Monty's War Gaming

Two Hour Wargames

2012-01-25T22:19:00.002Z

Everyone has their favourite set of rules that they usually spend most of their time on in one way or another and for me it is, far and away, those offered by Two Hour Wargames or THW.

Created and developed by Ed Teixeira, they are constantly expanding their range and cover everything from fantasy, gladiatorial combat, WW2, pulp, zombies and colonials - to name but a few! For those that haven't tried them, here is a brief resume from their website:

'Welcome to Two Hour Wargames makers of entertaining games playable in two hours or less. All THW games can be played solo or same side (cooperatively) as well as head-to-head. With THW you can play with your friends as well as against them. Customer satisfaction and support is our goal and our 4800 member Yahoo Group is available to answer all questions'

Just a few of the titles on offer, giving an indication of the range available.

There are a number of things that stand out that for me, make THW the system of choice:

Firstly, and not least, the system is intuitive, flexible and lends itself to real-world tactics, rather than 'gamey' mechanics. Players can use any figures they already have and it doesn't rely on specific basing or scale conventions.

THW's ethos is unpretentious, friendly and open to user input at every level, with Ed on hand to answer questions daily via the enthusiastic Yahoo Group.

But, for me it is the unorthodox and ingenious 'chain reaction' system used by all THW games that allows solo, co-op and multi-player games with equal ease that set it apart. Quite unlike any other on the market it offers a challenging and unpredictable game every time you play.

When I returned to the hobby 3 years ago, my playing habits and the time available to me had changed since my last incursion back in the 90's; I now don't have the time or inclination to learn multiple rules sets or paint endless specific figures for each game system and quite often play solo due to work constraints. Therefore, THW is perfect - once you learn the core system, you know 90% of all games within its range - perfect.

The core system 'Chain Reaction 3.0' is available for free download from THW's site and are well worth a look, who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised...

That's it for now,

Monty

Red Dead Redemption Gameplay Video Series: Introduction

2012-01-23T22:49:00.000Z

I recently borrowed this the other day and can't recommend it enough; a fantastic source of entertainment, where, today for example, 3 hours simply vanished in its open-ended 'sandbox'-style game play.

It has it all - buckets of atmosphere, every western cliché under the sun, solid (non-linear) storyline, amazing graphics and an impressive musical score, all wrapped up in a major motion picture production where you carve out your own ending, rather than watching passively...oh, and there's no time to eat popcorn either...

On a miniatures gaming note plus, it has seriously inspired me to finally finish my Dixon 28mm stuff from last year and possibly look at 15mm western skirmishing; but there again, fickleness is one of my personal attributes...

That's it for now,

Monty

Plastic Soldier Company 'Cross of Iron'

2012-01-20T21:31:00.000Z

Here is the latest of my Plastic Soldier Company stuff that I have (slowly) churned out since Christmas. The plan is to use them with my Nuts! rules and upon reflection I suppose I should have based them separately, however, they wouldn't have looked as effective IMHO.

The MG42 team with 1 in 1 tracer loaded, I try to make my troops look suitably grubby and 'battle-worn'.

The Soviet DP-28 troops, my only real criticism with the PSC figures are their similarity of poses across all ranges, which I suppose keeps costs down on moulds etc...

...and now, following a couple of head swaps, we have Sgt Steiner and Cpl Kruger from the classic 'Cross of Iron' film. These figures aren't finished yet, but I thought it was high time I posted something constructive...

I wanted to give Steiner a smock and tried to mould one with some Green Stuff, but wasn't skilled enough, so he he had to keep his M43 tunic, as worn at the start of the film...

Private Maag calls for reinforcements... the bases are yet to be (very sparsely) flocked as I intend these troops to be used in an urban, multi-level setting - due primarily to my lack of board space - and the fact that 'Cross of Iron' is mainly mud, mud, mud...

'Demarcation! Steiner coming in! Demarcation! Steiner!' Love that film...

That's it for now - more to follow...eventually,

Monty

The World at War

2012-01-10T00:00:00.001Z

This beauty is now available for the bargain price of £20 from Tesco...

All 26 episodes, fully restored with upgraded soundtrack and a further 12 hours of documentaries - unbelievable value.

As we all know, the definitive study of WW2 - probably not a good idea to watch it if you are feeling remotely melancholic though...

(Normal slow painting service to resume shortly)

That's it for now,

Monty

Ambush Alley (Again)

2011-12-19T23:02:00.002Z

Just before Christmas, here is a montage of my old Ambush Alley shots, gratuitously bunged together into a YouTube video, complete with non-copyrighted Middle-Eastern style music; what more could you want for the Big Day...?!

There were no specifics here, everything is recycled and with some skill and application I suppose I could have produced something half-decent, but hey, I'm no Spielberg - even on Windows Movie Maker :)

I have actually been productive and painting stuff; although not a great deal I have to say, as there have been lots of festive frolics of late as you can imagine.

I shall be 'back at it' though in the New Year and am determined to produce something worthwhile sharpish (I even have it on good authority that Father Christmas may be bringing something to spur me on!) so, a Merry Christmas to my fellow blogging gamers with best wishes for the New Year!

That's it for now,

Monty

Rage - 2011 Gameplay Trailer [HD] - Pixel Enemy

2011-12-08T19:54:00.000Z

Got this beauty brand new for Xbox at Tesco for thirteen quid - bargain! Painting is continuing (slowly) in the background...

Guns at Batasi

2011-11-28T22:43:00.000Z

I mentioned the brilliant film 'Guns at Batasi' - which the good lady bought me last Christmas - back in January, and thought I would belatedly post this classic sequence of scenes for your perusal.

For those that haven't watched the film, Richard Attenborough is at his best as RSM Lauderdale, the career soldier and focal point for his regiment, now under siege in his own mess following a mutiny by native troops in colonial Africa following a coup.

There are fantastic performances all round which are well worth an afternoon's viewing with your feet up; and while there may be no gun-play to speak of, despite the title, they demand your full attention.

Highly recommended.

That's it for now,

Monty

Example of Random Painting Part 1 - Orks

2011-11-23T20:55:00.000Z

Been all over the place lately (again) with the random, sporadic, painting sketch, so I thought I'd better stick a few bits up now and again to feign industry.

This post will deal with Games Workshop Orks, of which I've inherited around 30 from a mate, unassembled and still on the sprues, including some rotor-copters machines (I'm not up on the Ork scene much, as you can tell despite being casually interested in the aesthetics of the 40K universe) or whatever they're called.

In true Monty style though, despite having acquired them well over six months ago, I've only painted two - and that was half-heartedly in the background using recycled paints as I got on with other stuff concurrently - so it may be some time before they see any action.

I particularly like this chap - I call him the 'American Footballer' due to his armour - again, the colours were mainly anything I was using at the time.

The 'chief' probably, (my apologies to Ork experts out there) whom I painted up first and had a bit of a drama with his hide colouring - still haven't mastered it yet - drat...

Awhh...don't they look sweet - bless 'em - waltzin' off into the sunset! May get some Imperial Guard, if I can find some cheaply, for a 5150 skirmish or something; assuming I actually finish any more Orks off first...now there's a thought...

That's it for now,

Regards,

Monty

Scratch-Built Terrain Part 2

2011-11-15T22:38:00.000Z

Despite over 90% of my available spare time (which is admittedly decreasing anyway due to a multitude of reasons) being dominated by the (IMHO) brilliant Battlefield 3 multi-player, I have been able to knock together some more scratch-built terrain and bits for use with either my 20mm, or, at a push, 15mm stuff.

Production and painting generally have been pretty non-existence lately due to a variety of reasons, apart from the xbox, so these few items are pretty exceptional, I suppose, if nothing else by the fact they actually got made!

My latest building and the largest so far, which I have dubbed 'The Reichstag' :)

It has multiple areas and flooring layers to allow skirmishes to occur 'room-to-room' but more importantly gets around my lack of table space...

I went for a burnt-out look and wanted to contrast it against the other similar buildings I have made which I intend to use during the same games.

'The Reichstag' has the largest footprint (4 beer mat/coasters) of all my scratch-built stuff - most occupy singles or at most doubles - so this one stands out compared to the others.

Next up, my latest attempt at barbed wire entanglements - the last time I tried this was back in '96. This example is made largely from polystyrene, beer mat/coasters, cat litter and picture hanging wire.

Smaller version, which I made first to see how they would turn out...

Finally, an urban rubble 'bunker' with barbed wire frontage - again using the same materials as above; this will provide a worthy objective during forthcoming encounters...

I think I probably now have enough bits 'n' pieces to finally stage a small 1/72 Nuts! skirmish game - bring it on!

That's it for now - right, where's my joypad gone?

