Too Much Unpainted Lead

Slightly better pics of 2nd Platoon

2011-05-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

Platoon Command with Heavy Bolter. All Junior Officers are expected to encourage their men in a similar fashion to Commissars. The Heavy Bolter team is led by an officer and has standing orders to 'reinforce discipline' in case of unauthorised retreat!

ummmmmmmmm...

2011-05-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a massively busy week and the need to stay late for a few nights has badly cut into painting time. I have however managed to get a significant part of the work done for my promotion at work and signed off, which in itself has lifted a big bit of stress out of my life.

The downside is that the stormies are only half done, so in addition to finishing them, I'll be adding a simpler task for this week, finish painting 2 Chimeras for the veteran platoon that will be sitting on the Armoured side of my IG Battlegroup.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay......!

2011-05-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

I actually managed to meet a painting target! Woot etc
Say hello to 2nd Platoon of the Infantry side of the IG Battlegroup that I am building. I am reckoning on being able to field in excess of 5000 points once its all done with little additional purchases (although a significant one may be inbound!!)

Slightly crap pictures as it is dark and the interior lighting is poor but you can get the gist. 3 x 10 man squads of Imp Guard and a Command squad of 5.
Basing is urban and rubble strewn as these will be my Cities of Death themed army.

Target for this week. Get the 1st Platoon done (3 x 10 man squads of stormtroopers)

Targets for May

2011-05-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

I have been very tardy about getting wargaming stuff done over recent months with lots of lame-ass excuses about work etc.

In an attempt to improve my output (given that I have been totally shamed by Adam's turnover at The Lead Will Walk The Earth), I'm setting myself a weekly target.

This week is to complete a platoon of my 40K Imperial Guard army. I have over 5K of stuff for a combined arms force that have been languishing in boxes for too long. Adam, Jim and I have discussed the idea of a 40K urban Apoc game for later in the year so I aim to have these done for it.

Loosely based on a Soviet WW2 theme, these will have suitable urban basing and be my first 'horde' army with loads of models. As such I have chosen a simple but effective colour scheme (I hope!).

As a second (and ongoing) target - I still have my Prussian fleet for Dystopian Wars to do before Jim gets back from Hong Kong and demands another game!

Some stuff done

2011-04-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

First up is the addition of a couple of extra survivors for the game that I had over at Adam's (see his blog via the links for a few piccies).

Ernest is the Brother of Jed Samuels and is a veteran of Gulf War 1. He claims that the zombie outbreak is a mutation of DNA due to Gulf War Syndrome and that the Government has been developing it to use against it's enemies in the Middle East. His brother thinks that he is more than a little bit crazy. Neither know the truth.....
Quentin joined the Samuels brothers along the way, although no-one really can remember how. His encyclopedic film knowledge has left him better prepared than most for the Zombie Apocalypse, as there isn't a Romero film that he hasn't seen. He can be a little annoying and not just because he is ginger.

Group Shot

Bases were not completed as I wanted to see Adam's boards (as that is where they will be used) prior to basing to try and colour match them in.

Got the first of my Dystopian Wars Prussian ships done (albeit without turrets - awaiting rare earth magnets). Please with how it came out - went for plenty of brass, copper and gold piping to make it more Steampunk than WW1.

Prussian Fleet test piece done

2011-04-21T01:40:00.000-07:00

I knocked out a quick DW test piece for my fleet last night. One of the smaller ship, a frigate. I wanted to keep to a nice simple grey for the ship to allow the brass, gold and steel to show thru nicely. This will be especially important for the bigger ships. Have ordered some little magnets to allow the turrets on the bigger ships to be magnetised and interchangeable.

Unfortunately (wouldn't you know it) the one that I picked up has a slight miscast on the side of the bridge. I will have to check the rest to ensure no other issues.

Lovely ships though..............

Plans - Coming soon............

2011-04-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

A couple of plans for the coming few weeks.

Dystopian Wars - construct a table and paint the fleet.

Cunning plan #1 is that I have bought some clear styrene to mount the ships on and to mount some terrain onto. This should alleviate the need to try and colour match to the base table.

Cunning plan # 2 is that I have bought some 'snow flock' in order to try and make the bow waves and wakes on the clear sheet to make the ships look as they are moving - not convinced that it will work but if it does, then it should also work for waves crashing against the shore/islands too.

Cunning plan # 3 is to try and construct some of the 'clump foliage' explosions in two varieties. Land based traditional black and sea based plumes.

Imperial Guard - paint the army and start some City Fight terrain.

Have purchased some bits to base for CityFight/Cities of Death. It kinda fits as I was going for WW2 Soviet inspired and Stalingrad is such a wealth of inspiration.

Cunning plan # 1 Gonna purchase some craft foam and create a 6x4' table with an entrenched platoon position at one end.

Cunning plan # 2 Gonna try and weather the vehicles to look suitably dusty with some grey plaster dust that I have.

MUST TRY AND MAINTAIN SOME MOMENTUM!!!

March - Gone in a flash!

2011-04-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

What a disappointing month.

Got bugger all hobby stuff done, other than my normal project hopping. I am hoping to sort that out during this month.

April - Halfway through and not much better UNTIL Salute. As part of the gaming weekend with Adam and Jim, got 3 zombie survivors done (although held of basing until I saw Ad's stuff so that I can do a similar take on it - pic will follow).

