Norman Crossbows

Finished these a bit ago, but just now getting around to posting it. Enough for a Saga game!

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.

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.

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.

Need to get a game in one of these days!

The full force so far

More Normans

More Normans! Four knights on foot with spears, and a warlord! And a banner! And two extra guys for good measure.

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.

Wait, wasn't this supposed to be a quick side project?

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?

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. 

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.

Normans 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Watch this space for more Normans!

Soviet Armor for the Motherland!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here Come the Cossacks!

Here we go, another distraction in the life of a wargamer. Cossacks!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes We Can-Can!

Every western town needs its entertainment. And what's better than a can-can line after a long day herding cattle or robbing banks!

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.

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?

Going Viking

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.

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.

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.

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.)

A Start on 1066 and All That

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I should probably get some archers. After all, someone needs to shoot at Harold's eye.

This faction will probably never quite get as big as my Saxon/Anglo-Dane, but who knows?

Start of a Qi Army

A while back I posted about backing a Kickstarter from Watchful I Studios for some ancient Chinese from the Warring States period. It's really something I know very little about, but having seen an exhibit on the Terracotta Warriors, and with my daughters' interest in all things Chinese, I jumped in. My Kickstarter experiences have been hit or miss, but I am pleased to say this one is a big hit!

While I settled on a Qi army early on (that's one of the seven warring states - I should probably do a post on that one of these days) for no particular reason, it took me a while to settle on a color scheme. Info from the period is a bit sketchy, and I saw different color combinations mentioned in different sources. In the end, I decided no one could tell me I'm wrong (a refreshing change from my norm), so I went with a primary color of green, with blue accents. I think it looks pretty good!

The figures are 28mm metal, well cast. They come in multi pieces, allowing some combination of heads and armament. Overall, though, they are pretty much all in the same marching pose. The designer says he is impressed by the sight of huge multitudes marching, as apparently seen in movies. I'd prefer some more "action" poses, but nonetheless these are painting up nicely and I'm sure would look good en masse.

The goal here is to use these with Lion Rampant, or "Fu Dog Rampant" as the variation I have been working on is tentatively called. (Dragon Rampant being already taken!) One key difference is unit size. Lion Rampant is based on units of six or 12. Watchful I provides figures in packs of five, which historical units of the period are based on, and is considered a lucky number in China. Right now I'm thinking of just fielding units in groups of five or 10, and allowing them to shrug off the first and second hits, respectively. Obviously some testing is required. Watchful I says its goal is to create a set of rules, with units based on units of five. So five it shall be.

So far I have a unit of heavy infantry, one of light infantry and a light cavalry unit done, with some archers and another light infantry on the bench. And more to assemble and paint! Paint is the usual mix of Vallejo and Testors, with Citadel ink washes, which I really like. Banners are also from Watchful I.

 Watchful I also has a great lineup of items with a more fantasy bent, including Terracotta Warriors come to life, and other undead. I picked up a set of the Fu Dogs that have come to life. There was also mention in the Kickstarter of a Dragon. Dragon Rampant might come into play yet!

You Shall Not Pass... or Enter!

I've had some time lately (long story, despite the lack of blog posts), so I have been resurrecting some long-ago terrain projects.

First up to show are a bridge and stockade from Acheson Creations for use in 28mm Dark Age games. I've set them up with a few of my Saxons. Just try to get across this bridge, Viking! Or enter this stronghold!

Oh, who am I kidding. A few bad rolls of Saga dice, and they will probably run away!

These are very good pieces, though I must learn to clean them better. I don't know what Acheson uses for release agents, but it's the toughest on any resin I have encountered. These, especially the stockade, were particularly tricky getting paint to stick.

I've seen some people will actually run them through a dishwasher, but I'm fearful of that. But regular hot water and dish soap doesn't seem to cut it, either. I have a few other crates and barrels I just finished up (no photos yet) that I doused liberally in Wesley's Bleach White Tire Cleaner and let soak a few days. That seemed to do the trick, and primer and paint went on those better.

Regardless, Acheson has a great variety of goodies, and the design and casting is top notch, and the prices very reasonable. They are well worth the extra time and effort to prep them for painting. These should look great in a Saga game. Come and get us, Viking!

Achtung Panzer!

I've been a bit of a roll (blitz?) lately on finishing up some vehicles that have been languishing. Here's the last of the recently finished bunch, a Pz IIc from Warlord Games.

Like the others, this was a crisply cast resin piece that went together nicely. My main hangup on this one was the turret number decals. I thought about going large, but getting them to lie down over some of the protrusions looked like it would be tough. So I opted for small - but I didn't have any! I ordered these 1/285 scale numbers from I-94 Enterprises, and they fit perfectly.