Monty

Picture-Free Update

2011-11-10T14:22:00.000Z

Greetings!

This is a quick update as I emerge bleary-eyed from wracking up my online ratings on the fantastic Battefield 3 (see last post), to inform you all that I have also been constructive in the scratch-building arena during this period and will be posting a proper update next week - work and the rigours of life have prevented me form doing so before now...

More to follow - I can imagine the suspence must be too much for you all, for which I can only humbly apologise :)

That's it for now,

Monty

A Farewell To Brushes (for the moment, anyway)

2011-10-30T12:07:00.000Z

It's in my clutches...

This is Monty signing off...wait out.

Three days to go...

2011-10-25T23:03:00.000+01:00

Plastic Soldier Company 1/72nd Russian Infantry

2011-10-24T18:52:00.000+01:00

Just finished the first batch of PSC Russian Infantry for use with THW's Nuts! skirmish rules. I actually bought them at Salute, but only got round to painting the first 10 (pathetic turnaround, I know) as I am so slow.

Have to say, I really like them; they are, like other PSC stuff, essentially the same figures (pose-wise) as their German and British counterparts; in a good way, though.

All my games are small-scale affairs and the plan is that this will be no exception, utilising some flattened, mashed-up urban terrain, which I'm knocking-up at the moment and should allow me to get round the lack of table space, while hopefully still keeping it in a typically chaotic, Eastern Front setting...hmm...we'll see...

With that in mind, I tried to go for a 'Cross of Iron' look with these chaps, like the one I attempted with their German opponents.

That ends my slightly pretentious update, I will get round to a few more bits 'n' pieces soon I'm sure...

All the best for now,

Monty

Battle of Hastings

2011-10-17T09:52:00.001+01:00

We had a great day out on Saturday at Battle, East Sussex, to watch this year's re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings. In glorious October sunshine the site of the battle came alive again with over 400 participants clashing in a stirring representation of that epic turning point in English history. In addition to the battle, there was also plenty of other activities, including falconry, weapons' and equestrian displays.

This was our first visit to Battle, which carries a tangible sense of history and we intend to return and take it all in again in slow time; there is much to see all year round, with various tours, a museum and buildings such as Battle Abbey, (above) built by William on the site of Harold's demise to give thanks for his victory and to commemorate the thousands who fell that day.

Norman cavalry begin to arrive on the field...

There were a number of excellent cavalry displays including use of lance and javelin against infantry and mounted swordsmanship.

The display begins with the English beginning to arrive on Senlac Ridge, shortly after, 'King Harold' emerges at the head of his banners to survey the field.

The English shield wall begins to mass...

Arrows from Norman bowmen begin to rain down on the defenders as the battle opens...

The Norman infantry begins its advance towards the waiting English...

'Duke William' leads the cavalry charge against the shield wall...

Battle is joined proper...

The English were again defeated and a sense of reverent sadness fell across all assembled as a minute's silence was observed at the finale.

A great day out all round, with much to talk and think about and which is thoroughly recommended. Next year's battle event promises to be an even larger spectacle with many more taking part and we have already cleared the diary...

That's it for now...

Monty

Gun Fight at the OK Corral (almost...)

2011-10-12T21:23:00.001+01:00

At the end of last year, the little woman and I had just ploughed through all three series' of the fantastic Deadwood in record time when I announced the experience had inspired me to paint wild west figures.

This classic example of the fickle nature of my painting interests resulted in the pleasant surprise of my dearest proceeding to buy me the excellent Gun Fight at the OK Corral by Dixon Miniatures for Christmas (yes, it's taken me that long to get round to painting them!).

But never mind that, here are the 'goodies' of the Old West; they are the first Dixon minis I have painted and I really like these figures, despite the (unwarranted IMHO) mixed reception they seem to endure among gamers.

Virgil Earp (as far as I'm concerned anyway...) ;)

Doc Holliday, I based my painting schemes on the film Tombstone, except Doc whom I based on a Colonel Sanders-esque type due to his loose resemblance!

Morgan Earp, thought I would make a slight chance with him and give him a grey Stetson...

Finally, Wyatt who gets two pistols (of course)... ;)

There you have it, just got to paint the Clantons and McLaurys next...don't hold your breath though...

That's it for now,

Monty

Invasion! Episode 4

2011-09-27T23:21:00.002+01:00

Here is part 4 of Invasion! as Savage is introduced to Britain's structured resistance, but of course, nothing goes according to plan as a Volgan spy infiltrates the base. It takes Savage's no-nonsense working-class 'nouse' to expose and finally deal with him in satisfyingly cliché-d fashion...

The art duties have now been handed over to Patrick Wrigh t whose detailed work, previously seen in Battle and Warlord among others, lends a World War-Two look to the strip.

Classic final panel as code name 'Mad Dog' burst from their Ford Transit Mk One van and gun down the check point Volgs - the war is back on!

That's it for now,

Monty

Battlefield 3 | Caspian Border Gameplay

2011-09-25T00:20:00.001+01:00

Oh no...will I paint bits of metal and plastic again...?

Wargames (Soldiers and Strategy) Magazine

2011-09-19T20:48:00.000+01:00

When it comes to wargaming, I am without doubt a 'lighweight'; only having returned to the hobby two years ago after a twelve-year absence and certainly not up there with the 'big hitters' that I regularly see (and admire) at shows and among these hallowed electronic sites.

With all this preamble blurb in mind then, it is unsurprising that my sighting and subsequent purchasing of this previously unseen gem caused such a pleasant surprise to me whilst visiting my local WH Smith newsagent.

A fantastic, unbiased read full of diverse articles which is a world apart from Wargames [FOW] Illustrated...

I am probably the last 'war gamer' on Earth to see this magazine, but will certainly be supporting it in the future...great stuff!

That's it for now,

Monty

1/72 Scale SdKfz 234 Puma

2011-09-01T11:07:00.000+01:00

I am currently knocking up a few bits and pieces to use in a small Nuts! skirmish game and so the chance of some freebie die-cast WW2 vehicles previously included as part of a tank magazine series, was not to be missed.

Here is the first, a 1/72 scale SdKfz Puma decked out in Waffen SS colours. The vehicles lack any great detail and what there is, is pretty generic, however, they are perfect for my meagre wargaming needs.

Here it is following some washes, dry brushing and basing; to be honest, I didn't spend a massive amount of time doing this and admit there are areas that could still be 'tarted-up' a bit, but think it is a great improvement on its previous guise.

I am continuing to struggle with productivity as many will be aware from my previous posts, but I am 'chipping away' at a few things slowly, which I will stick up in the near future.

I have a few other vehicles to complete including a T-34/76 and Tiger 1 (what else?) along with some more PSC infantry, but first I have the small matter of a week away in Rhodes to occupy me...;)

That's it for now, all the best!

Monty

Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor (X360) Steel yourself for this gamescom tra...

2011-08-18T18:25:00.002+01:00

Oh, well...looks like I'm going to be getting a Kinect after all...

If only they had set the premise in WWW2, it would be (potentially) perfect...looks bloody good though, nonetheless...

Silly body movements in the living room beckon...lol

That's it for now,

Monty

Dave Graffam Card Buildings

2011-08-09T20:46:00.003+01:00

Had another minor change of direction again and thought I would (casually) begin indulging in 28mm stuff, but cannot be bothered to scratch-build structures at that scale due to time/patience/ability constraints and so on. The compromised working solution for me is the excellent card buildings range by Dave Graffam.

I bought a few of the cheaper examples and have to say that I have been impressed - given the medium's inherent limitations - due to the low cost and quick turnaround it takes to build them.

The first example I recently completed was the Sniper's Wall, shown here in red brick finish. Most models come in multi-layered format, so you can choose which appearance to use, thus potentially creating many different looking structures for the price of one. The quality of the textures used are excellent and give an illusion of depth - a credit to the designer.

I did however, conduct one modification when building, which was to use foam board as the core of the structure along with stiff cardboard to create durability. The result is a cost-effective and sturdy model which took a short time to complete.

This example is scaled to 28mm, however, this can be easily reduced to any scale using your printer's output settings.

My fledgling Bolt-Action German para force scuttle around its 3 floors...

This was 'Exercise First Attempt' and there are a number of errors in its construction, due mainly to the use of foam board over the usual card stock, however, the resultant model is more than adequate for my needs and has an almost 'cartoony' look to it, which suits me perfectly.

Next up, a quickly assembled example of the Low Ruins pack, which again, is a multi-layer PDF download; I opted for the 'brown stone' finish, again with a foam board core for strength.

Finally, an example of the Rustic Cabin, again which can be printed off in a number of guises and is simply to build.

Again, I used stiff card on this one to give it strength and a more 'solid' feel, and also added a little static grass to some of the grassed textures, which adds further depth to the model's finish.

