocRR1wDvBXkWi5KrE3RUlmza7Ocls4xLWzPN0DilGTeFoN2qF-KGCOvPaLhGBxaAHBF6edmqaMSScjK9Y7OeGL546G_wJCmybE39SrR2aYNxbqI/s320/uni_russinf12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288722497382732514" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Musicians...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Dohbfg8UTJyQENxged7I9OW8OfGDzzZfsUNn_2iLxohOHOxJJf5_CzZzQ0RmrZ1z6IGN4xHYf6tfhOlrvCjGefzADa9NFkuDJafmhquUDeQHSZP0bBhXhEF7ilbURzLRsGzfvWwOgPI/s1600-h/uni_russinf08.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Dohbfg8UTJyQENxged7I9OW8OfGDzzZfsUNn_2iLxohOHOxJJf5_CzZzQ0RmrZ1z6IGN4xHYf6tfhOlrvCjGefzADa9NFkuDJafmhquUDeQHSZP0bBhXhEF7ilbURzLRsGzfvWwOgPI/s320/uni_russinf08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288722706803996258" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />& Line Infantry.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The first step in getting ready to paint (for me anyway) is the removal of flash, mold lines, and other such aspects of the raw figure.<br /><br />Once this is done I then glue each miniature to a roofing nail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRI_IX49kIL2PT9I-wasSA5r7did3Q63ckCl8UQCxqRntWP0WqqhQfXYW_tykIcmSqn2WAeRENwD3-ZSjBCE802DEO_h9G2EZGalSHchjPi1reExkulwvMAGhxUNwokJfGgATBXNQ9-6s/s1600-h/Nap+Book+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRI_IX49kIL2PT9I-wasSA5r7did3Q63ckCl8UQCxqRntWP0WqqhQfXYW_tykIcmSqn2WAeRENwD3-ZSjBCE802DEO_h9G2EZGalSHchjPi1reExkulwvMAGhxUNwokJfGgATBXNQ9-6s/s320/Nap+Book+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288727309819306658" border="0" /></a> This rather strange picture is just showing the prepped minis getting ready to be primed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Q6Vt-GDco8IRPqc_O_iWkbu67dZMUJrtVW0hnZQ9QgcSeeCrXRcPXGP4wmU-DCGA__hKcQUjvENEQhbceiARqSc2awqxLPCe55FX3lOWXwj1xgDmW2CcLSJ2qZdHiZe4znvR2E0fqa0/s1600-h/Nap+Book+009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Q6Vt-GDco8IRPqc_O_iWkbu67dZMUJrtVW0hnZQ9QgcSeeCrXRcPXGP4wmU-DCGA__hKcQUjvENEQhbceiARqSc2awqxLPCe55FX3lOWXwj1xgDmW2CcLSJ2qZdHiZe4znvR2E0fqa0/s320/Nap+Book+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288728481435381506" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Perhaps this is a better picture. Actually it isn't; it's a bit fuzzy isn't it?!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm not the best photographer when it comes to small items. Hopefully I'll get better.<br /><br />Anyway, in this pic you can see the Officer, Drummer, and one of the Standard Bearers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5JQLQrXztj0pBKZb9qaF-Jsjn3mV2LfAycVxpp_5wO8TCorGGG-a0R9T5tDe0HXYHdns1LBS-emcoz0TDtY0HIpOdU3WWpVpBPVK0St_v20WzrpW_78WHmzGin29sINsrtioKbTmInw/s1600-h/Nap+Book+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5JQLQrXztj0pBKZb9qaF-Jsjn3mV2LfAycVxpp_5wO8TCorGGG-a0R9T5tDe0HXYHdns1LBS-emcoz0TDtY0HIpOdU3WWpVpBPVK0St_v20WzrpW_78WHmzGin29sINsrtioKbTmInw/s320/Nap+Book+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288729641448690098" border="0" /></a> Here are the same minis, just bit more organized and primed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWcn92eJdsAuLYeaGeGJhRnRvWiS1KinHtp9dMr-dRJqzoP1nE2i96PuhrIilLPrcCx6mJs47GLW1mdnF9nNVGhZkxXApSHOSeSGElL-xsJTEl3ltVTq6i8ybw1_vOYpIJqKJMDuyV8E/s1600-h/Nap+Book+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWcn92eJdsAuLYeaGeGJhRnRvWiS1KinHtp9dMr-dRJqzoP1nE2i96PuhrIilLPrcCx6mJs47GLW1mdnF9nNVGhZkxXApSHOSeSGElL-xsJTEl3ltVTq6i8ybw1_vOYpIJqKJMDuyV8E/s320/Nap+Book+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288730124592151762" border="0" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And these are the same Officer, Drummer, and Standard Bearer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You might have noticed the 'spear' looking thing laying on the wood block. Keep this in mind for later.<br /><br />Before I go much further, perhaps I should explain a little about the unit to be painted.<br /><br />As I said earlier, the unit is going to be a Russian Infantry battalion of 1812.<br /><br />The Russian infantry battalion of 1812 consisted of 1 Grenadier and 3 Infantry companies, composed of 2 platoons each. Of special note, the Grenadier company consisted of a Strelki platoon and a Grenadier platoon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1OPAiJi9ATHxpkojLDE_ZAonQ5-ohi3n0TVed1iqYchmwj1Mm7KF73Ow7ROYItm6m81-_wBZD6MCfByHgQlPx9yE3w9QgVcxTQ49j4kasMuTna83zh9hqnLofxwBGhkrosjipJRdNl8/s1600-h/Russ2.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1OPAiJi9ATHxpkojLDE_ZAonQ5-ohi3n0TVed1iqYchmwj1Mm7KF73Ow7ROYItm6m81-_wBZD6MCfByHgQlPx9yE3w9QgVcxTQ49j4kasMuTna83zh9hqnLofxwBGhkrosjipJRdNl8/s320/Russ2.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288748352778783250" border="0" /></a> This is what the typical Russian infantry battalion would look like in "Closed Column by Division".<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />BTW - the Russian's had two other 'Column' formations besides this one.