Two nil!

Well, I was going to post some photo's today, but fate has conspired against me. Nevertheless, I have the pleasure of reporting yet another win over the weekend. This being the all the more unlikely prospect of a win with a new army.

My Dwarfs were fielded for the first time yesterday, and managed to shoot an Orc and Goblin army to pieces as it tried to get into a fight with me. We didn't go through the indignity of points, but as he'd lost all but two units, whilst I still had every unit I started with, and less than 20 casualties. It was a safe bet my margin was substantial!

Good news. And, in the next few days, pictures again. I swear!

Harsh economics - are they taking you for a ride?

No wargaming for the last ten days for me, there's been and is still ongoing an awful lot of wedding/stag do/birthday party activity over these supposedly summer weekends to keep me busy. On another note, the intention to return to the Alps for at least one more season has been confirmed between me and the missus.

Nevertheless, that doesn't stop one formulating future armies; even if there is nowhere to put them. Coming very close to the completion of my Dwarfs (photo's soon I swear!) I casually pondered another army for 40k. In reality it's little more than wishful thinking, in truth if I want a 'new' army for that I should just pick up the latest army book for either my Eldar or Orks, the latter of whom are apparently now a kick ass army!

Anyway, my musings were inspired by a link to Battlefield Berlin: http://www.battlefield-berlin.de/shop/index.php?list=WG1175A German (ooh, who'd have guessed?) operation that does distinctly Teutonic SCI-FI figures, blatantly designed with 40k in mind. One army I'd occasionally fancied for 40k was Imperial Guard (twenty years ago they were my most numerous 40k figures, some 50 of them. Now all sold.) so these seemed quite interesting, offering a distinct twist on the standard fare. I casually priced up a basic platoon.

And here we reach our point, prices.

No one who reads this blog really needs telling that 'fantasy' figures are more expensive that 'historicals' do they? Well, here goes anyway, I think the extent ofd difference may be intriguing.

Having priced up the 'Berlin' figures, I went and did the same exercise for several essentially identical make ups of forces. Each went along these lines:

• Two senior officers
• A HQ squad of five figures
• Two infantry squads with support weapons, totalling twenty figures
• Three heavy weapons and crewmen

That totalled a modest 33 figures and 3 cannon/mortar type items.

The prices I came too in order of cheapest first were as follows:

1. Citadel Imperial Guard Catachan Jungle Fighters boxed set (no senior officers but two bonus war walkers) - All Plastic £50
2. Bolt Action Miniatures (40 figures in total) WW2 equivalent set up - All Metal £51.50
3. Battlefield Berlin - All Metal €117, approximately £90
4. Forgeworld (a GW sidearm) - All Resin £146

What is staggering, is that however pricey we may think 28mm historicals are these days, they are bargains when compared to the 'gouging' of fantasy gamers. The plastic Citadel models have several advantages, but compared to a prestige range of 28mm Hisrtoricals the saving of 150 pence is not one of them. By contrast metal incurs a hefty price of around £2.50 a figure; and Resin? well, I'll let you figure that one out.

This is all the more incongruous when you realise that SCI-FI and fantasy gamers considerably outnumber the Historical community of gamers. The law of supply and demand would therefore suggest the WW2 figures should be the most expensive as they cater to a specialist market with lower margins for the manufacturers. Off course if it were that simple...

Apparently other factors are at play here. Even a very small company like Fire Dragon Foundry: http://www.firedragonfoundry.co.uk/foundry_moulds.htmcan produce custom moulds for gamers or small businesses that work out to around 30p per figure (for 28mm), so for large outfits, especially a behemoth like GW that cost must be smaller still? Plastic moulding technology is a different matter, sure, it is more expensive, but it's getting cheaper every day, Rendera and their work with The Perry’s and Warlord Games highlight that. No, it seems that Fantasy figure companies can apply their own rules, and more especially believe in the Inelastic Supply model of economics applying to their business: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/inelastic.asp

At the other end of the scale, sculptors working for historical companies get paid a pittance (I should know, I been paid that pittance many times for vehicle masters). And most Historical figure company owners are either hobbyists, or making at best a modest living out of the hobby, only the big players are really coining it in, and they still don't need to charge silly money.

