Curious

I wish I had known that I had a commercially marketable product on my hands a couple years ago...

http://zerotwentythree.blogspot.com/2009/11/snowmen.html

...who would have thought...

http://bluemoonmanufacturing.com/view_product.php?product=WF-03


:)

Recent Reading

I've got a pile of books on my "to read" list, but wanted something a bit lightweight. So this morning I tore through the first 50 pages of Achtung Schweinehund! which I had purchased about a year ago after seeing many recommendations across various blogs and fora.

It is entertaining so far. I can relate in a general way, but as an American boy who grew up in the late 70's & early 80's, the experiences of an English boy who grew up in the 60's does fluctuate between the familiar and the alien. I'm still in the early chapters of comics, war movies and toy guns. I understand there's more about toy soldiers and wargames later on.


Part the reason I wanted something lighthearted was that I just finished The Odyssey.

Not that this was really heavyweight reading. It was just horribly tedious. I'm not entirely certain why I finished, other than curiosity and a desire to say I've read it. I know that must be some sort sacrilege, but it just wasn't what I would call enjoyable reading.

All Roads Lead to...

There are quite a few new ancients rules out now, or on the horizon. I'd like to give each of them a chance, if I can. So when I had a few minutes to paint and decided to do a bit of painting for myself with that time, I went back to Rome. I can already field a decent sized Rome vs. Cimbri/Teutones game. But I've also had Rome vs. Rome in mind as an eventual goal. So I'm painting more Romans.

I went with a simple scheme again, and did a bit of speed painting, but without the dip.

Nothing terribly special, but exciting for me as it's the first real painting I've done for myself in a while.

I've also pulled out a unit of Spanish cavalry that I had started ages (a year?) ago, and may try to get to that next, while I prep some more Romans.

I think I may indulge my Plutarchian fondness for Sertorius, and start with a Rome vs. Rome & Spain goal. I think this may be a good way to throw in not only a lot of Roman legion, but see how the different game systems handle different types of lighter and/or "barbarian" troops.

Since it's been a while, I thought I'd try to post some extra photos. So here's a few old Lance & Laser figures I painted for Armorcast, who is the current manufacturer.

Ideal Game Table Size

Lets say you were thinking of building a gaming table, and the room in which it would be set was pretty large. Let's also say that said gaming table would be used mostly for 28mm gaming, but also some smaller scales on occasion. Let's also say it would be used for a variety of games, and by different people, playing anything from ancient mass battles to 20th century urban warfare.

What reasonable size would you aim for?

All of my tables have been 4'x8' but given the chance, I'd like to try something a bit larger in the future. I think 6'x12' would probably be the extreme limit. Maybe 5'x10'?

Two New Little People

Two new additions to the household. One significantly more important than the other.

First is our daughter, Abigail, born Thursday morning at 12:08am. She's beautiful, healthy and happy -- as is her mother. She is our first (only?) child, and has already captured her fathers heart.

On a less profound note.... the day before the baby arrived, I painted a hobbit figure I picked up from Reaper Miniatures, to use as my character in our RPG campaign. Nob Scrobbleton, rustic but ambitious hobbit trader of herbs and other exotic commodities, turned adventurer.

Medieval Burgundians For Sale

Per my last entry, I'm getting a little desperate. I have actually found a new job, which I start in August, and should get my back on my feet again. But in the interest of avoiding losing my car & both our phones any day now, I've still got to raise some cash ASAP. So I've decided to offer up my Burgundians as well as the previously posted Skaven. I hate to do it, but once again, my loss is your gain. I can be contacted at my user/blog name (at)gmail.com

So...

Painted 28mm Burgundians (15th Century Ordonnance, Charles the Bold)

Figures are all painted, mounted on a mix of single and group bases, with infantry having a 20x20 "frontage x depth", and cavalry having 25x50. All bases magnetized. Figures are a mix of at least half being Front Rank, the rest being a mix of Crusader, Old Glory, and Grenadier (Copplestone sculpted figures currently being sold by Mirliton.)

Totals: 167 Infantry, 27 Cavalry, 2 guns
$1300
Price includes shipping to most locations around the world.

Photos of many of the figures, both in-progress and finished are available here:
http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/burgord/?start=all

You can also hit the Burgundian tag here for some of it.

64 Archers
30 Ordonnance Pike
25 Low Countries Pike
14 Crossbow
10 Hangdunners
21 Dismounted Gendarmes/Heavy Men-at-Arms
21 Gendarmes
6 Coustilliers
3 Artillery Crew
1 Light Cannon
1 Organ Gun
80mm frontage of pavises on separate bases
180mm frontage worth of stakes on separate bases

The numbers above include command figures, including a suitably ducal looking cavalry figure.