<br /><br />The miniature unit is based on the '<a href="http://theminiaturespage.com/rules/nap/itgm.html">In the Grand Manner</a>' Napoleonic Rules. So, at a 'miniature to real man' ratio of 1:20 this Russian battalion will have 32 miniatures.<br /><br />This is what the miniature battalion will look like.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB3c53chnKsdbuv6sonzjbg2i8FUe5tklwsifbXlmwBhuceazSw-0ScowF7Q3LOd_JVwJUBbRJxkRLmSYhBHMe-NQHSZousNr1M1ThKy0AsvxkwmjGMLXVlsR8ScoicmCPBz_bqebVX8/s1600-h/Russian+Infantry.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB3c53chnKsdbuv6sonzjbg2i8FUe5tklwsifbXlmwBhuceazSw-0ScowF7Q3LOd_JVwJUBbRJxkRLmSYhBHMe-NQHSZousNr1M1ThKy0AsvxkwmjGMLXVlsR8ScoicmCPBz_bqebVX8/s400/Russian+Infantry.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377381630279236674" /></a><br /><br />O = Officer; F = Standard Bearer; D = Drummer; S = Strelki; G = Grenadier X = Infantryman.<br /><br />Now lets get back to those photos that had the spear type thing on the wooden block. remember those?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbZUoAGDz1qGhgH9H2PqTeVwjpY0S26S4i30g92Fz07BKqMZa1adnY461InRxZHYIWjDYazBb7JVNxzXKLXnlc7l2N-1wqWJOTCiXhQ2Bd3Tpz2Y65Ksgw46AXF1DFJshNLl8_I9rgXU/s1600-h/Mini+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbZUoAGDz1qGhgH9H2PqTeVwjpY0S26S4i30g92Fz07BKqMZa1adnY461InRxZHYIWjDYazBb7JVNxzXKLXnlc7l2N-1wqWJOTCiXhQ2Bd3Tpz2Y65Ksgw46AXF1DFJshNLl8_I9rgXU/s320/Mini+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288782780876862562" border="0" /></a> Anyway, that spear was actually the flag staff that had been on the miniature. It snapped off right after the figures were primed.<br /><br />I was not happy. This meant that the staff would have to be replaced with metal wire.<br /><br />So, after a long drawn out process of removing the remainder of the flag staff it was replaced with 1/16 brass rod.<br /><br />I used a pin drill, X-acto blades, and a tiny file to to dig out the remains. Just to make matters worse, I went ahead and tortured myself by replacing the flag staff on the other figure so that they would match. To finish these new flag staffs out finials will need to be added.<br /><br />Here is how they ended up looking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3jxaO_kM8iz6nvDMZ-nv66rRCyu1QLlVoXJWYltHgRwLEr1cJB1YTI1quI-RrelCJ8HntJrAtLzcen__Z-VzYWSdKtYMpE1GO8eY6mmqRooYDZ0dD53B-oAzaE3JkiZKydaWY8ITqcY/s1600-h/Mini+022.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3jxaO_kM8iz6nvDMZ-nv66rRCyu1QLlVoXJWYltHgRwLEr1cJB1YTI1quI-RrelCJ8HntJrAtLzcen__Z-VzYWSdKtYMpE1GO8eY6mmqRooYDZ0dD53B-oAzaE3JkiZKydaWY8ITqcY/s320/Mini+022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288782447965479874" border="0" /></a> To be honest, the results were not as good as I had hoped, but it could have been worse.<br /><br />Maybe they will look better once finished.<br /><br />I do know I won't be doing this again unless there is no other choice. At least the flag staffs on the British unit waiting in the wings are good!<br /><br />Well, till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-21657286757888717662009-01-04T11:02:00.014-06:002010-05-28T10:41:50.195-05:00Just a Bit More - the War RoomOkay...just a bit more about me with a sneak peak of the War Room thrown in.<br /><br />This is also going to be a post to tie into my other blog as well - so be afraid!<br /><br />One thing I have always found interesting about Wargamers, and miniature painters in general, are their work stations/desks.<br /><br />Over on the Steve Dean Painting Forum there is a thread called <a href="http://www.sdean-forum.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=296&highlight=">'Post your Desk'</a>. So, I thought I would post a picture of MY painting desk here. I also need to re-read through the one on the STDPF site - I could have sworn I posted a pic of my desk on it, but didn't find it listed.<br /><br />Anyway, here is my spot:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnhBFlJZWyLlst7yYQgFFZLonPDrmAKEyWRoPOzQyMtiOo2WIh9S_RuTyqnE2sF_Mw5NJXbFuKGXiFZ2oeE9XRriOGye9VhXzKqELzJ6Oz7TUSHC-fenSFlPml86D350hfITZ6GUBw_g/s1600-h/P9100020.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnhBFlJZWyLlst7yYQgFFZLonPDrmAKEyWRoPOzQyMtiOo2WIh9S_RuTyqnE2sF_Mw5NJXbFuKGXiFZ2oeE9XRriOGye9VhXzKqELzJ6Oz7TUSHC-fenSFlPml86D350hfITZ6GUBw_g/s320/P9100020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287529031040033698" /></a> It isn't much - but it's mine.<br /><br />Now for the tour....<br /><br />The shelves and cubby holes contain my painting guides (mainly Osprey) as well as rules and terrain guides.<br /><br />Most of my paints are kept in tool boxes under the desk.<br /><br />Right now, there is a unit of British Peninsular infantry on the desk. They are going to be based on Sharpe's beloved South Essex.<br /><br />There is also a unit of Zulus (the dark figures in front) and a small unit of Zulu War British.<br /><br />On the middle shelf is a unit of F&IW British, some Indians for the same period, a few Roman gladiators and a couple of elephants. However, I'm going to be switching gears for a bit and start on another project. I'll talk about that in another post.