Reinforcements have arrived, a short review and to come

First and foremost a very Merry Christmas to my followers and those that occassionally pick up on the blog.

These two Santa's have been with me for a number of years, on the left is a Foundry figure and on the right a bit more of a 'tooled' up Santa, a GW Mordheim figure which I played with.
But here's hoping Santa is kind to you all and brings you evrything you hoped for and that 2013 allows us to attack out lead mountains and take up new projects like there's no tomorrow.!!!

In a moment of weakness I did purchase rather a lot of painted figures from a chap in Edingburgh, this has resulted in the Duchy of Comyn and the Royal Albion forces receiving some unexpected cavalry reinforcements. Over the festive period I hope to rebase, touch up and prepare them for some action in the New Year.

 These chaps are Holger Erricson figures, I need to decide how they will fir into the Albion forces and amend accordingly.

These chaps are Spencer Smith Metal figures, a regiment of Cuirassiers and a regiment of Hussars- not much needed here but basing and standards and a bit of tidying up.

I also bought some infantry but on reflection they were purchased in a moment of madness and in the New Year I think I will be looking at selling them.

Over the year I achieved 956 painting points which was quite good, a target which I aim to blow apart in the coming year.

I stuck to the painitng plan until around August when I got a little derailed but it seemed to work most of the time and I will draft another out shortly.

As to next year, it goes without saying that the Imagination will be a core part of the painitng programme, I would like to return to the Zulu War and press on with my 28mm Magnesia project.

In 15mm the end is in sight for the Italian WWII Desert war army and the British will shortly follow.

In 10mm my DBN Austerlitz project looks like it could be completed with a small push.

The projects that just happened and for which I didn't plan----20mm.

I somehow found myself drifting on a sea of nostalgia and buying Les Higgins Marlburians, Tumbling Dice ECW and Newline design Napoleonics.

On some levels I ask myself why did I ever leave the 20mm scale.
Anyway the upshot is I want to do Edgehill using the Tumbling Dice figures and look at doing a DBN Quatre Bras using the NewLine Design chaps but on large bases.

Let's see how it goes, ( and I didn't even get round to mentioning a return to Middle Earth and some sci-fi adventure) !!!!!

All the best and take care.

Game Centre up and running

Well the 8th of December saw the Game Centre formally open, a Warmachine tournament had been arranged by some chaps from Sunderland and Newcastle. Whilst I don't pretend to know anything about the game they all appeared to have a good time.
 The pictures below are the before and after, the first is at 8am when I arrived to open and get the place warm, the second is the tournament in full swing.

We also had some tables spare which were quickly snaffled by some 'Malifaux' players (don't know much about that either!) and some Saga players. So all tables booked, and a good day was had by all.

So now I can get back to some painting, I also bought some Holgar Erricson cavalry and metal Spencer Smith Cavalry to get my forces supported. They need a little touching up but I will post some pics soon of them and start to prepare for the next Scotia Albion battle.

New Gaming Centre to Open N.East England

Just in case anyone thought I had to much spare time on my hands since I've retired then here is just a short note for anyone living in the North East of England. From the 1st December a new gaming centre will be in open near Middlesbrough. I have teamed up with Brian Waugh of Waugh Games and convinced him of the value of such a place.
(http://www.waughgames.co.uk/)

We should be able to have around 12 tables (6x4) on the ground floor,
There is a shop on site which stocks a wide range of products and we can order anything that North Star etc. advertises.
There's a healthy discount on most items especially for callers or people who order for collection.
The shop is open 6 days a week and whilst the gaming centre will be advertised as being open 3 days a week any groups wanting to come through and game just get in touch and we will arrange for the place to be open.

Light refreshments will available on site and whilst a small charge is made for the hire of the table this will be redeemable in the shop.

That's enough of the plug - all I want is get more gaming in and what a better way than having my own place!!
Had to do something with all that spare time in retirement!!!!

If anybody wants more info then pm me. Will have pics etc etc. ready in time for Smoggycon on the 24th November.

Battle is Joined

As many of you who have followed this blog it has takne me far longer to raise the forces to fight my first action. A refight of Charles Grants 'Sawmill Village' or Scierie Village as I have called it in my campaign.

