Saxon Dog

Otterburn 1388 Flags

2012-01-29T12:47:00.000-08:00

Iain from Flags of War has started to create a range of flags to complement our Medieval Scots range of figures. The first release will be a set of flags covering the main Scottish Commanders at Otterburn 1388.

Update for Claymore Castings.

2012-01-25T00:06:00.000-08:00

Andrew and I have been amazed and pleased at the response to the news of our planned range of figures.

Dave Thomas will be carrying this range of figures at the UK shows. There will be a website for online and overseas customers.

If you have any questions you can contact us via e-mail at… davidimrie2@hotmail.com

We are working on a pack of Archers and Standards to compliment the first release.

Medieval Scots Range of Figures

2012-01-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

Andrew Taylor and I have been planning a range of 28mm Medieval Scots for almost two years. We have now decided to show the progress. Here are a few images of what has been sculpted so far. We hope to have these ready for release at Salute 2012. Sculpted by the talented Paul Hicks.

The Command

The first release will be a set of Scots spearmen that formed the bulk of the forces that fought at Otterburn 1388 and Hambleton Hill 1402.

Scots Spear 1

Scots Spear 2

These figures could also be used in other nation’s armies of the period or earlier battles.

Scots Spear 3

These spearmen would form up in a Schiltron type formation, bristling with12-14ft long spears. The Command set has been designed to lead this formation from the front.

Andrew and I have big plans to add archers, English spear and character packs in the future.

Watch this space!

RUSSIAN CUIRASSIERS 1808-1815

2012-01-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

Painted for my collection by Chris based by myself for 'Republic to Empire'. The figures are all Foundry. The flag is by GMB.

Prussian Regiment

2012-01-15T13:15:00.000-08:00

The finished 10th Regiment. Painted by Chris Meacham for my collection and based by myself.

A rather nice WWII game

2012-01-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

Some images of the WWII game Pat Connor and I had at his house last week. We set up a Germans Vs American Paras disposable heroes game.

The Saga Continues...

2011-12-30T03:47:00.000-08:00

I have added a couple of figures to my Saga collection over the holidays. I'll take more images soon.
The Viking hall was painted by Andrew Taylor for my collection.

New Toys

2011-12-30T03:08:00.000-08:00

Santa gave me a new Roman Fort made by Paul Darnell. You can see more images of this fort and some new Romans I have painted over at the 'Last of the free blog'.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T04:24:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to all who follow my blog. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year!

Dutch Gard te Voet

2011-12-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

I have painted up this Warfare Miniatures figure as a test. I added a sprig of green to the Guardsman's hat. I'll be doing three very large units of these troops for the "League of Augsburg" demo game at 1st Partizan. Not wanting to give too much away...Oldbridge!

I also cant wait to get my hands on these chaps...

1st Silesian Regiment

2011-12-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

Painted for my collection by Chris Meacham and based for R2E by myself. 10th (1st Silesian) Regiment 1st and 2bns. Chris is painting up the Fusiliers needed to complete the full Regiment.

And even more WWII

2011-12-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

I'm making some coastal terrain for this game and will post images soon.

And some more WWII

2011-12-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

British advancing

Panzergrenadier Platoon

Disposable Heroes: Point Blank

I have just placed my order for these rules. It's squad level 8-12 figures and I'm looking forward to seeing how they play.

More WWII

2011-12-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

The wife is out tonight and I have set up some terrain for another photo shoot. I'll post more images as I take them.

US Paratrooper Platoon: 1x Platoon Command, 3x Paratrooper Squads (One as Pathfinders), 1x60mm Mortar Squad and Company Support HMG team.

Commandos coming under fire from flanking pillboxes.

Disposable Heroes

2011-12-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

US Pathfinders

Sword Beach.

Some images from the WWII 'Disposable Heroes', demo game that Andrew Taylor and I are planning for next year.

Regii, Auxilium Palatinum

2011-11-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

Regii, Auxilium Palatinum. The bases are 120mm by 60mm.

PYRRHIC LIST

2011-11-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have been looking at the Beta list for the Pyrrhic army for Impetus and I'm now thinking about putting together a 300pt army. I'm not going to give myself a time limit on this project as I want to take my time.
I like the idea of this army because of all the troop types you can have...Galatians,Oscan Foot,Cretans,Tarantine etc... I'll also find a way to Allie some of the Republican Roman units I have.

Here is my new project (wish list) for 2012...
Samurai (Impetus).
Pyrrhic (Impetus).
Middle Imperial Roman (Impetus).
Athenian (Impetus).