<br /><br />Now, on the very top of the desk is a LEGO Pirate ship, one of my model buildings, some minis and toy soldiers as well as a collection of wargaming specific books and rules.<br /><br />For those of you who are real nosy....<br /><br />On the top of the file cabinet, in the back, you will see a box with some red books in it. This is in fact one of my very first eBay finds and a REAL treasure. What it is is a set of books covering WWI that was printed in 1919. Now what makes these so special is the fact that the 'box' they are in is their original shipping crate! That's right, these books had NEVER seen the light of day until I purchased them and opened the crate. Each book is mint and was in it's original paper wrapping. The guy who listed them on eBay found them in his father's garage on a shelf behind a bunch of junk. They were intended for a school library (per the shipping label) so we have no idea why they were there. The best part is what I paid. The guy listed them in a funky way so not many people found them (keep in mind - this was in the first few months of eBay starting). I paid a whopping $35 for the books and $25 of that was shipping!! The down side was that the set wasn't complete. The original packing sheet said that the final volume would be shipped at a latter date. Well, I hunted down that last volume and bought it. That book set me back $45 and didn't include shipping!!!<br /><br />Also of interest... On top of the books is a Roman style helmet I made for a church play way back when I was in High School.<br /><br />Okay, I know some of you are asking "What's with all the junk around the painting desk?". Well, there's a simple reason for it - my gaming room is under construction!<br /><br />Currently I'm working on the biggest building project of my life, a 100+ year old house we call <a href="http://simpsonsfolly.blogspot.com/">'Simpson's Folly'</a>.<br /><br />About a year and a half ago my father-n-law bought a huge amount of insulation for pennies on the dollar. He knew we wanted some for our attic so he bought it for us. The problem was, we were not ready to start the attic project! This was going to be one of our last projects. However, he bought the stuff, it had to be moved, and the only place to store it was our garage. BTW - it filled half the garage - to the the rafters - so it could not stay. We had no option but stop work on the kitchen and start work on the attic - during the hottest part of the year.<br /><br />Now, from day one we knew the attic was going to become MY room. Affectionately known as the 'War Room' it is to be my hobby/gaming room. Before this could be done the attic had to have a lot of work done to it. New floor joists had to be installed, insulation put in, wiring, a floor, etc. We still have a lot to do such as ceiling insulation, outlets, heating/cooling, refurbishing windows, etc. All-n-all it took about 4+ moths out of the kitchen project to get the attic to where it is now.<br /><br />The attic foot print is bigger than our first house. The total space is about 960 sq. feet. Once the knee walls are up and the built in storage/book shelves are in it will shrink the room to about 700 sq. feet. The top of the ceiling is just under 13', right below this is where the gaming table will be.<br /><br />That said, here are some pics from the attic/war room project. There are also going to be some links to take you to the full description with pictures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxg4GxLwO-Z7AWfUWJNZzjk_sVnHaXnkF1AaTnXRY1wRe2rMXDdhSWpZqxPqa6cszc-gXkVvsm_Szv_9dbkGWtZMjEUXiK7Eefqwj0FIM0twc3vWjew_QW4rv7eVWMENxjkMYr2pFdXdw/s1600-h/P8010040.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxg4GxLwO-Z7AWfUWJNZzjk_sVnHaXnkF1AaTnXRY1wRe2rMXDdhSWpZqxPqa6cszc-gXkVvsm_Szv_9dbkGWtZMjEUXiK7Eefqwj0FIM0twc3vWjew_QW4rv7eVWMENxjkMYr2pFdXdw/s320/P8010040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287529761249923282" /></a> This is just a general view of the attic 'before'.<br /><br />The gaming table will go in front of where the white bookcase is.<br /><br /><br />You can go <a href="http://simpsonsfolly.blogspot.com/2007/08/attic.html">here</a> to see more pictures and read about the beginning of the transformation.<br /><br />If you go to the general house blog you can see all the posts dealing with the attic and learn all the dirty little pitfalls of dealing with it.<br /><br />There is even a ghost involved!<br /><br />As you can see, there is no floor - just planks. No insulation in the floor or on the ceiling either. Basically the attic was just being used for storage - ours and all the owners that came before (yes, some of there junk was left behind).<br /><br />All of the stuff in the attic has been sorted through and boxed up. Some of it has been done away with as well. For the most part, all the stuff from the attic is now being stored in three of the rooms on the second floor. One of those rooms is where my painting desk currently resides.