Giddiness has ensued with a new project - Dystopian Wars from Spartan Games. A Steampunk Battle system that encompasses sea, air and land combat. The ships are lovely for the 4 factions so far and quite reasonable given the cleanliness of the sculpts.

I've gone for Prussian, Jim for Brittania and Adam for the FSE (read US) fleets. We are already obsessing about terrain boards and the like so hopefully the 3 way enthusiasm will keep us all going in case any one of us starts to flag.

Films watched recently

2011-03-19T08:26:00.001-07:00

While I have been away on the various work-related things, I have managed to watch a few recent films:

The Next 3 Days - Russel Crowe's wife is banged up for a murder that she didn't commit. Crowe plans and executes an escape. Nothing special and pretty predictable - 5/10

Let Me In - Re-make of the Swedish (?) 'Let The Right One In'. Great film, full of heart with great performances by the 2 young leads. 8/10

The Town - Affleck directs and stars in a decent enough heist/ family of crime type drama. 7/10

The Fighter - The highlight of the week. Although it doesn't really 'do' anything that hasn't been done before, I can safely say that it is the first film that I have enjoyed a Christian Bale performance since Empire of the Sun. No 'mockney' accents or gravelly Batman/Connor voices. He deserved the Oscar for his performance as the crack-addled older brother to Wahlberg's boxer. Wahlberg barely turns up as far as performance but Amy Adams and the rest of the cast carry the film to a satisfying end. 8/10.

40K Blog stuff....

2011-03-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

I clearly struggle to generate enough stuff for 2 blogs so have closed the 40K blog that I had and have copied some of the posts over here. Like all my stuff, I have a number of part finished projects ....... first up are some Eldar.

Wraithguard with Warlock
Guardian Squad with Warlock and Bright Lance weapon platform

Howling Banshees

BrokeBack 2 - Zombies

2011-03-06T02:31:00.001-08:00

Following on from my first weekend staying at Adam's for a weekend of gaming (sleeping bags etc - hence Brokeback), we have scheduled the second such event. On the 16-17 April, I'll be over there for a zombie themed gaming weekend.

As such, the 28mm Zombie Survivor gang that I was working on have now moved up the priority list for painting. Already got one done (see below), reckon on getting a gang of 4 or 5 members done plus a customised vehicle for them too...........

Trying to find my painting mojo......

2011-02-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

Having not painted anything for an age, I knocked out a TAG figure as a start for my zombie survior band. I believe he is from the Delta in Civvies pack but struck me as a good self portrait/character figure (albeit about 5 stone lighter!).

Jed is one half of the Samuels brothers. He and his brother Ernest, were known felons before the outbreak, they specialised in armed robbery. Since the end of civilisation, and a change in attitudes (looting is a way of life now), they specialise in surviving.

Ernest will follow later this week.....

View from the God's.......

2011-02-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

With the smoke from the fireworks held in by the roof being on, so the game kicked off and I was there for the first English win in Cardiff for 8 years. A great weekend of excessive drinking and fine rugby. Millennium Stadium for the Friday night game (having started drinking at noon) and then 2 games on a big screen in a pub in Llanelli with a 13 hour session! In fairness, both games on the Saturday were better to watch but there is a special feeling that goes with being an Englishman in Cardiff following a win!!
Lllanelli nightlife is a thing to behold, I've never seen so much fake tanned, lycra covered, permed and made up ugliness!! God Bless them, each and every one!!!

Wars of Lace and Wigs

2011-01-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

Actually started a project that has been probably 10 years in the making!! I have been a fan of the Marlburian period for a long time and have had a horde of Baccus' excellent 6mm minis for as long. The struggle has always been finding the right ruleset.

Well, like buses a few have come along at once (I must point out that they may not be new, but new to me)

I have wanted to do the big battles from the period so 6mm was always going to be my scale of choice, but battalion sized elements were going to be a problem. It would really need brigade elements to make it workable for a reasonably sized game.

Enter Impetus and the 'Le Roi Soleil' add on. Brigade elements and a ruleset that I really enjoy. I also started to look at the Carnage and Glory computer driven rules. I was introduced to these by a gaming buddy - Jim, and really like them. They do all the calculations for firing, fatigue etc allowing the gamer to play the battle. I liked them so much I set up a Yahoo group that has become the 'official' resource for the rules. Designed for battalions, I am working on a brigade orientated army list to see if they work. I also picked up a set of 'Twilight for the Sun King' at a recent show, which are well respected if a little stylised for my tastes but will try them before becoming too judgemental.

All of this preamble to show the first couple of bases. They are based on some 2mm MDF bases bought from eBay. I liked the rounded corners!!

mmmmmm....Moderns......

2011-01-15T13:04:00.000-08:00

Having had a few good sessions on Battlefield Bad Company 2 multiplayer, both Jim and myself feel re-inspired to get back on with our 15mm Modern project.

I already have a load of African Militia done and some Modern US in the pile to be painted but as Jim has already got his US troops done, I figured that I had better get on with the Russians that I have bought. I have a mix of Rebel minis and some QRF to give me a mix of Balaclava and Beret wearing types (just like in the game!).

