tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994505363650289932024-03-14T01:26:23.141-04:00Without a PaddleScott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-32053388347622168722021-03-17T11:02:00.005-04:002021-03-17T11:02:46.293-04:00Here Come the Irish!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wTgLVPtcz0/YFIYhLKB6YI/AAAAAAAAUvw/c-GFYeoazaAtFwCIYrIf1-qf5qMzXZZGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/149461792_150456000223545_3813859674339813288_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wTgLVPtcz0/YFIYhLKB6YI/AAAAAAAAUvw/c-GFYeoazaAtFwCIYrIf1-qf5qMzXZZGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/149461792_150456000223545_3813859674339813288_n.jpg" title="Don't mess with the Irish" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't mess with the Irish!</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Happy St. Patrick's Day! Seemed like a good time to post some pics of my Irish warband for Saga. This has been an interesting one. It's a mix of Footsore, Crusader and Wargames Atlantic. That's right, plastics. My first real big dive into plastics. Overall, I really like them!</p><p>These were fairly quick and easy to paint. Lots of earth tones, and not a lot of gear. Shield transfers are from Relic Miniatures out of Canada and worked very well.</p><p>I have ordered some more slingers from Footsore, but otherwise this is basically ready for the table. Watch out, Viking raiders! The Irish are ready.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCsOlAqZE0c/YFIYhDhF0pI/AAAAAAAAUvo/p3ZGHoTeKHoT1t3Z0uVDf1oYSE8eBw6-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/149214752_820611395160591_9004144903049150253_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCsOlAqZE0c/YFIYhDhF0pI/AAAAAAAAUvo/p3ZGHoTeKHoT1t3Z0uVDf1oYSE8eBw6-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/149214752_820611395160591_9004144903049150253_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The full warband so far</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHOByUJ0Zdw/YFIYhHoAE-I/AAAAAAAAUvs/QhLZPKTTkcAExcAbvj2Q7mb2eCZoC44mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/149746494_2764772170452257_8849703920365869821_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHOByUJ0Zdw/YFIYhHoAE-I/AAAAAAAAUvs/QhLZPKTTkcAExcAbvj2Q7mb2eCZoC44mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/149746494_2764772170452257_8849703920365869821_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Brian Boru himself.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_k0_haLiAwY/YFIYhqO3wCI/AAAAAAAAUv0/duqCvbZ22jcMP0kPwIxIQzDi_tfCNZIbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/150201549_2533131353660566_2085342821406816356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_k0_haLiAwY/YFIYhqO3wCI/AAAAAAAAUv0/duqCvbZ22jcMP0kPwIxIQzDi_tfCNZIbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/150201549_2533131353660566_2085342821406816356_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuiradh</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3M-la8ERuvM/YFIYhqMOpCI/AAAAAAAAUv8/9jYPeX1fro0Kc-4Go11mkXQXv4YJ-AhvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/150233586_5052953454775797_7974062318110159222_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3M-la8ERuvM/YFIYhqMOpCI/AAAAAAAAUv8/9jYPeX1fro0Kc-4Go11mkXQXv4YJ-AhvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/150233586_5052953454775797_7974062318110159222_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could not resist this!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErAUQ5-lWfw/YFIYhiaQoqI/AAAAAAAAUv4/Xv8zjfckgUEXRIn_HWx-G0EcUQnHtxbWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/150824504_423906928875506_2067154579321952584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErAUQ5-lWfw/YFIYhiaQoqI/AAAAAAAAUv4/Xv8zjfckgUEXRIn_HWx-G0EcUQnHtxbWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/150824504_423906928875506_2067154579321952584_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there a better name than Ulf the Quarrelsome?</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EBJuaoocKs/YFIZGLJmoOI/AAAAAAAAUw0/_75mN5tpGBUtr6DHatW2p6xTtTJLOVQgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/148294426_470736534058922_7946135037004531180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EBJuaoocKs/YFIZGLJmoOI/AAAAAAAAUw0/_75mN5tpGBUtr6DHatW2p6xTtTJLOVQgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/148294426_470736534058922_7946135037004531180_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearthguard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgvQdtUE_Xw/YFIZFmDddPI/AAAAAAAAUws/l_RyBY78ZS0gRGcwX9XW2swcNuGxi2aIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/130269260_3492754574178799_2640504641909170034_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgvQdtUE_Xw/YFIZFmDddPI/AAAAAAAAUws/l_RyBY78ZS0gRGcwX9XW2swcNuGxi2aIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/130269260_3492754574178799_2640504641909170034_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warriors</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOFN1ivLC4I/YFIZE-xcY_I/AAAAAAAAUwg/JlsIzKNdjPUbFxW4_7eKQDGLMu0ouX73wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/130234595_739062060047917_1213363306796406695_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOFN1ivLC4I/YFIZE-xcY_I/AAAAAAAAUwg/JlsIzKNdjPUbFxW4_7eKQDGLMu0ouX73wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/130234595_739062060047917_1213363306796406695_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3iTQnrWeLk/YFIZE84HoKI/AAAAAAAAUwo/CtFdYK0pWMwjDGhDf-uxxD-8GH2AWMlVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/130197712_393703565304367_8016962297305233369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3iTQnrWeLk/YFIZE84HoKI/AAAAAAAAUwo/CtFdYK0pWMwjDGhDf-uxxD-8GH2AWMlVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/130197712_393703565304367_8016962297305233369_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wargames Atlantic look good</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhZLvqHQY8I/YFIZE5rt6eI/AAAAAAAAUwk/d1wxtPZ9ieI-8BQOXa_NjhlPeQ6mlxtXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/129758603_2874348146140214_4791642801498519212_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GhZLvqHQY8I/YFIZE5rt6eI/AAAAAAAAUwk/d1wxtPZ9ieI-8BQOXa_NjhlPeQ6mlxtXACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/129758603_2874348146140214_4791642801498519212_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would not want to meet him in a dark alley.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-52788013805507398002021-03-09T15:46:00.000-05:002021-03-09T15:46:11.406-05:00Has Anyone Missed Me?<p>Wow. It has been a while, hasn't it? I'm not even sure where to begin in discussing the misadventures of the past few years that have kept me from this blog. I rather feel like King Harold in this meme - it seemed like every time I turned around, it was something else!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5QIVM5-wzg/YEfXrIKa4HI/AAAAAAAAUvQ/kCxfNH1ZieUIOH4G_sw9G1U4pE6Eq5yhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s551/how%2Bthe%2Byear%2Bwent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="551" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5QIVM5-wzg/YEfXrIKa4HI/AAAAAAAAUvQ/kCxfNH1ZieUIOH4G_sw9G1U4pE6Eq5yhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/how%2Bthe%2Byear%2Bwent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I know everyone has a tale of woe from 2020, but I like to say our 2020 actually started in 2019. Early spring to be precise, then by fall it was a full-blown cluster. It started off well enough, with a new job at a local community college, and I got to attend FlintCon. But let's say it started at spring break with a car breakdown - in Florida. We sold it for parts and left it there. And more ominously, my wife just did not feel well...<p></p><p>That trend continued throughout the summer, with multiple tests and one biopsy with suspicion of cancer. We didn't do a lot over the summer, only managed one long weekend getaway up north. At least I got to go to Indy, which was another "unknown last one" for a while.<br /></p><p>Anyhoo, by fall things really went bad. September 11 to be precise. What is it with that day? Wife had her biopsy that led to a conclusive cancer diagnosis. Person who held my job previously to me died, so they no longer had to hold the position open for her on medical leave, so it became open to anyone, and they decided to hire someone else. And I turned 50, with that inherent midlife crisis. Not. A. Good. Day.</p><p>I continued working until the end of October, but overall the fall was rough, with chemo treatments and watching that ravage her. By the holidays it was clear she would no longer be able to work, so, and this was one of the small blessings, I took over her job. Yes, I went in in January to teach 8th grade English as her long-term sub. It actually went well, all things considered. There was that week between Christmas and New Year's when she was in the hospital, which was rough, and then the three-week stay in the UM hospital in Ann Arbor in February for the bone marrow transplant, but we managed. Of course, that put both of my annual treks to game cons - SpartaCon in January and FlintCon in February, off the table. </p><p>Which brings us up to Friday the 13th in March, the day everything came to a screeching halt. Covid. Ugh. We all know about that, so I won't say much. But suffice to say, I was out of a job. Again! Fortunately I was able to go on unemployment, which lasted through the summer. By fall, we had figured out how to more or less do in-person school safely, so I went back in as my wife's sub while she taught remotely through Google Meet. Kids are amazingly adaptable!</p><p>But I am actually getting ahead of myself. Let's back up to the April/May timeframe. I'm home, not working. She's trying to throw together some kind of virtual school. And she finds out the transplant did not work. The cancer is back. Oh, and then the area gets hit with an epic 500-year flood when a dam breaks after a storm. Fortunately we stayed mostly dry, barely. The water rose within a couple hundred feet of our house, and houses one street over were badly damaged. She evacuated that night with the kids while I stayed to man the pumps. I don't think many people in the county slept much that night!</p><p>Oh, and about the same time, my dad got diagnosed with colon and liver cancer. 2020 sucked.</p><p>So that brings us to summer, and a new chemo treatment. This one is not billed as a cure, but it is working to keep it under control, at least for now. Who knows for how long. And it is not as rough - her hair is growing back (curly) and she mostly feels OK after, if a little tired. Not like before, which would knock her down for days. </p><p>Ultimately, the doctor gave her clearance to return to work a few weeks ago. We both have had our covid vaccines, so that helped. (Did I mention she was severely immuno compromised after the bone marrow transplant? Her immune system was wiped clean. Basically she was a newborn again and has to get all of her vaccines again.) So she went back teaching in front of kids for the first time in 14 months. And in a fortuitous stroke of good timing, I started working in the communications department of a local university the same day. I've gone in some, but a lot of it right now is from home, which is fine.