Card models will probably never compete toe-to-toe with their resin, scratch-built or plastic counterparts, however, they offer a fantastic alternative and provide striking terrain pieces at a fraction of the cost and time expenditure, especially at larger scales and for that, they get my vote!

That's it for now,

Monty

Judge Dredd

2011-07-26T20:19:00.000+01:00

Here is my latest painting distraction - an opportunity buy at Salute saw me grab a couple of Judges from Mongoose Publishing's excellent Judge Dredd range; one being the great man himself: Joe Dredd.

The figures are the first from the range I have got hold of and I have to say, they are pretty impressive; characterful and chunky, in the style of the artwork from the Galaxy's greatest comic, they stand around 30mm from toe to eye.

Of the two, my favourite is the Street Judge firing his Lawgiver Mk 2 - very nice...

Dredd, himself looking typically authoritarian while he awaits his paint work...

...and here he is, subject of poor photography, but looking more the part as he addresses a lawbreaker...

'The sentence is death, creep!' Classic Judge pose as instant justice is dispensed...

I really like this range, which is expanding all the time and I have it on good authority, that more Judges, among others are on the way, including Lawmaster-riding examples - bring it on!

That's it for now,

Monty

Invasion! Part 3

2011-07-18T21:21:00.005+01:00

Here is part 3 of classic 2000 AD story Invasion from the comic's inception back in February 1977. This episode is significant for a number of reasons, not least for it marking the departure of co-creator and artist Jesus Blasco, whose fantastic work perfectly captured the mood and feel of a pseudo-1999 rooted firmly in 1977. Writer Pat Mills would also leave soon, handing over script writing duties to Gerry Findley-Day, who would steer the series to its conclusion by Prog 51.

The episode opens in the immediate aftermath of the Volgan occupation in a parody of the Red Army's sacking of Berlin in 1945 as the victors loot and murder their way through the defeated British capital. One of Blasco's strengths as an artist lay in his ability to capture facial expressions and character ethnicity, as distinctly Asiatic-looking Volgans delight in their war crimes. The traditional British Bobby and flat-capped pensioner in the background further underpin the strip's 1970's vintage .

Britain's new Prime Minister and Volgan collaborator, Simon Creepton (nice touch) appeals to the nation to accept the invaders as 'friends' as Savage oils up his 'cannon' above a transport 'caff', meanwhile, raincoat-clad British Military Intelligence close in.

The first meeting between Savage and who would turn out to be his great friend and fellow resistance fighter, Lieutenant Peter Silk. From the off, Savage is one step ahead as he spots and deals with a Volgan squad tipped off by another collaborator (a recurring theme throughout the series), in this case, the cafe owner.

Driven by the need to avenge the death of his family at Volgan hands during the invasion, Savage's credentials as an effective and streetwise killer have already been established in the opening two episodes, and this latest scrap further underpins his ability to make short work of regular Volgan troops while outwitting British Military Intelligence.

With Savage now part of the established resistance movement, he is perfectly placed to take the fight to the Volgans on more even terms.

I will post episode 4 soon, which introduces Britain's fight-back and then periodic stand-out stories in due course.

That's it for now!

Regards,

Monty

Combat Mission: Normandy Part 2

2011-06-28T19:19:00.002+01:00

Having recently downloaded the Combat Mission: Normandy demo and playing through the tutorial mission, I thought I would share my first impressions. (Please excuse the poor quality of the pictures, they were captured on my phone from my laptop...)

For those that haven't encountered the series before, they are a turn-based hybrid utilising a WEGO system of game play that allows players to plot their troops' movement and tactics in intricate detail before viewing the results of their deliberations via 1-minute real-time playbacks.

The original incarnation, Beyond Overlord, was released back in 2000 to critical acclaim and was followed by excursions to Russia, North Africa, Afghanistan and Syria.

A close-up of German infantry in wait for approaching American troops prior to contact... the beauty of the game's engine is that it allows you to get 'over the shoulder' of the action and observe your best laid plans coming to fruition...or not.

US infantry and Sherman tanks move cautiously down narrow lane and adjoining fields under contact. The mechanics of the game are impressive and suit the new location well; I played the tutorial a couple of times and found that the only way to achieve (limited) success was to push my chaps down a narrow lane. My tanks proved to be easy pickings for concealed Pak 40 guns in the open...

Two of my three surviving Shermans emerge from the lane to engage the enemy at close quarters...

Wide shot of the US force breaking out of the lane and closing in on the remnants of German resistance; the game models minor infantry tactics well, with the BAR group dropping off to put down covering fire while the riflemen assault with grenades and close combat...nice.

A close-up of the two GI's from above putting down fire on German positions and the MG 42 in particular...

German MG42 team, having been seriously mauled...

The effects of close-in mortar fire prior to final assault, the machine gun fire from the left is coming from the Shermans seen earlier as they suppress depth positions...

Close-up of the MG42 team prior to the battle commencing, I think the game captures human animations pretty well with impressive results. I must admit, after an initial re-acquainting period with the nuances of CM, I was immersed in the experience - very good stuff!

So there it is, a short look at what I think is a welcome advance in the Combat Mission series; think I will try my hand at the other two demo missions...

That's it for now,

Regards,

Monty

Odds and Sods Part 2

2011-06-16T20:55:00.000+01:00

Lots of distractions preventing me from making any real progress lately have led to a new policy: less is more and small steps are large ones. To that tenuous end, here are a few of the things I have been doing lately; there are other bits 'n' pieces, but these are probably worth mentioning.

Plastic Soldier Company Late German Infantry, I've had these a while, only got round to starting them recently. They are intended to be used with THW CR 3.0 freebie skirmish rules, which I think are fab :) I also bought some Red Army bods too at Salute, but, alas, they remain in their box for now...

Next up - Peter Pig's US Marine sniper team, which I recently acquired to enhance my Ambush Alley/ CR 3.0 games. I really love the Pig's stuff and will continue to support them; I now have one of their recently released Humvees to further supplement my forces...however at time of typing it remains in its package...

Finally, a few action shots from a recent CR 3.0 skirmish game (Ilove their mechanics); I suppose man-to-man combat has always been my favourite mode of (battle) play...

There you go, then, quick and cheerful - I seem to have solved the 'Blogger issue' too, now I have downloaded Google Chrome...hmmm, conspiracy after all, methinks...

Regards,

Monty

Invasion! Prog 2

2011-06-07T18:28:00.036+01:00

While Blogger continues to confound me with its refusal to work properly and allow me to post comments and update anything except via my phone, I thought I would at least try to post episode two of Invasion! from the archives of the Galaxy's greatest comic, 2000 AD.

The second part carries just as much weight as the first, despite only carrying four panels. Dealing with the events immediately after the invasion, it not only establishes Bill Savage as a force to be reckoned with, but underpins his motivation for carrying on the fight; while neatly squeezing in two Clint Eastwood parodies! This is vintage Pat Mills at his best and Jesus Blasco's artwork continues to capture 1999 (1977) Britain perfectly.

This first panel hurls the reader straight back into the chaos and desperation of the doomed defence of Britain as the Volgan [Soviet] army smashes its way to victory. The British 'never-say-die' spirit perfectly evoked as the 'Fourth Battle Group' fight on and are destroyed on Sailsbury Plain, despite having been ordered to surrender. Its Chieftains succumbing to wave after wave of Volgan T62-esque tanks.

The Volgans' murderous character is outlined as they slaughter irradiated survivors from the nuclear strike on Birmingham and hang dazed-looking MPs from Westminster lamposts. The Volgan leader Marshal Vashkov exclaiming that the British will lose hope when they see their leaders executed. I suppose we did trust our politicians once, but I can't help but think in light of recent events, the great British public would be only be too grateful to assist in the lynchings now!

Next, probably the most dramatic entrance of any comic character anywhere - Savage bursts into a London pub, shotgun levelled at the Volgan tank crew that he believes killed his family. Never has Blasco's fine artwork so perfectly or dynamically captured a scene of high drama before or since.

The Cossack dancing Volg, who until that point had been revelling in victory and goading all present stops two barrels worth of lead at close range - sweet, hot revenge! Savage, oblivious to all around him, strides into the bar, coolly reloading his 'cannon' as the Volgans look on incredulously...

Now the second Eastwood parody; in typical Pat Mills style, Dirty Harry meets South London lorry driver. The vodka 'molotv' cocktail used to destroy the parked tank hinting at the last-minute editorial decision to change the nationality of the invaders from Soviet Russian to a politically correct (this was the real-life period of detente, after all) 'Volgan'.