We have been using the Mongoose 'Battlefield Evolution - Modern Combat' rules (that appear written with the Battlefield series of FPS in mind).

The only problem is the Impetus troops that are vying for pole position..........

Adam has started his own blog.....

2011-01-09T13:44:00.000-08:00

at:

http://theleadwillwalktheearth.blogspot.com/
Great name.......wish I'd thought of it!!!

Bad News for wargaming.......

2010-12-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

...my shiny new Xbox is now set up and ready to rock. Hoping that I will be inspired by some Nam gaming via Battlefield : Bad Company 2 add-on.......see you in a week!!

The Ascension Chronicles - Interlude 1

2010-12-28T03:57:00.001-08:00

As a side project and a quickie, I am going to knock up a small zombie survival party and vehicle in 28mm. Not my scale of choice, but I have a pal (Adam) that is doing a similar project to mine in 28mm and he is far quicker at getting stuff done than me. While he and his missus is expecting in the next couple of weeks, I am fairy sure that he will continue to get some bits done.

I have bundles of 28mm stuff and am fairly sure that I can sort 5 figures out to go with the Solido Hummer that I plan to convert and use (in a Zombieland Escalade clone).

EDIT - Dammit, where did I put those Street Violence figures............

Another birthday comes and goes.....

2010-12-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

38.

Where did that year go!!? What with the birth of a new baby boy causing sleepless nights at home and a pseudo-promotion at work piling on the stress, I feel that the year has passed in the blink of an eye. The only significant projects that got any work done were the South African/Angolan forces (although I still have quite a bit to do!) and my Tau army (which still needs re-highlighting).

I have a couple of projects that I am really keen to crack into over the next 12 months:

6mm WSS - Baccus figures. I have struggled to find a ruleset that I really thought would capture the 'grand scale' of the bigger battles. I am hoping that 'Le Roi Soleil' for Impetus might do the trick. I have a love of element basing.

28mm Florentine City State - 28mm figures of various manufacturers. These have been banging about with some on their 3rd painting. I will again be using the Impetus rules for these.

15mm Moderns - including Zombies. My favourite period and scale. I have lots of stuff done already but cannot stop!!

Unfortunately, all of these featured on my list at the start of the year, with little success..... better luck this year!?

2010-12-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

The Ascension Chronicles - Part 2

2010-12-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

E:Day -4

‘Get it, will you!’

Richie looked back at his brother and swore.

‘I’m trying, dammit!’ He stretched out with the tree branch and tried to hook the handle of the case to lift it out of the reeds at the side of the river. He gasped with excitement as the branch finally passed through the handle and he slowly lifted the case clear of the stream. For a second he thought that the branch might snap as it arched over like a rod with an oversized fish at the end but he swung it round to the bank and the waiting embrace of his brother.

The two boys struggled for 20 minutes to try and open the catch before their frustration led them to the choice of the large piece of granite that Micky, the larger of the two boys, hefted above his head. Neither of the teens heard the subtle crunch of the glass above the impact of the rock on the case. The case refused to yield to the abuse of the boys although the large dent in the top made them giggle and whistle at their efforts.

‘What the hell is that’ Micky said, as he crouched beside the case.

He stuck his finger in the blue fluid oozing from the case and lifted it to his nose. ‘Smells like detergent’ he said.

‘Well, whatever was in there is ruined now’ he said, and gave his brother a disappointed look. ‘C’mon, let’s get home for dinner before Mom has a seizure.’

They threw the case into the bushes and made their way back up the slope to where they had left their bicycles, wiping their hands on their jeans. The sun was already low in the sky and they both knew that their Mother would already be wondering where they were.

The Ascension Chronicles - Part 1

2010-12-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

E:Day -5

Gerald scanned the lobby nervously. He could feel the sweat starting to build up on his brow but to wipe it would mean putting down one of the cases that he held in each hand, and he didn't want to do anything that may slow him down.

He eyed the Security Station to the left of the entrance. Norman, the giant of a Security Officer was sitting at the desk eyeing the staff members as they passed through the turnstiles that allowed them into and out of the building.

'It's easy' Gerald kept mouthing to himself, knowing that the WiFi chip in his ID card would allow him to walk straight through, but the thought of Norman asking him what he was carrying made him feel sick and faint.

As he watched, Norman's head snapped to the right as Janine entered the lobby. Every bit the homecoming queen, her short skirts and tight blouses had been the discussion around the lab for weeks. She glided over to the Security Station and began to talk to Norman. Gerald took his opportunity and made for the exit.

His nervousness remained but was tinged by anger as he passed through the turnstile. He allowed himself a sideways glance over to the desk and smiled, 'I could have ridden out on an elephant while that idiot stares at her tits' he thought.

Once in the parking lot, he carefully placed one of the cases on the passenger seat of his Suburban and then put one in the footwell and wrapped in a blanket. He had thought for a long time about whether to take two samples but had figured that if the guy that had met him in the diner was willing to pay so much for a sample, there was bound to be someone else that would pay just as much for the second one. Industrial espionage was a competitive business after all.

As he drove out of the lot and onto the highway out of Ascension, he didn't notice the grey SUV that took up position behind him.

He didn't notice it for the 7 miles that it sat,100 yards back as he made his way towards his rendezvous with the man with the strange accent. The first time he did notice the SUV was when it hit the rear quarter of his car with enough force to start it spinning out of control.

