Conversion

Inspired by this image from the "Draughtsman's Contract"

(which still remains one of my favourite films) I have begun a model of Duke Aeneas of Tradgardland .

I started with this Front Rank fellow-

and set to work with Milliput upon his wig , resulting in the conversion below-

I intend to work on painting him come the weekend. Incidentally Duke Aeneas ruled 1684-1700.I hope to share more about his reign later. 

Why etc?

I've been looking at late 17th century rules of late and came across these-
http://leagueofaugsburg.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/donnybrook.html
What is the point of the cover illustration?What message does it give the non- wargaming public?Why do we need a scantily clad female? What do you think?
As for me I think I'll stick to my old Partizan press well loved and battered ECW ones...

A busy Duchy...

A busy day in the Duchy of Tradgardland : the shepherdess drives the sheep to the pastures and wood is gathered by servants  for the palace kitchen...

                                                            Yet all is not as it seems...

We have been to the Desolation...

Well that's the four of us back from the film.Verdict? We all enjoyed it but  with a few reservations.It was a tad too long,not sure about goblins and elves fighting in Laketown and not entirely sure of Tauriel having been added.Although she was better than I had imagined as a character.I must go back to the book and compare and contrast...
What did you think ?

12th Night

Time has accelerated in the last few days towards my return to work.We have had an enjoyable time including walks and coffee out.Yesterday the post man delivered this second hand book-

It is an architectural history of glass houses filled with fascinating facts and inspiring drawings.I would like to add an orangery to the Duchy of Tradgardland.I have found some illustrations that give the feel of what I wish to do-

With doing the necessities of life too there has been brief periods only to start construction.My first card effort was ugly and too big. I will start again soon.A few 18th century civilians are proceeding including Duke Demtri of the Grand Duchy of Nikolai. Some figure to work in the orangery are being painted too.I am still deciding how to depict the trees.Railway scenery can be so expensive so do you have any ideas?

Today I have finally found a time to go to see The Desolation of  Smaug.Tickets bought we await it with keen anticipation...

Style

"There is much to be celebrated in the gardening style prevalent in the Duchy of Tradgardland sir,yet much that is dowdy and lamentably Dutch..."
"I hear that the Duke favours others these days even over that scoundrel De Groot.Dull he may be but he knows his canals if nothing else..."
"My brother in law once spied a nymph rising from the canal covered  in weeds.Other say is was the Duke's daughter having slipped upon a pear..."
" Duke Demtri struts around in furs I have it on good authority from my kitchen boy's mother. Some say he is more bear than man..."

18th Century Plans

The New Year has begun and I begin with some plans for 18th century gaming this year-

1. I bought these rules in July 2012 and to my shame I have not used them yet.I have based figures and browsed through the rules but no more. I want to learn to play them and use them for solo( Ny Tradgardland based games) and two player games.My regular opponent and I have decided to make this our focus so we will see...
2. Paint the Galloping Major rangers I have on order and finish any other F & I war figures lying about.
3. Re base consistently my 18th century collection- Umstrittental,Tradgardland and the Imperium.Some are on penny sized bases,others on 20/25mm one.I want them all on the same size and possibly organised via movement trays.Once unified they will take the field together for bigger games and petite guerre ones also.
4. Lastly to continue to paint my 18th century civilians and use them around games and vignettes set in the gardens,orangeries and estates of the Duchy of Tradgardland.

So I have thrown down the gauntlet to myself.All that remains is to go for it...