First, as promised, some Croats; dismounted, and being very Croaty! These are once again Brian Rigelsford special conversions (they actually arrive more green stuff than metal, and it seems a sin to apply paint!). I have a few more to do, specifically a series of looting figures for vignettes. In the meantime, hope these will satiate the appetite for these rascally characters.
(click picture for larger view).
Next up, a troop of dismounted Swedish Dragoons.
And below, Bernhard of Saxe Weimar's Green Regiment. These figures were painted for me by professional painter James Roach (he's been commissioned to do a few units to help get the rank and file regiments to the required number for the project). Basing and flags (linen) by yours truly.
And below a small vignette with a spare loading musketeer.
So, that was the year that was...2009.
I don't want to do a full review of the waragming year here (although every year I do sit down with my wargaming journal and note such things). Suffice to say it's been a busy one, with 721 painting points (remember my target is 60 per month, so I'm pleased that this was achieved, even though I hadn't been keeping too close a record through the year, and only tallied it all up last week, which just goes to show I've got into a rhythm these past few years. Many people will have painted more, many will have painted less, but as I always say, keeping a tally helps you to plan future output accurately so you are not faced with doing the orbat for Borodino in 3 months when you're normal output is 10 figures per month!).
Other high points: the Display Game at the Flakirk show, which I really enjoyed doing.
And last but not least, the games we've played on a fairly regular basis this year (and especially thsoe for the various publications produiced this year -more of which below).
The final Game of the year
The gaming year ended yesterday, and as promised, I dragged Charles Grant kicking and screaming intot he 17th century for the first outing for the TYW collection. A fun game, rules used were 1644, and a draw was adjudicated in the end. Charles Jorgen Haas, Duke of Pilsner, commanding the Swedes/ protestants, and I played Pappenhiem with a Catholic League army.
The Swedish cavalry starts heading to the flank (table edge hugging tactics of the highest order!) supported by infantry (including Hamilton's English regt, who are busy worrying the sheep!)
The Imperialist forces drawn up to defend a stream crossing next to which an artillery postion is being constructed.
Mounted Croats (Cossacks parachuted in from the Eastern renaissance collection) and Cuirassiers step up to meet the Protestant cavalry
The cavalry melee on the Swedish right flank was the main action of the day. And with severe losses to both sides, proved inconclusive.
At the end of the day ("it was a game of two halves, Gary"?)... well the Swedes probably had the best of it, but in no fit state to launch that decisive final attack, a draw was concluded.
Terrain is the new "suite" I've been developing, including some areas of marsh, a pond, and scratch built trees.
I mentioned above Hamilton's regiment. These were taken down from the shelves for a rare game. Originally painted in 1995 as newcastle's Whitecoats, winners of the Claymore painting competition that year, they haven't had a game for ages, and are showing their age a little. I classed them as "Raw" for the purposes of the scenario. And at one point in particular they acted the part!! Here they are ...
Blogs, Books and Annuals
So, what else has been happening? Well, those serial blog followers who also look in on The Blasthof Blog will have seen some activity in relation to the Classic Wargaming collection.
In addition, Charles and I have been doing a little writing this year, as you may have noticed! In additon to The Annexation of Chiraz book (a mini campaign set in 18th century) and the first volume in the Wargaming in History series (dealing with the SYW actions of Krefeld, Sanderhausen and Lutterburg in the western European theatre), we have also just had released The Wargamers' Annual. And herein, there are a couple of articles specifically for the 17th century enthusiast. First a piece on this TYW collection, including notes on the planning and rationale behind the project. And also an article on the Battle of Tippermuir (first action of the Montrose rebellion). More generally, there are also plenty of "how to" articles, a whole dossier on fighting in Built-Up Areas, a refight of Minden and of Blenheim, a number of teaser games and battle reports adaptable to any period, an ancients article by Harry Pearson, and a couple of articles by Stuart Asquith (to both these fellows, we are extremely grateful).
Available from Caliver Books. Thanks to Dave Ryan for encouraging us to do it, and agreeing to publish it. The idea was conceived in July, and resulted in a frenetic two months to hit the deadline. Next years (yep!) will be better planned! Thanks also to Jay at Caliver for being patient in the setting out of the pages, and waiting for the right photos to arrive from me!!
Available from Caliver Books. Thanks to Dave Ryan for encouraging us to do it, and agreeing to publish it. The idea was conceived in July, and resulted in a frenetic two months to hit the deadline. Next years (yep!) will be better planned! Thanks also to Jay at Caliver for being patient in the setting out of the pages, and waiting for the right photos to arrive from me!!
All in all, we hope it will be the perfect wargamers' stocking filler (cue your own jokes).
And on that note, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, and here's to a prosperous 2010.
Thank you for visiting the blog, and for your kind comments and email correspondence over the past few months. It's been a pleasure, and I hope to be able to provide more entertainment (and perhaps inspiration) in the coming year. All the very best.
