Changes…

Decided that it was about time to get a gaming surface sorted…

January’s Railway Modeller came with a free photographic backdrop. Time for a wee change.

Time, scissors, sellotape and blue tack later and a new backdrop emerged.

Welsh mountains with water in front. Time to set up the first game of the year…

 

On the work bench today

 Working on-

Decided to use these Wargames Illustrated freebies above in a different way…

Kitbashing for Turnip 28- a unit of Chaff ( skirmishers) being prepared. A fun thing to do.

Old school Bavarian figures ( light infantry and line infantry) for A Portable Napoleonic Wargame.

Epiphany

 

                                                               Woodblock by David Jones

We three kings of orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain
Moor and mountain
Following yonder star

O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King for ever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising
All men raising
Worship Him, God most high

O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Myrrh is mine
It's bitter perfume breathes
A life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone cold tomb

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia
Heaven to earth replies

O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Only a paper,sorry rebel moon.

 I watched “ Rebel Moon “ this week. I was originally drawn in by the etched armour look on the weapons, armour and the robot. This sort of detail-

I liked that sort of attention to detail. The film has a Star Wars , Warhammer 40k vibe to it. Here is a wee article on it-

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/06/zack-snyder-exclusive-first-look-rebel-moon

I enjoyed the world building but wasn’t completely bowled over by the film. What do you think?

Out and about

 Popped over to Edinburgh on Thursday, a spur of the moment decision.

This fallen or shooting star looks spectacular at the entrance to the St James Quarter. Not sure if this is seasonal or permanent.

The new faux old ( ?) shops or offices which appeared here. Used to be a narrow thoroughfare. Can’t recall when the change occurred.

Still nor sure what I think of “The Apple” but on the whole it is an interesting if futuristic looking building which could inspire some table top buildings for someone.

Popped into the NMS for a wee look and inspiration for forthcoming painting. One of my old favourites.

Nice Bronze Age kit on display really liked it, again painting inspiration.

Seen en route to St Patrick’s . I have discovered a direct route from near the station by way of closes that is new to me.

St Patrick’s in the Cowgate, a beautiful building.

On bus homeward bound and noticed the rides were still working, not for me !

An enjoyable dérive in the Capital.

Hobby Plans for 2024.

 I wrote this around 07:40 on Thursday 4th January 2024. I wrote it for the Virtual Wargames Cub but am posting it here too. Already l am thinking l missed bits or need to tweak it BUT l am resisting and post it here as I first wrote it -

Morning all,

The sun has not quite risen over the Duchy yet , l have had breakfast and am sitting down to write my plans for 2024 ! This is so hard firstly because l am a butterfly when it comes to the hobby and secondly because l often get sidetracked/ enthused by others work and set off in a new direction…

Anyway here goes…

1. Paint up opponents for Ronnie’s Romans and game with WAB. Probably Silures as l like the idea of dark haired, brooding proto Welsh Druid driven.

2. Something in 54/40mm Toy Soldier like with a Ross McF vibe.

3. Sort the collection/ lead mountain out, label and organise. This needs better weather as l want to take the contents out of the shed and sort all the fresco. I want to do this in order firstly to see what I actually have and secondly to make it easier for my daughters when l die.

4. Get my Late 15th Century German army ( still on sprues or undercoated only sadly) on to the table painted. I have a deep abiding love of the Late Gothic art and culture. 

5. Contribute to the VWC in more meaningful ways than just puns and bad jokes .

6. Enjoy the hobby and have fun with it rather than it being a tyranny.

7. Do some railway modelling, indoors or outdoors or both!

Well the die is cast , we shall have to see what happens…

Cheers

Alan

P.S 8 Some sort of Charge gaming set in the Duchy of Tradgardland with diverse uniforms, enough to upset rivet counters to the Nth degree but delight the shade of the Brigadier.

Photograph

 Ronnie sent me this picture from Model World magazine in 1975 -

Brigadier Peter Young wargaming. Anyone tell us more about this photograph?