<br /><br />So now you know why there is so much junk around my painting desk!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyDWwYF5DHBnRmSmZZ2pLvV52MXdKmYxS5E3ny4BhQFTapLm8Qqw6TCpTuIiNP6isBPyndulmaAy2KyCwgpcGZFqkiI4hMIQBdPMDect8docRVnb_yq3HkeeQRKTAe_KaDKiHZG7zbQI/s1600-h/PB280037.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyDWwYF5DHBnRmSmZZ2pLvV52MXdKmYxS5E3ny4BhQFTapLm8Qqw6TCpTuIiNP6isBPyndulmaAy2KyCwgpcGZFqkiI4hMIQBdPMDect8docRVnb_yq3HkeeQRKTAe_KaDKiHZG7zbQI/s320/PB280037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287530146487012338" /></a> Here is a picture of the same spot as above. It has been cleaned out, floor insulated, and a floor installed.<br /><br /><br /><br />The ceiling insulation has yet to be installed, but we might try to do this next month.<br /><br />If you go <a href="http://simpsonsfolly.blogspot.com/2007/11/attic-update-we-have-floor.html">here</a> and can see a lot more photos and read the full story.<br /><br />Before we continue on, to the right you can see a window leaning against a window well along with a coil of power cable. This is where my new painting station will go.<br /><br />The far back corner area is where I'm planning to have storage for unpainted lead , buildings and terrain. There is also going to be a small fireplace next to chimney (to the left in the photo).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh3duhW_PXKrpekqpQTYwIo5xEIYQZ3zx_-w9nBshsLXGjtpa3seG4Byd-nNhqCBDQZ-h_ISQUJxK6LJeM0brapL8EpE9CKyMTmdzJ6clJS9XrSHe65EMJ60nWaTqI6At4RlRQ2jZXBo/s1600-h/PB280039.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh3duhW_PXKrpekqpQTYwIo5xEIYQZ3zx_-w9nBshsLXGjtpa3seG4Byd-nNhqCBDQZ-h_ISQUJxK6LJeM0brapL8EpE9CKyMTmdzJ6clJS9XrSHe65EMJ60nWaTqI6At4RlRQ2jZXBo/s320/PB280039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287530524801536962" /></a> This is the space to the front of the painting area (see the coil of cable at the bottom left?). This will be a general lounging area.<br /><br />To give an idea of scale, that is one of my favorite reading chairs. It was left in the house after the auction. SWMBO hates it and keeps trying to get rid of it!<br /><br />At the lower right side of the picture you can see the stairwell leading down to the library.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1IWQPjT_DhMryT71NpEl-CNkE0wzyoe4LFWBlR4Wpb1HyfWO99ivTCcQR-52oM54TZhRYW8PnpnBT78DC76yjCNzp_SLUIMGxjdVNe_RqZ_sNpCLZm6RoqIzBfqFYIm2F49jBUIsgt4/s1600-h/PB290038.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1IWQPjT_DhMryT71NpEl-CNkE0wzyoe4LFWBlR4Wpb1HyfWO99ivTCcQR-52oM54TZhRYW8PnpnBT78DC76yjCNzp_SLUIMGxjdVNe_RqZ_sNpCLZm6RoqIzBfqFYIm2F49jBUIsgt4/s320/PB290038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287530933051795650" /></a> Here is a better view of the where my painting desk will go.<br /><br />It overlooks our back yard and the window will be made to open up so I can take advantage of cool breezes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHOL1ygCyhrFQnh3nj_LlGtH8veB10qK7RwyxpvA8CkHSrssLC97dHmNOVDFGx27KVgPtUgwnc3-qh8evrGwyIMSTOaWB2pfwGVa_-S5FQ1HSzbI59KkKWW2OMH9OvJxEhwRa_H7aoOk/s1600-h/PB290045.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHOL1ygCyhrFQnh3nj_LlGtH8veB10qK7RwyxpvA8CkHSrssLC97dHmNOVDFGx27KVgPtUgwnc3-qh8evrGwyIMSTOaWB2pfwGVa_-S5FQ1HSzbI59KkKWW2OMH9OvJxEhwRa_H7aoOk/s320/PB290045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287531294840218194" /></a> This last photo is a general view of the south west corner of the attic. I'm not really sure what I plan to do with this section yet. SWMBO and I found a picture of a cool looking day bed that hangs from the rafters. We have thought about putting it up here.<br /><br />I didn't include a picture of the spot, but there is also going to be an area just for my history/gaming library. It will be located in the south east corner of the attic. This spot has no window, so if a bad storm hits there will be less chance of damage to my books.<br /><br />Remember the picture that shows the chair in it? In that photo you could see part of the stairwell. The library section of the attic is directly to the right of the stairwell. Also, to make it so no one falls down into the stairwell I'll be adding book cases along the edges. They will be tall enough to act as a wall, but short enough to be used as seating.<br /><br />When all the main work is done the entire attic is going to be finished out in some sort of military/safari camp type theme. I just hope it turns out the way I envision it.<br /><br />Anyway, now that you know the rest of the story I hope you can understand why I'm not getting a lot of painting done!!<br /><br />Well, till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />LarryLarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146673497635036366.post-11524413888799846462009-01-01T19:28:00.001-06:002009-01-04T21:35:26.474-06:00Hello!!Tap tap tap...anyone out there?