</p><p>So, hopefully, things are looking up and we're getting back to "normal." But we realize how quickly things can change. I'm healthy. Kids are healthy. And we're just doing the best we can.</p><p>All of this doesn't mean things have been completely quiet on the hobby front. It has been a looong time since I played a miniatures game, but I have been able to get some painting in, and have taken up with some solitaire board games I rather enjoy. And I have gotten more into the model rocketry, and even some balsa aircraft! More on those to come, I hope.</p>If you bothered to read all that, thanks. It was beneficial to spew it all out. I hope I can get back to blogging about more fun things!<br /><p><br /></p>Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-82129000844267164712018-06-27T11:47:00.000-04:002018-06-27T11:47:19.763-04:00Chariots of RomeNext on the agenda at BackyardCon II (which was held for the second year in the screen room due to inclement weather) was Chariots of Rome. This is a board game from Victory Point Games. It was actually on Kickstarter, but didn't get enough funding, but the company went ahead with it anyway and took pre-orders. Turns out it was worth the wait!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ5J4Az-Txk/WzOxO20rQ0I/AAAAAAAASJY/LiPpHTJ1BkkvPdGhICdEZoGlNIXK_yLXwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-23%2B13.48.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ5J4Az-Txk/WzOxO20rQ0I/AAAAAAAASJY/LiPpHTJ1BkkvPdGhICdEZoGlNIXK_yLXwCLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-23%2B13.48.11.jpg" width="320" /></a>Basically each player takes control of a chariot and receives a charioteer with unique skills. Some are better drivers, some are more aggressive attackers, some are favored by the gods. You get the idea. Then by tracking your endurance, tactics and rattled level, it's off you go! There are three basic speeds to choose from (4, 7 or 10 spaces) but these can be adjusted somewhat by spending endurance to roll a die to add up to three extra spaces.<br />
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Charioteers can attack rival racers with a whip or by ramming them. Note: Whip when you are on the inside. If you make your opponent swerve, guess where they swerve!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clL9KqLFyHw/WzOxO4VXM6I/AAAAAAAASJU/WMwsFiN-7XUWsuuEbhQMgiNn7t42-0T3QCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-23%2B14.22.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clL9KqLFyHw/WzOxO4VXM6I/AAAAAAAASJU/WMwsFiN-7XUWsuuEbhQMgiNn7t42-0T3QCLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-23%2B14.22.08.jpg" width="320" /></a>The fate deck introduces intervention from the gods and other such external devices to spice things up and keep you on your toes. Component quality is very good - nice board, sturdy cards that are clear and easy to read and tokens that make sense.<br />
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It took us a lap or so to get the hang of it, especially the cornering rules, but it's really not that difficult overall and can be picked up pretty quickly. We had only three chariots, but can see this is definitely one of those "more the merrier" type games. It would be a hoot at a party with up to eight charioteers sticking it to each other!<br />
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We're already looking at ways to make this a miniatures game, and found that Essex makes racing chariots. Ah, the temptations.<br />
Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-37042690372202406822018-06-25T11:52:00.003-04:002018-06-25T11:53:19.984-04:00Adventures of Dr. Ford in China!I've been wanting to play Pulp Alley for a very long time. Saturday we finally got the opportunity. We played a relatively simple smash and grab scenario to learn the rules, and it was a good one. Read on!<br />
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<i>Dr. Isaac Ford stood with his team from the Geographic Archaeology Society (GAS) and looked across the river. There, in the valley beyond, he knew lied the next clue in his quest for the lost treasure of Emperor Zu Rong, gone missing thousands of years ago. He had made the search his life's work, at the expense of nearly everything else.</i><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4Tq7Q2sQ_E/WzEOc6KFERI/AAAAAAAASH4/Y_l0qzYVJ_Ij1LUXZW3IlMx1QlZiy-SjgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-23%2B10.37.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPqsEY6b5f0/WzEOZv6Fx6I/AAAAAAAASHk/xsV-3iqZMnED_ZS4VLMwdt7CKJ99pknGwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-22%2B19.24.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPqsEY6b5f0/WzEOZv6Fx6I/AAAAAAAASHk/xsV-3iqZMnED_ZS4VLMwdt7CKJ99pknGwCLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-22%2B19.24.56.jpg" width="180" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4Tq7Q2sQ_E/WzEOc6KFERI/AAAAAAAASH4/Y_l0qzYVJ_Ij1LUXZW3IlMx1QlZiy-SjgCLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-23%2B10.37.15.jpg" width="180" /><i>With him, though, was his daughter Mollie, who while not quite as convinced the treasure really existed, was ready to prove herself in a man's world. With a sharp tongue, Mollie is not afraid to speak her mind, but has the moxie - and the physical wherewithal - to back up what she says. </i><br />
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<i>Standing slightly behind are Ernest Dunlap and Harvey Pitt, a pair of adventure-seeking Americans the Fords met on the ship to China. Ernest carries his prized automatic rifle, and scans the area looking for trouble he knows must be near. Harvey's heart is in the right place, but sometimes his good intentions outweigh his skills. He'll do almost anything to try to impress Mollie, but so far she hasn't seemed to have noticed...</i><br />
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<i>Finally there is Cheng-Gong Chin, Dr. Ford's main contact in China and translator. Without him, it's hard to say where GAS would be.</i><br />
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<i>As the GAS team started to move toward the river, nearby another group was also looking for clues to the treasure. Commander Hu Song, in the employ of the mysterious Dr. Wang, is also gazing across the river, and looking for GAS. Hu Song was trained by the Bolsheviks during the Chinese wars, and fancies himself a great warlord - an opinion not shared by those who know him. Hopelessly in love with Dr. Wang's beautiful daughter, he is not in the business for the money, but to impress her father, who he frankly doesn't really like, in hopes of winning her hand. It should be noted, however, that she does not share this dream.</i><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ckfHU5UylZQ/WzEOLquDbEI/AAAAAAAASHQ/yX4AUBotYTMCLEtTyb_ei28cBuXeQ2fUwCLcBGAs/s1600/36087528_2143986662281420_5610791515665203200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ckfHU5UylZQ/WzEOLquDbEI/AAAAAAAASHQ/yX4AUBotYTMCLEtTyb_ei28cBuXeQ2fUwCLcBGAs/s320/36087528_2143986662281420_5610791515665203200_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><br /></i><br />
<i>At his side is the real muscle of the operation, Bi Gui. Not as dumb as he looks, Bi Gui was toiling as a slave to another warlord when Hu Song rescued him, and he remains fiercely loyal. Behind them are the brothers Shai Dong and Wai Dong. They really are in it for the money, and any other "benefits" that may come their way from serving a high-ranking boss like Hu Song.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>With them are three other thugs, Sing Lu, Bu Mao and Chang Li. Hu Song doesn't put much stock in them, but who knows? They may prove useful.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Signalling Bu Mao to checkout the roadside shrine to the right, Hu Song began to move the rest of his unit across the river.</i><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0g97eiTTuxY/WzEOMWE9fhI/AAAAAAAASHY/EjexyNRy9gg6cGLxhLgvqgCyKXTZ3zlsACLcBGAs/s1600/36222555_2143986602281426_3132379129974882304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0g97eiTTuxY/WzEOMWE9fhI/AAAAAAAASHY/EjexyNRy9gg6cGLxhLgvqgCyKXTZ3zlsACLcBGAs/s320/36222555_2143986602281426_3132379129974882304_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Hu Song should have known better. Bu Mao wasn't the sharpest noodle in the dumpling, or something like that. As soon as he knelt down to take a closer look, a snake shot out and caused him to jump back in fright. Hu Song heard the scream, cursed, and sent Bu Mao and Chang Li to check it out.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glX_RkTJXLQ/WzEOZmccxKI/AAAAAAAASHg/2jNACQdmHPkmEFfQpa68QKKqcYMXy0x-ACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-22%2B20.41.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-glX_RkTJXLQ/WzEOZmccxKI/AAAAAAAASHg/2jNACQdmHPkmEFfQpa68QKKqcYMXy0x-ACLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-22%2B20.41.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Meanwhile, after slipping and recovering in the perilous river, Hu Song looked to the right, and there was GAS crossing the river as well!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5G-LV4sJ-iw/WzEOelgXxMI/AAAAAAAASH8/es6bLBE7G7AQxlGl-BOoOw1jlEZGYuLeACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-23%2B10.43.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5G-LV4sJ-iw/WzEOelgXxMI/AAAAAAAASH8/es6bLBE7G7AQxlGl-BOoOw1jlEZGYuLeACLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-23%2B10.43.32.jpg" width="180" /></a><i>Dr. Ford and Mollie were making a beeline for the valley, with Ernest slipping to the left to provide cover with his rifle. Harvey and Chin were heading toward a clump of brush to the right.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Shots rang out, and one of the Dong brothers went down! He shook it off, and was quickly back in the fight.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>While he sent Bi Gui forward to check out a mysterious stone pillar on a hill, Hu Song moved to try to intercept the Fords while the Dongs tried to deal with Ernest.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UwSMP8mC3U/WzEOpz51dTI/AAAAAAAASIY/Bsu6l-VdsR80W893zAYegUUl1ajer_cCACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-23%2B11.51.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UwSMP8mC3U/WzEOpz51dTI/AAAAAAAASIY/Bsu6l-VdsR80W893zAYegUUl1ajer_cCACLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-23%2B11.51.06.jpg" width="180" /></a><i>Meanwhile, the other two flunkies trying to check out the roadside shrine were both bitten by the snake. Oops! Hu Song couldn't spend time worrying about them...