The Suburban flipped end over end as it hit the guard rail and pitched down into the culvert. Gerald was briefly aware of ground and sky swapping places through the windscreen and a flash of white followed by black as the weight of his own body snapped his neck as the car landed on its roof in the stream. He heard the footsteps as someone ran up to the window and something said in a language that he didn't understand. 'They said that they would pay' thought Gerald and then he died.

A small unmarked case was lifted by the flow of water through the crumpled cabin and carried it out from the blanket and into the flow of the brook, bobbing and spinning as it bounced off the banks on its way downstream.

The Ascension Chronicles - Introduction

2010-12-20T14:35:00.000-08:00

One of the projects that I will be undertaking over the next however long it takes is 'The Ascension Chronicles'. I am hoping that it will form a mix of narrative, scenarios and AAR within my own little part of the zombie apocalypse. I am a child of the video generation and shamelessly derivative of others work, so it may not all seem wholly original but I will explain some of my choices within some footnotes.

Watch this space........there are dark days ahead!!

Zombie Podcast - We're Alive

2010-12-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

This is a very cool podcast available free of charge :

http://www.zombiepodcast.com/The_Zombie_Podcast/Main.html

Very cool, all zombie fans should check it out!!

Zombie goodness in spades....

2010-12-19T04:55:00.001-08:00

No updates for quite a while, gaming has had to take a back seat to real life but there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Like all good zombie gamers I am a fan of 'The Walking Dead' comic book series -

When I heard that they were making a mini-series of the books, I was very excited and waited with bated breath especially when the cast list started to be confirmed. It arrived in early November and ran for a disappointingly short 6 episodes.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and the story arc was far enough away from the originals to make it interesting for those who were familiar with the comics. It certainly re-lit the fire for my stalled 'City of the Dead' project.

I have tried and own many various sets of zombie gaming rules but never shy away for a new one. As such I have just purchased 'No More Room in Hell' from Iron Ivan Games.

They are very well written with a suitable level of humour. They seem to have all of the 'rpg-lite' elements that All Thing Zombie bring to the table but without the issues with the multiple tables. There are rules for weapons, skills, drawbacks, vehicles and look like they are the best set yet.

There's a new sheriff in town...

2010-11-15T22:29:00.000-08:00

...at least when it comes to stripping plastic figures. Having scoured various web fora and seen recommendations for Dettol, Acetone free nail polish remover and Mr Muscle (and have tried all of them), my new find for effective stripping of plastic figures is - Cillit Bang Power Degreaser.

Having experienced some issues with stripping black undercoat using other things (although Mr Muscle Kitchen Cleaner had a very good go) I have found that the Cillit Bang has triumphed where all others have failed.

I'll dig a couple of figures out (one metal and one plastic) and do a demo later this week but it is in the process of bringing some very badly painted (and therefore very cheap to buy) Tau back to life.

All change.....

2010-11-13T10:31:00.001-08:00

Below are the accumulated posts from my other 'period specific' blogs. I have decided to make this my main blog with only a seperate one for Warhammer 40K stuff. You can search by the label of the old blog titles and I will continue to add to them.

I am hoping that this will allow me to update a single blog more regulalry than the 6 or so that I had that were laying dormant.

Sniper base

2010-11-13T10:19:00.001-08:00

Knocked up a sniper base as part of the Speed Build on the Guild. You can see a full run-down of how I did it by checking out this link:

http://wdlovesme.19.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=7617

As another aside, I have purchased the Too Fat Lardies - 'Charlie Don't Surf' and will be looking at doing this in 10mm - a return to the first historical figures that I ever bought.

Quickshaded and done!!

2010-11-13T10:18:00.002-08:00

The Quickshade dried overnight . It does make the figures VERY shiny but does do a good job on them.... A good coat of Vallejo Matt varnish and then a quick flash over with the Army Painter Anti-Shine for a really matt finish. Based using my cheap tea-leaf mix with a couple of leafs from some aquarium plants added

Pretty happy with the results and they were relatively quick to paint (probably 4hrs without drying time)

Marine Squad - Westwind Miniatures

2010-11-13T10:18:00.001-08:00

I've already got a load of VC and NVA type figures painted (Neil provided the US troops) but an eBay bargain swagged a load of US troops. This, along with the Ambush Alley Vietnam painting competition, has broadened the project for me. Photos of the NLF troops will follow but I thought I'd share the first squad of US Marines. The plan was to have a quick scheme to get them done using some of the Army Painter products.

First, I selected a squad of 8 figures, These got a coat of Army Painter 'Army Green' primer and were then stuck to painted 25mm slottabases.
I then added some base colours...

Some bits got a subtle highlight, but I am hoping that the Quickshade will do the hard work for me.

All 8 at a point were they are ready for the Quickshade. I have added the RTO antenna but all others are 'straight from the box'.

Will get them finished and based on my next day off.

Rules, Rules, Rules!

2010-11-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

While I have already got IABSM (and a playtest version of Charlie Don't Surf), FNG and FNG:UW and Charlie Company by RAFM, I couldn't help but buy Ambush Valley from my current favorite rules publisher (Ambush Alley). Looking forward to playing these!!

