2013 Preview

I'd like to wish my followers and visitors to this blog a belated very happy new year.

 

I had considered writing a review of 2012 but I don't think there's much point in repeating myself when you can simply skim through the year's posts. I did somehow manage to publish 67 posts which is a personal best for me. 

I don't intend to buy many, if any, figures (famous last words) during 2013 after I had a mini splash out towards the end of 2012. Painting wise I don't intend to set myself any definite targets after I experienced a major case of 'painters block' towards to the end of the year. However I do fully intend to concentrate on the following projects (some of which I may even finish):

WWII Soviets - Bolt Action
I aim to field my Soviet forces for Bolt Action as soon as possible so I can actually play a game! I did manage to visit Ade with his brother Jon just after Christmas a play a few games. I'm even considering giving these figures a relatively basic paint job as my normal method is very time consuming. There are currently over a hundred figures in this particular mini-pile but I don't need that many to play the game with. I'm sure I have more than enough figures, heavy weapons (and a tank!) to field a 1000 point army i.e. more than I'll ever need. I reckon there is a very good chance I can finish this particular project within a couple of months.

Medieval Stuff
I hope to finally complete the Great Round Tower that I started back in September (note the 'hope' bit). Recently, when I was struggling to see how I could make any progress, I was tempted to wear it as a hat and stroll around town pretending to be Abraham Lincoln or Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Realising this would probably result in me being detained in a padded cell for the foreseeable future I've opted instead to try and finish it. Either that or I'll boot it into the nearby park and give the local squirrels a new folly they can call home. 

I'm hoping to complete a lot more medieval figures, concentrating on representing genuine characters from throughout Edward I's life and times as this will give me plenty of choice from the Second Barons War, Welsh & Scottish Wars and even the Eighth/Ninth Crusade. These can all be covered with similar figures (ranges from Fireforge, Crusader etc.) if you're not overly fussy with the historical detailing on the miniatures as the period saw the gradual introduction of plate armour.

I purchased a great big Zvezda model from Mr. Models in Bearwood, Birmingham. These chaps normally attend local model and wargame shows like WMMS but it's worth popping into their shop if you get chance. Imagine the old TV show 'Open All Hours' that sells models literally from floor to ceiling but also buckets and mops. Adding to the mix the family that run it was constantly making funny (and highly sarcastic) comments to, and about, each other, probably as far removed from the 'love bombing retail experience' that you get when you visit a certain chain of high street wargaming stores as it is possible. The model itself is the largest model I've ever bought and is something I'm looking forward to making.

I also have a eight part posting ready to go on Sir John de Sutton VI, Lord Dudley, a fascinating character from the Wars of the Roses period. The only snag is that I still haven't painted any appropriate figures yet!

Scales
I plan to paint up a few other figures in different sizes from my normal 28mm (shock, horror). All I'm going to say is that there are some great big figures and an awful lot of tiny figures waiting in the queue.

As I'm sure is the case with many other modellers/wargamers I have dozens of ideas and little side projects ideas floating about in my head regarding terrain, figure modifications and various plastic model kits. One thing which hopefully I'll be able to do is post a few tutorial videos (any suggestions or requests will be considered) via Ade's site where you'll be able to listen to my dulcet Black Country tones. You may even see me on a few of Ade's Bolt Action battle reports (no doubt losing badly). Don't say I didn't warn you!