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIHqHblkKic/WzEOLuItm5I/AAAAAAAASHM/OkjF_FNXAoIMT3PMXmn1EJCORBHGsywLQCLcBGAs/s1600/36087270_2143986692281417_2464351835289288704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIHqHblkKic/WzEOLuItm5I/AAAAAAAASHM/OkjF_FNXAoIMT3PMXmn1EJCORBHGsywLQCLcBGAs/s320/36087270_2143986692281417_2464351835289288704_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Standing in the middle of the river, Ernest got off a blast that pinned down the Dongs, allowing the Fords time to work their way through the maze of rocks and underbrush guarding the entrance to the valley. Before them stood a huge terracotta statue. This is it! Dodging bullets from Hu Song, the Fords moved up the valley to the statue. It wouldn't be easy, but Dr. Ford had spent years researching and countless hours preparing for this moment. Moving quickly, he found the release mechanism, disarmed the booby trap, and a stone glyph fell in his hands!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHVngDsTHqs/WzEOkY0-9cI/AAAAAAAASII/esfVlv65SMshHNS2lK0zvcbcGTVEFzDRwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-23%2B11.20.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHVngDsTHqs/WzEOkY0-9cI/AAAAAAAASII/esfVlv65SMshHNS2lK0zvcbcGTVEFzDRwCLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-23%2B11.20.04.jpg" width="180" /></a><i>Quickly, he yelled for his daughter to follow him to the other end of the valley, hoping to get away as quickly as possible and anxious to find out what had happened to the rest of GAS.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>As it happened, one of the Chinese flunkies managed to get up up, and seeing the Dongs in trouble, got off a shot on Ernest. Down he went! Now free, the Dongs also set off in pursuit of the Fords.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgvq7GMQylE/WzEOndsUj_I/AAAAAAAASIQ/7fGIq6OErl0EUb7fh0-1VNQmyM6ysmxewCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-23%2B11.36.36-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgvq7GMQylE/WzEOndsUj_I/AAAAAAAASIQ/7fGIq6OErl0EUb7fh0-1VNQmyM6ysmxewCLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-23%2B11.36.36-2.jpg" width="180" /></a><i>Bi Gui, meanwhile had reached the top of the hill. Though he seemed to understand what to do, anything he tried simply wasn't working. Seeing his distress, and growing in frustrating, Hu Song raced up the hill, found a mysterious gem, smiled at the thought of presenting it to Dr. Wang's daughter, and set off in pursuit of the Fords.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>What about Harvey? Well, Harvey was having a heck of a time. He had stumbled upon a stone wall with some mysterious bits and pieces sticking out of the ground, but try as he might, he couldn't make heads or tails of it. He finally slipped on some loose stone, clunked his head, and got knocked out.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6CUf4TTB78/WzEOsUDLZAI/AAAAAAAASIg/ugn9buLMru4By0eiUgqO2AxG--lKp3TvQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-23%2B12.30.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6CUf4TTB78/WzEOsUDLZAI/AAAAAAAASIg/ugn9buLMru4By0eiUgqO2AxG--lKp3TvQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-23%2B12.30.14.jpg" width="180" /></a><i>Chin has been heading toward another hill with what looked like an urn on top, when he spotted Hu Song and Bi Gui close behind the Fords. Yelling a warning, he raced off to intercept. Before he could get there, though, Hu Song calmly took a shot at Mollie, and down she went. "There's no time!" he yelled to Dr. Ford, and with tears in his eyes, Dr. Ford climbed the hill. Bi Gui was close behind, but as soon as he caught him, the earth began to tremble! Earthquake!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Fearing the worst, Bi Gui remembered his first mission to protect Hu Song and ran back to usher him to safety. Chin was able to pick up Mollie's limp body and join Dr. Ford, as they headed back toward the river. Harvey and Ernest would have to make their way out as best they could. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>But he had succeeded, and he knew it. With the piece now in his pocket, Dr. Ford knew he was one step closer to unraveling the ancient mystery. Mollie would be fine after a few days of rest.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5VIyIAm2IE/WzEOtYlhyGI/AAAAAAAASIo/b6kJnFNBlWk2KYKeWcQzdsoxd0pQ3zvRgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-06-23%2B12.30.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5VIyIAm2IE/WzEOtYlhyGI/AAAAAAAASIo/b6kJnFNBlWk2KYKeWcQzdsoxd0pQ3zvRgCLcBGAs/s320/2018-06-23%2B12.30.30.jpg" width="320" /></a><i>As for Hu Song, Dr. Wong would not be pleased, but what did he care? The object of his desire would certainly like the gem. And he still had the Dong brothers to help him next time. And maybe the flunkies - if they survived the earthquake.</i><br />
<br />
There were probably a few things we did wrong, but really after a couple turns, we basically had it down. It proved to be a fun game, and has sparked all kinds of ideas of where we can take it. I have a couple other leagues painted up, I just need to finish the stats. And lots of ideas for more!<br />
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<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-34661187851664619162018-05-11T09:05:00.002-04:002018-05-11T09:05:29.605-04:00Norman Crossbows<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu9D4senigI/WvWUsS-dfaI/AAAAAAAAR_Y/MgcotTeIqdMeTWX0NMTjZ_2nsbvhkllvgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-03-21%2B19.10.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu9D4senigI/WvWUsS-dfaI/AAAAAAAAR_Y/MgcotTeIqdMeTWX0NMTjZ_2nsbvhkllvgCLcBGAs/s320/2018-03-21%2B19.10.24.jpg" width="320" /></a>Finished these a bit ago, but just now getting around to posting it. Enough for a Saga game!<br />
<br />
These are from Black Tree Design. Nice figures, but it does mean there are two of each pose in the unit. I can live with it. Painted with the usual mix of Vallejo and Testors.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TD85ASW2UQ/WvWUrwihQAI/AAAAAAAAR_Q/rgXXtsEFDyArNP-nrpIId1Xn8i7TjjrAwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-03-21%2B19.10.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TD85ASW2UQ/WvWUrwihQAI/AAAAAAAAR_Q/rgXXtsEFDyArNP-nrpIId1Xn8i7TjjrAwCLcBGAs/s320/2018-03-21%2B19.10.30.jpg" width="320" /></a>I now have a full four points of Normans for Saga, five if I add a priest. I have a few more odds and ends to paint, but what I would really like are some mounted warriors without armor, and some archers. Gotta have some archers in a Norman force.<br />
<br />
While Saga places a great emphasis on mounted Normans given the options on the battle board, I'm not convinced it was all horses all the time back in the years after 1066. Horses are expensive, and transporting difficult. And the terrain wasn't always suitable. So I will probably do at least one or two more units of foot troops.<br />
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Need to get a game in one of these days!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7f3tZKSbrcI/WvWUvOhfruI/AAAAAAAAR_c/KiLMCH93_VYZX-S8L2SBm6vGo0W2P5pbgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-03-21%2B19.14.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7f3tZKSbrcI/WvWUvOhfruI/AAAAAAAAR_c/KiLMCH93_VYZX-S8L2SBm6vGo0W2P5pbgCLcBGAs/s320/2018-03-21%2B19.14.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The full force so far</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-11104130139786382942018-05-08T12:15:00.001-04:002018-05-08T12:15:22.831-04:00NASA Said There Would Be Days Like This<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hMxA0wduc30/WvHM296EUaI/AAAAAAAAR-s/xzoKZYtuf2kX3ZYSWDi4cl2h7u3NzMzXQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-05-07%2B19.41.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hMxA0wduc30/WvHM296EUaI/AAAAAAAAR-s/xzoKZYtuf2kX3ZYSWDi4cl2h7u3NzMzXQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-05-07%2B19.41.46.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maiden flight. And first crash.</td></tr>
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Somehow, I've gotten myself on a bit of a rocket kick lately. (Squirrel!) I guess the kicker was when I took my dog for a walk one evening last week down by the field at the end of the road. It was a clear, windless evening, and the farmer had not planted his crops yet. (Corn this year, I think.) In other words, ideal rocket launching conditions!<br />
<br />
So I dug through the stash, did some repair work on some, completed one kit that's been lying around for a year, waited for another ideal evening, and off we went.<br />
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Well, sort of. Some went off. Some went and came down hard. Some just went boom. Or fizzle. Or whatever.<br />
<br />
First up was the little Yankee rocket to check wind conditions. That one went well on an A8-3 rocket, streamer out, nice landing, no damage. Then the troubles started.<br />
<br />
Second one, I somehow missed that the launch lug was missing. No go.<br />
<br />
Then the parachute troubles began. Of the following five launches, only one actually opened. Damage was a couple broken fins, and one lost one as my helpers were a little eager on retrieval and failed to fully check the rocket before removing it from the LZ. Oops. Not the first time I've had to cut a new fin. Too bad it was that rocket's maiden flight.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEcXPGmYKKI/WvHM3DG0unI/AAAAAAAAR-w/ySHEHtrgeS4ATwvX0Z0X_4qoBIEbgLeAQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-05-07%2B19.55.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bEcXPGmYKKI/WvHM3DG0unI/AAAAAAAAR-w/ySHEHtrgeS4ATwvX0Z0X_4qoBIEbgLeAQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-05-07%2B19.55.42.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epic fail</td></tr>
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Then I tried the shuttle. It felt a little sticky going on the launch rod, which should have told me to abort. But no, I tried anyway, and as the engine went, it just sat there and burned a hole through the shield! It was actually kind of funny when the parachute and wadding popped out, kind of like that old NASA video.<br />
<br />
We didn't want to end the evening like that, so I switched engines on one that had been a dud earlier. Then the igniter fizzled. This thing just didn't want to go! I should have listened... when it finally did go, the shock cord snapped! The nose came down nicely on the parachute, but the body fell to earth with all the grace of a falling sack of door knobs. Night over.<br />
<br />
Plus the gnats were atrocious! I've never heard them so bad. Yes, heard. Sure you could see the clouds of them, but I don't know that I've ever heard such swarming noise. Weird.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I took some notes in a logbook, which I wish I had started years ago. It's back to the repair bench, and hopefully another launch date this summer. Where, I don't know. Once the corn is in, it gets tough!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-555oUaqdJwg/WvHM1XP8fSI/AAAAAAAAR-o/F0RaAQpcWCwuQf-1MuQNuKU5esjIT3h-wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180508_080850796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-555oUaqdJwg/WvHM1XP8fSI/AAAAAAAAR-o/F0RaAQpcWCwuQf-1MuQNuKU5esjIT3h-wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180508_080850796.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those engines burn hot!</td></tr>