So in the last blog we left Sir Harry marching over the border of the Duchy of Comyn, his orders to sweep Scierie Village in a demonstration of force in retaliation for raids that have been taking place along the border.

He had anticipated little or no opposition but as his troops had left Gysburgh a shadowy figure was seen riding off ahead of them bringing news of their departure to General Pomerol of Comyn who had happened to be visiting troops stationed in the border area.

Upon hereing the news of Sir Harry's intent General Pomerol mobilised what troops he could and set off towards Scierie Village to give those red coated devils of Albion a surprise they wouldn't forget.

As they approach the village Sir Harry's scouts report that a Comyn force of similar size to their own is heading for the village and is likely to arrive at the same time.

Sir Harry relished the thought of engaging enemy regular troops and at once issued orders to his Officers.

The Talisker Foot supported by the artillery were to move to the South of the Village and deploy and then sweep the area between the village and the wood.
The 25th Albion and the Royal Albion Lights were to move North, The 25th Albion moving to the centre of the village and deploy before advancing in support of the Talisker Regiment, the light Infantry were to move to the North of the Village and sweep the area clear to the sawmill there to meet up with the Line Infantry.

General Pomerol in the meantime issued his orders, the Regiment Nuilly-la-foret (les Lapins) were to advance South through the woods towards the village and engage any enemy found.

Pomerol would lead the two Regiments of foot de Grancy and Nuilley with artillery to the North of the Village, the artillery would depoly at the end of the stone wall to cover the open area in front of the wood and support Les Lapins.

Regt Grancy would move North round the village and Regt Nuilley would turn South past the stone wall and enter the village by force if necessary.

The picture above shows the Albion artillery depolying just as Les Lappins emerge from the woods, the Talisker foot are moving around the village ready to deploy in the North can be seen General Pomerol and the remainder of the Comyn forces.

Les Lapins and the Talisker foot exchange fire with Les Lapins gaining the upper hand, however the Albion artillery lends its support by firing cannister at the light infantry.
The 25th Albion can be seen deploying in the centre of the village whilst the Royal Albion and the Regt Grancy exchange fire, the Royal Albion swiftly exert their authority (lots of 6's tee hee).
The Duchys artillery has deployed at the end of the wall and has started firing cannister on the flank of the Talisker foot, fortunately Lee's dice rolls were not up to scratch and few casualties were caused.
The Regiment Nuilley can be seen marching in attack column ready to enter the village.

The 25th Albion deployed in the centre of the village ready to engage the Regt de Nuilley, at this time the Regiment Grancy had reached 50% casualties due to the contiued excellent shooting of the Albion Light Infantry and had started to fall back thus exposing the flank and rear of the Nuilley regiment.
Les Lappins and the Talisker foot with their respective Artillery support had almost fought each other to a standstill.

The Regiment Nuilley launches their assault on the Albion foot, they receive a weak volley and charge home but are held by the Albion troops to take the melee to a second round.

At the same time the Regiment Grancy were now in full retreat and the Albion Lights were follwoing up to keep the pressure on, General Pomerol was under threat as was his artillery.

A second round of melee was fought with both sides trading casualties like for like, however the Regiment Nuilley faltered and had to fall back. General Pomerol realised he had failed to stem the incursion and called for his men to leave the field.

General Pomerol can be seen sending his Courier to inform the Court of what had happened, Sir Harry was pleased to see the battle ended, the Talisker foot had lost 50% of its unit and the 25th Albion were badly mauled. However Rupert Gibb and his Light Infantry had suffered little and had caused grievous damage to the enemy ( lots and lots of high scores!!!!) His name will be highlighted to the King.

That night Sir Harry couldn't help but smile as he drank a small malt and watched as his troops loaded wagons with supplies and other small spoils of war from Scierie Village. Now could he convince his King to press their advantage and launch a stronger force deeper into enemy territory!.

Albion Forces March to do Battle!!

Following a series of Border Raids by forces from the Duchy of Comyn, King George has ordered Sir Harry 'Spitfire' Douglas to make a 'Demonstration of Force' against the intruders.

Sir Harry has determined that the likely centre of enemy activity is Scierie Village just a few miles over the Albion border.
He has ordered his Brigade to assemble and march on the village, there he will sweep the area for weapons, stores and signs of enemy armed activity!

A view from the rear of the column as the leave the border town of Gysburgh, at the head of the Column the Royal Albion Light Infantry can be seen deployed on the flanks.

The single piece of artillery in Sir Harry's brigade followed by the 25th Albion with Colonel Theakstone at their head.

The Talisker Foot lead the column as it leaves the village.

Rupert Gibb with one company of the Royal Albion deployed on the flank ready to scout ahead.

Sir Harry with his companion Sarah Farmer-Pilkington lead the troops, just behind them can be seen Colonel Whitbread of the Talisker foot.

Sir Harry is of the firm belief that the troops of the Duchy will have little time to react to his incursion and that his men will be safely back in Albion before they know whats hit them!!!!

Progress and a slight diversion

Well its not been a bad couple of weeks, I finished the painting commision and then I have pressed on with a number of things on the paint table.
Looking to my forst planned battle it was important I completed some artillery crew, cannons etc.
So finished are two crews;
First up are the Comyn crew with a cannon and limber in the background.

Here we have the Albion crew with their near completed Officer in the background

I have also been paintin some more Generals, first I have the yet as unnamed Comyn General and his staff, I hope to complete this tomorrow.

To the left of the base are the two Artillery train drivers, the one in the green coat is a member of the Albion Royal Corps of transport, the one in the brown is a civilain the Duchy picked up along the way!

I have also painted one of the new Minden civilians Lady Sara Farmer-Pilkington, Socialite and Deb who likes 'to follow the drum', she wears the uniform of the Horse Guards which 'Daddy' has raised all by himself to show his loyalty to the King and in the background is the drum ( sorry General ) she has been following.

Also on the table are some 15mm Italian artillery pieces I have just finished and some more armour for my desert war set up, I use these as a break inbetween the others.

The empty glass needs to be topped with some malt!

As a diversion yesterday afternoon my wife had gone out with the 'girls' for the day at York, so I decided to have a solo game- just for something different I dug out my Battle of The Five Armies set up (two of the old GW Box Sets).
Played on a 6'x5' I did remain impartial throughout. It is important the side of good get to one side of the river and defend the ford, The decision was that Dain and the Dwarves together with the men of the dale would move from their position cross the ford and hold it.
This was helped early on by the Goblin Chieftan in charge of the Wargs and warg rider failing his command regularly, however this was offset by the Men of the Dale only moving twice and getting wiped out by the Goblins.
However Dain held the ford against all comers and despite Bolgs best efforts to break the allied line with his infantry Elf and Dwarf held the line and at the critical moment Giant Eagles and Beorn the bear arrived to cause havoc amongst the Goblins and at a crtical point Thorin and a unit of dwarves brought about the demise of Bolg - game over good guys win and I enjoyed the three hour diversion.
Pics below;

The Forces of Good have descended from the spurs to defend the ford

The men of the dale have retired to the spur in the face of a lot of wargs and riders

The men of the dale are about to be over run but the dwarves hold the ford

The goblin Infantry prpeare to assault the line one brigade of four units (closest to the river have been decimated after attacking unsupported)

Beorn has also arrived

Following some brutal melees which saw many an elf and goblin die (forgot to take the pic). Eagles and Beorn have mopped up many small units of Goblins in the centre.

Death of Bolg, his men have died around him and assailed by Thorin with a unit of dwarves and the Giant Eagles Bolg falls and the spirit of his army is broken.

Les Lapins finished

Well considering I finished the Grenadier company in June its taken way too long to get the second company finished.
Here's a teaser shot

Elements of the Regiment de Nuilly-la-foret (les Lapins) move through the outskirts of a small village near to the Albion border.

I have started and almost completed two artillery crews and a couple of Commanders so hopefully first action will not be far away now.

I have also decided to extend this unit into a Legion by creating a third company, a squadron of Hussars and an Artillery piece although this will be in the future.

Have also received some of Frank's (Minden Miniatures) civilians one of whom I hope to get painted in time for the battle!.

So back on target (maybe)

Where's the 18th Century gone?

Just a brief post to apologise for not updating. As you will gather the push to get my Figures and web site launched impinged greatly on my time as has the raising of funds. The Saga Scots sold at the Newcastle show and I'm busy painting a Saga Norman army for one of the lads at the club.
However as things have calmed down I'm sitting down tonight to press on with the light infantry, hopefully completed by the weekend.
Then its a couple of artillery pieces and crew and then the first game!.
I have been disappointed by my lack or progress with this project although understandable I have been looking forward to getting armies on the board, so I've taken the decision that the other projects will take a back seat until year end whilst I press on with this and get some action and some tales told.

Blown Away - The Upside of Ebay

Just a short note to say that I will definately have my light infantry finished this week.
A lot of time has been spent getting Crann Tara Miniatures launched, working on a web shop and listing 120 Warmaster items on ebay!

A very hard decision for me to part with this lovely little figures but sometimes reality bites and I hadn't played with the armies for somewhile and there was a lot of unpainted stuff. The blown away comes from the fact that some of the Out of Production blisters cleared between £50.00 and £100 each. One  pack going for over £200. Now that is a true collector and I'm glad these will make a lot of people happy.
Now its time to treat myself! or is that defeating the object of the exercise?

Saga Week

First apologies for not updating for a couple of weeks, Mam took ill so real life got in the way!
Bovington was good but since my return painting had slowed, however my 18th century Lights are now making progress and in order to raise funds for Crann Tara Mins I've been busy painting some Saga bits.
The Scots will be an 8 point force and I'm almost half way through, the pics below show the 3 points of figures I have completely finished.

All the figures are Crusader Miniatures and paint up nice.

The next is a mix of G.Beast and Wrgames Factory Plastics which I'm preparing for a 6 point Anglo Saxon force.

I have to admit I've quite enjoyed chopping hands and heads and swopping stuff around, the figures dont look to bad and of course all are helped by the use of Little Big Man shield transfers.
Anyway next week is back to the 18th century.

Bovington Bound

Well its an early start tomorrow to head down to Bovington with my son and a boat load of packets of Crann Tara miniatures for Stuart.

Looking forward to the show, its been a long time since I last visited (1976) with the TA and will post a short review on Monday. When I return next week its a Saga week, must get Scots finished to sell and the Saxons may be going the journey as well, expensive business this figure manufacturing!!

Also aim to get the rest of the Light Infantry done.

June Update a Month of Scots

Up until June I have been faithfull to my project list. With Crann Tara I have had to deviate slightly and June saw me painting figures to sell and finishing off bits and pieces.
Still I managed to complete 106 paint points!
This included some WWII Italians, AK47, Saga Scots ( pics next week as I hope to sell these),
some more of my Highlanders (pics on the Crann Tara Blog) and last but by no means least I finished of my unit of Scots from Claymore castings, such nice figures.
I painted Sir John Haliburton (spot the mistake), Sir John Edmonstone and a couple of well equipped retainers.
So first unit done.

They are nice figures, next up some archers. But the priority this monthis to finish the Light Infantry and paint some Highlanders in Jackets.

New Blog, New Figures, New Stockist

First and foremost I have decided that Crann Tara has reached the point that it warrants its own blog,
therefore as of today the more detailed reports, progress etc will be written up at http://cranntaraminiatures.blogspot.co.uk/

Just means I have two blogs to update and two sets of incentives to get things done!

Second whilst theres more pics on the other blog here's a coupl of the new Highlanders on jackets, the figures have been undercoated and ink washed to bring out the detail

There's more pics on the other blog but I hope you agree that Richard has done me proud.

Thirdly after much deliberation as of next week a colleague of mine Stuart Armstrong of Colonel Bills - http://www.colonelbills.com/ will be carrying the full range of figures at wargame shows. He starts at Battle Group South - Bovington Tank Museum next weekend, so for those people who like to see their figures in the metal first then seek him out and have a look.

I will be continuing to deal with mail order.

I have also highlighted and confirmed the next set of figures that Richard will be sculpting and that following their release I will look to setting up a web shop.

So as from next week this blog should return to a bit of normality and I may get some more figures done.