<br /><br />Well, this is my third blog, but it's going to be the most challenging. You see, this blog is going to center around one of my earliest loves, but it's also going to be my personal Drill Sergent.<br /><br />I am a serious procrastinator and when it comes to wargaming my procrastination kicks up a notch. So, I'm hoping that doing this blog will give me the kick in the butt needed to do several wargaming projects I want to do.<br /><br />So, let's get this party started with a little introduction of myself and why I like toy soldiers.<br /><br />My name is Larry in I live in south central Kansas. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with history - especially military history.<br /><br />Along that line I've also been enthralled with toy soldiers. In fact, some of my best childhood memories center around toy soldiers.<br /><br />Growing up I had the typical green plastic toy soldiers that you could get cheap in bags. However, the first set of toy soldiers I ever got that really stood out were purchased around 1975. I was in 3rd, or perhaps 4rd, grade and had saved my allowance for what seemed like forever to buy them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrrnCWyncKYvxY_5i6dAcpL9TC6iFo0s7TEq2RbfVLrrY-d-AhXsRIfNHrOQgVs1dVJQ5GuAuF0DeuXsfcjubJDxAg09BA0oqWG8QnbwWYAyGV77eNcMcAoHtClQjB7SKLNizyYCiufw/s1600-h/comicbooksoldiers3DRevWarAd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrrnCWyncKYvxY_5i6dAcpL9TC6iFo0s7TEq2RbfVLrrY-d-AhXsRIfNHrOQgVs1dVJQ5GuAuF0DeuXsfcjubJDxAg09BA0oqWG8QnbwWYAyGV77eNcMcAoHtClQjB7SKLNizyYCiufw/s400/comicbooksoldiers3DRevWarAd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286525303664998994" border="0" /></a> Here is a picture of the set I bought.<br /><br />I couldn't believe I found this on-line, but go <a href="http://home.att.net/%7E1.elliott/comicbooktoysoldiers3DRevWar.html">here</a> to see the entire writeup about the set as well as the others offered.<br /><br />Anyway, I remember the day the package arrived like it was yesterday. I was sitting in class when a summons came over the school intercom for me to report to the Principal's office. When I got there secretary told me that my mother had called and said I was to go home for lunch.<br /><br />The first thing that came to mind was that I was in trouble or something.... Why would mom call to have me come home for lunch when I ate at the cafeteria? Once lunch time arrived I walked the block and a half to our house. When I walked in I saw the package!!<br /><br />There it was, sitting on top of the freezer we had in the kitchen, a small, brown paper wrapped box with MY name on it. The toy soldiers had arrived!!!!<br /><br />I ripped into that box so fast - I just had to have a look.<br /><br />Lunch came to an end too fast and I had to go back to school. It was an extremely long afternoon, but once the bell rang I ran home as fast as I could. Those toy soldiers provided me with many, many hours of fun, both inside and out.<br /><br />I can even remember going to Long John Silvers with my parents and getting the kids meal. I always ordered the kids meal because it came in a cardboard pirate ship! The same type ship that would be perfect for my toy soldiers!! I would take the ship home and seal it with paraffin wax, like the instructions said to, so it could float. I would then use the ships as landing craft for the British.<br /><br />I never knew what happened to those toy soldiers but I suspect my parents got rid of them one year when I was away at summer camp. I would do just about anything to have them again.<br /><br />When I was in 5th grade I discovered Britains Deetail toy soldiers. At that time the foot soldier was about $1.00 and a mounted figure was about $2.50. Again, I would have to save my allowance to buy them (my father thought they were a waste of money so if I wanted them I had to buy them). It was a grand day indeed when my parents went to the little shopping are that had the toy store carrying the Britains. I will never forget the glass case filled will perfectly aligned troops! I would purchase all I could with what I was able to save and be on cloud 9 for the rest of the day. I bought American Civil War soldiers, WWII British and Germans, and some Medieval knights as well. The best part is I still have all of these!!<br /><br />Another memory that comes to mind is a simple one. One day I walked to my grandmother's house. On the way there I went down an alley and just happened to look down at the ground. Believe it or not, sticking up out of the ground was part of a small wooden soldier just shy of 2.5" tall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnYhUMzGzKm4XFoazuHxZX7xIlm2XJaxYCxgmiFYp4F9c4KwMKodgKC14igBcD9NWyGnn0GUkv8SXdjm-J_KQiCr1k8QH0Phfs1ofZ7t-UiKcoh_xBJ4vG3Yv0Nor5MFss8ytMGKMEnY/s1600-h/01-02-09+026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnYhUMzGzKm4XFoazuHxZX7xIlm2XJaxYCxgmiFYp4F9c4KwMKodgKC14igBcD9NWyGnn0GUkv8SXdjm-J_KQiCr1k8QH0Phfs1ofZ7t-UiKcoh_xBJ4vG3Yv0Nor5MFss8ytMGKMEnY/s400/01-02-09+026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286903748001368002" border="0" /></a> Here is the little guy. He's only about 3" tall and a bit battered, but I found him over 30 years ago! I wish I knew how old he is.