First two units completed

2010-11-13T10:14:00.001-08:00

Have finally managed to complete the first two units, one of foot and one of Currassier. The Currassier are some Foundry ones picked up cheap from eBay. They have been stripped and repainted.

The foot are based on 40x40 with the 3rd rank of pike based on 40x20 allowing deployment 4 abreast or as an extra unit of pike when put together to form a 40x40.

Shots of the 3 elements of the unit.

With the third rank removed.

and deployed as the extra base.

First Troops complete

2010-11-13T10:13:00.001-08:00

Not a bad week. Managed to get the first Infantry regt and a unit of armoured cav painted. They are awaiting the basing to be completed and some flags. I will probably go for 'Body's Banners' available from Redoubt Enterprises, as they look very nice and seem reasonably priced.

Pictures of the completed units will be put up when the basing in complete but for the meantime, I include a 'stage by stage' photo shoot of the foot. I used the Army Painter coloured primer and the 'Strong Tone' Quick shade.

Pic 1 - Assembled figure

Pic 2 - Coloured Primer applied

Pic 3 - Block Colours added

Pic 4 - Quickshade Applied - it makes it VERY shiny!

Pic 5 - Basic highlights added and matt varnished

An army in the making.....

2010-11-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Having put off doing an ECW army for years, an opportunity arose to purchase a load of the Warlord Games plastic ECW at a significantly discounted price. Never one to walk away from a bargain, I snagged them.

'Hairy', my long time gaming companion has had a love of ECW for years and has a large army already so he was quite chuffed about my purchase.

However, I could see that we were likely to disagree about rules. Having tried 1644, Forlorne Hope and WECW, he has set up camp in the WECW fan club. We are both born out of the GW/40K/WFB generation so I can understand the comfort in the familiarity of the system, but for me they are just not colourful enough to capture the period.

I have purchased 'Regiment of Foote' from Peter Pig (I am a self-confessed RFCM fanboy) and having played a test game, they seem the way forward.

Anyhoo, I have purchased some of the Army Painter coloured primer (red due to a feeling that my army may have a New Model feel) and the 'Strong Tone' Quickshade. I am hoping that these will speed my normal glacial painting pace and help get them to the table quicker.

Time will tell..........

Into the last of the SADF troops

2010-11-13T10:11:00.001-08:00

My Ratel 81 finally arrived from QRF. Dunno if it is bad luck or bad work but the last two orders from them have been nothing but trouble.

Also gonna put together my Buccaneer, Mirage, Alouette K-Car and Bosbok (well something that looks like one!).

Have a cunning plan for flight stands plus have the first game scheduled for a fortnight so should have an AAR and piccies to post!

SADF Mech Company done

2010-11-13T10:10:00.001-08:00

This post has been a long time coming but I have finally mananged to get the majority of the outstanding SADF stuff done.

Glad to have got this finished and would love to say that it finishes my SADF ground forces (but I still have a couple of bits to do).

Completed as part of The Guild project build.

Group shot

Eland Recce squadron (2 x Eland 90 and 1 x Eland 60 - all from Peter Pig)

Olifant Mk1 squadron ( 3 x Centurion - Peter Pig)

Anti-Tank Platoon (3 x Ratel 90 - QRF)

Company HQ (1 x Ratel 60 with Peter Pig figures)

2 x Mech Platoons (3 x Ratel 20 and a Ratel 60 as Platoon HQ - QRF. 3 squads of 10 plus a HQ squad of 6 - Peter Pig IDF)

Just a couple of extra bits that didnt arrive in time to add 'post task' and the SADF ground forces are done.

Remaining SADF troops ordered.....

2010-11-13T10:09:00.002-08:00

The funds generated by some old GW Dark Future figures have allowed the ordering of the remaining SADF forces for this project.

En route are 2 platoons of 3 sections of Peter Pig IDF troops with a QRF Ratel 20 for each section and a Ratel 60 as a Platoon HQ vehicle.

A Company HQ in a Ratel 60 with support teams in Unimog.

A section of Eland Armoured cars (2 x 90mm and 1 x 60mm) from Peter Pig

3 x Oliphant Mk1 (well Peter Pig Centurions).

When combined with the existing Citizen Force reinforced platoon in Buffels, this should be a nice little combined arms battlegroup.

Next part of the project......

2010-11-13T10:09:00.001-08:00

2 platoons of Mech infantry (will be using PP IDF figures) with QRF Ratels, some Oliphants and Elands.

Just need to save some paypal money/sell some un-needed figures!

Thinking of expanding the SADF air support too. Have a Bosbock stand in and a Mirage III (couldn't find a Mirage F1 in 1/100). Tempted to get a Bucaneer and try and source a Alouette III to make a K-Car but the Heller kits are SOOOOOOO hard to find!

SADF Troops done.......

2010-11-13T10:08:00.001-08:00

The force consists of 4 squads mounted in Peter Pig Bulldogs (pretending to be Buffels), a support unit of an HMG team in a Bulldog and a mortar in a Unimog, an HQ squad in a Bulldog and an Ystervark AA vehicle (converted as below).

Support section

Ystervark
HQ section
Infantry unit (1 of 4)
Bulldog masquerading as a Buffel.

Buffels ongoing.......

2010-11-13T10:07:00.002-08:00

Basecoat applied.