How long will that last though?

I will not presently be starting an Imperial Guard army, it seems.

101 and 105

Last post was my hundredth post, and it passed by without a mention; by me at least, I doubt anyone else would have noticed. The fact I can count my hits in thousands is gratifying, especially as for some unknown reason, that figure seemed to double whilst I was out of the loop; how many readers that boils down to is anyone's guess, but there must be a handful, so thanks for that too! 100 posts was a milestone I'd meant to celebrate, however, as it actually represents effort on my part; so hooray for me.

So what of the 105 then? Well you may guess that relates to the painting factory that is the corner of my lounge. Although I have effected my ratio by buying 9 more figures from eBay. I nevertheless manged in my first month of painting to turn out 105 finished models, mostly Dwarfs for my new army. The aim is to have a 2000pt legal force completed by mid July, presently I guess I've got around 1800 points, and need just one more big unit and a couple of characters to finish it up to that level.

Personally it's enthusiasm taken to extremes for me. I'm fairly sure I'm spending too much time painting in favour of other things I need to get done right now. But at least as far as the painting pledge is concerned, I'll have a substantial buffer built up!

One in a row!

Well, practicalities, or lack thereof at home mean I still can't bring photo's to the blog; and I'll admit this has caused the article rate to slow down significantly. I hope my readers are patient enough to stick with me on that count and weather the process of resolving it.

Nonetheless, gaming goes on, and last night was a significant first for the year for me. I won a game.

Now competitiveness should not in my opinion be the sole raison d'etre for wargaming. I have been following with interest on this a bitter and and at times way off the point discussion on Warhammer.org about essentially whether Warhammer is a game or a hobby: or to be more precise whether it is pushing toy soldiers around for fun, or in some peoples opinions tantamount to a sport. I'm firmly in the school that you should be able to enjoy the game regardless of the result; and yet, we all like to be winners sometimes. Regular readers will recall my extended losing streak last year, well over twelve games in a row; though that is not to say I played 12 games I wished I hadn't bothered with in a row! Anyway, this year started badly so to speak, after my 5 month sabbatical from work and gaming I proceeded to lose five more games. Before finally overturning the trend last night.

Now without wanting to take anything away from either my victory or my opponent, it was against my old adversary Chris; so I had a good idea what to expect tactically from him. It was a modest sized game of 40k, with me fielding essentially this force:

Epistolary Librarian
Chaplain in Terminator armour with 5 Terminator guard
6 Tactical marines
6 Tactical marines
6 Scouts
6 Devastators with 2 plasma cannons
1 Assault configured Dreadnought

Now consider that this was the same army I had used two weeks previously at the Leeds Night Owls, and had it served to me on a plate; so I wasn't expecting much. Conversely Chris went with what I thought looked a surprising Blood Angels force.

Chaplain with 5 Death Company
10 Assault marines
10 Assault marines
10 scouts with a mixture of weapons
5 scouts with sniper rifles
2 Land speeders

The terrain setup randomised itself into a fairly even table with three major features in each flank and a field complex in the centre. However for both side the central deployment areas were devoid of cover, thus forcing both of us to split our forces. The recon mission implied advancing as critical, but fearing his mobility I deployed to cover and set up a gun line, I'd rely on my Terminators teleporting in to seize ground. Strangely Chris deployed several of his units in exposed positions, notably one unit of assault marines and the land speeders. It was a costly gamble on winning imitative I guess, however I won that and proceeded to put withering fire down on to them. One speeder destroyed, one disarmed and four Assault marines, two scouts and a Death Company trooper bit it in the first volley.

Chris withdrew!