I'll still add to my 2011 projects...
ECW 28mm.
1812 Russians (R2E).
1815 French (R2E).
Goths (Impetus).
Late Roman/Arthurian (Impetus).
Imperial Roman (Skirmish).
Republican Roman (Impetus).
Crusaders (Impetus).

Pyrrhic Elephant

2011-11-22T09:05:00.000-08:00

3O2 Followers... I would like to thank everyone who looks at my blog!

Some Images of my 1st Pyrrhic Elephant.

Pyrrhic War

2011-11-05T02:30:00.000-07:00

My order from Aventine Miniatures came this week and I have to say these figures are wonderful!
Here is my first painted one the standard bearer for the Pyrhic Elephant crew I'm painting up.
The shield is a LBM Studios transfer and the the standard is one painted over.

A Lybian Skirmisher WIP

Goth Medium Cavalry

2011-11-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

Here are WIP images of the next set of Goth cavalry. Painted for my collection by Andrew Taylor.

Goth Noble Cavalry

2011-11-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

The latest base.

As two Impetus bases.

Ian Carter's Clan

2011-10-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

Some images of Ian's Clan from the Samurai game.

Ian sent me a summary about the head of his chosen clan as summarised fromm the Samurai archives and some other sources he found...

Ishida Mitsunari (1560 to 1600) who was the son of Ishida Masatsugu and was born at Ishida in Ômi Province. He was recruited intoHashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi's service around 1578, in part due to his cultural acuity.

He accumulated a fief of some 200,000 koku and was given Sawayama Castle in Ômi. He became distrusted and disliked by many, in part due to his 'civilian' nature and in part to the power he wielded within the Toyotomi goverment. He issued numerous orders in Hideyoshi's name and often acted as Hideyoshi's representative. He was dispatched to Korea during the second campaign there in 1597 as Inspector of Forces.

In 1598 Mitsunari was named one of the Five Commisoners (go-bugyo) responsible with maintaining the civil affairs of the realm while Hideyori came of age. He was out-spoken and at times tactless, but held enough support to challenge Tokugawa Ieyasu, the most powerful of the Regents.

He argued - with some cause - that Ieyasu was undermining both the legacy of the late Taikô and his final wishes. Mistunari went so far as to attempt the assassination of Ieyasu in 1599, and narrowly avoided his own death at the hands of several Tokugawa loyalists (thanks, ironically and mysteriously, to help from Ieyasu himself).

The following year, after gaining the support of three of the Regents (Môri Terumoto, Uesugi Kagekatsu, and Ukita Hideie), Mitsunari rallied a host of daimyô (predominantly from the western provinces) against Ieyasu.

He was the de-facto commander in chief of the Loyalist forces (Western forces) during the Sekigehara campaign culminating in th defeat of the Western forces at the battle of Sekigihara on the 21st October 1600.

A few days after the battle Mitsunari himself was taken to the Rokujôgahara execution grounds in Kyoto and was beheaded along with Ankokuji Ekei and Konishi Yukinaga.

Cheers

Ian

Mori Clan by John Glass.

2011-10-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some images of John's Mori Clan. One of the best inspirations on the table top that I have seen in recent years! John has also written a few words about his Clan (see below)...

When looking around for a Samurai clan to paint up for the recent AB1 weekend, I wanted to field a major clan that wouldn't cause me too many problems

with both sashimono and nobori mons (I'm for ever looking for that easy option!) I settled on the Mori as my main clan (plain red sashimono and the odd white circle), with both Kikkawa and Ikko Ikki allies (all for use with Gleaming Katanas, an amendment for the Black Powder rule set) I painted up enough troops for the weekend, and put a mix of all three clans on the table for a variety of troop type.

I also wanted to to depict my Samurai fighting in a much more open, looser if you like, style: this was easier when the group I game with decided to adopt the Impetus-style of basing. Most of the bases are little vignettes, each telling a story. Yes, it's sad, but it meant I could pick and choose from the wonderful range of Perry Samurai figures that fitted into each scene, and of course it was less to paint (I said I was lazy!) There are also a few Dixon Monks and Ronin in there too, and if you're careful, they mix well enough with the Perry Samurai figures.