Tyres painted and slightly highlighted.

A highlight then added to all 'hard edges', this will show through the dip.

Detailing and interior/windows painted.

Coat of Army Painter quickshade added. When dry, I'll shoot a coat of matt varnish then add some weathering, rust and chipping before a final coat of varnish.

Another Ystervark piccy....

2010-11-13T10:07:00.001-08:00

Not a bad evenings work...

2010-11-13T10:06:00.003-08:00

Ok, I managed to cut the hull down using my Dremel thingy, it was hard work but managed to do so.

Added the hull to the chassis, and trimmed and cleaned it up a bit.

Added a new bed from 3mm plasticard, looks thick but then so does the one on the pictures.

Added some more detailing, used other plasticard.

The AA gun is the Peter Pig ZPU with the end replaced with a 50cal barrel.

Trying to get something done!!

2010-11-13T10:06:00.001-08:00

I am now off for a month due to the early arrival of my son on Friday. He and Mum are still in the hospital and so I am trying to make a start on the SADF stuff in the evenings.

I have stuck the PP Bulldogs together and will shoot a basecoat on them and the platoon of infantry to go in them tonite but I am also planning to do a ..........CONVERSION!!

SADF forces primary AA vehicle during the conflict appears to be the Ystervark 20mm SPAA. Pictures are not easy to find but here's the best that I have found yet-

Apparently based upon the Samil 20 mine resistant truck (as was the Bulldog) and mounted a 20mm cannon on the back.

My plan is to cut down one of the PP Bulldogs with my Dremel to give me a flatbed version by cutting along the red lines as marked.

I'll then fashion the flatbed to accept a 20mm AA gun that will probably also be a conversion from one of the spare ZPU guns that I have around with a barrel swap.

I am a gamer rather than a modeller, so as long as it looks vaguely right, I 'll be happy!

First of the SADF vehicles arrive....

2010-11-13T10:05:00.001-08:00

A nice package from Sapper Joe (http://sapperjoeswargamingtoys.blogspot.com/) arrived with 7 Peter Pig Bulldogs. These will stand in for Buffels for my 32Bn troops. I know that they aren't accurate and that QRF make a proper Buffel but the PP stuff is a lot more resilient to hamfisted gamers (and easy to make).

I still have the 2 platoons of BTR troops for my Angolans to do, but real life has got in the way and they have made it as far as a coat of Russian Green so far!

Tanks done..

2010-11-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Finally managed to get the T62s done. Time was against me so they got a pretty basic paintjob. Hopefully life will settle down and I can get the BTR battalions done sooner rather than later.

Angolan T62s on the way

2010-11-13T10:03:00.002-08:00

Thought that I'd get started on the 7 x T62s that will make up part of the FAPLA Armoured column.

Started with a black undercoat:

..then sprayed with Humbrol Acrylic Sand..

..then applied some Blu-tack over the tank..

..then sprayed with Humbrol Acrylic Olive..

..based for ease of handling and barrel protection..

All 7 were done in under an hour, detailing to follow...watch this space!

The rest of the FAPLA forces

2010-11-13T10:03:00.001-08:00

This is the rest of the FAPLA forces that I am intending to get done for this project. It's grown a bit as I have picked up some bargains thru eBay and trades. 2 x BTR60 mech platoons with support being transported in the Truck and BTR152
The company HQ in a BTR60 with a GAZ jeep. The other jeep will have the 82mm RR mounted in it (somehow) to add to the AT platoon.
T62 Company (well 2 platoons worth). The sharp eyed will notice that they are T62M which I don't think served with FAPLA but as I have them, I may as well use 'em!!
Plus of course the infantry to go with this lot!! When added to the BMP platoon, this gives a nice Mech battalion to give the SADF forces a nasty surprise!

Next part of this project - Coming Soon!

2010-11-13T10:02:00.004-08:00

Had a count up of what still is to come for the Angolans.

6 T62 (2 x Platoons from an Independent Tank Battalion)
2 Mech Platoons mounted in BTR60s with support in BTR152
HQ section inc Gaz 4x4s

This will be the next part of my Guild project Build 2010:

See what others have done here:

www.guildwargamers.com/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=225

First FAPLA Platoon (with support) Completed

2010-11-13T10:02:00.003-08:00

Managed to get a passable version of the 'lizard camo' done on the infantry and have now finished the first platoon plus support.

The eagle-eyed will notice that there are far too many troops armed with FN/SLRs but they are the figures that were in the box and will serve as generic African troops when not being Angolan, so I don't really mind!

Platoon HQ in a QRF BRM1.

Infantry squads mounted in Command Decision BMP1s

A close up of a squad.

A support (SA7) team in a QRF BMP1

A heavy Mortar team in a QRF Bedford.
Recce in the form of a QRF BRDM 2
Anti-tank capability comes from a QRF BRDM2-AT3
Additional AA from a QRF ZSU23-4.

and a platoon of Peter Pig T55s
The whole lot from above.

First FAPLA Platoon (with support) Completed

2010-11-13T10:02:00.001-08:00

Managed to get a passable version of the 'lizard camo' done on the infantry and have now finished the first platoon plus support.

Platoon HQ in a QRF BRM1.

Infantry squads mounted in Command Decision BMP1s

A close up of a squad.

