Artillery emplacements

Thanks to all who commented on the previous post... the stock-taking continues apace, and yesterday the cabinets got a real reshuffle. Amongst other things, this involved me moving the Classic collection from one cabinet to another... a major undertaking since they are all single based!

Meanwhile... In a short interval in the regular painting schedule (rank and file units), I decided to add some artillery crewmen for the gun emplacements that I use for a few periods. I painted these Forge World emplacements several years ago, and they have appeared on many a table. But I needed some crew for them for the WVS project.

I decided to paint some generic crewmen who could be for either side, depending on the scenario. In my head they are Mundanians -part of the local defence forces of the region of Mundania, so their allegiance could be for whichever side is protecting the region against enemy incursion... sometimes that's Vaubaria, sometimes it's Astrovia.

So, a generic grey coat, a few bits of detail, and done... simple.

This is also the first time I have used a GW 'Nuln oil' wash (and I rather liked it). I feel that everyone else has probably been using this technique for ever and a day but that somehow it had passed me by. Late to the party as always!

Finally, while I remember it, I should add my voice to the considerable chorus of praise and thanks to Alec and Angela at Front Rank who announced recently that they will be selling the business and retiring. Over the years I have bought and painted many of their figures. They are always fantastic to deal with, and speedy in delivery. Their contribution to my hobby, and that of so many people, has been invaluable. I wish them all the joy their retirement so richly deserves.

Hope everyone is having a good Bank Holiday weekend!

Stock-taking

I woke very early the other morning (0400) in time to see a stunning sunrise that lasted an hour...

... and in that time, armed with a cup of tea and my wargames journal, I started to finalise my stocktaking, which has been troubling me of late.

In the light of the unfolding dawn, I started to ask big questions, like:

 "Which of these projects will I still want to have in 10, 15, 25 years time?"

"Which of these projects am I realistically, truly, genuinely going to work on, relish and enjoy?"

"Which of these projects are false starts (ie, they're wrong in some way and may need to be revisited later, but for now they can go)?"

"Which of these projects are actually non-starters?"

"Which of these projects are superfluous in some other way?"

The cabinets need some reorganising, which is probably what precipitated this wargaming existential angst...

The upshot to all this was a few decisions...

I will keep the following:

1. Pils Holstein (and add to it, slowly and gradually, on an ongoing basis) 

2. WVS (and continue to build both sides)

 3. Successors (It's done. I may add one more pike block, a couple of cavalry units, and a couple of elephants).

4. Classic Collection (it's finished. Keep for posterity) 

5. TYW (finish a couple of items for completeness) 

 

So, I plan to sell quite a number of projects that are no longer part of the plan. More on this soon, once I have catalogued what is going to be for sale...

It felt very cathartic even just writing it down - as if a weight has lifted.

In the future, I will add some fresh projects, and a few "set-pieces" (dioramas and the like), including a joint project with my fellow "Fencibler", Steve, who is taking the lead role, which we are currently just starting.

Having a bit of a stock-take can be good for morale. And sometimes the decision has to be to let certain things go. As any rock-climber will tell you, you've got to let go somewhere in order to reach up higher.

 

A new contingent

Thanks to everyone who commented on the previous post. Much appreciated.

It has spurred me on to speed paint a new contingent for The Wars of the Vaubarian Succession... a brigade of Pils Holstein infantry.

One of the features of the early 18C wars is the polyglot nature of the armies, with contingents being provided by numerous states to make up the force compositions at various times. So, I felt it appropriate to do the same in my imaginary world too. And, after all, Pils Holstein does feature in so many of my projects, so why not this one?!

I have used the Front Rank Danish figures for the period, and simply painted them to represent the Pils Holstein battalions:
IR 1 Leibgarde, IR 2 Wolfsheim, IR 3 Braunschweig

At present, it is unclear from the diplomatic wranglings which side Pils Holstein will take in the hostilities, but time will tell.

An enjoyable painting output for April, since when I've been working on a few more things...

Battle of Dullogren

Over the weekend, I have played a solo game set in The Wars of the Vaubarian Succession, as shown in the layout in my previous post.

It was a really straightforward encounter action.

And I'm sure some blog visitors might be able to recognise the parallels, in terms of rough set up, with a well-known 18C battle. No prizes for guessing.

Meanwhile, here are just a few shots of the game.

In the end, the Astrovians found themselves on the receiving end of a hammering, once the Vaubarian firepower took hold. The poor Astrovian attack faltered as they were significantly outnumbered in the centre. Their cavalry also failed to make a breakthrough on the left, even though the lancers did well in the first round of combat, eventually their heavier Vaubarian opponents won through. On the Astrovian right, the enclosures were hotly contested, with neither side willing to make the decisive push, and a stalemate ensued.

An enjoyable few hours.

and I've got some new troops fresh off the painting table to show, once I take a few pics. So, next time...

Table laid out

Well, it's been a little while, but all is well 'chez moi.'

Last weekend, I set up an action with the WVS forces so far... Astrovians are to the left, Vaubarians to the right.

It's starting to build up now... But it looks like the Astrovians could do with some reinforcements!

Amongst Easter, the bank holidays, and the other intrusions on our hobby (!!), I have been painting a fair bit, and also enjoying the updates of' 'The Wargaming Blogerati' (you know who you are). There's some interesting stuff out there. 

Similarly, there's a group of young lads doing Youtube battle reports, painting sessions, and podcasts which are rather a good way of spending an hour or two whilst at the painting desk. Check out people like '7 Son' on Youtube. OK, it might not all be to everyone's taste, but I admire their enthusiasm, productivity, and range of projects. The fact is, they're doing it. And enjoying it. And willing to share it. Well done lads.

I've also been doing a bit of project stock-taking. Well, you know how it is when you are thinking of starting something fresh and wondering how the heck it's going to fit in with all the other stuff!!

I'm keeping myself 'sane' (it's all relative) by wondering which of the various parcels from manufacturers such as The Perrys and Front Rank will arrive first. It's the modern 'lockdown' equivalent of cockroach racing... 
This morning did involve a little unboxing over breakfast too, although that was just a few additions to an old project, so doesn't really count!!

More to show this weekend, I hope.