I will also throw in a few unpainted artillery crew figures, since I only ever got around to painting three.

Skaven For Sale

Selling. Cash only. Losing my job and having baby on the way are forcing me to sell off some of my gaming collection. Reluctantly. My loss is your gain. Buyer pays shipping and any extras (insurance, etc.)


WFB

Skaven - Painted

Basing note: All bases are magnetized. That's how I travel with my army. Most are basswood with magnetic sheet on the bottom. Figures are either glued straight to the base, or in the case of many of the metal figures, the tabs have been cut and they have been pinned as well. I used white/PVA glue to stick the figures on the base, so if you don't like the basing, they shouldn't be too difficult to remove. Most of the group bases include extra scenic elements like arrows stuck in the ground, rats running among the troops, mushrooms, etc.


90 Plastic Clanrats: $270
These are the previous multi-piece clanrats, with some giant rats mixed in to accomodate the figures ranking up. They are all based on magnetic bases, with a mix of single bases and multi-bases. The multi-bases accomodate a lot of the conversions and "unruly mob" look I was after. Two units of 30 were designed to have the front rank holding large improvised shields (inspired by the historical "shield wall" concept) with the second rank attacking over their heads. These have been used for years, and as anyone who has had these figures can tell you, there will be a sertain amount of snapped tails involved. I've tried to make repairs & repaints where I can. Just understand these are well painted/converted gaming figures, not display pieces. ;)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skcl01a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skcl01b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skcl02a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skcl02b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skcl02c.jpg



30 Metal Plague Monks: $100
"Brotherhood of the Red Pox." Mounted on magnetic bases, a mix of single based and multi-based. I traded for the figures, whoever had them before me cut off a few of the second hand weapons for some reason. Hard to notice in the mob. I have added a painted banner to the standard since the first photo was taken.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/mnk1.jpg
Pic of the monks with the Furnace, for reference, so you can see the banner. (Furnace sold separately!!)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/furnwip3.jpg


6 Plage Censor Bearers: $30
Mix of metal and converted plastic figures. Painted to match the "Brotherhood" above.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/pcb1.jpg


Plague Furnace: $100
A lot of hard work and... blood went into this. Not sure why I don't have a finished pic of the Furnace, but below are a couple WIP shots without the crew finished, nor the base on two of the photos. The crew & plage priest are painted to match the monks & PCBs above.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/furnwip3.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/furnwip1.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/furnwip2.jpg


10 Metal Clan Eshin Gutter Runners/Assassins: $60
10 of the figures from the group below in the pic. I will supply maximum variety (at least one of each pose.)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/esh12b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/grtt01.jpg

4 Swarms: $40
Mix of actual GW "swarm" stands & rats on scenic bases.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/swm01.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/swm01b.jpg


Converted Skaven Themed Game Turn Counter! $100
Converted from the old Doomwheel, plus some other bits. Rotate the engineer on his throne so that it points to whatever turn it is. Magnetic base. The standard was painted black with the intention of painting a symbol or a tick mark for every defeated enemy, but I never got around to it. But all the better for you to do it after you buy this unique conversion from me! ;)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/turn05.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/turn03.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/turn04.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/turn05.jpg


Rat Giant! $100
100% Scratch sculpted giant rat critter, accompanied by his Clan Moulder escort on his base. Previously used as a DoW giant in previous editions, I've used this as an Abomination since the latest army book came out. Based on a 50x50 magnetized base. You will need to add a secondary base (I was using a metal base, built up in the front and back) or rebase him to match the new base size. Scupted with a durable mix of epoxy putties on a heavy gauge wire frame.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skgt10a.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skgt10b.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skgt10c.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skgt10d.jpg

1 Converted Plague Wind Mortar (PWG figure not included)
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skmort2.jpg

Old metal Grey Seer on old metal Screaming Bell: $100
One of the centerpieces of my army. It's on the old sized base, so I've been slipping another base under it for games until I got a chance to rebase it. The Seer is has a pin in one foot, that fits into a hole on the top of the bell. Also included is one matching 20x20 infantry base with two holes, so if the bell is destroyed you can remove the Seer and put him on an infantry base.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell07.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell06.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell05.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell04.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell03.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell02.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/scrbell01.jpg


Photos still to come on these:

46 Metal Slaves: $140
Magnetic bases, mix of group and single based. These are the skinny slaves released for a short time in 6th edition, mix of poses & weapons, including a musician.


46 Metal Slaves: $140
Magnetic bases, mix of group and single based. These are the skinny slaves released for a short time in 6th edition, mix of poses & weapons, including a musician.