So there it is, the second instalment of this classic, vintage series. I will post the next two parts and then select examples from later in its 51- episode run, over the coming months. In my opinion, looking back, the opening episodes have never lost their impact, were occasionally equalled; but never bettered.

If only a Savage-like figure was available...

That's it for now,

Monty

Situation: No Change...

2011-05-29T09:56:00.000+01:00

Blogger still refuses to play properly and so I cannot post comments or replies - or log into my own bloody account unless I do so through my phone; most annoying, to say the least!

I am still continuing to read all posts and updates with interest though and read yesterday that Google are (apparently) working on a fix...will have to see on that one.

Meanwhile,

Best wishes,

Monty

More info available at:

pants.com

Blogger Issues

2011-05-24T20:52:00.000+01:00

Just a quick update to say I am experiencing strange occurrences with Blogger at present and cannot properly comment or respond to posts etc.

Blogger seems to be kicking me off and not remembering my passwords...very frustrating.

Hopefully normal service will resume shortly.

Regards,

Monty

Invasion!

2011-05-24T18:50:00.000+01:00

In February 1977 British comics history changed forever with the publication of 2000 AD, a science fiction-based feature highlighting ground breaking stories that, despite being anticipated as a short-lived venture, would endure and help shape British pop culture until the present day.

The first ever story featured was 'Invasion!' created by British comics legend Pat Mills and artist Jesus Blasco. Set in an alternative (then) future 1999, it saw Britain and Western Europe invaded and occupied by The Volgan Republic of Asia, a brutal dictatorship with an uncanny likeness to Soviet Russia. It would also introduce Bill Savage - a sterotypically working-class 1970's hero that would epitomise (for me anyway) the British fighting spirit; the uncouth and untrained underdog fighting for, and triumphing against impossible odds.

As an 8 year-old this strip had a profound effect on me and helped ignite my obsession with Sci-fi and future war. The power of those first episodes with their iconic imagery still fire the imagination, all these years later.

So, as a homage to this great story, I have included the first ever episode and will explain why, once you have read through this unofficial, but affectionate and respectful republishing of a modern comics legend.

So there it is, the introduction to a story set in 1999, but rooted very much in 1977 - what better basis for an alternative future -based wargame?

The possibilties are endless...

I have episode two for those that may be interested...

That's it for now,

Monty

Generic Scratch-Built Buildings

2011-05-02T20:57:00.000+01:00

Things have been quiet on the progress front lately, although I did attend Salute and make a number of random purchases, which should follow in due course.

I have been chipping away on several fronts though, including continuing my 20mm Britannia Brits and Afghans, Plastic Soldier's 1/72nd scale Germans and Russians and more Peter Pig US Marines.

One thing I have been keen to do is expand my clutch of scratch-built buildings with the aim of fudging their design so they could be generic in appearance and to a certain extent, scale. My intention was to be able to use them with both my fledgling WW2 troops as well as the 15mm Peter Pig stuff.

The structures had to be simple in design, utilise materials I already had lying around, and be relatively quick to build. The paint used is the typical cheap kids' variety matt-finished with commerical varnish to keep costs as low as possible.

Therefore, the endless pile of card coasters was pillaged, along with some old bits of foam board, cat litter, sand and balsa.

The finished version, which I based on Dave Graffam's 'Sniper Wall' from his excellent card buidings range.

...and with a small force of Late War German Infantry manning its shattered structure...

The lack of any disernable windows or doors was deliberate to allow different scales to be accommodated as I don't have the resources (least of all, patience) to build specific buildings to various scales and scenarios.

I also knocked up a couple of smaller examples, again following the 'one size fits all' principle to eventually populate a small skirmish table based around a mashed-up urban area for use with the excellent THW CR 3.0 rules. The buildings' footprints are all based around the dimensions of the coasters that form their bases to allow them to fit in suitable numbers onto a table as small as 2' x 2' if necessary.

I shall continue to make a few more varieties of structure and terrain along with painting up some more Germans and starting the Russians concurrently. Who knows, I may even stick to this project for more than a couple of weeks...probably not though, as I have a wandering eye...:)

That's it for now!

Regards,

Monty

Ambush Alley Piccies

2011-04-14T23:03:00.000+01:00

Just a few Pictures of a solo 15mm Ambush Alley encounter I had recently...

Nato troops enter a built-up area in response to increased tension, which sees a LAV-25 advance cautiously through the tight streets supported by dismounted Marine infantry, as a local mob watches from the distance...

A Marine fire team provides additional overwatch as the streets clear...

The enemy have melted away as the infantry slowly and methodically dominate the ground...

And they're off! Enemy insurgents, faced with overwhelming odds and superior firepower rapidly withdraw to fight again...

UAV surveillance confirms no insurgent presence...

The sun begins to set as Nato forces tighten their grip, but what of tomorrow...?

So ends my self- indulgent muddle of recycled photos into an unconvincing mini story thread...:)

Regards,

Monty

Italeri Late Imperial Legion Part Two

2011-04-06T21:39:00.002+01:00

Here are a couple more completed units from the excellent recently released Late Imperial Legion.

As before, I have replaced their hasta spears with wire examples from Crusader Minatures, although the minatures are made from pretty hard plastic, the result of new toolings and improved manufacturing materials.

The detailing and animation on all figures is excellent throughout and a pleasure to paint, I really like this set and hope they release more like it.

Two-figure archer skirmisher unit, three identical sprues provide a total of thirty-six troops.

The fledgling legion... problem is, my attention is now swayed again onto three other distractions...oh well...

Regards,

Monty

The Professionals

2011-03-28T21:07:00.001+01:00

Yeeesss! That classic series of the 80s' which no kid would be seen dead missing is coming to the big screen!

I only hope they don't 'Hollywood-ise' it, but keep it in its original early 1980s' setting, cast British actors; and keep Guy Ritchie well away....

In the meantime, another tangent is about to be turned, as I begin to research acquiring die- cast Ford Capris, Escorts and Mk 2 Transit vans...

Any suggestions for suitable figures...?

Regards,

Monty

Essex 15mm Roman Cavalry

2011-03-26T16:41:00.001Z

Just to prove that I am continuing to actually paint stuff, here are a couple of my recently finished Essex Roman cavalry units based for DBA or RRtK, which I may eventually get around to playing one day...

The General, based as a three figure, shock cavalry element.

All figures have had their original spears removed and replaced by the excellent wire examples from Crusader Minatures.

Roman cavalry men based as a two-figure mounted skirmisher element...

As usual, Army Painter Strong Tone varnish was employed throughout.

That's it for now, more to follow...

Regards,

Monty

Battlefield Bad Company 2: Panama Canal Gameplay

2011-03-19T14:26:00.001Z

Yet another reason why my painting is decreasing...ho hum...

Regards,

Monty

Sucker Punch

2011-03-12T13:58:00.001Z

Got to see this...

Monty

1/32nd Airfix Jerries!

2011-03-08T21:22:00.003Z

After what seems like an age (because it probably is), I thought I should stick an update on to prove I have been pottering around with a paint brush; even if it is in a totally disorganised way.

Below are two of my favourite Airfix figures from my favorite set, WW2 German Infantry which have been recently relaunched.

The officer, Walther P38 in the aim...before...

...and after... I started painting these quite casually as is evident by the number of joint lines which remain; quite annoying as the figures turned out a bit better than I originally thought they would...doh!

I used good old Army Painter Strong Tone Dip liberally brushed on before matt varnishing, dry-brushing in grey, basing and finally matt varnishing for a second time.

I used Army Painter Steppe Grass (naturally) and Swamp Tufts to complete the basing.

My overall fave bod - the grenadier, about to execute an Olympic-worthy throw of his 'potato masher' - doubtlessly into a distant and flanked, Bolshevik MG nest...

Blast those accursed joint lines!

Ah, back to the days of classic war films, Warlord, Battle and War Picture Library comics, to name a few!

These figures whisk me back to boyhood and despite their comparative stylised, simplicity by modern moulding standards, remain classic designs.

The MG 34 team next!

All the best,

Monty

Italeri Late Imperial Legion

2011-02-15T22:32:00.004Z

Pathetic levels of non-progress continue with my latest paltry offering of one - yes, one - unit of Italeri's excellent recently released Late Imperial Legion.

Command unit for use in DBA or Rally Round The King etc...

The figures are clean, well-detailed and moulded in hard plastic which make painting a pleasure (for plastic). Impressive, dynamic animation throughout, too.

Figures have been brushed with Army Painter strong Tone and finished off with matt varnish, first time I've painted this period, prefering the classic EIR, although found it a good change and so will actually finish the box (a first)...

A nice set from Italeri and I recommend them to anyone interested in the Late Roman period (or not, as in my case).