Most folk on seeing the army have been very complimentary about the basing style I adopted, so here are a few words on that:

once the figures were painted, they were arranged on the base, fiddled with to get the right balance, and then fixed down with Evostick. One this was dry, I covered the each base and just a little of the surrounding are with quick-drying Polyfilla. Puddles of fine sand and smallish stones were then glued down before the whole lot got a basecoat of GW Graveyard Earth. This was then heavily drybrushed with GW Desert Yellow, followed by another fairly heavy drybrush with Model Color (Vallejo) Pale Sand. A final flick over with pure white completed the groundwork. The static grass is then applied to the barren areas: this is a mix of GW

and Jarvis (I think?) Tufts are courtesy of MiniNatur, with 737-32-S Calcareous summer tufts being used.

The larger grey rocks are Yorkshire slate, acquired(?) on a recent holiday to that area. The were basecoated with GW Shadow Grey drybrushed with GW Fortress Grey with a final flick over with pure white.

I have really enjoyed painting up the army, and needless to say it's not completed yet, but I'm keen to progress on to the Ikko Ikki elements now that the AB1 weekend has come and gone.

Many thanks to Dave for taking the time to photograph my figures, it's really rather flattering to be in the company of so many great figure painters.

John.

Goth Cavalry

2011-10-22T05:51:00.000-07:00

I decided to paint a few more figures to my Gothic Cavalry unit and re-base them. I think the extra work has been worth it !

Brian Phillips, Ii Clan.

2011-10-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

Brian on his Clan...
I wanted to paint a Clan that was quite famous, the Ii Clan was one of the Tokugawa's most successful warrior clans in the late 1500s to early 1600s. Their ferocity and the distinct red armour earned them the name of "The Red Devils". To get the red I wanted for the armour, helmets and Jingasas I used Vallejo colours, base coat of 033, mid-tone 030 and a highlight of Scarlet 026. The cloths were painted in greys, browns and canvas tones. The War banner, Noboris and Sashimonos designs were all hand painted. I hope you like the photographs that David has taken maybe you will start your own Ii Clan.

Day Two-Too much Sake

2011-10-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

The battle for the defence of Osaka

Jim's Daimyo

After a hard fight the Castle fell. It didn't help that our overall General rolled a double six on the command phase, then proceeded to roll a one (anything but a one!) resulting in his defection to the other side, taking his clan with him! Thanks Donald!

End of day one

2011-10-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

One of Jack's four clans.

The Imperialists have one in the north and the Western army took the day in the south. Tomorrow we fight the siege of Osaka castle.

More Samurai Clans

2011-10-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Brian's Clan

Ian's Mounted Samurai ( Before he rolled a double one and ran off the table).

Osaka

2011-10-15T03:25:00.000-07:00

My Clan advance..

John's Clan

Jim's Clan

The Western army make first moves.

Samurai Weekender

2011-10-15T02:36:00.000-07:00

Day One: The set up

Anglo-Danish

2011-10-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the start of my Anglo Danish force for the "Saga" rules. I have played "Saga" three or four times at the SESW Club and I have to say...I'm hooked! So far I have painted three points worth of figures. I'll need six for games at the club.

Kikkawa Clan

2011-10-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

Next weekend sees the AB1 Group return to the Lundin Links Hotel for another weekend of wargaming. This time it is Samurai. Here are a couple of images of my speed painted Samurai. I have chosen the Kikkawa clan. I'll take images of the game as it progresses and post them on Saturday.

More Impetus Late Romans

2011-09-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Figures are by Musketeer Miniatures, the shields are LBM transfers, figures painted and based by myself.
I still need to add the unit standard.

Allied Legion

2011-09-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

Painted for my collection by Pat Connor, based by myself.

1st Silesia Infantry Regiment

2011-09-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

Painted for my collection by Chris Meacham. Based by myself. These are the new Perry plastic Prussians painted up as a 36man unit for "Republic to Empire".

Wargames Soldiers & Strategy

2011-08-28T03:11:00.000-07:00

Here is an image of the diorama I painted for the front cover of WS&S. As well as painting the diorama I was asked to do an article guide on how it was done. I'm looking forward to seeing the printed article. It is due out on the 1st Sept

I have been working on some new ECW/TYW figures and will post images soon.

Impetus Goths

2011-08-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

This is my first base for my Late Roman, Impetus Army. Musketeer Miniatures, Goth, Nobel Cavalry.
These figures were painted by Andrew and myself.

Musketeer Miniatures Late Romans

2011-07-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

I have managed to finish the first Late Roman unit. The figures are a mix of my layer painting and the dip and highlight technique I used on the 3rd Century Romans. The shields are all LBM transfers.

In this image the unit is shown split into two units for Impetus.

Viking Impetus

2011-07-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Finally got around to finishing up a base of Gripping Beast, plastic, Vikings for Impetus.