1 Ratling Gun: $15

1 Ratling Gun: $15

1 Warp Firethrower: $15
Original Jes Goodwin sculpt

1 Warp Firethrower: $15
Original Jes Goodwin sculpt

1 Converted Warp Grinder: $15
Converted from fogires from the old metal WLC plus other bits. Painted, but here's some pics of the figure before being painted:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/GRND02.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/GRND03.jpg

8 Jezzail Teams: $80

1 Warp Lightning Cannon: $55

9 Poisoned Wind Globadiers: $30
Old (original Jes Goodwin) metal figures. Mounted on old 25mm round bases. I haven't had much trouble using them, but probably need rebased for current ultra-competative WFB environment. I will throw in 9 unused 20x20 bases.

7 Rat Ogres, 20 Giant Rats, 5 Clan Moulder Packmasters: $100
I will throw in unassembled/unpainted bits for a couple more packmasters and some more giant rats as well.


Skaven - Unpainted:

New Plastic Doomwheel: $25
Everything on sprues except one of the two optional driver heads (used in a conversion, above.)

9 Poisoned Wind Globadiers: $25
Old (original Jes Goodwin) metal figures. Bare metal.

Metal Verminlord: $25
Bare metal, unassembled.

30 New plastic clanCrat spearmen: $35
Converted with extra long ("pike") spears. Assembled, based & primed black (one test model is paint.) Shields separate, but included. Photos of the first 20 after they were assembled/converted:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/skpko6.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/ZeroTwentythree/skaven/pptest.jpg



You may be able to find more pics, info, and see how your new troops have performed in battle here:
http://zerotwentythree.blogspot.com/search/label/Skaven
http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4082928#

Adaptation

Given all the changes I'm dealing with, maybe I should just consider 6mm gaming?

I do prefer larger scale games. Money, time & space are getting tighter.

Maybe this...

http://www.warlordgames.co.uk/preview-black-powder-last-argument-of-kings/

...would give a me good excuse to change gears as well. Given the relatively easy learning curve, I might even be able to get some new blood interested. Not sure how many people I know have any interest in the musket era, though.

Anyone have any opinions on 6mm vs. 10mm? I've never really compared before. I've mostly been a 15mm & 25/28mm guy.

Changes

Employment and financial problems continue. Its looking like I will be selling off a lot of my gaming stuff. I will be posting a list of all my Skaven figures in the near future, and probably sell them unit by unit. I have some more difficult choices after that, but I think the next two on the sales floor may be the Man-O-War collection and the Burgundian army. I will probably try to sell each of those as single lots first. I'm going to try to hang on to the ancients as long as possible, before getting desperate enough to part with them.

It sounds like the RPG campaign may be winding down already, too. I'm a bit down about that. We only manage to get together maybe once a month (originally started as every second week) and a couple of the players have jumped into a more modern game elsewhere. I've been enjoying the RPG "flashback" and it has been a good way to unwind.

I (still) haven't painted any figures recently, but I have been doing other painting. This weekend I painted the (soon to arrive) baby's room. We're going with a whimsical enchanted forest theme. The past few months I've also been working on some cartoon-y paintings to hang in the room. I've had to squeeze out some free time where ever I can, but I've got three of the planned four done already. The baby is due sometime in the next few weeks. So it will be a race to get the last one done!




"Seem What the Owls Are Not," "The Rabbit, The Treefish and the Inchworm," and "Flight of the Cuttlefish." I've gone through a pile of ideas for the fourth one but I think it will end up being a partner for the center one. I told my wife I could probably keep going and cover the walls, given time and materials to do so. I'm contemplating scaling that down, though, and instead making a (or several) home made children's story book(s) instead.

Wanted: 15mm fantasy, medieval, ancient odds & ends

We're still trying to hang on to the old-school RPG group. At 7 people (6 PCs and a DM) it's hard coordinating free time, especially once summer hits. We're hoping to maintain once a month games until the fall. We've only met twice in the past two months, though it's been a great deal of fun!

The DM has been using dice and some plastic Risk figures for trying to visually organize the battles. I'm thinking of suggesting figures, but because of space considerations I'm tempted to try 15mm instead of the usual 25/28mm. The problem, as I see it, is tthat most 15mm figures come in larger quantities of 12-50 per pack.

So I am looking for your 15mm odds and ends. For sale (preferably cheap) or trade. We could probably use a variety of generic human fantasy archetypes (either fantasy or historical figures - some armoured, some barbarians, some "rangers" etc.) as well as typical fantasy RPG figures (skeletons, orcs, goblins, dwarfs, elves, etc.) That would be the best place to start, I think. Maybe we can work on some big critters after that.