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It was also about this time (5th grade IIRC) that I started to think to myself that there had to be a way to use these toy soldiers to play a game. A game that would let you recreate the epic battles of the past.<br /><br />Then it happened...<br /><br />It was the summer of '76. I had the chance to go to a used book store with my aunt and uncle. While looking at the gobs and gobs of books I noticed this tiny orange colored book on an end cap. Low-and-behold (!) it was a book about using toy soldiers to fight miniature battles!!<br /><br />WOOWHOO!!!!<br /><br />This was exactly what I was looking for. The book I discovered was a 1st edition of <a href="http://www.librarything.com/work/1688223">‘AIRFIX Magazine Guide 4 Napoleonic Wargaming’</a> by Bruce Quarrie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X7Qe1L32hUvSQXl4OyiD5xmvEYJOQU4l-U1DfT9QVthIFcouOdkQzMwId0N0E8bcs8DgfgHmIAe4cmdPW7yfw4Qe-nF8EAqUUlclNmAFc8yAsZyCqNN0nw-Zx-K2HF4MyKOyvamhZUI/s1600-h/Nap+Book+025.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X7Qe1L32hUvSQXl4OyiD5xmvEYJOQU4l-U1DfT9QVthIFcouOdkQzMwId0N0E8bcs8DgfgHmIAe4cmdPW7yfw4Qe-nF8EAqUUlclNmAFc8yAsZyCqNN0nw-Zx-K2HF4MyKOyvamhZUI/s400/Nap+Book+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286904816959044946" border="0" /></a> This book cost me all of $1.00. Not only was it the first book I ever purchased on my own, but it was <span style="font-weight: bold;">the<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span> book that would open up the world of Wargaming to me. To this day this book can usually be found in the book cubby of my bedside table. I read through the book often and sometimes I look through it just to bring back the memories.<br /><br />Anyway, once I was introduced to the world of wargaming I started looking for it wherever I could. However, living in a tiny, tiny town (I still live here), not old enough to drive, and the Internet something unheard of, there wasn't a lot out there for me.<br /><br />Fortunately I had an uncle (the one who took me to the book store) who enjoyed history and would indulge me when I went into the big city with him. I eventually found a couple of stores with limited hobby supplies that included some wargaming items. The big moment was the day we drove by a shopping center and I saw a sign that said 'The Game Shop - Hobbies and Games'. Thankfully my uncle stopped.<br /><br />For the young wargamer wannabe this place was Mecca! The shop was primarily dedicated to magic sets, boardgames, and card games but there were some wargaming items as well. I don't really remember what all they carried other than some books, rules, some of the early magazines. The main thing was all the miniatures!!<br /><br />This shop carried 25mm and the new 15mm scale miniatures. Since I had to scrimp and save my money to get 'real' wargaming miniatures I wasn't able to buy many at all. I tried buying 25mm minis to begin with but settled on the 15mm minis such as 'Mike's Models' and 'Minifigs'. By buying 15mm minis I was able to get more bang for my money and I was happy.<br /><br />In the Spring of '79 I felt I had finally entered the 'big league'. It was at this time that I was able to make my first BIG purchase. I had saved up enough money to purchase two, 15mm armies from 'Mike's Models' - Romans and Carthaginians. Those two armies are still in my possession today. It's hard to believe the quality between these figures and the 15mm ones made today! It was also at this time (the late '70s) that I started to purchase some of the AIRFIX plastic 1:72 minis as well.<br /><br />Before I continue, let me share another fond memory with all of you.<br /><br />At one point in time there was this massive (well, massive to me) display of large miniatures - perhaps 25mm or 30mm - under glass at 'The Game Shop'. At first they were just there for display and then they were up for sale. This set was absolutely beautiful!! There was a Napoleonic British army and French army with perhaps some others thrown in. There had to be several hundred minis in the display case and the display case was huge! A few months later I went in to the shop and the minis were gone. I figured they had been sold. I found out that the guy who owned the minis had died and that he wanted the figures to go to someone who could use them. I have often wondered who those figures went to; I wonder if they still have them.<br /><br />Like I said earlier, I live in a tiny, tiny town. I have never been able to find anyone in the area who was interested in playing a historical wargame. The closest thing was the new fad called 'D&D'. I had several friends who were into this game, but I just couldn't get into it. So, I contented myself to just painting my mini men and moving them around on my small gaming table.