Stop the clock!

2011-07-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

2nd and 3rd Cohorts finished. Started these on the 6th of July, didn't paint every night and can't help thinking these guys look a lot better than they should! 50 figures in total.These are bases on a 20mm frontage so I can use them for Impetus or Clash of Empires. I'll work on some Auxiliaries next week.

Cohort II

2011-07-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

The first cohort of my 3rd century Roman project. The figures are all from the A&A Miniatures range. The shields are LBM Transfers.

Late Romans

2011-07-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here is an image of the Musketeer Miniatures Late Roman unit that I have been working on. There is a row of archers for the back rank that I still need to paint.

Germania Superior

2011-07-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

The start of my 3rd Century Romans. Figures are from A & A Miniatures. These Romans are painted in my fast, dip and highlight style and are nothing to do with the "Last of the Free" Imperial Roman project. I was very impressed with these figures and have managed to paint 40 of them in two days.
1) I spray painted 40 of them silver.
2) Blocked in the colours,belts tunics etc...
3) Brushed on the Army Painter dip.
4) After the dip was dry I then washed the armour on the figures with GW delvian mud.
5) I then highlighted up.
They look a lot better than they should!

More 1814

2011-07-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

A few more images of the 1814 Battle for France game.

Dragoons from the collection of Dave O'Brien. Moscow Dragoons (pink facings) and the unit in front are the Pskov Dragoons (orange facings).

Dave's French Guard Grenadiers.

The view from the allied right. A Bavarian brigade moving from one table to the next.

1814 Battle for France

2011-07-03T23:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a scorcher outside but even hotter indoors as seven players re fought a "Republic to Empire" 1814 Battle for France game. The game took place at the Mutineer Miniatures HQ in Whitburn.
It was an absolute stonker!

The game was fought over two tables which allowed us to get some depth to our maneuvers. The French had to fight off a Russian and Prussian allied assault over 14 very hard fought turns. At the start of the game Barry made us all put out three markers for blind movement. Only one of these markers was our real division the other two were false and intended to simulate the confused movement on a foggy day. The real fun happened when Barry then asked us all to roll a D6+Directional dice for every one of our markers. This occurred twice and we all watched in horror as our divisions moved back and forth in the most haphazard manner! Lucky for me the Russian army didn't end up in too much of a mess.

I was able to field my completed Russian Grenadier division .

A view of the Grenadiers from the top.

In the end the French managed to hold of the Allies and for me it was one the best!

"Last of the Free"

2011-06-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

The start of my Romans. With Andrew doing such a great job on the Celts I needed to up my game! I spent about 6 hours on the figure. The Shield is LBM transfer...I'm not that good :)

Andrews Celts.

Andrew and I have decided to create a brand new blog dedicated to the Roman and Celt project. You can visit it at...

http://adlastofthefree.blogspot.com

Pulp-Black Light

2011-05-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

The rest of Snake Plissken 's special forces unit "Black Light". Again painted by Andrew.

Snake Plissken is a former U.S. Army Lieutenant, serving under Special Forces Unit Black Light. Decorated with two Purple Hearts for bravery during campaigns in Leningrad and Siberia in World War III

There will be no posts for a couple of weeks as I'm off on me hols!

Pulp Plissken

2011-05-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

It was widely believed in the criminal community that after the Kansas City incident Plissken was dead!

Wrong he is alive and painted for me by Andrew Taylor!

As well as the Films "Snake Plissken" appeared in John Carpenter's Snake Plissken Chronicles, a four-part comic book miniseries released in 2003. I will be adding a few more troopers to Snakes rescue team.

Pulp-Dog Soldiers

2011-05-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

This is my first venture into "Pulp" style adventure gaming. A band of tough "Dog Soldiers". These figures were bought from Jack a few years back. I decided to dig them out and give them a quick highlight. I plan to do a few Gangsters, Pirates, Commandos etc...All thanks to Pat Connor who is a big fan of this type of game.
I think Pat has worked his dark magic on me! I'm going to open up a page on this blog dedicated to these small scale action games.

More WIP Images

2011-05-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

The Romans are starting to take shape.

Just for Darrell. Some of the Perry Swiss. The flag was designed on my computer then printed out and painted up.

Panzer Grenadiers

2011-05-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

Some WWII Germans that I painted for John Maguire. They have just been knocked out of the Steve Dean painting competition. They are Artizan figures and were a dream to paint up!