I promise to produce more things to post quicker in future...:)

All the best,

Monty

Killzone 3 Warzone Multiplayer

2011-02-13T23:10:00.002Z

Time to dust off the PS3... the sort of reason why I paint less frequently these days...

Regards,

Monty

Battlefield Academy Online

2011-02-03T21:05:00.002Z

Finally got into the deceptively brilliant Battlefield Academy and am currently thrashing through the second PBEM online dust-up. But I must (smugly) announce that the first desert-based encounter against Paul was a close victory (for me...)!

However, I am sure he let me win...didn't you, mate...lol?

The current clash is a bit more nip and tuck though and is an Ardennes-type battle that is curently very much hanging in the balance...

Great stuff...

All the best,

Monty

Imperial War Museum

2011-02-01T22:39:00.001Z

Karen and I had an excellent trip last weekend to the Imperial War Museum, London which really is worth a visit if you ever find yourself in the capital, especially as it is free admission (as all museums should be).

The last time I had a look round this impressive display was way back in '82 as a schoolboy, so this was long overdue. It was noticeable from the outset that in my prolonged absence a great deal of money had been spent updating and modernising the interior as well as adding to the excellent collection of exhibits.

One of the stand out features is the human connection outlined behind almost every exhibit; most have tales to tell from the Tamzine - the smallest of the 'Small Ships' that sailed to and from Dunkirk to Montgomery's Grant tank 'Monty'.

Example of the atomic bomb 'Fat Man' dropped on Hiroshima in 1945

Bronze Nazi eagle salvaged from the roof of the Reichstag in 1945 following the fall of Berlin, the numerous bullet holes across it perfectly evoking the ferocity of that struggle.

And some of the rest...

An all round great day was had which was not nearly long enough, as in addition to the static exhibits there were numerous tours including the London Blitz Experience, WW1 Trench and a very moving and educational Holocaust memorial.

All the best,

Monty

Paint Station Madness

2011-01-12T22:11:00.004Z

Nothing much to report quite yet, only a poorly executed and quick snap-shot into some of my current erratic and chaotic painting projects....

At the front, 1/72nd scale Italeri Late Imperial Legion legionaries to be (eventually) used in my recently acquired THW Rally Round the King rules set.

To the rear right of them, my next batch of 6mm Baccus Roman archers and Auxilia, to their right, some more of my 13-year 15mm Essex Celts project, to their rear, a self-indulgent couple of my favourite Airfix 1/32nd WW2 German Infantry troops, part of their recently re-released classic figures range.

Somewhere, there is a GW Ork too, which I'm painting up on an ad-hoc basis purely out of curiousity; and finally some cleaned-up and recently based Dixon Gunfight at the OK Corral cowboys...

This is just a tiny insight into why, with my limited painting 'windows' I achieve next to nothing generally I suppose...doh!

Oh, well...

Regards,

Monty

Situation Report

2010-12-31T12:54:00.003Z

A Happy New Year to all my fellow bloggers/gamers/painters etc!

As 2011 approaches I am in the pit of despair; over two weeks have passed now since I picked up a paint brush while all the time reading of you chaps happily painting away - it's getting too much to bear! The same goes for my beloved xbox (Battlefield: Bad Company 2) and PC (Total War) ...

To add to my woes, I have been struck with this bloody flu-like virus (man-flu, apparently) that is doing the rounds in Britain at the moment; which means I haven't been able to console myself by drowning my sorrows or ravaging my woman - it's a bloody hopeless situation!

Finally, finally, I reached for my copy of the classic Guns at Batasi which Karen thoughtfully got me for Christmas, only for us to then realise that Amazon had sent the Region 1 version...AAGGGHHH!!

You couldn't make it up...

Oh, well, roll on 2011, that's all I can say - best wishes!

Monty

Combat Mission: Normandy

2010-12-27T17:44:00.002Z

Just spotted this recent post from Battlefront regarding the latest incarnation of its successful Combat Mission series.

While I enjoyed CM: Shock Force, I felt it had lost something in translation from what is this game's natural setting of WW2. This seems to have been rectified now with the welcome return to its roots.

Looking forward to seeing more of this in the New Year as its release date nears...

All the best,

Monty

Medieval Gate House

2010-12-22T15:05:00.002Z

No gaming or painting going on at the moment with Christmas looming, my painting kit back in London and withdrawal symptoms starting to bite. However, I thought this little bit of trivia may be of interest to one or two of you out there during the festive ruck...

During the usual Christmas round of visiting family and friends, the other half and I stayed in the town of Monmouth, South Wales, which is near my parents' home. The town, among other things is the birth place of Henry V (we stayed at a pub in Agincourt Square) and still has a strong medieval feel about it, and along with a Norman castle built shortly after the conquest, boasts this fortified gate house.

Built in 1270 to protect the approach to the town across the River Monnow, it is the only surviving example of its kind left in Britain. During its lifetime it has served as a gatehouse, gaol and town mint. Seen here from the western approach to Monmouth, it still represents an imposing and impressive sight.

The view from the town side of the Monnow bridge, the gate house's large, heavy wooden doors are no longer present now; however, one can imagine them being slowly drawn open by the sentries once any due tolls have been paid etc prior to leaving town - brilliant stuff!

Well, that ends my tenuous 'festive' entry in lieu of any real gaming updates and only remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

All the best,

Monty

20mm Britannia Afghans

2010-12-06T23:14:00.007Z

Progress continues at a snail's pace on my Britannia 20mm Afghan fighters/enemy/Taliban-types. I seem to have so many pulls on my time these days with work and various other compulsory distractions that things seem to take an age. This means I have to restrict myself to relatively unambitious projects that allow a reasonable balance between painting/making and playing. I suppose I'll get there in the end...perhaps...

The two 'elders' as I have termed them cautiously advance through my scratch-built structures...

Reinforcements arrive ...etc; the buildings are the usual foam board and beer mat remnants, liberally sprinkled with sand and dry-brushed.

Sneaky, sneaky goat herds...

The goodies (us Brits in this case,) wait in ambush - 'watch and shoot - watch and shoot!' ...

The enemy receive critical int via their network of local dickers and, wanting to avoid direct contact, back up...

As quickly as they arrived, they melt away into the back alleys and side streets, due the presence of overwhelming NATO forces and lack of painted comrades...

More to follow,

Monty

Two Hour Wargames

2010-11-24T22:15:00.003Z

Whilst continuing with the excellent Ambush Alley, I have also been boning up on Two Hour Wargame's Chain Reaction 3.0 freebie skirmish rule set, which is very impressive.

For those that haven't seen them yet (and for those that have, I would love to hear your views) they have the increasingly popular dynamic reaction system at their core, which allows for stimulating solo and co-op play where no two games are alike. While they can be used with any figures you may have about, as THW state; they are, I think, better suited to larger scale minis - although this is not a necessity, by any means - in what is, a semi-RPG environment.

Like Ambush Alley, they are easy to learn and offer plenty of opportunity for tactical options during play and I look forward to giving them a proper blast soon, rather that the limited play testing I have only had chance of so far.

More to follow!

All the best for now.

Monty

Centurion Exclusive Battlefield Clip HD

2010-11-08T23:04:00.001Z

This is a 15-rated clip of the recently released Centurion film - so, if you are of a nervous disposition (or, indeed below that age) DON'T watch it! - which shows off Neil Marshall's trademark blood and guts approach brilliantly.

I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would and it's inspired me to dust off and complete my Warlord legionaries, which can't be bad!

Aside from the obvious flaws (hasta instead of pila and one obviously miscast actor, to name a couple) much of it - I thought, anyway - was pretty good; the legionaries' armour and helmets, for instance, put Gladiator's to shame and the whole thing had a more gritty, authentic feel to it (albeit due to budget constraints) making it far more accessable than its big budget rival.

History is isn't, however, it is a rollicking good ride!

1/87 Vehicles

2010-10-07T21:47:00.002+01:00

After much searching for and frustration, with not much success, I happened upon these 1/87 vehicles - a Range Rover & Mercedes -Benz Sprinter - in my local Modelzone from Gaugemaster for use in my 15mm Ambush Alley game.

I was pleasantly surprised by their detail, low cost (£2.75) and compatibility to my Peter Pig figures and not having long to loiter in the shop, I quickly picked the most appropriate vehicles for a middle-Eastern environment with the intention of preparing them for gaming use later.

The vehicles in question, prior to weathering and basing, with QRF Middle-Eastern civilians milling around in the background.

The vehicles, weathered, based and ready to roll...

Finally, with the de-bussing insurgents in full flow...

That's it for now!

Monty

Britannia Modern British Infantry

2010-09-22T22:13:00.005+01:00

Having now almost completed my 15mm Ambush Alley adventure, I realised that I wanted to perhaps do it all again in 20mm! So, I quickly bought a small batch of British Infantry from Britannia to have a look at and was pleasantly surprised by their bulky quality.