<br /><br />Eventually I got old enough that I could drive. Soon I was able to drive myself to the hobby shop. Unfortunately, by the time I was old enough to drive and go play a game with like minded people, those people were no longer interested. Wargaming in this area just sort of died out. When I talked to the owner of the hobby shop about it he said that historical wargaming just never did catch on here.<br /><br />So, here I was, able to drive, but no one to game with. Once again I was left with just painting and collecting. As soon as I went on to college my hobby of painting and collecting miniature armies died out.<br /><br />In the late 80's I got married, entered the military while going to college and had my interest in Wargaming rekindled. Right about the time I get hitched a new hobby shop opened up called 'Hobby Town USA'. They carried some minis as well as rule books, Osprey books, paints and supplies etc. So I decided to get back into the hobby and purchased several packs of Empire US Civil War minis. To tie into this my wife purchased me two sets of the basic GEOHEX set-up as a wedding gift!<br /><br />On top of this, on one of our anniversaries (I want to say the 1st, but it could be the second) my wife bought me two complete, PAINTED, British and French armies for 1815 in 15mm Napoleonic armies from a new company called 'Battle Honours' in England (or perhaps I should say tried to buy). While she was trying to do something great for me it turned out to be a living nightmare!!!<br /><br />Long story short - the painted samples arrived for our approval and we gave them the go ahead to paint the armies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeUmUR-XbvjgYGx7tRMPododHcuLzNVa9tn5cejN-M2dFdAtC8tDY4Y46uszEhifbzBS3fyL-fDd9xXG2-Zpud8bQX4wl1xy1N9DSA73NRdnyqp2JWOUE3uNQibrIcqnm7kslnafMrFs/s1600-h/01-01-09+010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeUmUR-XbvjgYGx7tRMPododHcuLzNVa9tn5cejN-M2dFdAtC8tDY4Y46uszEhifbzBS3fyL-fDd9xXG2-Zpud8bQX4wl1xy1N9DSA73NRdnyqp2JWOUE3uNQibrIcqnm7kslnafMrFs/s400/01-01-09+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286909651571264994" /></a> Yes...I still have the samples.<br /><br />This one is of the 8th Lt. Dragoons.<br /><br />There were three grades of paint jobs to chose from, standard, collector/wargamer, and museum. This is a sample of the collector/wargamer grade that we chose.<br /><br />Also, these are small 15mm minis in case you are wondering.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KdVvNzCjEsuHTWStwCQHZPe__jxLLuYqWgjmLnjlauWBFb0bzLHrRJnFGLKqsyFGGh10ymbmfnu12zJRSioBTR0efzNy8fzjFf67RxLcwJ34DBh_goqcWBvpcsp6BhLor1CKlrT1uNk/s1600-h/01-01-09+007.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KdVvNzCjEsuHTWStwCQHZPe__jxLLuYqWgjmLnjlauWBFb0bzLHrRJnFGLKqsyFGGh10ymbmfnu12zJRSioBTR0efzNy8fzjFf67RxLcwJ34DBh_goqcWBvpcsp6BhLor1CKlrT1uNk/s400/01-01-09+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286909455540099106" /></a> Just another view of the same one.<br /><br />The other samples are backed away. If I find them I might post pics of them as well.<br /><br />BTW - SWMBO (the wife) took these pictures. She is better at taking pictures of smaller things than I am.<br /><br />Anyway - when the first batch arrived (about 3 months later) the minis were not painted to the standard agreed on. Those were sent back. The next batch arrived (about two months later) and this time the box was crushed on one end. When we contacted the company we were told they were in the process of being sold. Due to the problems (and trust me there were a lot more than I mentioned here) we were having with the company they said they would just cancel the order and give me the equivalent in unpainted miniatures.<br /><br />So, we hammered out a new agreement where I would choose the unpainted minis I wanted. This was back when you could buy one mini at a time, so I told them it might take a while for me to figure out exactly what I wanted. They told me to just fax them orders and we would both keep a tally as to what was owed. So, I had to come up with purchase orders totaling $1,900.00!<br /><br />After about a month of sorting out what I wanted the orders were placed. Soon the packages started to arrive. Then, all of a sudden, I got a large package that was crushed and had a hole in it. Several of the minis were broken and several more were missing - assumed to have fallen out of the hole. Inside the package was a note saying the final package would be shipped on such-n-such date. Well, I tried to contact the company to ask about the missing and broken minis but got an answering machine message saying the company was closed but would be open again in about a month (something like that anyway).<br /><br />As soon as the time arrived that the company was open for business again I contacted them. They said they had no idea who I was and knew nothing about my order. I was then told the company had been sold and they were the new owners. I gave them all the order numbers over the phone and faxed them copies of everything. They asked me to give them a few days to look it over and find out what was going on.