X Small ;)

2011-05-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Andrew Taylor and I are planning a small project together. We hope to take it to a couple of shows in 2012.
The project is a small, single based, Imperial Romans against Celts game. We will probably do about 50 figures a side. I'm doing the Romans. Here is a WIP image of some of Andrew's troops. We are not 100% sure on what rules we are going to use...any suggestions are welcome! I'll create a special page on this blog dedicated to the project. Remember guys it's not the size of the project that is important :)

Allied Goth Cavalry

2011-05-03T01:06:00.000-07:00

A WIP shot of the Goth Allied Cavalry painted for me by Andrew Taylor. This will be a 12 man unit. I just need to paint up the horses and the shields.

Second Base

2011-05-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

I have started the figures for the second base with a couple of small conversions. The casualty figure is from the "Gripping Beast", Saxon range. It has a head swapped with a "Musketeer Miniatures", Late Roman. I also added a plastic hand and an arrow from one of the "Perry Miniatures" sets. The musician has had a sword filed off and a spear added.

The plan for my new Late Roman Army.

Blog Award

2011-05-02T00:25:00.000-07:00

As Requested here is the image of the Samuai I painted for the Dave Thomas display cabinet a few years back.

Blog Award

I am delighted to announce that I have been nominated for my first blog award by a few fellow bloggers…

http://miniature-junkie.blogspot.com/

http://www.quindiastudios.blogspot.com/

http://christopher-bunkerhill.blogspot.com/

Thank you guys!

Not sure about where this award comes from but because it has been passed on to me by bloggers and gamers that I respect, it is an award in it’s own right!
I now have to do the following…
1. Thank the nominating blog and include a link back (done!).
2. Share seven things about myself (see below).
3. Nominate more blogs you deem worthy to share your honour.
4. Let them know you nominated them!

Seven things about me you didn’t want to know…

1) I was a Piper and Bagpipe instructor for the 3^rd BN, The Black Watch, RHR. I have played since I was 8 years old. I have competed in and won some of the world’s biggest Pipe Band competitions. This all a thing of the past and it’s almost like looking at a different life time now.

2) I’m the world biggest Sci Fi buff but strangely I don’t like the GW 40K world?

Some films that I watch over and over again are…The Omega Man, Pitch Black, Star Ship Troopers and Escape from New York.

3) I teach digital technology to primary school kids. Some of the subjects covered are

Digital Comic Books, Animation and Video Editing.
4) I’m dyslexic but this has been a strength for me over the years as it has strengthened my creativity!

5) I don’t like football and have never been able to see the attraction when there are fantastic toy soldiers to paint?

6) My little boy Finn is my biggest achievement!

7) I was married in Skiathos in Greece, my wife lived there for a while and we would love move to the island one day!

My nominees for this award (sorry if I have missed your blog out…you know I love you!)

http://iron-mitten.blogspot.com/

http://djokergaming.wordpress.com/

http://hobbyonenews.blogspot.com/

http://puxty.blogspot.com/

http://battlesinminiature.blogspot.com/

http://bigredbat.blogspot.com/

http://littletinmen.blogspot.com/

Thanks again...

First base

2011-04-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

A quick snap of the first base. I still need to paint the groundwork. They are based on 50mm by 50mm squares... simply because I like the look if it!

2011-04-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Sort of coming over all ancient! It’s 2.30am. I can’t sleep and I find myself browsing the net for images of things to inspire me. Here is what I found…
1) Some amazing Elephants on the Aventine Miniatures page. http://www.aventineminiatures.co.uk/Adamsromans.html
Painted by Bennett Blalock-Doane.
2) Carthaginians at…http://hobbyonenews.blogspot.com/
3) Wonderful Late Romans at…http://puxty.blogspot.com/

All this has made me think about what I want to collect over the next few months.
Here is my wish list, a few will hit the bucket list but "he ho"…
1)    Late Romans/Arthurian. (Again)
2)    Carthaginians.
3)    Republican Romans.
4)    Vikings.
5)    Huns.
6)    Teutonic Knights.
7)    Swiss.
I’ll aim high and if I get a fraction of this done I’ll be happy!

Here is a blast from the past, painted and sold many years ago!

Man how my painting has changed, all those black lines! However, if my new units look half as good I'll be happy!

Found these in the archive...

...the good old days!

Slow and Steady

2011-04-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

Another quick snap of the slow but steady progress. I'll probably paint the Draco yellow with blue stripes and add few ribbons... fitting for these Auxilia Palatina!

Auxilia palatina

2011-04-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

A WIP image of my Auxilia.

Petulantes Seniores

2011-04-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

Petulantes Seniores: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petulantes I'll be making these into a 24man unit.