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Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-90679615403483360122018-05-07T11:56:00.002-04:002018-05-07T11:56:52.805-04:00It's May! So I finished an Indy car!<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIv4k6kq7EU/WvB26LHMvPI/AAAAAAAAR9w/HV2RBfNbZgAE3itJwqD7ehYHxi17A16ggCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-05-05%2B12.47.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIv4k6kq7EU/WvB26LHMvPI/AAAAAAAAR9w/HV2RBfNbZgAE3itJwqD7ehYHxi17A16ggCLcBGAs/s320/2018-05-05%2B12.47.39.jpg" width="320" /></a>I honestly don't remember when I started working on this. Two years ago? Three? Heck, it could even be four. Darn life and other projects kept getting in the way. But since the calendar turned to May, I was determined to finish this.<br />
<br />
So here it is: the 1963 Tropicana Special Novi as driven by Bobby Unser in the 1963 Indy 500. Well, not for long. He completed only two laps before crashing in turn 1 to finish in last place. An inauspicious debut for an eventual three-time winner, to be sure. But, dang, that's a good looking car. And it's tough to beat the roar of a Novi!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyyBiUgrCJM/WvB28hisB9I/AAAAAAAAR94/oEq0e0EvO3AYbvNK729xCDSFC4AA-53mgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-05-05%2B12.48.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyyBiUgrCJM/WvB28hisB9I/AAAAAAAAR94/oEq0e0EvO3AYbvNK729xCDSFC4AA-53mgCLcBGAs/s320/2018-05-05%2B12.48.18.jpg" width="320" /></a>This is built from the excellent kit by Lance Sellers, with decals from Indycals. Paint is Tamiya, and went on smooth. And the decals are awesome, as usual from Michael. I don't know why it took me so long. It was a fairly straightforward build with no unusual challenges. The two worst parts were really more my fault - I lost the arm guard at some point and had to scratch build a new one, and I struggled a bit with the vac formed windscreen, but, I mean, who doesn't? Any errors are mine alone. :)<br />
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Although I am just about out of display room, I really hope to build some more Indy cars. Lord knows I have enough in the stash! Who knows, there may be a couple yellow ones on the bench right now...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All three of my Bobby Unser cars</td></tr>
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Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-73345300946789195622018-03-25T11:34:00.000-04:002018-03-25T11:34:03.497-04:00Giddyup!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Horses, horses, horses! It's pretty much all one of my daughters thinks about. Horse stuffed animals, horse pillows, horse blankets, horse coloring books, horse shirts... you name it. And, of course, Breyer horses.<br />
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This past Christmas, my wife gifted her and me with a set of Breyer paint your own horses. Fun! A few weeks ago, we finally sat down for a daddy-daughter craft day and busted out the paints.<br />
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Here is one of my efforts. I mostly used the paints that came with the kit, which were surprisingly good and in realistic colors. I did supplement with some Vallejo for the hooves, eyes and such. And I used a Vallejo ink wash to simplify the shading. But overall I think it turned out pretty well.<br />
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And the best part is, it was more painting time with my daughter. Always a bonus! I just wish I had taken more photos.<br />
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Oh, as a sidenote, she has also talked us into a family trip to Kentucky in July for Breyerfest. Should be horse heaven for a little girl!Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-77031749889698364322018-03-23T10:13:00.003-04:002018-03-23T10:13:34.969-04:00Sleeping BeautyWake up! Oh, I'm supposed to kiss her? Well, that's kind of weird, since she's only about 7 inches tall.<br />
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I think painting her was enough, don't you? Yup, I finally finished another one of these Disney Paint Your Own Statue things. I painted Snow White a couple years ago, then got busy with other things. But now with my mantra of catching up on old projects, here is Sleeping Beauty. Or Brier Rose, if you prefer.<br />
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These are quite fun to paint. You can do them as simply or as elaborately as you wish. My daughters have painted up a few to practice their brush skills, but I use an airbrush to try to get as smooth a finish as possible. I actually use Ceramcoat craft paints, thinned with water and a bit of a flow agent. You have to be careful not to get them too thin (first coat of her dress, ahem), but too thick and it can really clog the airbrush. Like most things, practice, practice, practice!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxTLWVcqncA/WrULVM0dFOI/AAAAAAAAR6U/AVlAiqhFMyA3FxEDrbzzLegGw-_-TI9egCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-03-22%2B15.29.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UxTLWVcqncA/WrULVM0dFOI/AAAAAAAAR6U/AVlAiqhFMyA3FxEDrbzzLegGw-_-TI9egCLcBGAs/s320/2018-03-22%2B15.29.44.jpg" width="180" /></a>The hair I actually did use a brush with some Vallejo Pale Yellow. Same for some facial details, including the lips and eyebrows, with some drybrush rouge. I did the eyes with a technical pen.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXavFqDTqqk/WrULU8hyBiI/AAAAAAAAR6Q/EnyaIcXd7gYIHd83Q6wnobKrss8PIQY2wCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-03-22%2B15.36.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXavFqDTqqk/WrULU8hyBiI/AAAAAAAAR6Q/EnyaIcXd7gYIHd83Q6wnobKrss8PIQY2wCLcBGAs/s320/2018-03-22%2B15.36.34.jpg" width="180" /></a>I still have a bunch of these in the stash, with Belle up next, followed possibly by Ariel. But it's not all princesses - there are some Monsters Inc. characters, Mickey and Minney, and Starlord and Rocket Raccoon. Enough to keep me busy for a while.<br />
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Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-76008984147934796862018-02-28T11:40:00.000-05:002018-02-28T11:40:07.424-05:00More NormansMore Normans! Four knights on foot with spears, and a warlord! And a banner! And two extra guys for good measure.<div>
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I know, they would do better in Saga with horses. But as I noted before, I have to believe a significant portion of the Norman army still fought on foot. So there it is. And don't worry, I have at least one more unit of mounted knights to paint. And with word of Footsore Miniatures Normans coming, I surely will be tempted to get a unit of mounted warriors. And some archers.</div>
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Wait, wasn't this supposed to be a quick side project?</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qhVsiKXg5Js/WpbbDdXnaSI/AAAAAAAAR4Q/wQ_x9-IW12E0ANzrl5secCrPqS15OTBTACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-25%2B18.45.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qhVsiKXg5Js/WpbbDdXnaSI/AAAAAAAAR4Q/wQ_x9-IW12E0ANzrl5secCrPqS15OTBTACLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-25%2B18.45.32.jpg" width="320" /></a>I actually thought I would need to paint up at least one more unit to reach a four-point Saga force, then I realized I could just spend a point on a priest. So technically, I think they are good to go. Anyone?</div>
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Oh, the knights with spears are from Black Tree Design, while the warlord and his pals are from Crusader Miniatures. All very nicely done, clean and easy to paint with the usual mix of paints. </div>
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One final note, I had planned on using some Little Big Men Studios transfers on the shields, and while they are very nice and I have had great success with them on Saxons and Scots, they didn't quite fit these shields as well. Not their fault, they weren't designed for BTD. So I used them as a guide to paint the shields. They turned out all right, I think.<br />
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Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-32815807493424098922018-02-21T10:57:00.000-05:002018-02-21T10:57:04.339-05:00Addicted to Saga?Yesterday I wrote briefly about how much I like Saga. So last night I decided to quantify that a bit and look at the figures I have painted up and grouped into units for Saga. And the first step is admitting I have a problem!<br />
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Mind you, not all of this is painted, and in some cases point counts are estimates, but this should give you an idea.<br />
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<b>Anglo-Saxons:</b> 10 points worth. That's four units of hearthguard, five units of warriors, and a unit of archers. Consider I have two more hearthguard units with Danish axes, and an Anglo-Dane force could be even larger.<br />
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<b>Vikings: </b>This one surprised me a bit. Again not all of this is painted, but most of it is. I'd call it about nine points, including four hearthguard, four warrior and one archer unit. I also have some berserkers, some painted, some not.<br />
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<b>Scots:</b> Or Picts. Whatever. I'll call it about six points for now. Two hearthguard (only one painted, the other is on the table), two warrior, one javelin and one archer. This is a faction I definitely want to try sooner rather than later.<br />
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<b>Normans:</b> The most recent faction I have started painting, after having them sit in a box for a few years. So far I have the one unit of mounted knights and one of foot warriors done, with one of foot knights nearly complete, along with my warlord. Next up will likely be a unit of crossbowmen, giving me four points, enough to start playing with them. But in the stash I have at least one more unit of mounted knights, and I think maybe two of foot knights. I'd like to get some archers and mounted warriors to call this one good.<br />
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<b>Irish:</b> Digging through the stash, sometimes you find things you forgot you even had! Looks like enough to do a four point force in there. I'm not so much of a purist that I might bolster that with some of the Scots noted above.<br />
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<b>Era of the Princes:</b> Yeah, this one doesn't fit in with the British Isles theme of the five above, but I like them. I have the four point starter pack, and the black hoods to add to it. Not a one is painted, but someday!<br />
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So, yeah, that's a lot. Six factions! That's ore than I thought. And like any good gamer, I'd like more. Skraelings, anyone?<br />
