Friday 27 December 2019

Stocktaking the Butterflies

As promised last time, here is a stocktake of my various hobby projects, and the likely prognosis for each.

Pils Holstein (PH)  - the mid 18th century. This project reached it's high water mark (so far) with the Neerfuncken demo game at Partizan a couple of years ago. It has somewhat stalled since as other periods have taken precedence. The figures for this project are my own range, and I have many infantry and cavalry castings ready to be painted, but there's one minor niggle with it... I haven't got any Prussian cuirassiers. I had hoped to have the guy who helped get the infantry castings ready also do some cavalry for me, but it wasn't to be. I'm exploring other options...  But at the moment, there's no rush.















Wars of the Vaubarian Succession (WVS)
The 1704 campaign between the imaginary states of Vaubaria and Astrovia has featured heavily over the past couple of years, but progress has been fairly slow. Maybe it's too close to the PH collection, being tricorne-based. Nonetheless, it's enjoyable to do, but sometimes I need a refresh to get it back to the top of the project hierarchy.












Colonials 
I'm happy that, for now, this is at the simple game-able stage. Again, when the mood takes me, I have some castings ready to paint.




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Macedonian Successors
This has recently had an injection of energy as I prepare to field this army in Henry Hyde's upcoming Bathelas campaign. More on this army in my next post.










The Classic Collection 
This is like the classic E-type, or Aston Martin, sitting in the garage, lovingly restored, but not getting a run out at all these days. It's based on the armies shown in "Charge!" and is documented in my other blog. I may, one day, add some cavalry and, for old time's sake, just play the odd game. But for now, I'm happy for it to remain on the shelves, just looking nice!














Thirty Years War (TYW) 
This project was primarily a display which has had one outing, might get more, and is about 90% complete. When I feel the siren's call, I will return to it (there are a couple of units needing to be based, or flags added, so that will be a couple of quick 'wins' when the mood takes me).
















Little Britons - 42mm shiny figures. 
This will only ever be a small affair. I've got a few units done, and when I fancy a break from more 'serious' painting, I will add some more.


What's next?
Over the years I have put on some display tables at shows, and often in periods chosen less for the gaming possibilities, more for the fact that they look pretty! So, I've done Italian Wars, Thirty Year's War, Poles v Cossacks, for example. 
I'm considering shifting my attention to a similar style of project. I've even chosen the period, and started putting together some ideas. But it's a big commitment to take on, and I want to make sure I can take it on before I embark on it seriously.
So, for now, I'm going to get the Macedonian Successors finished, tickle the WVS along in the background, and have the occasional excursion into 42mm shiny toy soldiery as 'something completely different'. That should keep me going in 2020. But do look out for a possible leap into a display project that I will commit a couple of years worth of time and energy into. It may happen...


9 comments:

  1. The whole point of a hobby is to indulge yourself - enjoy!

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    1. Absolutely Paulee... It's all about enjoyment! Best regards.

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  2. I don't know how you do it, Phil! Finding the time for one historic era and related hobby pursuits is all I can manage. Nice to see that your Classic and Pils-Holstein collections are still on your list even if on the rear burner at the moment.

    Best Regards and Wishes for 2020,

    Stokes

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    1. Thx Stokes. Hope your 2020 is shaping up to be filled with hobby antics. All the very best.

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  3. Nice collection of butterflies Phil, always nice to be in a position to dip in and out and add an odd unit to the collection.
    My Successors were part of the cull although a 15mm Macedonian army is almost complete 😀
    All the best for 2020

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    1. I've culled successors from my collection so many times in the past (at 15 and 25/28mm). This time, they're for keeps... Well, unless they do really badly in the campaign, at which post they'll be either sold, or thrown out of the window!

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  4. I enjoyed reading your Wargaming State of the Nation speech so to speak. It will be interesting to see it all going forward. Take care.

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    1. Thank you Alan. Compliments of the season to you too. Looking forward to your 2020 hobby reports. Best regards. Phil

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  5. All the best for 2020 and carrying all your projects forward!

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