Musketeer Miniatures, Late Romans.

2011-04-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

My 'must have' from Salute was some of Bill's Late Romans and I just couldn't stop painting this figure!
The shield is hand painted.

The Salute Game 2011

2011-04-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a short report on my Salute 2011 and some images of the display game put on by Paul Darrnell, Andrew Taylor and myself under the title of the 'Miniature Malitia'.

The oval table made by Paul

A big thank you to all who took the time to say hello at the show. The reaction and comments to the game made all the effort and travel worth while. There were a lot of amazing looking games at the show but unfortunately I didn't get a chance to take images of them. In fact due to all the chatting and explaining the rules...I only managed to take a few images of our own game.

The Royalist defence works.

I only had one thing on my shopping list this year, that was the new Musketeer Miniatures Arthurian's and I'm well impressed with them,they look as good in the flesh as much as in the images. I was also intrigued with the 'Gripping Beast' display games showing off their "Saga" rules and I'll be trying them out soon!

The Royalist outpost, a fortified manor house held by a unit of dismounted dragoons.

In my short time away from our table I headed straight for the Verneuil game and WOW! what a great game that Simon and Darrell put on! The other impressive games I made a point to see were the ECW put on by the Crewe and Nantwich Wargames Club, a big game with beautiful terrain and figures! and last but not least the Victrix game run by Barry Hilton who also made the wonderful terrain!

The Parliamentarian guns

After a nightmare drive down to London on the Friday and a busy day at the show...a well earned 'Banana beer' at the 'Jamaica bar' was called for and has now become a bit of a tradition!

Figures by Andrew, Jim and myself, terrain by Paul.
A big thank you to Jim Loutit for the loan of his figures!
To sum up my Salute I would say...A great show with a chance meet up and chat with a lot of friends!

WIP Images

2011-04-13T23:53:00.000-07:00

One of Newcastle's regiments.

Royalist Horse.
This is the last post before Salute. It has been a real struggle to get these done in time. I will try to post images of the game from the show on Saturday.

The Civil War Trials

2011-04-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

Some quick snaps of a couple of dioramas for the demo game.

A couple of small guns ready to defend the earth works.

Brigade

2011-04-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'll post an image of Newcastles 'whitecoats' soon.

Advance

2011-04-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

The Yellow Coats.

Dragoons,
Two of the new units I have been painting.

By The Pike Divided

2011-04-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

My darling wife is away out for the night and I have commandeered the living room for a photo shoot.

These are all the figures I have been getting ready for the 'By The Pike Divided' demo game at Salute. The game is a representation of the Siege of York. Figures are from the collections of Jim Loutit and myself and the terrain was made for me by Paul Darnell. Were are going under the name of the Miniature Militia for the show and we will be at stand GL01 if you're looking for us. If you're going then please say hello!

MAS*H1644

2011-04-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

Another WIP diorama for the Salute game. This time it’s a field hospital 1644 style.

Figures are a mix of Warlord, Bicorne and Redoubt.

This Thursday night I plan to set up some terrain for an ECW photo shoot. If you're online pop in and I'll post images on the blog as I take them.

Siege Guns

2011-03-29T23:53:00.000-07:00

Here is an image of the guns painted for my collection by Andrew Taylor. Great work Andrew!

Newcastle's Second Command Base

2011-03-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

A quick WIP image of the whitecoats so far!

White Coat Command

2011-03-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

The first of the 'White Coat' Command bases for Salute.

Some SYW French painted up to my best ability...just because I fancied painting them!
There are now well over 200 people signed up to follow this blog. My thanks to all who have joined to witness my ramblings!

The story so far...

2011-03-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Royalist force...so far!

I thought I would start the big 50 man 'White Coat' unit.with a command base. Here are some covenanters that will be painted up as one of Newcastle's white coated regiments. I'll be doing a mix of headgear in the unit, blue and grey bonnets, soft hats and caps etc...It's a daunting task, but one figure at a time!

Brigade Support Guns

2011-03-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

Another quick fix before I start the big fifty man white coated regiment. This time it's two small brigade support guns done up as a little diorama. The diorama breaks up in to three bases for gaming. I'm also doing a bigger siege gun diorama for the attackers.

2011-03-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

Here is my planning document for 'By the Pike Divided' an ECW demo game for the Salute wargames show 2011. The game is a joint venture with Paul Darnell and Jim Louttit and were going under the name of Miniature Militia for the show.

Jim's Yellow Coats (Parliamentarian)

My Yellow Coats (Royalist) Yellow appears to be the new black!

