Upbeat festivities

Thanks to all who commented on my previous sad post, and to those who took the trouble to write, and email, and send condolences in so many ways. Myself and my family are very grateful.

On to happier themes...
Ring out Solstice Bells!
As the year draws to a close, and the festivities begin in earnest, I'm embroiled in finishing up some wargaming bits n bobs before the clan arrives for Christmas.
So, my workbench is covered in units at various stages of finishing and basing.

Royal Ecossais, Prussian Grenadiers 5/20 (Jung Billerbeck), and Austrian Grenadiers are in view, as well as a French brigade commander.

Like many, I'm also eagerly awaiting some parcels - it's that time of year, isn't it?!
I decided to treat myself to something new for the season - just reading matter, but it will be easy to retreat behind the bastions of a hobby-related book while others are engaged in the offerings on the box.

This year, I can look back with some satisfaction at painting output, with a mix of 18th Century, Colonial, and Ancients all receiving attention.

Next year, more of the same - I'll finish the Macedonian army; add to the Colonial madness; and the 18C stuff may even get to the stage where it is ready to see the light of day at a show.
I'm also toying with the idea of a little adventure into something new, and very different. I'm at the exciting stage of sourcing figures, rules and other project paraphernalia (sniffing out lists, assessing ranges, and ogling stuff on the web and facebook groups for inspiration and ideas).

And finally, to all who have visited the blog this year, let me take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas.

Sad news

On Thursday 1 December 2016, after a ten year battle with cancer, Elizabeth passed away.
Many who visited to wargame at our home met her, which is why I decided to post about her passing here. And, of course she was chief assistant in putting together The Classic Wargamer's Journal back in 2010-11.
We separated and subsequently divorced in 2012, but remained great friends: after all we parented two wonderful children, both of whom are coping ok in the circumstances.
I'm in shock, as the extent of the latest batch of cancer treatment had been kept from me (at her request, lest I be upset). The children, Christopher and Victoria, had been with her constantly over the past few weeks, at her bedside, and in the end her passing was peaceful.
She was a remarkable, lady (after all, she put up with me for 25 years, supporting my hobby, encouraging me, and never once rolling her eyes at yet another hour spent at the paint desk).
She is irreplaceable, and I will miss her terribly.
Goodbye Elizabeth. My best friend. The world seems empty now.

18th Century activity

With my recent posts being about the development of my Macedonian Successor army, you might be forgiven for thinking there's been nothing happening in the main project: namely, the 18th century Pils-Holstein collection.
Just to allay those fears... here's a couple of shots of Prussian and Pils-Holstein forces ...

 

There are more Prussians receiving attention from David Jarvis' paint brush in time for Christmas, plus I've got some French arriving from Mark Allen at any moment. Meanwhile, I'm working on more French ancillary stuff  (wagons and general "back-of-table" paraphenalia), and some cavalry conversions too, for both sides.

Photos of some of that soon...

New Pages added

A reorganisation of pages has taken place this past couple of days (see list of pages on the right hand side).
I've

• re-jigged the archives pages into one gallery,
• added pages for the Colonial project (The Ghabazaar Imperative),
• revamped The Pils Holstein page,
• and added a new page for the Macedonian Successors army which is coming on apace...

There are lots of new images, including Philipolytas "The Great" (as he likes to think of himself although others have, unkindly perhaps, described him as "distinctly average"!)

 

I've had a bit of a photo session with other collections too, and even a game. More images will be added as I get round to it in the days to come.

 

 

Making a Contribution

Like many, I was so sorry to hear of the recent passing of "Bluebear" Jeff Hudelson.

I had never met Jeff in person, but we had exchanged emails, and he had written a contribution for my little magazine "The Classic Wargamers' Journal" (more of which in a moment).

More importantly, Jeff had contributed (there's that word again) hugely to the hobby, and particularly the Imagi-Nations and 18th century arena of the hobby, by setting up the Emperor vs Elector blog. There can't be many readers here who haven't also visited E v E, even if only for the comprehensive listing of other blogs, compiled in order of latest post... so handy for a quick check of who's doing what.

So, thank you Jeff for your contribution.
No doubt, you also contributed when at the tabletop amongst your wargaming buddies too. And my thoughts go out to them, for they will have lost a good friend and valued "opponent."

Jeff's games had a certain "look" to them. Not to everyone's taste, I'm sure, but Jeff had settled on what he wanted and it had a homogenous, cosy, comfortable appeal. His ECW collection was also one of my favourites.

So, here's to you Jeff... a true contributor to the hobby. Well done. And thank you.

Talking of contribution...

It's good to see Stokes and Greg getting their new venture going
- see http://grandduchyofstollen.blogspot.co.uk
for details.

And thank you, Stokes and Greg, for the kind words about The Classic Wargamers' Journal in the introduction to the new venture.
I do hope it's a great success. And I hope I'll be able to contribute in some way.

So, over to those readers and surfers who sit on the sidelines ... go on, why not contribute.

I see so many people online, in forums, and so on, bemoaning the aging of the hobby, the diminishing hobby numbers, and wondering about the future of the hobby.

You know, regardless of numbers, as long as those who are in our little hobby make a contribution, then it will flourish. It will.
 
Just as the small band of Grants, Youngs, Featherstones, et al contributed in the past.
They were "net givers."
And regardless of numbers, it's "net givers" that we need.
Just like the Grants, Young, and Featherstone...  and yes, the Jeff Hudelsons of the world.
And you...

High Standards

Back to the Macedonian Successors, and just finished these two pieces:

First: The Army Standard Bearer

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Second: a small Infantry Command Vignette.







Standards are linen, hand-painted.

Prussian IR19 - Markgraf Karl

Finished basing these fellows the other day, so here in all their glory is IR19 - Markgraf Karl.

Painting by Dave Jarvis, flags by Mark Allen.