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Many of these were actually painted more years ago than I care to admit, long before Saga came out. I was waiting for Saga, apparently, I just didn't know it. While I've consistently used my Saxons in Saga games up to this point, look for that to change!Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-81681124261969054032018-02-20T11:42:00.002-05:002018-02-20T11:42:44.174-05:00Normans on Foot? Without Armor?!I really like Saga. A lot. I mean, there is a lot to like about it. A warband creation system that is easy to grasp, right-size units that won't break the bank or the painting queue and, of course, the differentiation between factions using the battleboards.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3l3YjSYCrY/WoxP3RV0ZqI/AAAAAAAAR3c/Izm9oohBs4oBmdUP_c5rxBxxM9VHbC97wCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-19%2B18.19.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c3l3YjSYCrY/WoxP3RV0ZqI/AAAAAAAAR3c/Izm9oohBs4oBmdUP_c5rxBxxM9VHbC97wCLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-19%2B18.19.59.jpg" width="320" /></a>For all that, there are still a few puzzling bits. For example, I've always wondered about the lack of rules addressing attacking uphill. Seems that should get at least a fatigue or something. But that's not the point here. Another puzzling bit has been the total eschewing of Norman foot troops.<br />
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Now, don't get me wrong. The sight of a line of Norman knights mounted on their hardy warhorses is surely something to stir the heart and the imagination. It's a great basis for the factional character in the game. But what about the chaps on foot? Those who couldn't afford a horse? Or, perhaps, had to leave it behind in Normandy? Surely the Norman army had a large contingent of good old fashioned poor bloody infantry.<br />
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So that's where I'm going with my Norman force. This is my first painted unit of foot troops, some unarmored warriors. They don't count for much on the Norman battleboard, but that's what house rules are for, right? I'm sure I'll think of something. After all, I have quite a few more of these fellows to paint. I also have about three units of dismounted knights awaiting the brush as well.<br />
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These particular minis come from Black Tree Design. They were very easy to paint, using the usual mix of Vallejo and Testors. One downside is there are only four poses spread amongst the eight, so there is some repetition. But then again, who's looking at them? Everyone is watching the knights on their mighty steeds!<br />
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Watch this space for more Normans!Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-44660068999293529242018-02-19T18:04:00.001-05:002018-02-19T18:04:35.839-05:00Soviet Armor for the Motherland!<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6xS0LmPVSo/WotX2DutSaI/AAAAAAAAR24/-JuHgDLHATQd1plleKee6483u0ffGF5cgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-14%2B15.29.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="1600" height="259" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6xS0LmPVSo/WotX2DutSaI/AAAAAAAAR24/-JuHgDLHATQd1plleKee6483u0ffGF5cgCLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-14%2B15.29.50.jpg" width="320" /></a>It's a long way from the masses of armor the Soviets would have put in the field, but at least now I have two tanks completed!<br />
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These are both resin kits from Warlord Games and went together rather well. Both were given an overspray of Testors medium green, followed by a wash of Citadel camouflage green ink, then duly drybrushed, tracks dirtied up, etc.<br />
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The T-26 is slated for duty in Finland. If you remember, I participated in the Baker Company Kickstarter and had hoped to get some Soviet tanks that way, but I think that is pretty much a lost cause. And lost money, unfortunately. But this little tank will do nicely.<br />
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I'm not as sure what I will use the BT-7 for yet. Someday I hope to expand my Soviet forces to include Barbarossa actions, but that is still a ways down the road. In the meantime, I feel good to get these two in the "complete" pile.<br />
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But have no worries, there are plenty of Soviet soldiers and a couple of T-34s in the stash, just waiting for the right moment.<br />
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Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-79201119441088680292018-02-14T11:09:00.006-05:002018-02-15T14:34:43.178-05:00Adding to the FyrdAs any Anglo-Saxon warlord in Saga will tell you, size matters. A lot. As such, one can never have too many warriors in one's fyrd.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aTsZ-TqXhIY/WoReT44EcdI/AAAAAAAAR2I/rQ7MD7lFVfk-_29Wm-lenf06VbvQ3KHeQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-13%2B11.14.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aTsZ-TqXhIY/WoReT44EcdI/AAAAAAAAR2I/rQ7MD7lFVfk-_29Wm-lenf06VbvQ3KHeQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-13%2B11.14.47.jpg" width="320" /></a>So here are an additional 10 for mine. These are from Renegade Miniatures, and lovely minis they are. They were a joy to paint, and look great finished with the usual Vallejo and Testors paints. I did use Little Big Man Studio transfers for the shields, and I think they turned out rather well.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFmN2W7aQMY/WoReVi7WqfI/AAAAAAAAR2M/mCg7pvlBXSsO9GrI-WXzZJapcDu3SI2VACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-13%2B11.16.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAKvYaVfMp8/WoReTy_tM_I/AAAAAAAAR2E/hT05qdh5S5kV94WOHm1I5vJyyuP1d2lrACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-13%2B11.15.14-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAKvYaVfMp8/WoReTy_tM_I/AAAAAAAAR2E/hT05qdh5S5kV94WOHm1I5vJyyuP1d2lrACLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-13%2B11.15.14-1.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAKvYaVfMp8/WoReTy_tM_I/AAAAAAAAR2E/hT05qdh5S5kV94WOHm1I5vJyyuP1d2lrACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-13%2B11.15.14-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>This gives me 36 Anglo-Saxon warriors, or four points. That gives me quite a bit of flexibility in unit makeup. I would probably go for three units of 12, but who knows. I also have 16 hearthguard, or four more points. Although to be fair, four of those have the big two-handed axes and are probably more suited for an Anglo-Dane force. (I also have four more of those to paint...) But I am not such a purist that I would not use these warriors in an Anglo-Dane force.<br />
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What with my start on a Norman faction, before long we'll be doing Hastings!<br />
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<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-35082725151812321772018-02-09T10:07:00.000-05:002018-02-09T10:07:02.737-05:00Here Come the Cossacks!Here we go, an<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zS47NfeRthA/Wn24xJB4MSI/AAAAAAAAR1U/tpONU9OtIe8FHshcvtOhmfbjW4e8HlRbACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-07%2B10.39.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zS47NfeRthA/Wn24xJB4MSI/AAAAAAAAR1U/tpONU9OtIe8FHshcvtOhmfbjW4e8HlRbACLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-07%2B10.39.35.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>other distraction in the life of a wargamer. Cossacks!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zS47NfeRthA/Wn24xJB4MSI/AAAAAAAAR1U/tpONU9OtIe8FHshcvtOhmfbjW4e8HlRbACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-07%2B10.39.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Cossacks of the 17th century, to be more precise. Perhaps for some eastern Renaissance gaming. Did I hear Pikeman's Lament? I have these rules, and they look very nice. This will do as one unit of musket-armed troops.<br />
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Figures are from The Assault Group, and they are indeed very nice. They painted up well, and I must say it was nice to open up the color palette a bit! Paints are the usual mix of Vallejo and Testors.<br />
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The impetus for this project was our involvement with the girl from Ukraine who visited us a couple years ago. Since then I have become increasingly interested in the history there, and this was a natural manifestation of that. At least that's the excuse I am going with.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBLsK8Kh66w/Wn24w0LQrXI/AAAAAAAAR1Q/EtwtQ-H7rW8EyYDEU1XzYdAirV4Y4HU7gCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-07%2B10.39.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBLsK8Kh66w/Wn24w0LQrXI/AAAAAAAAR1Q/EtwtQ-H7rW8EyYDEU1XzYdAirV4Y4HU7gCLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-07%2B10.39.12.jpg" width="320" /></a>Unfortunately I only have enough to do about one more unit as well as some command, so I'll have to get my hands on some more. I'm looking at a bag of Old Glory, simply for economic reasons. But we'll see. Anyway, this is a start.<br />
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<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-30546776831931314052018-02-07T12:37:00.001-05:002018-02-07T12:37:18.618-05:00FlintCon 2018 - More PhotosThat was a lot of photos for one post. So let's continue in a second one, shall we?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some lovely Napoleonic terrain. Not sure the rules.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starting grid</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The race into turn 2 really established the tone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where things started to go bad. Had to use some wear to get through this mess.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seemed like a good position. Didn't work out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First spin....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.... second spin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sato didn't make it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large-scale WWII Pacific</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting set up for third session. I didn't stay.</td></tr>
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<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-56469421740615601852018-02-07T12:17:00.000-05:002018-02-07T12:18:08.762-05:00FlintCon 2018<br />
Having missed out on SpartaCon this year for a few different reasons, not the least of which is the current employment status, there was no way I was going to miss FlintCon. And it did not disappoint. Great games, great times. Kudos to all involved putting on this exceptionally well-run con!<br />
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I pretty much knew going in what games I wanted to play, and I was able to get in both of them.<br />
