The Loose Association of Wargamers

DougM wrote: ↑Fri May 20, 2022 10:15 pm Ok, here's one from left field... chaps (and chapesses) of a certain age will remember the 'Look and Learn' - the comic that parents bought because it was educational. While those of us of an age to read it, will remember The Trigan Empire. A beautifully illustrated space-Roman comic strip. I discovered the Trigan Empire series is available as a series of books, and bought the first three from Amazon. Due to arrive Sunday, and I am unduly excited. The fourth is due for release this year.

Those reprints are beautiful. It’s such an inspirational series. I very nearly succumbed earlier this year but im concentrating on building my Dan Dare collection first.

Penda wrote: ↑Sun Apr 10, 2022 3:11 pm I have ordered some Redoubt Enterprises. F&IW figures, along with a first time order from Galloping Major, as I'm expanding my collection. No prizes for guessing which order will come first.

I've been bitten by the FIW bug, part of the reason why mt current terrain board build is a bit snowy and duel purpose I picked up a fair load of Galloping Major figures at Vappa and they are somewhere in my painting queue for the next year (i'm a very slow painter unless i'm doing ultra speed painting with contrasts )

Picked this up in my local Oxfam this morning.

Penda wrote: ↑Sun Apr 10, 2022 3:11 pm I have ordered some Redoubt Enterprises. F&IW figures, along with a first time order from Galloping Major, as I'm expanding my collection. No prizes for guessing which order will come first.

I bought the natives, which were the first part of the Redoubt range - truly superb with some excellent sets, each group engaged in a different activity. Sadly, their sculptor left just after that (one or two packs into the civilians) and the next tranche - regulars, militia and rangers - was by someone else who appeared to have left school early, possibly just after graduating from the Chip, Kipper and Biff books. OK, possibly a little harsh, but his work was not a patch on the natives. Redoubt then caught a dose of common sense and hired a third sculptor who did the most recent stuff - including an excellent vignette of a brave leading some women with their hands all tied together - which is a lot better, but sadly of a more "normal" 28mm size, as opposed to the "heroic" previous sculpts, although these latter, ironically, fit in perfectly with Galloping Major, but pretty much nobody else. So I would say a win(ningish)-win(ningish) outcome for Monsieur Penda.

While I think that's a fair assessment, my main issue was always with the molding, or rather the worn molds not being replaced. The figures I've received in my three orders have been largely well cast, with a couple of exceptions on the British kneeling Grenadiers who still have no left cuff! As I reviewed the range for WI back in the day I'd have expected that to have been addressed by now! The range though is of its time isn't it? Identical poses and faces reflect the time before figure design blossomed with subtle variations in pose and individual faces that we largely see today. The main reason I like them though is their heft and size, I can see what I'm trying to paint! I may not do it well, but as I can see the detail mostly I can have a stab at it!

Penda wrote: ↑Tue May 24, 2022 8:44 am The main reason I like them though is their heft and size, I can see what I'm trying to paint! I may not do it well, but as I can see the detail mostly I can have a stab at it!

Testify, Brother!

I confess to having a similar relationship with much of the 1st Corps WW2 figures. Big chunky things that paint up better than you might expect.

A very generous friend gave me the makings of a new Russian SYW army last week; almost enough figures for three Musketeer Regiments, a Grenadier Regiment, a Dragoon Regiment, a Hussar Regiment and a couple of guns and generals (a mix of Eureka and Old Glory 15s, with the dragoons being Essex) and some Maverick flags. I need to buy a few extra standard bearers, flags, etc, to finish off the units.

I may as well get a few additional units while I'm at it, as I'll have plenty of time to paint while I'm breaking the 'Brothers' rail strike.

Actually bought it some while ago (when Pen & Sword had it on cheap pre order), but today my copy of Wargaes Campaigns by Henry Hyde arrived.

Pics of most of the ayton reprobates are in the book, but my biggest shock, was I got a credit in the aknowledgements!

Fame at last!.

Looks thorough.

Bugger. As I'm in the Lost Lands, I thought I might drop into Spirit Games in Burton upon Trent. I loved that shop on my previous visit, but the shop has gone!!! Now mail order only.

Now what else to do in the centre of the beer universe...?