St Lucia

 Happy St Lucia day to all our readers!

Stamp design by John Bauer, one of my favourite artists. See here-

http://www.johnbauersmuseum.nu/diverse/english.html

Also St Lucy customs-

https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-st-lucias-day

Game on

 Looking out the rules and figures for a game later in the week. Old school fun awaits…

Sunday wander

 Yesterday saw me in Edinburgh en route for church. We are moving to another building in the new year so I decided to walk for the last time but by a different route. Here are the photos recording the wee walk-

Sustenance taken at Cairngorm coffee where I got off the bus.

Under this hotel was the Caley station my father used to go to and from work on. I believe it was a seven minute journey to and from Slateford. More info here-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx01cDVV3P0

Up Lothian road past the Usher Hall. I liked the 18th century hairstyles on this poster.

Through this gate into the Meadows…

Across the Meadows looking towards Arthur’s seat.

Construction work going on with the above interesting signage on the hoardings round the site.

The Sick Kids hospital ( now moved out from the centre of town to a new site and buildings) being demolished and transformed to become expensive housing. 

Finally arriving at St Columba’s. An enjoyable walk prior to torrential rain coming in later in the day.

A day out

 The snow and ice of last weekend has been replaced by rain , often very heavy indeed. Yesterday I had just over an hour on the bus to go to this-

Once in Cupar I had to walk a little through the town to the venue. I saw that the river had burst its banks , due to the rain-

This was evident too from the bus where some pasture was under water..

This is the second show of the year here. The summer one takes over two floors but this was smaller. Smaller but interesting. One thing I like about model railway shows is the useful programme you are given on entry with a wee bit about each layout and the traders too. Now for the pics-

A general view of upstairs at the Corn Exchange.

A layout set in Switzerland with impressive overhead wires not to mention the train.

I really liked the winter terrain and mountains complete with rock climbers.

An interesting micro layout , with a pizza box one off camera. 

Canadian setting next with those big engines which typify the place for me.

A big scale train set up on the stage for the young and young at heart.

Another view of the stage layout, great fun.

Finally a company making beautiful trees.

All in all an enjoyable trip full of inspiration as ever. 

 

New rules two and some Medieval Football characters.

 Yesterday we convened at my friend's house to further our exploration of the new ACW rules from Osprey. We liked them and continue to like them. 

The turn sequence is becoming familiar and the factors are being carried in our heads already.

The next step, hopefully prior to Christmas, is to add in some of the advanced rules which add flavour and depth.

We will look at the melee rules also next time too.  I have just posted a few pictures from the game as one of my readers wanted to see a little more of the troops belonging to my friend.

An enjoyable game can be had with these rules and I look forward to using them in the coming year. For me the focus as brigade commander rather than regimental commander is very interesting as well as new.

Real life being busy means that the forthcoming medieval football game may have to wait a few days to play but it will certainly be worth it. Here is a photo of the referee King Noggin, his son Prince Knut who supports Team Red Lion and his Uncle  ( Knut’s Great Uncle) Nogbad the Bad who supports Team Green Man.

I fear that Nogbad the Bad may become more involved than being just a spectator. He has offered himself as coach and has a few dirty tricks up his sleeve. As a result of these rumours Prince Knut has given his time , energy and patronage to the Red Lion Team. Poor Noggin, stuck in the middle, referee for the forthcoming Yule Match , has been practicing blowing his golden referee’s whistle as well as reading the rules book. Sadly the “rules book” is just a few runes scribbled on a beer mat that time and ale have nearly obliterated. Noggin sighs as he contemplates the chaos to come…

Medieval football in 28mm

 Finished the figures last night. I am pleased how they turned out.

The team from The Red Lion Inn , playing in red, having a kick about…

The team from The Green Man Inn , playing in green, standing having a team portrait painted.

Each team has three star players- a kicking expert ( denoted by bare foot on figure) a goal keeper ( in antiquated armour, helmet and leather gloves) plus a fast runner/ ball carrier ( denoted by running figure) 

Hopefully l will have time to give the rules a try later today-

What l am listening to this morning-

Northlands on the painting table…

 Working on these currently-