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Game one was, as in previous years, a trip to the Peninsula with Wellington in a game of Black Powder. At first I was going to take some rifles and Portuguese cacadores since I did so well with them in last year's game, but eventually I ended up with two regiments of Highlanders. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Highlanders, what with my ancestors coming from there and all. It's just I never have much luck with them in a game. And this was no exception.<br />
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Having seen the kilted heroes run like scared rabbits in a previous game without firing a shot, this time I was determined to get them into the fray as quickly as possible. You know, before they could run away again. So it was a quick advance across the ford in the river, a rapid deployment, and a charge. Oh, it should be mentioned that one of my orders resulted in a fubar, or whatever it is called in Black Powder, which should have been an omen of things to come. But, incredibly, the ensuing die roll had the unit wind up more or less where I wanted it anyway, so things are looking good at this point.<br />
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Then the charge. Oh, they got there all right. But after one round of basically slapping at each other with the backs of their hands with minimal effect, in the following turn, they ran. Yup. Again. And the other regiment was more or less just stand and fire the rest of the game. At least they didn't run. As a whole, the British did well enough on the right in attempting to take the town, but the darn French cavalry crushed our left. With no British cavalry to counter, it was a disaster in the making.<br />
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On to game two. Championship Formula Racing! I'd been looking forward to this for months. Having been a big fan of Speed Circuit back in the day, I really wanted to see how this worked. In short, it's great.<br />
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I think we had about nine drivers playing. The game featured 1/64 Indy cars on a homemade map of the Belle Isle course in Detroit. I started fourth and finished fifth, so not bad. I more or less held my own. As the race developed, the top three managed to pull away a bit. I was usually at or near the front of the second group, and while we would pull a little closer, in the end I took too many gambles, and without enough wear, I spun out twice in the final few corners. I chose Pippa Mann's car because my daughters are big fans.<br />
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I also managed to sell a few items, and got some great deals on a couple other GMT board games. Perhaps for another post. Without further ado, the photos...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zh9IsMJK__M/Wnst64MEQpI/AAAAAAAARuA/K_oqHssxgVEZv-8a7RMmzxElvSIPA5bpQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-03%2B08.29.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zh9IsMJK__M/Wnst64MEQpI/AAAAAAAARuA/K_oqHssxgVEZv-8a7RMmzxElvSIPA5bpQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-03%2B08.29.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congo. This was one I really wanted to try. Someday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aoUx6rqcTg/Wnst6e_rdoI/AAAAAAAARt4/qwFE36aFybU4e05gvnSCNmsWRVU4govDACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-03%2B08.29.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aoUx6rqcTg/Wnst6e_rdoI/AAAAAAAARt4/qwFE36aFybU4e05gvnSCNmsWRVU4govDACLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-03%2B08.29.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brave Congo explorers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never know what you'll find in the Congo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Crusades game.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crusaders.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hV3vpvbz3Fk/WnsuCoqKHaI/AAAAAAAARuM/4scPdXEG7tgrTWHqGI-o8SfDjGpPq-ptACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-03%2B08.30.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hV3vpvbz3Fk/WnsuCoqKHaI/AAAAAAAARuM/4scPdXEG7tgrTWHqGI-o8SfDjGpPq-ptACLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-03%2B08.30.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The castle being fought over.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Persians, not sure the rules.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Greeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrayed for battle!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flames of War, I think?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our objective in the Peninsula.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the French defenders of the town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The British left. Things did not go well here...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 95th!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Highlanders advance!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandywine, Regimental Fire & Fury I think</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Quiet on the Martian Front. This looks fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qVX_R6udz4/Wnsu2nUPD-I/AAAAAAAARvc/DfUDWpdRpO07vIEcCRs7HnNYAgtNT-LUACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-03%2B09.41.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qVX_R6udz4/Wnsu2nUPD-I/AAAAAAAARvc/DfUDWpdRpO07vIEcCRs7HnNYAgtNT-LUACLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-03%2B09.41.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Age of Sygmar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TL9CncrsJms/Wnsu24ALyKI/AAAAAAAARvg/JC6fumrXp28nPnnfo175bFUm_i_luJfCACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-03%2B10.15.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TL9CncrsJms/Wnsu24ALyKI/AAAAAAAARvg/JC6fumrXp28nPnnfo175bFUm_i_luJfCACLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-03%2B10.15.28.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombie game of some sort.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCFyDBDOJIY/Wnsu4Og1oUI/AAAAAAAARvk/F-JKKM7M63coVEfScBzqGB17sNQeB10xgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-03%2B10.15.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCFyDBDOJIY/Wnsu4Og1oUI/AAAAAAAARvk/F-JKKM7M63coVEfScBzqGB17sNQeB10xgCLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-03%2B10.15.44.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Computer aided WWII naval.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flames of War?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">54mm pirates!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, back in the Congo...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The doomed charge of the Highlanders.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where things get ugly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4zrpu_TbLUI/WnsvrCEkDyI/AAAAAAAARwg/Femoe5tX9aI6es1G5ROZUoO1xB_ozVzKQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-03%2B11.03.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4zrpu_TbLUI/WnsvrCEkDyI/AAAAAAAARwg/Femoe5tX9aI6es1G5ROZUoO1xB_ozVzKQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-03%2B11.03.19.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forming square just delayed the inevitable.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xNeQbHWf_g/WnsvtRNtuGI/AAAAAAAARwo/1YeeeBLxYP8yXLlmFXAQK7ci-ACovjzoACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-03%2B11.04.20-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xNeQbHWf_g/WnsvtRNtuGI/AAAAAAAARwo/1YeeeBLxYP8yXLlmFXAQK7ci-ACovjzoACLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-03%2B11.04.20-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, in the Holy Land....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKRF_14LEAQ/WnswDqGwajI/AAAAAAAARw8/z8WfOElAcBIwcU0Y8h1Smzy4f7VDFu2rQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-02-03%2B12.24.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKRF_14LEAQ/WnswDqGwajI/AAAAAAAARw8/z8WfOElAcBIwcU0Y8h1Smzy4f7VDFu2rQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-02-03%2B12.24.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably the coolest terrain of the day. That fort!</td></tr>
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<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-28313708394492068442018-01-29T11:49:00.001-05:002018-01-29T11:49:28.425-05:00Yes We Can-Can!<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYGD0gPMZ9I/Wm9QYpYXWDI/AAAAAAAARtE/_i3cRi_XmBcuX15KcvLqNRFXwr6OUCYVQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-24%2B20.23.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYGD0gPMZ9I/Wm9QYpYXWDI/AAAAAAAARtE/_i3cRi_XmBcuX15KcvLqNRFXwr6OUCYVQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-01-24%2B20.23.35.jpg" width="320" /></a>Every western town needs its entertainment. And what's better than a can-can line after a long day herding cattle or robbing banks!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xxo5w8kB_a0/Wm9QZCtkXbI/AAAAAAAARtI/XOYfyhg24-YEUxBLv40VVD5ladc_5nLlgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-24%2B20.24.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xxo5w8kB_a0/Wm9QZCtkXbI/AAAAAAAARtI/XOYfyhg24-YEUxBLv40VVD5ladc_5nLlgCLcBGAs/s200/2018-01-24%2B20.24.27.jpg" width="200" /></a>These six lovely young ladies come via Knuckleduster Miniatures. They are painted with the usual mix of Vallejo and Testors. For the record, that's Vallejo Carmine Red on the dresses.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUcE1X_DgMY/Wm9QQQp3-rI/AAAAAAAARtA/thG8qTWY_D0Fls3awQ5ZRodCTsk7bKMYwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-24%2B20.25.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUcE1X_DgMY/Wm9QQQp3-rI/AAAAAAAARtA/thG8qTWY_D0Fls3awQ5ZRodCTsk7bKMYwCLcBGAs/s320/2018-01-24%2B20.25.00.jpg" width="320" /></a>These have been sitting in the stash for a while, but my daughter is now starting a new figure skating routine to can-can, so I figured she would like these! I'm not sure exactly how they will fit in a game, but they were fun to paint, and they look good, so why not?<br />
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<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-33724382802800293182018-01-26T10:27:00.002-05:002018-01-26T10:27:35.561-05:00Going Viking<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCINTHKpJXI/WmtIWrE2TyI/AAAAAAAARpg/9CVPrm4dXrsIp4hqG5-gqqLXOYHsi5-OwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-23%2B09.47.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1347" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCINTHKpJXI/WmtIWrE2TyI/AAAAAAAARpg/9CVPrm4dXrsIp4hqG5-gqqLXOYHsi5-OwCLcBGAs/s320/2018-01-23%2B09.47.03.jpg" width="269" /></a>Like most gamers, I suffer from period ADD. I shudder sometimes when I look at how many periods I have started. But it seems no matter how distracted I get with other projects, I always seem to come back to Saga and the Dark Ages.<br />