<br /><br />So, I called them back a few days later. They said that per the agreement with the previous owner they were not liable for my order. They then said that they saw no proof that the last package had been shipped but no proof that it hadn't. So, they would not be sending any more miniatures to me because they were not obligated to. When it was all over I ended up with a ton of minis, but $700 dollars worth missing.<br /><br />This event, plus the lack of opponents, about turned me off to wargaming all together. However, even though I had no one to play against, I was still drawn towards painting those minis.<br /><br />Then, in 1999 the wife and I had the chance to go to our first and only wargaming convention. It was held in Muskogee OK and compared to Historicon it was nothing more than a zit on a gnats butt!! HOWEVER - for the first time the wife got to see lots of well painted 25mm minis. She looked at me and said "now that we are making some descent money and have a larger house, you ought to start painting that size".<br /><br />It was right after this that we found out that the company I worked for might shut down my branch. I figured now was not the time to invest in minis - we needed to sock all the money we could into paying of bills and such.<br /><br />I was feeling a bit down at the thought of needing to hold off on purchasing some larger minis. Then, something stupendous, completely out of the blue happened. My very best Internet friend made me an offer I couldn't refuse!! I don't want to embarrass him so I won't mention his name, but I owe him a lot for a lot of reasons. Anyway, he offered to give me, yes give me, a huge amount of 30mm-ish Napoleonic minis that he had painted many many years before. All he asked in return was the cost of shipping and the promise I would use them.<br /><br />I will never forget the day the packages arrive. I was sitting at my desk at work and the delivery guy walked in with this huge box asking for me. He walked over and sat it down and I thanked him. He said that there were more!! All in all there were 4 large boxes and one big box IIRC. By the time the delivery guy had finished bringing all of those boxes in a small crowed had gathered - everyone wanted to know what was inside those boxes! Well, due to pressure from my co-workers I opened up one of the boxes. They had all heard about the toy soldiers and wanted to see them. They were a hit!<br /><br />So far those minis have been publicly displayed more than once and pushed across my table many times. Unfortunately they are now packed away in storage for their own protection. Soon, hopefully, they will be making a grand re-entrance into their new place of honor in the new gaming room.<br /><br />To my very best Internet friend (you know who you are!!) you have no idea how much these minis mean to me!!!<br /><br />Well, in 2001 the word came that they would be shutting down my branch. I was offered a position with the company in Texas, but the wife had a great job and we didn't want to leave. This was, in a way, a blessing in disguise. We had gotten most of our bills paid off and could easily revert to a one income family. So, due to health concerns, and the loss of my job, the wife and I decided I would become a stay at home hubby for a while (more on that later).<br /><br />On my first day of 'retirement' I was a bit bummed out when I walked the wife out to the car in order for her to go to work that morning. Before she got in to leave she said she had something for me upstairs. After she left I went back up stairs and found a card. Inside this card was a hefty gift certificate for 28mm minis to be purchased from Old Glory!!! That really made my day.<br /><br />Because of the amount of the gift certificate, plus ordering over the phone, and the "buy X amount get X amount free" offers given by Old Glory I was able to place a VERY nice order. All-n-all I ended up getting British and Zulu armies for the Zulu War of 1879; British and french armies, along with lots of natives for the French & Indian War; and TONS of Napoleonics!!! You should have seen the size of the boxes that order arrived in!!<br /><br />Unfortunately, at the same time, we started restoration work on our house and the yard. This, plus the fact that I'm a world class procrastinator, brings us back full circle as to why I started this blog. I have had many false starts at painting this collection of Old Glory miniatures. I'm tired of not getting any of them painted. So, I'm hoping that this blog will help keep me motivated to paint. We will see.....<br /><br />Well, this 'short' introduction has turned into epic. I think I need to go ahead and call it quits. There are so many stories I could tell you about my trials and tribulations of trying to be a wargamer. Throughout this blog I will share more of these with you, but for now, I hope this introduction will suffice.<br /><br />Till next time...<br /><br />Cheers!<br />Larry ~Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618832228050099757noreply@blogger.com4