A support (SA7) team in a QRF BMP1

A heavy Mortar team in a QRF Bedford.
Recce in the form of a QRF BRDM 2
Anti-tank capability comes from a QRF BRDM2-AT3
Additional AA from a QRF ZSU23-4.

and a platoon of Peter Pig T55s
The whole lot from above.

BMP platoon done!

2010-11-13T09:59:00.002-08:00

Made some good progress today. Managed to get the BMP1 platoon finished!

First pic is of a QRF BRDM2 that I had painted previously but needed to retouch and rebase to match the rest.
An ATGW (AT3, I think) BRDM2 from QRF

A BMP1 from QRF

The QRF BMP1 alongside a QRF BRM1 (that'll see use as a command vehicle)

A trio of Command Decision/Skytex BMP1s

The days work completed.

FAPLA infantry

2010-11-13T09:59:00.001-08:00

While the BMPs are drying and awaiting basing, I turn my attention to the infantry. While the first 'test' section came out OK, they do not look right. The camo is more of a DPM style which does not represent the camo worn by the FAPLA troops which was a derivative of the Portuguese/Cuban 'Lizard' style. Will try today to perfect this......

Started on my Angolan Armour....

2010-11-13T09:58:00.002-08:00

First picture is of my BMP1 Platoon in it's current base coated stated. I have managed to get a platoon of Peter Pig T55 tanks completed and pics of those are below.

I have also managed to arrange a trade to secure my BTR60 compliment to be able to do 2 platoons to round out the Mechanised company. I also have a few other support vehicles to add in.

Further armour will come from the 6 T62M that I got cheap some time ago. Technically, I am not sure whether any of the Cuban/Angolan T62s would have received the upgraded armour but I'll use them as I have them.

Little House on the Veldt....

2010-11-13T09:58:00.001-08:00

Had an hour free and knocked up a very quick building in 15mm. Using some off cuts of foamboard for the wall and I printed some pdf corrugated iron for the roof. While the printed stuff is not as nice as the textured plasticard, it is cheaper, doesn't require painting and will never run out. I have quite a few PDFs of buildings that I have collected in the last 18 months that will be used for the Urban environments that will appear on my 'Close Quarters Battle' page.

Rough outline to the intended Angolan force.....

2010-11-13T09:57:00.001-08:00

Well having gone through the figures and vehicles that I have, and comparing that to the MicroMark army lists that I purchased, I now have a rough idea of what shape the Angolan force is going to take.

Couple of caveats here though:
A) I have a big box of Russian kit in 15mm. The composition of the force will be governed by this over 'pure' historical accuracy. I want to avoid having to make significant purchases to finish this army.
B ) Most of the vehicles will need to do double duty as I have plans to use a lot of them for Syrian vehicles for Operation Peace for Galilee (Beirut '82) at a later date.

Anyway, the FAPLA forces will be as follows:

Mech Platoon :
HQ - BMP-R with a Command squad (BMP-R 'cos I have one and it will be distinguishable)
Inf - 4 x BMP 1 with 3 x 8 man squads and a support MANPAD/ATGW squad
Infantry figures will be some QRF (I think?) Soviets with helmets.

1 x Motorised Platoon :
HQ - BTR 60 with command squad
Inf - 3 x BTR 60s with 10 man squads
Support -1 x BTR152 and a ZIL truck with Mortar/HMG or similar
Infantry will be the PP stuff that I have started.

AT Platoon :
1 x BRDM2 + AT3
1 x 4x4 with 105mm RR

AA :
ZSU 23-4
ZPU1 mounted in truck

Tank Platoon:
3 x T55

Independent Tank Company
6 x T62

Recce :
BRDM2

That still leaves a load of militia that can be used for either side (UNITA or SWAPO) with trucks and some technical/4x4 type vehicles. These will also see action against my Modern US troops in other Ambush Alley games.

First couple of bits done....

2010-11-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

Have painted and based a squad of Angolans (Peter Pig Regulars from the AK47 range) and a ZSU 23-4 (from QRF). My ability to take good photos is rubbish but here they are.

Welcome to Manatonga........

2010-11-13T09:53:00.002-08:00

Hi, I'm Dave Schmitt and welcome to this special report on the deepening crisis in Manatonga.

Manatonga - Jewel of the Horn of Africa.

Manatonga lies on the Horn of Africa nestled between Ethiopia and Sudan. A relatively young state, it came into being following the conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia for the Ogaden region.

The terrain is varied but is largely tropical in nature, fed by the waters of the River Natong that flow the length of the country to the Red Sea. The region is traditionally pastoral, however, like many African nations, the majority of it's wealth lies in the mineral and oil rich ground.

The countries capital, Mutubelia, contains over half of the population. Drawn by the promise of work and money, the majority of these people live in the sprawling shanty town slums that surround the developed centre.

Manatonga has become the centre of world attention following the discovery of a massive pocket of natural gas by GloboCorp, using a method (leaked by an insider source) known as satellite prospecting. The development of the technology used by GloboCorp has been acutely and, on occasion, aggressively guarded.

There are a number of parties now in the region, vying for the upper hand and control of the country. We'll cover each of them after this word from our sponsors...