That came as something of a surprise, and on my second turn left me with little in the way of targets. The scouts as a result got another pasting, along with the Death company. Chris rallied and seemed to realise that he wasn't going to win a shooting match; but the withdrawal had cost him vital time and inertia. In my third turn the Terminators arrived, and proceeded to put to a fiery death Chris' scouts. My troops were brave enough behind them to advance a little, whilst the Dread made leftovers out of more Death company. On my right flank the enemy Assault marines reached the Devastators, starting a long grinding match. But on my left their charge fell short, leaving them hanging out to dry.

The terminators, one squad of marines and my Librarian all advanced on the Assault team on my left but my combined shooting was enough to force them to withdraw, in other close combats, Chris' chaplain was squashed by my Dread, but he addition of my scouts to the melee on my right could only delay the inevitable there.

However, Chris' forces elsewhere were blown and in general disarray. The last of the death company died, and pursuing fire eliminated the other assault team. At game end Chris only had 1 marine and a badly damaged Speeder left; I'd lost just thirteen men.

So a win, mainly I feel due to the polar opposites of the forces working in my favour on this occasion, and the admitted tactical gaffes of my opponent. But a win none the less. Chris had hoped to scout me out whilst assault squads picked off my mainly defensive troops, but sheer firepower held him back. His was a light mobile force, that simply couldn't handle several key aspects of mine after losing the big guns on its' Speeders.

Elsewhere the club was ticking along with most members involved in an aerial combat game, but with an Ancients game and a medievals game (using the new Fields of Glory rules) underway. After this I felt more positive about the Wednesday club, and feel that in combination with the Night Owls on a Sunday, may make for a reasonable diversion whilst I'm in the UK.

Taking the Pledge

What wargamer doesn't buy more models than he paints I ask you? The smart wargamer does!


Now, am I a smart wargamer? Well probably not in the past, but last year I certainly restrained myself on the model buying front to some extent. As from the end of July I knew I was going abroad for six months, and had to put my life into storage. Nevertheless I bought several hundred plastic Samurai, not to mention various 28mm figures. Even with my best efforts I doubt I out-painted that lot. I ended up with less models mainly as a consequence of selling a number of them.


Now this year I return to gaming and find a "painting pledge" running on one of my favoured forums. The idea is simple, aim to paint one figure for every one you buy. Well I have plenty of unpainted lead and plastic awaiting my attention so it seemed like the right time to start.


As it happens I have bought all of 3 figures this year, which is perhaps a bad start, as it only adds to the pile; but one of the first things I did on moving house was set up a small portable painting desk in a corner of the living room - one that could be put away each night so as not to be an eyesore. As ever, putting it within sight of the TV and the wife(!) ensures I can paint when I feel like it without being accused of being antisocial; a key factor to high output. The next thing was, for both painting an gaming sake, to retrieve a selection of armies from my brother's loft.


That achieved I could at the start of June get down to painting. To date I've finished 44 figures.


Not bad going, eh.


I started small with the free Roman Legionary from Wargames Illustrated. A fine little chap that only needed a few colours to do. I backed this up with a unit of 25/28mm Frankish cavalry for my Ottonians. 8 of the chaps. Now these did not prove all that satisfying, although they finished up nicely enough, the mixture of dull, randomised shades of browns, reds and greys, finished off with a grim looking black wash was, whilst undeniably authentic looking; ugly.

I wanted to do pretty and dare one say slightly cartoonish. So there was only one thing for it. Out with the Dwarfs.

Yes, the damn things had taken up space that could have been more sensibly invested in a few more clothes when I took them to France. But now they really could get themselves painted and earn their keep. To date two units, totalling 35 of them are completed, using a three layer highlighting process, uniforms (with a slight Marlburian hint about them) and autumn themed bases. Photo’s as proof when I have them. The plastic Dwarfs are a breeze to paint too; detail is easy to pick out whilst surfaces are otherwise pleasingly clean.