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So here is the latest addition, some northmen who have clearly exemplify the true meaning of the word Viking. It's all about the plunder, both in coin and in flesh. These were not pleasant times, clearly. I figure these are probably some Irish about to be sold off into who knows what. I thought the pretty flowers provide a nice contrast to an ugly scene. <br />
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These are Dixon figures, as you can probably tell by the very Dixon looking horse. They are painted with the usual blend of Vallejo and Testors paints.<br />
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My daughter did not like these figures. She felt bad for the kids and wondered what the man is going to do to them. She really didn't like it when I said he was going to sell them. She liked it even less when I suggested we sell her! (I kid, I kid. Don't send protective services after me. She's not for sale. Besides, no one would buy her. LOL.)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_JwhQ-SMP8/WmtIXJrgg4I/AAAAAAAARpk/S-FNW0n-5d8fw_yysI1NzlrbiFPu2KJnACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-23%2B09.46.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_JwhQ-SMP8/WmtIXJrgg4I/AAAAAAAARpk/S-FNW0n-5d8fw_yysI1NzlrbiFPu2KJnACLcBGAs/s320/2018-01-23%2B09.46.48.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DOyxkBKelJU/WmtIXWWD2NI/AAAAAAAARpo/RrJ3ZYc1xlM2Rj0P11i5ZJUUrxsygiSbACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-23%2B09.47.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1465" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DOyxkBKelJU/WmtIXWWD2NI/AAAAAAAARpo/RrJ3ZYc1xlM2Rj0P11i5ZJUUrxsygiSbACLcBGAs/s320/2018-01-23%2B09.47.15.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-71409334243028215442018-01-22T10:48:00.001-05:002018-01-22T10:49:01.724-05:00A Start on 1066 and All That<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfls4dPmxbg/WmYHQ8FkgQI/AAAAAAAARpE/pSN6zdmxIeMwYXEYs0GgOIu98IuWEadiwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-20%2B10.49.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfls4dPmxbg/WmYHQ8FkgQI/AAAAAAAARpE/pSN6zdmxIeMwYXEYs0GgOIu98IuWEadiwCLcBGAs/s320/2018-01-20%2B10.49.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As a Saga player, I suppose it's inevitable one would eventually start thinking about 1066 and all that, with visions of shield walls standing stalwart atop a hill in Sussex, and the sounds of the thundering hooves of mighty Norman horse approaching. Banners are unfurled, battle cries are screamed.... Well, you get the idea.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8o5c1wN4Z4/WmYG0zIEHYI/AAAAAAAARow/IumTfXdJVEwG_d8-QwVfXKLGITrTwPcmQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-20%2B10.50.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8o5c1wN4Z4/WmYG0zIEHYI/AAAAAAAARow/IumTfXdJVEwG_d8-QwVfXKLGITrTwPcmQCLcBGAs/s200/2018-01-20%2B10.50.03.jpg" width="112" /></a>Of course my Saxon force is the most "complete," with a good six points ready to go at any time. I could probably scrape a few more, maybe eight? Just a few more to paint and I'll call it Anglo-Dane as well. And my Viking force is nothing to scoff at either. At least four points there. Maybe six? I'd like another unit of hearthguards.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZc_V8ZV14o/WmYG1HcowrI/AAAAAAAARo0/Zmeca_O4I1k077Al5qc4pej94Ecog5HKQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-20%2B10.50.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZc_V8ZV14o/WmYG1HcowrI/AAAAAAAARo0/Zmeca_O4I1k077Al5qc4pej94Ecog5HKQCLcBGAs/s200/2018-01-20%2B10.50.47.jpg" width="112" /></a><br />
But I digress. Today marks the start of something new - the Normans! These have been languishing around a while, but I am happy with how they turned out. They are Black Tree Design figures, with the usual mix of Vallejo and Testors paints.<br />
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This is the first Dark Ages cavalry I have done, horses always being somewhat of a challenge. But I think I am getting better at them.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zTDAhXNBrvY/WmYG4x2ixcI/AAAAAAAARpA/gI48Vg3KVooD2QbjvpgJWRYF3MUkjFPaQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-20%2B10.51.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zTDAhXNBrvY/WmYG4x2ixcI/AAAAAAAARpA/gI48Vg3KVooD2QbjvpgJWRYF3MUkjFPaQCLcBGAs/s200/2018-01-20%2B10.51.07.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YybdvhGqAC0/WmYG46hdJuI/AAAAAAAARo8/_XBDWxuz_jI-FsLv8sd3g9Fe_OUj_-7ugCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-20%2B10.50.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YybdvhGqAC0/WmYG46hdJuI/AAAAAAAARo8/_XBDWxuz_jI-FsLv8sd3g9Fe_OUj_-7ugCLcBGAs/s200/2018-01-20%2B10.50.59.jpg" width="112" /></a>These mounted men of Normandy will form the nucleus of my Norman force. They will serve as mounted hearthguard. I will probably do one more unit of mounted hearthguard, then I have some warriors, and even a unit of crossbowmen.<br />
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I should probably get some archers. After all, someone needs to shoot at Harold's eye.<br />
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This faction will probably never quite get as big as my Saxon/Anglo-Dane, but who knows?<br />
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<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-79492994258023105552018-01-18T13:20:00.001-05:002018-01-18T13:20:29.870-05:00A Little Fokker<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKzYNOZzunY/WmDlEQpAOII/AAAAAAAARoA/InWtc-3dMrIBBsAByDwrhkViz4XvEfbYQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-18%2B11.33.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKzYNOZzunY/WmDlEQpAOII/AAAAAAAARoA/InWtc-3dMrIBBsAByDwrhkViz4XvEfbYQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-01-18%2B11.33.38.jpg" width="320" /></a>The German Fokker E. IV (<i>eindecker</i>) was designed as a replacement for the highly successful E. III to counter the British RAF over the trenches of the Western Front in World War I. Unfortunately, the E. IV was found to be less reliable, slower and much less maneuverable than its predecessor. And it proved to be a poor climber, adding to its woes. Only 49 were built.<br />
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This 1/72 scale model represents the aircraft flown by Leutnant Kurt Wintgens of Feld Flieger 6b in 1916.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzmb5RFhaXc/WmDlGOYM6QI/AAAAAAAARoM/RCMrOs3tZ0copVm9wkbsQwheJBI5b6MpACLcBGAs/s1600/wintgens3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="128" data-original-width="216" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzmb5RFhaXc/WmDlGOYM6QI/AAAAAAAARoM/RCMrOs3tZ0copVm9wkbsQwheJBI5b6MpACLcBGAs/s1600/wintgens3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKwrDVa_3LE/WmDlEN8j7qI/AAAAAAAARn8/1mkSRl8YDEEmjKYzsOfH5NWkTVBwa4g7gCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-18%2B11.34.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKwrDVa_3LE/WmDlEN8j7qI/AAAAAAAARn8/1mkSRl8YDEEmjKYzsOfH5NWkTVBwa4g7gCLcBGAs/s320/2018-01-18%2B11.34.15.jpg" width="320" /></a>Wintgens was a pilot of some note in the German air service. He unofficially claimed the first German fighter kill in history on July 1, 1915, when he shot down a Nieuport Parasol. While that kill went unconfirmed, Wintgens went on to become an ace with an official tally of 19 kills. He was the fourth pilot to be awarded the <i>Pour le Merite</i>, the famous Blue Max.<br />
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One of only three German pilots known to have worn glasses during World War I, Wintgens went on to receive numerous other awards. before being shot down and killed on September 25, 1916 while defending a two-seat reconnaissance aircraft. We was only 22 years old.<br />
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Only one example of an E. IV still exists, housed at the Science Museum in London.<br />
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I built this model several years ago from the ICM kit. The rigging is made from paint brush bristles, my tried and proven technique for 1/72 scale aircraft. All in all, it make for a nice addition to my collection of World War I aircraft.<br />
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<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-81741359249326249072018-01-09T11:15:00.000-05:002018-01-09T11:15:01.096-05:00Duck, Duck, Goose?Yeah, geese seem an unlikely subject for a game. But yet Brian Garthwaite has pulled it off in this delightful print-and-play solitaire game, Snowbirds.<br />
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Downloaded from Board Game Geek as part of the 2017 PnP challenge, this is a clever resource management game. The idea is to guide your flock of geese from somewhere in the north along a migratory route to more pleasant winter surrounds somewhere in the south.<br />
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It uses a deck of cards to randomly construct a map, so you never know where your next waypoint is until it is time to take off. Each stop has a different flight distance requirement (a number you have to meet or exceed with your available flight cards), a food requirement (forage for food before you go, or the hunger will make the flight seem longer, and you have to expend higher flight cards to make it) and a "risk" factor which basically controls your exhaustion level, which can be somewhat managed with rest cards. But don't use too many - the points add up at the end of the journey! But definitely keep an eye on your hunger and exhaustion levels. Too high, and the result is a dead duck, er, cooked goose, er, you know what I mean.<br />
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It's really a rather elegant little system, with the randomized plotting allowing for increased replay opportunities. There are more map cards in the set than required for an individual game, adding variety. Plus there are expansion cards available (I haven't printed those yet) to enhance it even more. There is even a two-player system in the expansions. I haven't tried that either.<br />
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As for the aesthetics, the artwork is incredible. Very colorful and evocative of the types of environments geese are likely to find on a long journey.<br />
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I happen to live near a power plant cooling pond and a cornfield, both of which are great stopping points for geese heading south in the fall or north in the spring. The water never freezes, a bonus for the birds here in frozen Michigan. In fact, as I played the game yesterday, I could here a flock honking as it passed overhead. Nice touch. :)<br />