Wargaming in Manatonga

The set up is designed to allow me to use pretty much any Colonial/African and Mid East type terrain. I intend to make plenty of suitable buildings using foamcard etc. I can also go for some more rural/tropical terrain for actions in the countryside. It is my intention to have multiple factions, each with it's own background and intentions to allow a wide range of scenarios and rules to be used.

I am intending to use the campaign as a test bed for several sets of wargames rules dependent on the nature of the game. I have plans to use the following Ambush Alley/Force on Force, Battlefield Evolution, Rapid Fire and possibly PBI by Peter Pig.

Plans afoot......

2010-11-13T09:53:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time since I have updated any of my wargames blogs due to numerous real world pressures taking up all my time.
However, like any good wargamer, while the hands are busy doing work, the mind will always be thinking of gaming, and I have a plan.

Inspired by some really good 'imagi-Nation' type sites (such as Bongolesia), I am going to create a background for my 15mm Modern games to exist in. I am hoping that I'll be able to link all of them through some narrative streams (thus allowing me to cater to my fantasy of being an aspiring screenwriter).

Following in the vein of some of the Harold Coyle books, what will follow is a few posts detailing the AO for operations and some of the people involved.

A technical issue

2010-11-13T09:52:00.001-08:00

Got a batch of technicals done to add some support to the militia.
The pick up is my favourite of this bunch. Tried to make it look REALLY battered and abused.
'Heavy' technical with a 106mm RR on a Peter Pig Unimog.
A couple of Peter Pig Landies. A bit annoyed that I didn't see how bad the mold line was on the beige one until I had started painting and was too lazy to fix it then. Will be working on some more Angolan stuff for a couple of weeks now but will return for some buildings soon.

Militia done

2010-11-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

Finally managed to get the last batch of Peter Pig African Militia completed and based. They total 107 with a mix of leaders, militia and support weapons. There are a few technicals soon to follow. The leaders are based on 20mm round bases, all the others on 15mm. The support weapons are signified with 1 dot on the back of the base for light support (LMG) and 2 dots for medium support (RPG)
I am working on a 'background' for the fictional African country in which the action will take place. A government that was previously Soviet backed with newly discovered natural resources, a militia uprising with Jihadist tendencies, US intervention forces, Global Corporation PMC forces and the potential for Russian involvement.

Watch this space........

Ascension - A town in the making

2010-11-13T09:47:00.001-08:00

When the plague hit Webster County, the people of Ascension fell victim just like everyone else had. It started like a bout of flu but the news reports from other parts of the country told the public that it was something far more serious. Soon, the victims that had passed over began to rise and panic tore through the town.

Chief of Police, Sam Croft, knew that he couldn't save everyone but recognised that if this wasn't going to be the end of days, someone would have to survive and take back the world from the walking dead.

He took his officers and made the short trip out of town to the Ascension Valley Prison. He convinced the Governor and staff of his plan and within 6 hours, all of the prisoners had been released (some by force).

By the following morning, 164 of the townsfolk had been rescued and were now living in the prison with the Police and prison guards. Further attempts to attempt to bring others back were ruled out due to the number of zombies that were now occupying the streets. The prison had supplies that would feed 1200 prisoners for a month, so the 164 survivors could live there for some time before it was a necessity to forage, but that time would surely come..........

Having gone through the pdfs buildings that I have collected, I appear to have over 20 unique buildings that will allow the town to take shape. The back story allows for a 'enclave' of survivors and provides a purpose for the excursions into the infested town. I have plans for introducing an army element as well. The initial plan is to map out a simple road network on a 4x4 board and then the buildings can be placed on this as required. All the Rebel minis figures have arrived now so I can commence painting them. Should be fun!

Ascension's Finest ...

2010-11-13T09:46:00.001-08:00

Managed to get a couple of the Rebel Minis Police painted last night. Gone for a very simplistic all black paint job (which the camera doesn't flatter!). The patrol car is the same car from the first piccies but given a paint job.

I have also based the first building with a pavement/sidewalk. When comparing the Rebel Minis to the building, they are taller than the PP figure so I will need to print off a larger door and stick it on.

The last pic is a trial run on a bit of 2'x2' MDF at I painted and stuck some printed roads onto. It look OK and will be improved on when I go for the full road layout.

The Streets of Ascension - WIP

2010-11-13T09:44:00.002-08:00

Having been unhappy with how the 'street' test piece had looked, I decided to adopt a different approach. I had purchased the Mayhem Streets set from Worldworks Games a while ago and decided to use this to create a modular street layout.

Step 1 - I obtained some precision cut 300x300mm boards cut from 6mm MDF (the joys of a Dad who is a furniture manufacturer!). Step 2 - Using a cheap can of grey primer, I sprayed the edges. The purpose of this was twofold, to seal the raw MDF and limit the dust and burring and to ensure that any gaps would be seen as a suitable grey colour.
Step 3 - Using a colour printer and some A4 self adhesive labels, I printed the roads, cut them out and stuck them to the tiles. I took time to ensure that the entry/exit points for each road were at the centre of the board edge.

Step 4 - I don't like the flat look of just a grey primer, so I cunningly Googled some pavement/sidewalk and cement textures which I also then printed onto the A4 labels and stuck those on the non-road areas. This gives a better look (IMHO) while retaining a flat playing surface for figure placement. It is also far superior to anything that I could have done with paints.
Step 5 - