I apologise in advance if this post appears to be a bit of a ramble - I have a couple of things in mind that just need to be gotten out - but I have been having a little bit of think about things this afternoon and what I want to tackle in the new year all being well.
I have spent much of this year gaming solo using my collection of block based armies - and what an enjoyable experience it has been! Without them I would not have explored as any different periods as I have done and so for me they were a perfect solution when compared to raising armies of painted figures. I do miss the modelling side though and so have plans in mind for the new year of a small WW2 set up in 20mm - primarily because I want to make some kits again. I have also been pondering (again) using the Perry Plastic ACW range for the Russo Turkish War - again, in a small way - because after having seen them in the flesh, as it were, they would make cracking figures for the period. I realise thus would offend the purist but they are close enough to the Russians and Turks as makes little difference. The infantry would be raised from the normal infantry box and the Zouaves and the cavalry will have to do for both sides, with a few conversions thrown in for good measure. There are some nice metal figures in the Perry Sudan range that could also be pressed into service. Besides, if they look close enough then that would suffice for me!
I never thought I would ever say this but I have missed painting figures although I do not enjoy the process. That is why my projected figure/model based forces are designed to be small in numbers as for use with either my own rules or any of the Command and Colours/Portable Wargame large collections are not really necessary. I suppose I also am very conscious of my own painting limitations in this respect!
I have also missed modelling ships and so will revisit this in due course - if only because I have some rather neat ideas around construction methods - not to mention some rules that just have to be tried out! I will need to stick with home made kit for the time being though as the contract I was due to start has fallen through and I doubt if anything else will materialise before the new year. This of course has a knock on effect in terms of hobby related expenditure but I am fortunate in that I have sufficient 'kit' to be going along with already in place.
My first task will be to make some middle eastern buildings to accompany the new desert terrain. I have a simple idea for this that I will share in due course. I also want to tackle some blocks for the Byzantine/Islamic pre-Manzikert era. Then there are ships - potentially lots of them, including ancient galleys and my forthcoming Christmas present!
Lots to do, lots to think about and lots to enjoy in time.
I hope....;-)
David,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have put together a plan with achievable outcomes.
Like you I am not very good at painting figures but miss the process. Likewise modelling, at which I am probably somewhat better than I am a painter.
All the best,
Bob
Hopefully you won't give the 'Purists' another thought.
ReplyDeleteIf you can look at a figure and tell what it is supposed to be, isn't that the point of it? At least for wargaming figures as opposed to modeling figurines.
Does it matter if the hat isn't exactly the right shape, or if the bayonet sheath is on the wrong side? A week into a campaign, uniforms are whatever keeps you warm(ish) and dry(ish) much more than what meets the uniform guidelines.
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeletePlans are good but I am always conscious of the old adage about 'no plan survives its first contact with the enemy!'
Still, we can but hope.
All the best,
DC
Hi SAROE,
ReplyDeleteThat is true and when you consider that most figures are usually seen at a distance such niceties can be avoided. At least that will now be my mantra (and it solves a number of potential detail issues)!
All the best,
DC