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So far in every game I have played, at least three of my five geese have made it. The game includes a "victory point" schedule, and on that I didn't fare so well. My high score is 3 points! Anything over 10 is a clear-cut "victory." I think the designer noted a theoretical maximum of 22. So it is a challenge, without being impossible, which is a nice balance.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS3Ibs1Ic6w/WlTpoqU-FvI/AAAAAAAARms/BbgVH7Aj_8gQfIRmSKGaMbAN5fLQJfaWQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-01-08%2B16.41.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS3Ibs1Ic6w/WlTpoqU-FvI/AAAAAAAARms/BbgVH7Aj_8gQfIRmSKGaMbAN5fLQJfaWQCLcBGAs/s320/2018-01-08%2B16.41.08.jpg" width="180" /></a>Snowbirds. While it sounds like a game about senior citizens playing shuffleboard in some quiet Florida retirement village, it's definitely more fun than that. After a hard day of leading your Saxons to bloody victory over Vikings, or firing volley after volley into the approach French Imperial Guard, or blasting another Zero out of the sky with your Corsair, this is a nice little change of pace.<br />
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<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-49046056179890311332018-01-04T11:30:00.002-05:002018-01-04T11:34:09.044-05:00Destruction of Task Force Z<i>Note: I just found this in my drafts folder. It was written over a year ago, but for some reason never published. Hope you enjoy. </i><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvtCZjkd1Qg/WFGlswX8tAI/AAAAAAAAKJM/xNFM6e23tJkwixhQnyQ2-ricsC8JYqAIQCLcB/s1600/15555032_10209720847091707_1626437206_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvtCZjkd1Qg/WFGlswX8tAI/AAAAAAAAKJM/xNFM6e23tJkwixhQnyQ2-ricsC8JYqAIQCLcB/s320/15555032_10209720847091707_1626437206_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Yes, another solitaire board game commemorating events of 75 years ago this month in the Pacific. As a follow-up to my Pearl Harbor game last week, Today I played Minden Games' Destruction of Task Force Z, which recreates the final voyages of the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse in the days immediately following Pearl Harbor and other Japanese attacks in Malaya and elsewhere.<br />
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The design notes say straight up that this game should demonstrate the folly of setting sail with capital ships in the vicinity of enemy bombers without adequate protection from the air. Truth. While I did somewhat better than historically, losing only the Repulse while managing to have the Prince of Wales limp back to Singapore, that was mostly due to one lucky die roll on my part than anything. Things could have just as easily ended up with a historical result, which to me is a sign of a good game.<br />
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In the game, I stuck with Admiral Sir Tom Phillips' basic plan and headed east out of Singapore past the Anamba Islands before heading north to avoid known minefields and Japanese submarine activity. A few Japanese surface units popped up, but ended up playing no role in the game. I guess I could have tried to chase them down, but I decided to attempt to disrupt invasion plans and bombard Japanese forces in Singera and Kota Bharu.<br />
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Alas, on turn 3 (second day turn, Dec. 3), my small fleet was spotted, despite strict observance of radio silence. A total of 25 torpedo bombers and 20 level bombers appeared, and divided themselves evenly to attack both my ships. Anti-aircraft fire was marginally successful, but still the Prince of Wales suffered 2 hits and the Repulse 1 - all by the torpedo planes. <br />
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With the next turn a night turn, I decided to maintain radio silence and go ahead with the mission under cover of darkness. That worked great - until the following morning when I was spotted again. This time, though, only 16 level bombers showed up, and they proved ineffective with no hits scored. At this time I probably should have called in the RAF, but I decided to push my luck and headed for Kota Bharu. <br />
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Then things went from bad to worse. Suddenly 28 torpedo bombers and 24 level bombers attacked, concentrating solely on the Repulse. (That's that lucky die roll I mentioned earlier - basically saved the Prince of Wales.) Torpedo planes attack first, and the second plane in scored a critical hit on the propulsion system, meaning the Repulse could only move one square per turn the rest of the game. Basically it would be a sitting duck. Not that it mattered, as plane 9 scored another hit, followed by plane 11 with the final blow that sent the venerable vessel to the bottom.<br />
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Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales moved in close to shore and managed to bombard Japanese positions in Kota Bharu, but with night falling decided discretion would be the better part of valor and made full steam south toward Singapore. Risking a straight line through the Japanese submarine pickets and the mines while continuing to maintain radio silence, the Prince of Wales avoided detection and made it back to Singapore on turn 10. On her next sortie, she would undoubtedly be provided some aerial cover...<br />
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All in all a fun little game. There are some strategic options for the British player, which is good. I could have called in the RAF, or I could have tried some surface actions. I found the use of counters largely unnecessary in the battle segments, basically using only those to keep track of ship positions on the board and making use of the register to keep track of combat. It's a little tedious, as every individual plane ends up being attacked by AA and is assigned an attack modifier, so there is lots of dice rolling, especially in the larger attacks. But it's not like there are attacks going on in a dozen hexes, so it's manageable.<br />
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According the victory points schedule, I lost 12-2. Still that's better than the historical outcome, which under these terms would have been considered an 18-0 Japanese victory! <br />
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I'd like to give this another try sometime. I do have one more early Pacific game in the stash covering Bataan and Corregidor. That looks like strictly a two-player game, though, so I'm not sure when I'll get to that. Someday!Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-91614699757269955892018-01-04T11:30:00.000-05:002018-01-04T11:30:07.753-05:00I Think I'll Slip On Down to the Oasis... First Sudan GameDisclaimer: This game took place in July! My erstwhile opponent John and I have been talking for years about doing a summer game day in the backyard, accompanied by some burgers or some kind of meat cooked over open flame on a grill - you know, manly stuff. This year we finally scheduled one, and as it is wont to do in Michigan, it rained!<br />
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Never mind, we moved it into my screen room/three seasons room or whatever you want to call it. We got several games in, I just never updated them on this here blog thingy!<br />
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First up was our first go at The Men Who Would Be Kings. I've become a fan of Dan Meresey's rules, even though I have never played one! Lion Rampant, Dragon Rampant and Pikeman's Lament are all on the to-do list. In the meantime, TMWWBK did not disappoint.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, this is a problem.</td></tr>
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We often eschew the scenarios in rulebooks, especially when taking rules for a test drive, and that was the case again here. The basic scenario involved a column of British escorting a camel baggage train to God-knows-where stopping for a rest at an oasis. Unbeknownst to our heroes, a Mahdist horde has been trailing the column, and took this opportunity to pounce.<br />
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Jon commanded the heathen rogues, while I did my best with the Queen's troops. Which wasn't great! Despite my best efforts, and some reasonably good shooting, the devils were upon us in no time, and the column was overrun. This will not look good in the London papers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here they come!</td></tr>
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The quick result was no fault of the rules. We decided we goofed by setting the sides up too close to each other. They were already in range, and by the time they moved, there just wasn't time for my heroic men in khaki to get off more than a couple volleys before it became a numbers game in melee. The difference in troop types did come into play somewhat, with the Scots holding on longer than the Egyptians, which seemed right.<br />
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Also of note, we played it with different leader characteristics for the British, but all the same for the Mahdists. Too difficult to keep track of individual leaders with that many units that all look the same. It worked fine. <br />
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Terrain is scratch built, based on cork boards. The minis are all 15mm and are a mix of Essex, Peter Pig and Old Glory 15s. I like how this played out, and would like to add some more troop types.<br />
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I can see how this could be scaled up to a larger, multi-player game, and that's in mind for the future, too. It will just take painting a bunch more Mahdists! And there are the scenario rules provided, which I would also like to give a go sometime. Must keep the Empire intact, what?<br />
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<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299450536365028993.post-72220120354878880142018-01-02T15:40:00.001-05:002018-01-02T15:40:27.337-05:002018: An Uncertain Future<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ljIVrM7jabw/WkvuJAkSofI/AAAAAAAARkc/H7p0aVzYI_8qPku6T-ms4S0GlQUJvPT7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180102_151603490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ljIVrM7jabw/WkvuJAkSofI/AAAAAAAARkc/H7p0aVzYI_8qPku6T-ms4S0GlQUJvPT7gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180102_151603490.jpg" width="320" /></a>Wow. Three posts in all of 2017. That's embarrassing. Partly that was due to the job I started last January. It kept me busy, and (gasp) pretty much eliminated my ability to update this blog during working hours. And by the time I got home, well, with two kids and all the activities, it just didn't ever get to the top of the to-do list.<br />
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But, that job is done. That's not a good thing in terms of supporting a family and sustaining a hobby budget, but it is what it is. And as I set forth on the well-worn job-seeker path, at least I should have some time to update the blog. I hope.<br />
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For all was not barren in the realm of hobbies in 2017. There were minis painted, some games played. There was even a resurgence in board gaming. Perhaps more on that later.<br />
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For now, I leave you with a view of the painting desk as it stands now, and a promise to be more diligent with the updates.<br />
<br />Scott Machttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01866323788308520302noreply@blogger.com1