Having never painted this scale before I was surprised at the minatures' size - not much smaller than 25mm, with their detail and character impressive, to say the least, IMHO.

Most of my small motley crew all based on their trusty 1p pieces - I want to use all the same measurements for my 20mm Ambush Alley games if I can and so decided to keep as much the same as 15mm as I could to prevent me having to redo everything again. This may not be realistic in practice - but, we shall see...

The section commander and grenadier with his 40mm UGL , again, the character of these figures is impressive.

The sniper team in their completed form - my favourites, so far.

The remainder of the section advancing across the work bench...

Action shot of the chaps doing the business on my existing 15mm table and scenery - I should be able to adapt some of my scratch-built buildings by simply adding larger doors...

Sniper team taking cover behind some scratch-built cement sacks, prepare to take out an insurgent leader...

The GPMG team sprints across a ubiquitous alleyway...

Well, that's it for now, I like them a lot and have decided that I'll get some more of these, along with their Taliban enemies - more to follow...

Monty

QRF 15mm LAV-25

2010-09-16T21:57:00.001+01:00

Just finished QRF's LAV-25 model, which I have been doing alongside several other projects for my Ambush Alley board.

Component parts cleaned up prior to assembly (obviously); the barrel needed some serious straightening and strenghtening with a thin film of super glue following transit.

Model assembled and base-coated, this was intended to be an invasion-era example, so, after consulting various sources I opted for my take on the standard temperate cam paint job - with mixed results...

A quick wash later with some Citadel Badab Black Wash...

Dry-brushed with lovely Vallejo Iraqi Sand acrylic - I wanted it to look suitably weathered and knackered, after all!

The finished product, final dry-brushed, based, with additional scratch-built stowage (covered bergans and cam nets) made from modelling clay and green putty. The radio antenna are a couple of nylon bristles from a dust pan, washed and dry-brushed. All ready to provide some much needed Marine transportation and additional fire power...

This was my first encounter with QRF's vehicles and I was generally pleasantly surprised.

More to follow...

All the best, Monty

Halo ODST Live-Action Battle

2010-09-10T19:37:00.002+01:00

In preparation for the Halo Reach launch next week, I thought I would post this live actioner from Halo ODSTfor your perusal...

Zulu!!

2010-08-13T18:27:00.001+01:00

...and now for something completely different...

Ambush Alley Again!

2010-08-04T21:43:00.001+01:00

After what seems like an age I have finally achieved a semblance of completion with my Ambush Alley efforts. What began in February and continued sporadically between the usual work, life, socialising, coursework etc, now has a form - of sorts.

The 2'x2' board mid-game with a fire team of Marines on rooftop overwatch putting down fire onto three insurgents dashing across the road to their front, while a second fire team advances to clear the mosque.

With the exception of four small Magister Militum buildings, the remainder are scratch built, along with the walls and debris; the board is a desert coloured terrain tile by Total Scenic System that I coated with sand and liberal sprinklings of cat litter before spraying and dry brushing.

All miniatures are Peter Pig's 'Republic AK 47' range - US Marines and Arab/PLO, which I think are great. I have 15 insurgents completed and 7 Marines so far, just enough for small scenarios while I paint up the remainder.

When starting this project I was in two minds which scale to go for and so decided to construct the buildings with one eye on them being used for future 20mm games, and so deliberately over scaled them slightly so they would not look out of place with larger figures - cunning plan, Baldrick...

A typical Ambush Alley view with knocked-out T54/55 at end of street, any insurgents about are keeping their heads down...

Marine fire team covers a small square prior to the remainder of the squad advancing...

I am building more battlefield 'clutter' - skips, craters, mounds etc, as well as a couple more buildings and have a QRF LAV-25 and Arabic civilians on order to widen the game's depth and scenario possibilities.

I really like these rules with their unpretentious approach, accessibility and emphasis on real-world tactics over gamey gimmicks.The dynamic turn system makes it equally suited to solo play as well as multiplayer and puts you straight in the action - only requiring a small 2' x 2' board for 15mm miniatures. It has fired my interest in modern gaming at the expense of everything else at the moment, which is remarkable given my usual eclectic gaming pursuits!

That's it for now - more to follow,

All the best,

Monty

Scratch-Built Arabic Buildings - Ambush Alley

2010-07-08T22:31:00.001+01:00

Slow, slow progress on my Ambush Alley stuff, with my determination to scratch-build most of the buildings and scenery, coupled with all the other everyday things that clog up gaming and painting, contributing greatly to my sloth-like advancement...oh well.

First off, is a generic adobe block, which upon reflection, doesn't really look very Middle-Eastern at all, but hey, so what?

It is constructed from old bits of cardboard, cork and sand. The posters were Islamic revolutionary images lifted from the web along with the sign above the door. I deliberately stayed away from any specific theatre when choosing their themes, and so avoided any Iraqi references. The scale purists out there may baulk at the size of the building's footprint etc, but that was largely down to inexperience on my part and an intention to convert it to suit 20mm figures with minimum modification in future if later decided.

Next up, another smaller building, this time built from an old foamboard sign I found abandoned at work. I decided to give the structure a beaten up appearance and so added some exposed brickwork beneath a broken plaster exterior using some modelling clay glued to card.

A balsa door suitably weathered and some cat litter and sand painted and highlighted complete the effect.

Finally, my 'mosque', intended to be a centrepiece to most table top townscapes. I intended this to be a major landmark, but believe I only partially achieved my aim; still, it looks pretty good from a distance. I had intended it to be 'clean' looking, but having recalled my own experience in Iraq along with my intention to make my town grubby and rundown, I decided to give it a battered appearance.

I'm not really happy with the windows as they are too small, among other things - there are another three at the rear - but it is a lesson learned for future.

Above are the lowly core construction materials used - the dome, in particular being a salvaged Frescato lid from Costa Coffee!

I still haven't mastered the art of anything other than dirty sandy finishes for buildings, but luckily that is exactly what I'm after - which is fortunate, I suppose. My insurgents are seen here with my attempt at a small sandbag wall and rubble pile.

There are other buildings completed now, but I haven't had time to photograph them yet, but will do so so, once I return from holiday in Greece - yesss!

That's it for now - more to follow soon, now where's that suntan oil...

All the best,

Monty

Peter Pig 15mm T55 Tank

2010-06-01T22:06:00.002+01:00

Just completed Peter Pig's 15mm knocked-out T55 for use in Ambush Alley and thought I would quickly stick it on.

Prior to painting I mounted it on one of my endless supply of beer mats and softened the severe ridge on its original base with some green putty, before basing with the usual sand and cat litter.

My painting skills are limited so I decided my tank should be partially burned-out and be feeling pretty sorry for itself in a bad state of repair. A quick bit of careful scalpel work did away with the dead crewmen who were hanging out of the vehicle and a light sprinkle of fine sand onto the hull (to represent scorching), prepped it for undercoating.

I tried to paint it as if it had burned heavily on one side only (probably due to it carrying hardly any main armament ammo and little fuel - as per Gulf War 2 Iraqi armour) following an M-Kill.

For those who haven't encountered this model, I found it well-detailed, proportioned and nice to paint - all good stuff.

It should now make an ideal piece of hard cover or objective for my forthcoming scraps and I will now look to get a few Pig civvie vehicles, such as the Toyota pick-up and Mercedes Benz (taxi, anyone?)

All the best,

Monty

Completed Essex Chariots (Finally)

2010-05-17T22:00:00.000+01:00

At long last (13 years) I have completed two more of my long-abandoned Essex 15mm Celtic war chariots...

As always, I used the Army Painter with subtle dry brushing afterwards which I think looks about right given my limited painting skills.

This represents about half my DBA stuff finished now, which along with Ambush Alley, Warlord tinkering, 10mm Pendraken Normans and 6mm Baccus for Warmaster Ancients, keep me pretty busy; no wonder I'm getting nowhere with it all!

Well, that's it for now - there will be more to follow - so best wishes for now,

Monty

Insurgents!

2010-05-11T23:32:00.002+01:00

A quick update of my Ambush Alley progress with the 15mm Peter Pig insurgents/enemy I've just completed.

The full enemy force above, ready to give battle in the freebie quick-start 'Contracting Trouble' scenario available for download from the Ambush Alley site.

The figures are from the 'AK47 Republic' range and are Arabic/PLO generic types which suit me perfectly as I didn't want to be confined to specific type of protaganist within the Middle Eastern setting.

I think the detailing, proportions and quality of Peter Pig's sculpts are impressive and good value too. Hopefully they will expand their range to include modern British infantry sometime soon.

As I type I am frantically scratch-building the remaining structures to complete the town with my awesome 'mosque' slowing taking shape (more of that later)...

That's it for now, I will post my next batch of completed stuff soon and hopefully push out some AARs in the not-too-distant future too!

All the best,

Monty

Ambush Alley!

2010-04-25T21:59:00.003+01:00

Here I am again after my latest enforced absence with yet another plan of action. While I continue to potter along with my recently rediscovered DBA army, my head was turned by the Ambush Alley system and its depiction of modern, small unit asymmetric warfare.

My apologies to those 'old hands' out there already familiar with this game, but I have to say that it drew me in on several levels; not least by its lack of pretension, limited number of troops used (just like real life) on a small 2-foot square table and solo option - perfect!

While Crossfire remains my modern, small-unit rule set of choice, this comes a close second (so far) based upon my contact with it to date.

Having discovered the rules I proceeded to source some figures and decided upon the excellent 15mm AK 47 Republic range from Peter Pig as being most suitable. While I probably would have instinctively preferred 20mm figs, these proved to be excellent and mean I can use a space-saving board too.

Having researched the game further I purchased four Magister Militum Middle Eastern buildings to start me off, but then decided to build the remainder from scratch - an example of which can be seen below - constructed from old bits of cork, balsa, cat litter and my trusty beer mats!

There are a quick-start set of rules with an included scenario - Contracting Trouble - provided for free download to start you off and which feature the essential basics of the rules.

For those who haven't encountered the range before, here are some of my completed US Marine squad mounted on 1-pence pieces. The insurgents are next, again purchased from Peter Pig and representing a generic Middle-Eastern band of fighters. I will post the results as soon as they are ready.

I have decided that a defensible mosque will be among the scratch-built buildings and have cunning plans afoot to construct one, again, more of which later.

Well, that's it for now, I should have something else done soon!

All the best,

Monty

Essex Minatures 15mm Celtic War Chariots

2010-03-24T17:35:00.003Z

Hello all,

I have finally re-emerged and have been tinkering, albeit slowly, on a few things recently which should be finished shortly. But by way of an interim preveiw I thought I would post these (poor) photos of some of my stuff. Things really have been non-productive lately due to various life commitments, but I am slowly getting back into it and paint whenever I get the chance.

The image above shows two of my Essex Minatures Celtic war chariots finally seeing the light of day since their purchase back in 1997! Back then I was well on the way to finishing a EIR/Britons DBA game when I decided to abruptly stop the hobby and mothball everything; however, having now returned I thought it was about time I completed my project. To add insult to injury, I remember throwing my completed DBA board into the skip thinking I would never use it again - dammit!

Time and space is limited for me, so any game that offers a fast, fun experience with minimum real estate when I can't get to the club, is paramount; hence my return to DBA. I will apologise for the poor quality of these images again, which are awful, however, I will post some of the completed models from my camera this time, not my phone!

I painted these using the Army Painter strong tone dip and dry-brushing, the bases are partially completed with the white lumps of cat litter evident prior to inking.

Although the picture is blurry, you probably notice that the chariot on the right is 'wonky' and is misaligned on its base slightly which irritates me. I may, however, leave it as it is to add a certain degree of 'character' to it and pretend he is about to execute a rapid flanking manoeurve (plus I can't be bothered to dig it up and rebase it, probably destroying it in the process).

Just got the chariot riders and bases to finish off now before matt-varnishing and posting the finished versions. This is, after all, my fledgling return to painting after a mini-crisis over Christmas with more stuff ( and better photos) to follow.

All the best for now,

Monty

Centurion Film

2010-03-18T23:42:00.001Z

Hello all! I think most of you may have seen this already, but I think it looks pretty good...

Models to follow soon,

All the best,

Monty

Update - Odds & Sods

2010-01-22T19:38:00.017Z

By way of an interim update while I continue the reorganisation of my faculties after the fug of the debauchery that was Christmas, I have quickly cobbled together a muddle of the things I've been messing about with as I try to bore sight my painting eye again.

Pendraken 10mm Normans based for Impetus which I also intend to use as early crusaders

I was impressed by the detail on these, which for 10mm figures I felt was more in line with 15mm scale, but there again, what do I know?

The final painted example of my Airfix commandos and my personal favourite figure; as my previous post outlined, I had mixed feelings painting these and was driven largely by nostaglia, but I'm pleased with the result.

Finally, the first Crossfire base of Revell Panzer Grenadiers, which was my first attempt at soft plastic painting at this scale and after much preparation and advice (many thanks all) the experience was fairly pleasant.

That's it, for now folks, fairly pathetic, I know - but I will get back into the swing again soon I'm sure. The key thing for me presently is focus, which I'm lacking - but don't fear - I shall return!

Best wishes for now,

Monty

Monty's Big Christmas Push

2009-12-13T21:41:00.006Z

To my loyal legion of faithful followers camped out there overlooking my ceaseless blogging industry; I send you (early) Christmas greetings and notice that I am now mounting a new Christmas 'push' that will distract me from all things creative.

The call of women from foreign shores (yes, really), wine and song have clouded my mind, ruining my painting concentration. Expect normal slow service to resume early in the New Year when it all inevitably goes horribly wrong.

In the meantime, these new blighters from Perry will definately be on my target list in January.

All the best,

Monty

Airfix 1/32 Commandos Part 2

2009-12-09T21:21:00.022Z

After what has seemed like ages (well, I suppose it has been really) I have finally finished the first few of the re-released Airfix commandos, which I bought in a wave of nostalgic fervour.

They have been painted with the Army Painter and I based them in the Crossfire style (although they are far too big for such an endeavour and would require a table the size of a football pitch) for a commando colleague of mine.

I hated painting them initially as the hideous shiny 'K-Resin' they are made of, while making them quite hard and un-bendy, also leaves them a pain to paint , despite washing and priming. Their large size too, means they swallow up masses of resources.

However, as they progressed and neared completion I finally got it again and remembered all the boyhood joy these figures' predessessors had given me in my formative years. I doubt whether they have any gaming value due to their excessive size though and don't intend to use them for anything other than modelling and display purposes.

I'll complete a couple more examples and post them before sticking them on my desk to fight it out amongst themselves.

Although the example above has been matt-varnished when snapped, they were were still a little shiny and so received an extra blast, which I never bothered photographing again as I'm sure you can imagine what they now look like...

Just got hold of the classic Airfix German infantry too, which I shall have a go at in good time and I can happily report that the iconic grenadier is among them.

More to follow...

All the best for now,

Monty

Hovels

2009-12-01T22:26:00.034Z

During yet another clearout of my old wargaming bits and pieces I discovered a stash of forgotten Hovels buildings hidden away in a box. It was indicative of my rapid departure from the hobby back in the 90s' that most of them were still unused in their original wrapping.

To be honest, I had forgotten all about them and their discovery was a pleasant surprise as a wide range of future possibilities came to mind.

For those that haven't encountered them, Hovels are probably still the premier resin building manufacturers producing a wide range of examples spanning all the major scales and periods. The level of detail and texture tipically used is of a high standard and produce impressive results when painted.

The buildings seen here are all from the Northern Europe range and I intended to use them in my WW2 games, but they could obviously just as easily be used for Napoleonics etc. They are 10mm scale, but as I will show they are better suited to 6mm, which I suppose isn't too surprising as I find most scales seem slightly 'out' when placed next to their intended figures.

This example illustrates this, as two 10mm Waffen SS stand next to a medieval Normandy church, I suppose they would pass at a push, although upon closer inspection the disparity becomes apparent.

The church in question is pretty impressive and is certainly substantial enough with a nice 'weighty' feel to it.

Its two towers and spires give a typically gothic look and I'm sure (once I finally get round to painting it) it will dominate a gaming table and provide an excellent objective/focal point.

I also purchased some 15mm stuff and actually got round to painting it, which I feel are much better and realistic when used with 10mm. Two examples of Hovels 15mm European farm buildings are shown below with the same figures and look much better in my opinion.

I should apologise for the terrible quality of my photographs as they were done quickly on my phone as my camera was offline, show please aim off accordingly.

European stone barn with two hay ricks

These two ruined 10mm buildings could probably pass with this scale unlike practically all other examples.

To sum up, Hovels provide high quality, well detailed buildings that paint up nicely and provide excellent features for any table top battelfield.

That's it for now,

All the best,

Monty

Quick Sitrep

2009-11-28T00:37:00.002Z

Apologies for the lack of anything remotely creative of late, but I have been painting quite a lot; my walls at home!
The dreaded and often put-off DIY has snared me, along with work, life, pre-Christmas drinking etc etc.
I do have a few things 'on the go' though and will get them out next week... hopefully.

All the best for now,

Monty

Battle Picture Library

2009-11-17T22:31:00.007Z

Just a very quick post to highlight what I consider to be one of the best inspirations for WW2 gaming - Battle Picture Library. Originally produced in a bygone era - the '60s and enjoying huge popularity throughout the '70s and '80s - it chronicles old-fashioned heroics from the most titanic struggle in human history in bite sized chunks for males of all ages.

Its appeal has unfortunately waned somewhat in recent years thanks to digital pursuits and effeminate attitudes. But, as I have said elsewhere, it still represents the sort of old school, balls-out, raw and gritty thrills so frowned upon now by modernist so-called sophisticates.

Within its covers, the black and white line illustrations and stirring, punchy text mean we can all continue sticking it to Jerry in Spitfires, tin helmets and khaki in an age when men were men and there wasn't a celebrity chef or male grooming product to be seen anywhere - fantastic!

Warlord Roman Command

2009-11-05T22:05:00.004Z

Here is the second Impetus-based Warlord Roman base (this time command) which I finished a while ago prior to going into my Airfix frenzy. When painting these I wanted to try and introduce a little more diversity with their uniforms and equipment as well as practising my scalpel skills for some small modifications which I will highlight shortly.

I've said it before, I think these figures are great for a variety of reasons, not least their character and quality of finish which I believe to be a plastics benchmark at present. The centurion figure is joined by the cornicen and signifer to inspire and lead the troops.

The signifer and cornicen share the same torso and arms and even head, so I decided to give the former the parade mask to wear to add variety. Whether or not these were actually worn in battle remains conjecture; although one was discovered at the Teuto burg Forest; and caused a rethink among academics, it may simply have been part of the owner's baggage. When assembling the figure, a light application of green putty to his shoulders was needed to allow his head to sit correctly and unfortunately, despite trying, I was unable to give him a wolf's skin.

The cornicen was a little more straight forward and needed no real adjustment to make him 'work'. The only real criticism I have with him is despite many attempts, he refuses to 'play' his cornu. Oh, well, never mind.

The centurion with drawn gladius and scutum, leads his men forward; I went for the 'warry' look for him and dispensed with the optional vine staff.

The chaps above are showing off their added sword hilts which I (almost) successfully transplanted onto them allowing them to hurl pila with a guilt-free conscience instead of being confined to just wielding gladius.

The unit above, based on its movement tray base and showing off their differing tunics and equipment; as well as including the odd bronze helmet I gave the remainder additional fittings to further differentiate them.

Well, that's all for now, I think it's back to WW2 again now for a little while as I continue to jump around wildly and confusingly between time periods, scales and rule sets...

All the best for now,

Monty

I continued my usual practice of painting the legionaries' tunics in varying worn shades of either red or off-white, trying to capture that soldierly cheap, massed-produced look. The centurion's red tunic was deliberately made to look newer, brighter and hopefully more expensive than the common soldiers around him, with the other two officers sporting white versions.

Airfix 1:32 WW2 British Commandos!

2009-10-26T22:28:00.055Z

Swept along by an uncontrollable force of hysterical nostalgia I eagerly got my hands on a box of the recently re-released Airfix 1:32 WW2 British commandos.

The figures form part of a limited range of these classic packs from the '70s and '80s. As a lad, I, like countless others, had these along with their German foes and spent many hours battling away with them.

The new packs only contain 14 figures with up to 7 variations in pose - although disappointingly mine only contained 6 with the grenadier being omitted and extra riflemen making up the difference. The boxes too, are much smaller than the originals and are roughly the same as those containing the 1:72 counterparts. However, the old box art survives with its Leonard Nimoy lookalike on the front about to toss his Mills Bomb.

A helpful painting guide is now on the back of the pack for those unsure of the colour scheme to use along with an illustration of the figures contained (probably) within the box.

So, what were my first impressions of these well-remembered figures of yesteryear? Well, I have to say, so far, disappointment for a number of reasons, I suppose. The first being that despite my fond memories, it is all too evident just how far moulding techniques have improved during the past 20-30 years leaving these veterans behind with their lack of definition and detail. This, despite Airfix's use of an improved 'K-Resin' to apparently improve painting, which instead, gives a horrible shiny surface texture almost akin to painting glass.

I found this rigidity gave a problem and scars the plastic when cleaning away the considerable join lines which mar otherwise fairly clean figures straight out of the box.

It's not all bad though, and I realise that it may sound that I have nothing good to say about these chaps, but that isn't the case. Despite my expectations being over inflated, these figures did reignite that old excitement when I caught sight of their forgotten-but-still-familiar poses and slightly inaccurate weapon scales and details. All men are lightly equipped with standard-issue 1937 pattern webbing with single water bottle and all wear the famous commando woollen cap.

One thing I will finish by saying is that I was struck by how large 1:32 scale is! With 28mm now being considered 'big' and 15mm or even 20mm being the normal to paint these days, these monsters dwarf them in comparison and it's hard to see them being of much use to anything less than a small skirmish game on a very large table, but who am I to surmise?

I shall post again with my final thoughts once I have completed some figures, which, despite the various comments above, I am looking forward to.

For what it's worth, this is my personal favourite figure whose dynamic stance (for me) perfectly captures the commando spirit.

Upon reflection these figures are all we should really expect from designs which are around 30 years old. Undoubtedly eclipsed by their modern rivals, I'm sure they will still hold a charm for those that recall their first appearance.

All the best for now,

Monty!

Total War - Medieval 2 Kingdoms

2009-10-02T20:25:00.037+01:00

I thought I would quickly provide another appreciation of all

things Total War with a heads-up of Medieval 2 and its Kingdoms add-on.

This has been eating up a lot of my time lately - probably too much, as my painting has suffered a little a result, although the various Romans are ticking along slowly in the background.

Back to MTW 2 Kingdoms though, which offer four campaigns - Britannia, Teutonic, the Americas and Crusades - all based along the standard TW mechanism of trade, espionage, conquest and war on an epic scale; this time set in locations ranging from the Holy Land to South America.

Medieval 2 in all its guises is a massive improvement graphically over its predecessors and boasts some impressive spectacles including sweeping sieges - including boiling oil - and awe-inspiring clashes, either as part of the various campaigns, historical one-off battles or custom battles tailored to the player. The latter is featured here with a quick custom skirmish clash between a force of Templar/Knights of Jerusalem and Turks in a barren stretch of desert.

For this particular encounter the Crusaders are heavily outnumbered and eventually succumb to their foes over a number of different play-throughs, although the tactical possibilities even for a comparatively small scrap such as this could have numerous outcomes within the game engine depending upon deployment and reactions to the enemy's actions during battle; a dynamic feature that makes the entire series so impressive.

The picture right, shows the Templars forming up for battle with a special unit in the form of a mobile cross central of their position. This item gives added morale and improves their fighting tenacity - all modelled as before within the AI - improving surrounding units' spirit.

Turkish heavy cavalry (left), who are controlled by the AI in this scenario, view the static Crusader line from high ground prior to executing a series of flanking attacks exploiting their numerical superiority in horsemen. The remaining force is off-screen to the left and moving up to form a deep battle line.

Upon sighting the Turks the two Templar crossbowmen units (above), occupying high ground at the edge of their own force, prepare their weapons. The remaining spear men and knights steel themselves for the assault that is to follow from massed Turkish infantry.

The enemy cavalry begin their charges sweeping in from both flanks - the game's AI does a credible job of simulating unit-type tactics and plays to their natural strengths. Prolonged movement on terrain, in this case heavy-going sand induces fatigue which in turn, affects morale and fighting qualities, particularly among lower grade troops; all modelled by the game.

The relative short distance involved here, however, has little effect on these elite riders allowing them to reach their enemy at maximum velocity as can be seen below.

The video shows the Turks, unhindered by the Templars' initial volley of bolts, charge the isolated crossbowmen with the sheer ferocity of their impact scattering the beleaguered knights who make a valiant last stand against overwhelming odds.

The battle plays out similarly all along the Crusader line with the combination of massed Turkish cavalry and infantry swamping their opposition; who, to their credit, and in keeping with their doctrine - faithfully maintained by the game's AI
- do not flee, but rather fight to the death where they stand, attempting to take as many of the enemy with them as they can.

This, like my previous Rome post, gives a tiny insight into what I consider to be a fantastic range of strategic and tactical PC-based historical war games. Yes, they have limitations - what doesn't? - but with their depth, detail, scope and sheer excitement with literally up to thousands of combatants on the screen at once in real time; they simply can't be beaten.

Especially since you can now pick up a copy for around a tenner!

Oh, well, back to the painting (once I've had one more attempt to try and beat those Turks by maybe trying plan G...)

All the best,

Monty