More Warlord Games Epics and painting burnout!

I have taken things a little easier through July as was starting to feel the effects of oncoming burn out, it happens every so often when painting for so many hours per week. I think this is where the Yaldbury layout build has been a great therapy, a fresh challenge which has required learning new skills. I have also reduced my social media and general online time so may need to catch up a few messages etc.

However, I will still continue to paint model soldiers for as long as I'm able although the pace may well slow down going forward.

Just arrived from Leo in the US, the rest of the Warlord Games Carthaginian Army box for me to paint! The initial batch of Spanish and Italian & infantry made it back to Arizona in just 5 working days (* see shipping/customs rant below!)

Painting these will be spread over three monthly batches alongside other stuff.
Also. more Warlord Games ACW's for regular customer Noel in Ireland, this time 3 Zouave regiments (fancy pants ), New York, Pennsylvania and Louisiana. I do enjoy painting the Epic's.

* Shipping rant:: DPD to the US from UK £35.00 (GBP) no US import charges and delivered in 5 working days. The Hannibal box set from US to Uk carried a Royal Mail handling charge and a UK Customs import charge of £44.00 before it could be delivered here.

Damn those French!

 

Two latest battalions painted for Mark, Peninsular War Young Guard 18mm AB figures. The low relief brewery building intended for a future possible Yaldbury extension!

I've been tempted back again!

OK, so I knew it wouldn't last!

With Yaldbury nearing completion - just additional detailing to do - my attention has been drawn to the 'One Hour Skirmish' wargame rules and the possibility of a small  card table gaming set up that would enable me to paint a few figures for myself AND continue to enjoy my recent enthusiasm for terrain building in a modular form. The rules are completely card driven, no dice are used, and employ small 'squad' sized forces of around 12 to 16 figures per side and can be played in numerous periods. My feeling is that they work best for WW2, where the representation of suppressive fire tactics with units comprising riflemen, a light machine gun team and an NCO carrying a SMG give a surprisingly realistic but fun game.

After much thought I am going to begin with early war German v French using 15mm Peter Pig figures (because I love them!) and will use my 2'6" x 2'6" folding card table which is already covered in a fleece battle mat. More as things progress but in the meantime this is a nice little introduction to the rules.

French command, I love those early helmets and greatcoats.

Early War Germans in 'jackboots'!

MG34 teams, must have been a right earache!

So well animated the Peter Pig sculpts.

             Introduction to the rules, completely card driven, no dice at all and a great fun game.

Passenger service departure at Yaldbury!

This little project is bringing me a real sense of achievement which is why I'm sharing it here, and it has me thinking about how I used to feel the same about wargaming but no longer do and why. I don't intend to overthink things though, just enjoy the moment. I'm considering extending the layout beyond the tunnel  which would allow a longer run in and a brewery with siding (good Kentish Ale!)

On the painting front it's Peninsular Month, starting with 2 battalions of the Young Guard, 18mm AB figures for Mark. I have also now secured the remainder of Hannibal's Epic Army which comprises 28 bases of 5 skirmishers, 24 bases of 5 cavalry, 12 bases of  20 Libyan heavy infantry (strips), various mounted command figures, the 'Specials' Generals packs and of course the Elephants so I'm pretty solidly booked now for a few months ahead. 

The 4F tender loco has pulled the branch passenger service into the station and uncoupled to run around the loop. 

Still on the workbench, more to do!

3F tank loco awaits departure in the siding with a short goods delivery.

A view along the non scenic end, 4F has now reversed to re couple and is ready to take out the limited passenger service.