So for this month so far I am 44 for 3; which represents good odds, moreover another unit is on the table, and if I can maintain the pace, I could have and entire 2000 point Dwarf army ready in around 6 weeks. Which when you only have a handful of armies to hand, is no bad thing!

Here’s to keeping my pledge.

Where am I going now?

Well, I'm now back in 'Glorious' Bradford; and once again find myself hunting for a wargame club to help pass the time. Harrogate sadly proved to be just too far away from my new, five star executive rabbit hutch of an apartment; on the opposite side of town. It's a shame as I really liked the atmosphere at their club but a one hour drive each way is unacceptable for me.

So the next option was Leeds; my old haunt being first stop. Now this highlighted a regular problem with the club, there were three games going on, but none appealed (Gulf war insurgency game, DBA Doubles and some old GW boardgame). Secondly it was hard to arrange anything I would like; I find the players can be a little indifferent to the idea of actually playing a game, with figures, to a conclusion. I don't mean to sound critical, but after the six months I've been away, and knowing I may well go again at the drop of a hat; when I'm in Britain now I want to be actually gaming, not just talking about games, or the rugby or Indiana Jones or...

With that in mind I took a chance on yet another Leeds club, just up the road from my old one; who I hasten to add I will still be a regular (if less frequent) visitor to. This one being the Leeds Nightowls; an ostensibly fantasy gaming community, with a growing slice of historical gamers.

Remarkably, I was able to arrange a game on my first visit; thanks to the club's natty web forum. My game was a Historical WW2 match up using Westwind's Secrets of the Third Reich rules (more on these in a later post, when I can get photo's up). And an enjoyable experience it was too. Enough that I arranged a second game for their Sunday session. Where I was able to get a decent little chat with some of the clubs historical gamers too.

Two of the best points in favour of the place are that it is busy (both sessions had at least six games going on and a good twenty or more in attendance); and has a 'You bring it and we'll play it' attitude to games.

Still, at a thirty five minute drive each way, it's still not ideal; though certainly pretty good. My last option is the Halifax club, the Pennine Raiders. Now I don't know anything about these guys, except that their big on Fantasy gaming and about fifteen minutes from my door. The problem is they clash with the other club nights. So; do you go with what you know, and endure the cost and stress of the longer drives? Or try somewhere new?...

Choices, choices; as they say.

In other news; The internet is still very much an unknown land at home, so no photo's as yet; by the time I get to those there'll be lots to post that I'm sure of. So please, stick around!

Hallelujah! Plastic comes to 28mm

Whilst I was away, what I have been long hoping for has finally begun to happen. Plastic figures for historical wargaming, and in the traditional 25-28mm scale have finally begun to appear on the market.

First off the line appear to be the Perry twins, with a pair of packs providing American Civil War infantry and Cavalry. The castings, as you can see below are classic Perry sculpts, with all the informed design of modern fantasy range's plastic mouldings.

I have to say, that as a subject, it is not one with a huge apppeal for me, but apparently in the near future, Napoleonics are due to arrive; which could be more tempting. At £12 for 36 infantry, or 12 cavalry, these are about 1/3rd the going rate for high end metal castings; a great price!

Elsewhere, two companies are launching into the ancients field. The first to come to my attention was Warlord Games, who are starting with Imperial Roman Legionaries.

The castings are again crisp, and this may have something to do with the company involed in manufacturing - Renedra Ltd, who cut their teeth on old Matchbox kits and large amounts of Games Workshop plastics. At £17 for a pack of thirty these are pricier, but still represent good value.

Lastly, an American company called Wargames Factory is entering the field. In partnership with Slitherine Games and Osprey books, as part of a major attempt to either popularise or conquer the figure gaming genre with history buffs. They are kicking off with Caesarian Romans and Celtic tribesmen.

Fot my money, these figures aren't as crisp as the British models, but they seem very dynamic, and the value is extraordinary: $30 for 48 figures. That realistically will mean £20 in the UK, maybe even a bit more, but is still less than 50p per figure.

Wargames Factory, also claim to be doing figures for the Hundred Years Wars next, amongst other things.

Right now, may not be the cheapest time to buy plastic figures, but it's still a whole lot cheaper than metal. Not to mention lighter and easier to work with. I applaud these efforts, and can't wait for a flimsy excuse to buy a pack or two.

It's about time some one did this, and I for one think three companies having the same idea at the same time is only a good thing. Hurrah!

Roman glories and castles

So, the last few days of my time in Europe. We recently road tripped to Rimini in Italy. A beautiful city with a great beach , some cool bars and a lot of history.

Obviously there was plenty of Roman history in the city. Mostly of the Imperial period, when Octavian, Trajan and Augustus all supported the city at various times. The city gate in particular is a massive construction; so large in fact that at the time the gates could not be barred by conventional means.

The brick work is the later medieval walls. Impressive. Below is a statue of Octavian himself, I doubt from its' excellent preservation it is a Roman statue though!

There was also time to go to San Marino, Europes' third smallest state. It is home to the most tacky shops and is in particular the place to go if you want to buy [not always replica] guns, sword, chainmail or crossbows. Alongside knock off Italian hand bags and cheap perfume. San Marino has a defensive military tradition and operates a small number of regular units; here being one of the city guards, doing what his title implies...

The fortifications themselves are spectacular, standing on an inaccessible rock some 750m above sea level.
Inside one of the towers is a fine collection of late medieval weapons and firearms, worth the 3€ entry fee on their own, my favourite was the twelve shot twin-barreled revolver; where each barrel was also part of the handle when using the other barrel. Strange.

Elsewhere the English run torture museum was worth a look, if a little creepy. All in all if you like castles; San Marino is a place to go.

Thoughts of returning...

So I've been very quiet for the last four months, not unsurprisingly; seeing as I've been enjoying these sorts of views:

Almost 70 days snowboarding, and to be honest, an awful lot of beer.

However, the season now has less than a month to run, and I'm six weeks from my return to work and mundanity. What to do?

Well, obviously, once I'm all settled, I can return to my summer occupations - avoiding the sun and wargaming. Loose plans at the minute would be to expand my Spartans and finish my ECW armies. I'm unlikely to be able to set up a home table on this occaision though, so gaming will be at my local clubs, hopefully the same ones as before.

As for the intention over the season to paint up a Warhammer Dwarf army; well that was a non starter, they stayed in the box all season, aside from two half finished elven Mages, I've not done a thing all winter.

Can't do everything can you!

En Advance

Well surprisingly I have something to report.


Been in France for a little over five days now, and with only training and a limited amount of work at present a lot of time has had to be devoted to video games and books. As far as reading goes it has been "May on Motors" by the bloke off Top Gear. As for gaming, well lets say that in an extreme sports operation, strategy games are limited to football and golf. Never the less, before leaving Blighty we packed up the Gameboy Advance (previously used solely for Tetris, in something not entirely dissimilar to colour).

However, one of our last nights in England was spent at a friends and discussions naturally got around to what we were taking with us; the gameboy was mentioned. Before I knew it I'd been given free range over his dusty GBA collection, which included this little gem:


I must admit there has been rather a lot of it in the last couple of days.

Basically, what you have here is a wargame, with limited role-playing aspects. The game mainly operates in a map mode, with cute little vehicles moving around a cute little region.

All this is managed with only four buttons and the minimum of menus. When forces are engaged there is a pretty little cut scene to show the actual fight, though by that stage the result is already largely determined and you can't then influence it any further.

There is a campaign mode that slowly is introducing new features to the battles, and there seems to be any number of scenario building and training modes.

Ok. It's not rocket science, but it is easy to pick up, highly portable; and a lot of fun. If you or (more likely) your kids have a Gameboy Advance knocking around, and you have time in the commute to kill or similar, you could do worse than using a copy of this to entertain you.

It's certainly filling in my gaming buzz, until I get my painting space back again.