I believe that is called al fresco, with apologies to Lily Allen

 Heatwave here in the Duchy and took the hobby and the Test Match outdoors-

The aforementioned Airfix 1/32 Japanese found recently.

Cheap paint and big brush begins the A7’s transformation.

Garden table works well as al fresco workbench to set up vice to hold the figures still for removal of heads and drilling into body ready to fit a new head.

Thirsty work this conversion business. Having misplaced the drill l have been making the holes with shap ended pliers.

Metal heads from the spares box fitted and figures added to mdf bases. In a recently purchased Osprey there is a photo of a Hungarian in a battered scout hat. I have used this as inspiration for the conversions along with alpini type heads.

Moving the A7 forward…

Later yesterday I had occasion to go for a meal into Edinburgh-

It was lovely to see the Princes Street Bandstand full of performers singing, dancing and doing gymnastics. . I watched from the street for some time , no idea who they were but they were excellent.

One browse in Waterstones and super Italian meal later l returned home on a rather hot and busy train. Another couple of days and the heatwave is due to subside, that suits me fine.

Arrivals

 

The long anticipated parcel arrived today.

Its arrival caused great excitement amongst the toy soldiers in the Duchy.

The Army Red White General instructed his troops to send the news by means of carrier pigeon.

Various troops wander about in amazement. An officer has drawn his sword ready to tackle the sellotape.

The contents are finally unveiled, three A7 tanks.

The tanks are given an inspection inside and out.

A lick of paint and these will be ready for an alfresco battle…

Unknown Soldier

 Following the advice of Nundanket and Roger l sought out the Finnish film “ Unknown Soldier” on you tube.

The version I found was three hours long with English subtitles. It is beautifully filmed and very moving. I felt a lot of cultural references were going over my head but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the film. It has left me with a desire to read more about the Continuation War . I would thoroughly recommend the film. I was pleased to read elsewhere that the director has a new film about the Lapland War premiering in 2026, one to look out for.

On the weekend and after

 

Yesterday saw me engaging with “ The Finnish Front” a 1941-42 Continuation War game from Strategy and Tactics. 

Punching out counters and getting to grips with it prior to a proper game next week.

Enjoying reading and drinking coffee in the garden. Note magical shed in background where things emerge from hobby wise having not seen the light of day for years…

The ragged, unkempt garden look which charms me and horrifies my middle daughter. Regardless of its state the garden brings me joy and the urge at times to tame it a tad.

An old friend from 1993 recently which surfaced from the libary shelves. I remain fascinated by the background, lore and the line drawings in particular.

Sunday saw me catching up with family at Prost https://www.abbothouse.org/coffee-shop/ in the gardens of Abbots house until a sudden deluge had everyone retreating in for cover.

Invasion!

 It is three days since the French army landed in England. After initial delays and setbacks the French now appear to have the upper hand. A small group of British troops attempt to stop the French advance here at Hooks Lane Farm…

The view from Hooks Lane Farm and the British position.

Senior officers convey the importance of making a stand here.

Lining the hedges the British wait for the enemy to advance.

They are in the trees , they are coming!

View from the French position near Hooks Lane Farm and from within the woods.

A swift flies by and briefly sees what is going on below…

The farmhouse and barn are heavily defended.

I was encouraged to finally get a game on my table by this post-

https://gameofmonth.blogspot.com/2025/07/welcome-to-faraway-may-i-see-your.html#comment-form

Ross captures the toy soldier battle vibe so well. So yesterday l cleared the table and set up the game it will be played over the coming days maybe with these rules maybe not-

I noticed l had a number of these empty boxes-

They are what I use to make my toy soldier buildings and are what the house and barn above are made from. So perhaps some scenery making/painting in the coming week. The forecast is good and it is an ideal job for doing alfresco…

Game

 This is one of my father’s game from his youth. I played it against him when l was a boy but remember nothing of it. Does anyone recognise it? 

I will probably try it solo over the coming weeks…

Trying

 I am trying to finish the 1470s German project but with little success. I have rewatched these videos to enthuse me.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B_9BIwyJwuI

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cnfNRaZRQLE&pp=ygUOI2ZlbGRsYWdlcjIwMjPSBwkJ_ACjtWo3m0M%3D

It is working , reminding me why l love this period and place so much but also distracts me into trying to source civilians , tents and camp items too. I will get there ! I will!

Anyway enjoy the videos.