What's been happening this week and The Other Partizan

League of Augsburg 

Last Sunday I attended The Other Partizan, the room was full of wonderful games and the show seemed well attended. On arrival a bacon bap was ordered and after consuming said bap the first circuit of the room was begun. I only took a few photos, not my usual number. I did spend time chatting to a few people but not as many as I would have liked as I felt a little under the weather, all symptoms associated   with a long term condition, which should be eased following my regular treatment tomorrow and energy boosting B12 injection due Wednesday. Brushes will be out with a vengeance then! Regarding The Other Partizan, The Shrewsbury Wargames Society, were very welcoming and as I live not too far away extended an open invitation to pop over for a game. Their game won best game at show with an alternative history to the outcome of 1066, featuring a clash between Normans and Vikings using Lion Rampant 2. I also had equally pleasant chats with Barry Hilton of the League of Augsburg who was present with another stunning display, and Ken of Yarkshire Gamer renown. There was a little "Get thee behind me" moment in the conversation with Barry Hilton as he touched upon future plans for the Warfare Miniatures range of figures, as if the Ottomans on display were not  temptation enough! Conversation with Ken left me with the impression that I should reconsider 10mm after discussing his stunning work with the Pendraken 10mm WSS range. I have dabbled slightly in 10mm but decided to park them as I found they were taking too long for me to paint, I think I need to be a little kinder to the scale and give myself time to adjust.  I managed a little light painting this week making a start on the 28mm New Kingdom Egyptians. The Yarkshire Gamer podcast was the background for my session, a thoroughly enjoyable wargames chat, and highly recommended to anyone who hasn't listened in yet. That brings us to the goodies from The Other Partizan. I've provided a new home for some unpainted 18mm Seven Years War figures and some 28mm New Kingdom Egyptian Archers from Colonel Bill, these were supplemented with a few more Seven Years War figures from Eureka Miniatures and the Blue Moon range sold by Old Glory UK, though the pickings were slim as their stock had been decimated prior to the show. A visit to Warbases completed the purchases, more bases, a bridge and a set of their new fields (I've been thinking DBA terrain and easy transportation to the club). 

Despite managing a little painting the week has mostly been one of rest.

League of Augsburg

I'm ashamed I can't remember

Strength and Honour Game

Warbases Fields with 15mm figures on 40mm x 20mm bases for scale

SALUTE 2016 - The Loot

I've been very restrained this year regarding my SALUTE purchases, partly due to the fact that I'm still working through last years haul and partly personal circumstances.

I was particularly keen to get my hands on two publications, firstly Glory, Hallelujah the ACW supplement from Warlord Games and The Kingdom is Ours, a set of ECW rules by Helion and Bicorne Miniatures. First impressions following a quick skim makes me feel I'll not be disappointed with either purchase.

Next came some 6mm French Napoleonic Infantry from Baccus Miniatures. These were bought as a sample pack to try out a bit of an idea I've been having for large 6mm units. I've already painted up 36 strips of 4 miniatures each and am playing around with these to see what size unit I'll finally settle upon. I'm aiming for the massed visual effect that 6mm can offer, I'm hoping I can achieve this, only time will tell. I will add though that I'm not sure yet how many strips to have to a unit...

Browsing on Paul Meekins book stand, I came across a book on the Swiss Civil War of 1847, by Ralph Weaver. I know absolutely nothing about this conflict and at the bargain price of £10 it was too good to leave. I'm already mulling over the idea that this may become a little project with the 42mm Shiny Toy Soldiers by Aly Morrison and sold by Spencer Smith Miniatures a chocolate box toy solider collection!

Finally, but not least I picked up two badges from Bad Squiddo Games for my daughters. I saw lots of wonderful stuff to add to my shopping list. To name a few it was more Shieldmaidens and WWII Russian  female soldiers from Bad Squiddo Games (aka The Dice Bag Lady, Annie). These little gems look even better in the 'flesh' and will be added to my next order. I saw some excellent terrain from S&A Scenics, especially their palm trees which are crying out to be added to the much desired Middle Eastern buildings from Adrian's Walls (Cross and Crescent SAGA is calling). All that without Crann Tara Miniatures amazing Jacobite Rebellion miniatures. Add all that to the spectacle that is SALUTE I think it fair to say inspiration overload indeed...

I would sum up from my impressions of the day that the hobby is strong, diverse and certainly vibrant. A broad church (not all of it of personal interest), but exciting to see nonetheless. A time where Wargamers are most certainly spoilt for choice ... long may it last.

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SALUTE 2016 - Show Pictures 7

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SALUTE 2016 - Show Pictures 6

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