Possibly it is me,or the time of year or both or something else but I felt perturbed by Stoke's article in the CWJ of late entitled " 12 Ways to avoid the Wargaming Boulevard of Broken Dreams." I felt it seemed to be very applicable to the Duchy of Tradgardland Blog - not keeping to a time period,starting and not finishing a project,going on about my plans and my incessant inane verbiage about my imaginations. Morale was three ones on three D6 as we used to say in the days of wrg ancients!
My thoughts were initially to have a rest from blogging ( I would miss it too much I fear) or to finish the Duchy altogether . However I feel that is not the way forward. Perhaps Stokes has provided me with some food for thought or even some useful pointers I don't quite know what I think yet but...
On a cheerier note I have been contacted by James at the OSW yahoo group who has very kindly offered me some 40 year old Airfix German figures to help move my "Battle " project forward- thanks James ! He has also told me that the Russians are still in production so a trip to a model shop will be on the cards soon. I now need to source those trees in the piccies in the book which slot together and are probably railway scenery and further track down Roco minitanks.
"Finish the Duchy"? In the sense of "Putting an end to its misery, using the mercy dagger"? No, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThere is still so much to tell us about it!
No, no. I haven't received my copy of CWJ yet, so haven't read Stokes' wisdom. However, remember that the poor fellow is an American. Not for him the happy wanderings of a son of Britannia's shores. The thing is in the game, not in the winning. I recommend Belloc's Four Men, or GKC's poem on the English road. Life IS a small side road of unfinished dreams. And better for it.
ReplyDeleteroco minitanks are still available, a quick search on google will show up some suppliers. The plastic trees are probably by merit - I don't think these are in production anymore - I usually pick them up secondhand. Product codes were
ReplyDelete5048 – Poplar trees, 4 trees
5049 – Alder trees, 3 trees
5050 – Fir trees, 6 trees
5020 – Hedges, 8 pieces
(see http://miniaturefiguremanufacturersa-z.blogspot.com/2010/06/merit.html for full list)
-- Allan
American, yes. . . but British in my heart! My great-grandmother's family came from Cornwall, and my step-father is Welsh. . . though we try not to hold that against him! Now, what about that painting challenge for 2011?
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Stokes
My dear Stokes, I meant no harm. I was merely seeking to aid the Duke in his travails. I send greetings to a brother Anglophone. I am in the process of planning more troops for the late rebellion in the 13 Colonies, and promise to paint up a Perry miniature as a Loyal American Regiment officer ... named Stokes.
ReplyDeleteYours etc,
'Al Front'
Don't take it to heart Alan. Stokes wanted to stir the pot, and I was all for it, because I think the message is well-meant. The idea is to help people create focus and direction, and have a bit of a target to get one of their dream armies onto the table this year - whatever size.
ReplyDeleteWhilst having dreams and planning are a fun part of the hobby, it's those who are suffering the frustration of unfulfilled dreams that the article is aimed at helping - a little bit of "tough love"! A sort of rallying call to get people weilding the paintbrush, and raising their forces.
Best regards
Phil
Yes, yes, and yes! Wield those paintbrushes like sabres and get thee to the gaming table by way of the painting table say I... En garde!
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Stokes
I hope you get over the 'Blahs' soon, Alan. Work those brushes, finish a project and the feeling will soon go.
ReplyDeleteWhat? I thought Stokes' article was about ME! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe point is well taken in my case anyway. Fortunately, I believe that I'll have enough troops for a reasonable little battle quite soon. When that day comes, Alan, I'd like to ask for your help with map moves for either the Syldavian or Bordurian side. I think that might be easier and more fun way to pursue a campaign than Featherstone's matchbox cabinet (I don't smoke!). Interested?
Jim
Thanks for all the supportive comments chaps! Partly the way I am feeling too I guess. Onwards and Upwards!
ReplyDeleteJim I would be delighted to help with the map moves when the time comes- looking forward to it already...
Phew! Alan passes morale tests (helped by lots of +1s for flank support).
ReplyDeleteGood on you Alan.
Phil