Paint was easy - Tamiya German Gray spray. Then simply wash, drybrush and voila. I do have a crew figure, but haven't finished him yet.

I may actually get another one of these - or three - to use in possible France and Belgium scenarios. One of these days I will actually get a game going!

Meanwhile, in Belgium

Here's a little gem, a Belgian T-15 from Warlord Games. That should scare the Germans!

Actually this is a very nice little kit. I painted it with Testors Olive Green, then gave it a wash of dark brown to give it the brownish green tint that seems to be uniquely Belgian. The turret roundel is a 1/144 WWI aircraft roundel decal. I had to paint a white circle underneath in order for the colors to show up. I hand painted the license - close enough. No idea on the number. The white "blob" insignia is also intended to be somewhat generic. Looks like the Belgians had several different insignia types.

I have yet to locate a T-13 model, which is based on the Carden-Lloyd carrier. I did get one of the 47mm gun carriers from Warlord, and have that on the bench as well. And I have an ACG-1 coming from Mad Bob's French vehicles Kickstarter that will be pressed into Belgian service. (I have much more faith in that Kickstarter, BTW. His Hungarian tanks are awesome!)

Also from Warlord I have painted a civilian truck, one squad of Chasseurs Ardennais and one of regular army. I'd really like to see Warlord finish up some support troops (machine gunners, especially) and officers to round out the line.

GAZ Trucks for the Invasion of Finland... and More

Some of you may have heard of the Winter War Miniatures Kickstarter run by Baker Company. Well, we're coming up on the three-year anniversary, and I have yet to see a single mini despite a rather significant investment. I've only backed a handful of Kickstarters, and this is by far the worst. No minis, no communication, nothing. What's worse, I even placed an order with Baker shortly after the Kickstarter ended for some Vietnam minis. Never got them. At least he answered my emails and said they were shipped and must have gotten lost in the mail. Still never got them. That's the ONLY time I have ever had a problem ordering from a company "across the pond." All in all I think I'm out about $300. That does not make me very happy. And I really wanted those field kitchens!

Rather than delay the project any more, I ordered some Russian trucks from Warlord. IF (BIG IF) I ever get the Baker ones, they will simply be added to the motor pool. You can never have too many trucks. But for now, my foot weary Battle Honors Russians can take a break, and the political officer can get out of the cold to operate the radio, assuring those in Moscow that all is going well...

These were painted with a simple coat of Testors medium green, then washed with a dark green and drybrushed field drab and earth. I didn't put any marking on them, one because I couldn't really find what they would be, and two because I wanted to keep them fairly generic.

Of course these will also see double duty on other areas of the eastern front as later war Russians get painted. The lack of canvas covers makes them a bit unsuitable for Finland, but they will have to do.

I also have a T-26 from Warlord in the works, since those from Baker are still in limbo. (And a T-34/76 and a T-34/85 and a BT-7....)

Now I have my eye on some buildings from Sarissa for use on the eastern front. Squirrel!

How the West Was Won

Work on Tranquility has slowed a bit, what with the Mustang project, kids' activities and just summer in general.

But there's always time for a wee project. Or pee project. Aw, forget it.

I got a set of eight of these from GCMinis. And they are nice. Looks like this fella just finished digging the pit.

Excuse Me, What Time Is the Noon Stage?

Whenever the stage arrives in Tranquility, I am pleased to say there is now a Wells Fargo office to welcome them. Or send them on their way. Or whatever.

Building is from GCMini, and is very nice. Simple, yet effective. Others have noted the doors are a bit small, and maybe they are, but I'm not going to quibble.

I have not done any interior work to this one, but I'd like to include a ticket counter, some waiting benches. Maybe a safe for the Wells Fargo payroll. And possibly a freight area. There will also be a need for an area to care for and feed the horses. And possibly a blacksmith.

And so it grows.

Drinks on the House!

Turns out building a western town is thirst work. So shortly after finishing the Sheriff's office and jail, the good citizens of Tranquility built themselves a saloon.

Like the Sheriff's office, this is a kit from Tri-City Laser as supplied by Knuckleduster. Assembly was pretty much the same, with a mix of craft paints, Testors and Vallejo. The bar with shelving I thought was a nice touch. Those classic western saloon doors are cool too!

I have more under construction that hopefully I can share soon. I have plenty of old painted minis to put on a decent game, if only your basic gunfight or rob the bank scenario. I'll have to get a few more painted, as well as some additional terrain bits and bobs to get into the full potential of the genre.

In the meantime, how about that drink, pardner?