Next up on the painting desk is Newcastle's White Coats...Just 100 figures to paint :)

Marquis of Hartlepool

2011-03-06T06:10:00.000-08:00

Ken Pearce, aka the Hartlepool godfather!

The game is comming to and end. We had a great time and thank you to all who have posted the kind words.

Day2

2011-03-06T01:48:00.000-08:00

The brave defence of Hartlepool.

The attack! Turn1

The bar!

2011-03-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

End of day one and reform to the bar! The Covenanters are crumbling on the right hand table and the Royalist troops are collapsing on the left table. Hartlepool never looked so attractive!

Contact

2011-03-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

The two tables slug it out in fire fights. The winning side on each table gets more troops for the siege game tomorrow.

ECW Weekbender (Turn1)

2011-03-05T03:58:00.000-08:00

Warren's all based up and brigaded with Tiller's and Rupert's!

Some images of the initial set up. Over 3000 figures on a 38 foot by 6, U shaped, table.

ECW

2011-03-02T23:45:00.000-08:00

Warren's with just the bases to paint!

This weekend is the AB1 group's 'Siege of Hartlepool' game at the Lundin Links Hotel. During the English Civil War, Scottish and Parliamentarians forces captured Newcastle then attacked Hartlepool. The town surrendered and the Scots garrison began repairing the run down defences, ready to repel a Royalists.attack. I will post images of the big game over the weekend.

The Charge of the Brave

2011-02-28T05:02:00.000-08:00

Dave O'Brian's Dragoons

With the weekend game now over, let me recount one event…
The Russian left was falling apart Gerry, Dave and myself were a little more than resigned to the fact we were going to be flanked, we retreated around the holy icon and started to pray! Then like a miracle, or at least a lucky special event, the Cuirassier division arrived (in the time old 7th Cavalry fashion).
By this time the French had formed square on the hills to the left. The Cuirassier's formed up and I was given command of the Guard Cuirassier brigade. With the other Russian Cuirassier brigade heading straight down the centre and making it’s was for the fletches (now in French control). I decided to nip down to the toilet.
On my return I was informed... my Guard Cuirassiers were being ordered to charge uphill into a French, veteran and elite unit formed in square, on a hill with formed support from it’s own brigade all around it. I immediately demanded a letter to be sent to the Tsar, stating I was obeying my command under duress! What the hell I thought it was the last turn and the Guard might just swing it with the wait of numbers. As soon as I launched into the charge a quote from Winston Churchill was in my mind…“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” What a sight it was watching the beautifully painted guard Cuirassiers riding uphill into a French square. I attached the Divisional and Brigade commanders at the front. The first round of combat went well, I thought I may just pull this one off…next round I managed to get my two commanders killed and watched the wonderful guard being decimated.
Looking around I noticed the other 15 gamers had now gathered around for my humiliation! I was so engrossed in the game, I didn’t manage to get a picture of this event. With cries of…wait till I post this on my Blog coming from at least three of the other gamers, I decided it was only a game and another quote from Churchill sprung to mind…

“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.”

It was a great weekend game and I can’t wait until the next one!

Day2 Borodino

2011-02-27T05:36:00.000-08:00

View from the Russian line.

The French have been in and out of the redoubts about 5 times.

Last Move Day1

2011-02-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

Positions at the end of the 1st day.

The Great Redoubt

2011-02-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

Barry's half figures built into slip trenches.

The French assault on the great redoubt.

Turn 4 " The French Attack"

2011-02-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

The French are over the river and moving on the redoubts.

Borodino 7th September 1812

2011-02-26T03:13:00.000-08:00

It's the start of the big "Republic to Empire" Borodino weekender game at the Lundin Links Hotel. We have 14 gamers playing over two 6 by 12 tables. Here are some images of the initial Russian deployment. If time permits...I'll post more images of the game as the weekends gaming progresses.

My Russian 1st Grenadier Brigade.

Barry's 27th Infantry Brigade

The Redoubts

French advance

Quick Fix

2011-02-23T01:52:00.000-08:00

Last night I decided to take a rest from Warren's regiment and paint up a command base as a quick fix.The figures are all from Bicorne miniatures. This will be my Royalist army command base. I'll paint up the base at the same time as the foot.

Warren's Slow Progress

2011-02-20T15:10:00.000-08:00

More WIP images of Warren's. I hope to get the unit finished in the next three days. After that I plan to re-base some of Tiller's Regiment...I now want to give them the three separate command bases like Warren's! I'll also be painting the Royalist army command base and two small regimental guns.

2nd sleeve of shot

2011-02-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

I have started the figures for the 2nd sleeve of shot...19 figures to go :)

I managed to find some time to paint up a few of the new "Warfare Miniatures "castings. You can find out more about these miniatures on Clarence's blog and Barry's "League of Augsburg" site

Third Captain

2011-02-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

Just 23 figures to go :)

Warren's Pike

2011-02-14T23:33:00.000-08:00

The Pike

Warren's 2IC.

2011-02-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Just finished the second command base. As you can see by the commander’s sash...the varnish is still wet!

In this image you can see the bases for the finished unit laid out, waiting on the figures to be painted.

A few people have e-mailed me asking me what rules we use for these big units...Jack has very kindly written up an explanation on his blog. You can read it all by visiting http://pioneerpainting.blogspot.com/

Very Civile Actions

Thanks Jack!

Horse Painting Tutorial

2011-02-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

Get your four year old to do it ! :)

The story so far...

2011-02-11T15:24:00.000-08:00

Another WIP image of Warren's as the unit takes shape. As I'm doing the standards on separate bases, I'll be able to use these guys as TYW Swedish at a later date. After reading the 'Pike and Shot Tactics 1590-1660' Osprey...

I couldn't resist the temptation to order up a couple for the 'Bicorne Miniatures' small regimental guns for some close support.

The yellow recipe is Foundry, Ochre B, dipped then highlighted with a mix of B and C. Sometimes B then C to give a slightly varied yellow coat colour.

Warren's Irish

2011-02-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

The first section of Henry Warren's Regiment. I have been trying to find out more about the regiments that were returned from Ireland into Rupert's army. As far as I can see the coat colour and standards are not known! However, there is a reference to yellow coated English/Irish joining Rupert’s army. I would love to hear from anyone who has more information? Until then my Warren's will have a mix of yellow, grey and green coats with yellow standards :)

More Targe Wargames Show 2010

2011-02-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Found a few more images from the ECW demo game that Paul, Jim and I did at Targe last year. Thought I would post them as motivation to finish my new unit!

2011-02-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

The last figures for the first block of Musketeers. I have started to prepare the Pike.

More Shot

2011-02-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

More shot

The Shot

2011-02-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

The first of the Shot. I will start to base these up next week.

Royalist Irish Command

2011-02-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, a new job has kept me busy. Here is an image of the command base for another Royalist unit I'm raising for the Salute demo game with Paul and Jim.

Saxon Dog

Otterburn 1388 Flags

Update for Claymore Castings.

Medieval Scots Range of Figures

RUSSIAN CUIRASSIERS 1808-1815

Prussian Regiment

A rather nice WWII game

The Saga Continues...

New Toys

Merry Christmas

Dutch Gard te Voet

1st Silesian Regiment

And even more WWII

And some more WWII

More WWII

Disposable Heroes

Regii, Auxilium Palatinum

PYRRHIC LIST

Pyrrhic Elephant

Pyrrhic War

Goth Medium Cavalry

Goth Noble Cavalry

Ian Carter's Clan

Mori Clan by John Glass.

Goth Cavalry

Brian Phillips, Ii Clan.

Day Two-Too much Sake

End of day one

More Samurai Clans

Osaka

Samurai Weekender

Anglo-Danish

Kikkawa Clan

More Impetus Late Romans

Allied Legion

1st Silesia Infantry Regiment

Wargames Soldiers & Strategy

Impetus Goths

Musketeer Miniatures Late Romans

Viking Impetus

Stop the clock!

Cohort II

Late Romans

Germania Superior

More 1814

1814 Battle for France

"Last of the Free"

Pulp-Black Light

Pulp Plissken

Pulp-Dog Soldiers

More WIP Images

Panzer Grenadiers

X Small ;)

Allied Goth Cavalry

Second Base

Blog Award

As Requested here is the image of the Samuai I painted for the Dave Thomas display cabinet a few years back.

Blog Award

I am delighted to announce that I have been nominated for my first blog award by a few fellow bloggers…

First base

Slow and Steady

Auxilia palatina

Petulantes Seniores

Musketeer Miniatures, Late Romans.

The Salute Game 2011

WIP Images

The Civil War Trials

Brigade

Advance

By The Pike Divided

M*A*S*H1644

Siege Guns

Newcastle's Second Command Base

White Coat Command

The story so far...

Brigade Support Guns

Marquis of Hartlepool

Day2

The bar!

Contact

MAS*H1644