You may have noticed I have been somewhat quiet since my trip to Partizan and putting on the demo game.
Why? Well nothing serious has happened and I’m still here but there have been a few black dog moments and a lot of deep thinking (probably too much) Usually I’m ok with in dealing with down moments and have built good coping mechanisms but on this occasion the beast ambushed me! Anyway all is good but I have made some major decisions and changes to my hobby and collections.
The first huge change has been the selling of most of my 18th century collection, that may be a shock to many having spent the last ten years building it. But to me my decision to do so was valid, I’ve retained my French Indian War and the War against the Spanish in the Americas and the Caribbean.
Most of my focus will be on my 15mm collections and 28mm small actions/ skirmishes and an increase in boardgaming. One new project ( in 28mm!) is the campaigns of 1796 and 1799 I purchased two publications, whilst designed for Regimental Fire and Fury the scenarios and OOB translate well to what I want to do and most importantly in the majority of scenarios ( which are small engagements or parts of larger battles) the armies fall within my go to army size of 9:4:2 which is good.
These also fit in well with another purchase I made
The rules have been receiving excellent feedback and the whole concept fits within my idea of the games I wish to play even to the point where they are designed to reflect a battle within a battle.
Finally for this project I stumbled upon this set of publications
I shall do a proper review later but they are excellent value, having detailed OOB’s some nice uniform plates and background to the campaign.
I have started collecting and painting primarily using Elite miniatures, I’m finding I can paint a unit of French a week. The collection is supplemented by Eureka miniatures so all in all I think a neat achievable objective.
I shall do some photos of the workbench shortly.
Take care everyone
18 comments:
Keep your pecker up mate and use those coping strategies as best as you are able. I reckon you should be able to lose yourself for a while in all those books If nothing else.
Shocked to say the least about your 18th century collection but will be interesting to see where your new projects take you. I must admit I do like Elite miniatures, just something about them that works really well.
Ditto above comment Graham, as you know I have been down sizing for several years now and find it very cathartic. Stay safe and happy gaming.
Willz.
Shame about the 18th century figures, I hope you don't regret it, but I bet you got well paid for them. Looking forward to what's coming next. I also like Elite miniatures. One figure on its own looks like a monkey, but they sure look great en masse.
JBM thanks and you’re absolutely right.
Donnie watch this space.
Willz, thanks. I very nearly sold up completely except for board games
Ray, no regrets it wasn’t even a difficult decision. I agree with you re Elite when I painted the first couple I had some serious doubts but now the units are coming together they have movement even if there’s some ugly buggers amongst them.
Hello there Mr C.
I must confess that when I saw about the 18th century collection I was a little surprised but seeing the ‘cunning plan’ (or should that be Cumming plan?) unveiled it actually makes a lot of sense.
I will be keen to see what board games you are looking at and I am intrigued by those 1799 books for sure!
Take care old chap and use elements of your plan to keep the Black Dog snoozing in the background!
All the best,
DC
Very sorry to hear about your recent challenges Graham but so pleased that you’ve fought your way through with your courage and technique. Great to hear you confident enough to share the experience and cone out the other side powerfully again. Good man.
You know that I’m a sucker for Elite Miniatures so I’ll be following this very closely.
Shame about the 18thC figures but 1799 in Italy and Switzerland are great campaigns. As you know I’ve got lots of figures for this era including the entire Russian army under Suvorov.
I have those books and I agree they are a mine of information.
Hi Graham, good to see that you are picking up and I very much empathise with the ‘re-evaluating’ of collection, which I have revisited a few times, hoping to get it right each time.
If have just made a directional decision on the boardgame side of things, with two series systems. Firstly, Jours de Gloire, a napoleonic series that is enjoying a reprint of older titles and with rules in English. Secondly the Panzer series from GMT, which is a meaty look at WWII tactical with an emphasis on armour actions.
On the figure side, something must go ….. but what! 😀
Gents, thanks for the comments.
Carlo
I’m enjoying painting the Elite figures a lot easier than my old range 😁and most enjoyable. Pics soon.
Colin,
it is was it is 😃 your collection for 1796-1799 is excellent I don’t think I can emulate you but will give it a whirl 🤣
Norm,
I can’t do without my figures but the board game collection continues to grow and will be used,I have the 1815 game and hope to play shortly.
The Panzer series looks good and may just fill the gap for a WWII game.
Glad to hear that you're fine. The head is a strange thing and whilst gaming helps, it can sometimes become its own bind.
Look forward to see where you take the campaigns in Italy.
Well, well, well Mr C. I do hope all is well. You will have thought long and hard about getting rid of your 18C stuff I'm sure, and especially the Culloden element. Sometimes, turning over the page to a fresh chapter is just what the doctor ordered.
Enjoy the new project...
Phil
I think if filling the gap for WWII - Old School Tactical (Flying Pig) and Panzer (GMT) are both good candidates, but before jumping, it is worth being mindful that Compass Games are intending to re-issue Tank Leader ... if that is seen as preferable. The original did use card draw to activate formations, which impacts on solo play a bit, but of course enhances face-to-face.
I have jumped on Panzer now because it is still all in print, with the base unit getting its third printing.
Keep a good eye on your mental health.
This sounds like a change of direction. It’s a hobby of course so as long as to pays in happiness then there is no wrong.
I imagine you bought the scenario books for RFF.
Stew sums it up nicely but I'll miss our tussles on the F&D site about Jacobites all having swords!
Has the Culloden collection gone to a good home?
Ronnie
Graham,
Always pleased to see a new blog post from you.
Glad to hear you are feeling better and have refound a 'mojo'.
I have also just been through a black downer following a long illness and have also begun to sell off projects of the past in favour of smaller skirmish sets(though I'm keeping my Crann Tara Savoia's and Gallispans!)....and have moved to board games, mainly for the space saving and set up time.
Elite for early Bonaparte are great figures , I also have a few of the Emperor Toad's French cavalry and Prussians which seem to 'fit' well with the 1796 range on the table top.
Best wishes and as others have said enjoy those new projects.
Mark J
Gents,
Thanks for all the comments it all helps the tinkering and trimming will continue as I move forward. Reporting of the new projects will be reported on here.
Sorry about the delay in posting Graham, like most people who are retired, doing anything takes time.
The problem with thinking is we think too deeply about matters that are beyond our control which becomes an issue in its own right.
The mantra I attempt to follow is that as long as one has ones health then other issues are manageable.Like you I struggle with depression and have done since 1993. Cognitive behavioral therapy helped, medication Im not convinced about but keeping busy has helped. Unfortunately once you have stopped working, keeping busy can be a problem.I wont go on about the sale of your beautiful armies because no doubt you had your reasons and it means you can start a new project. I only wish I had the will to move some stuff on but I cant. Hopefully we can meet up at some shin the near future where we can take the p@@s out of someone or other. So get those brushes out and splash some paint about.
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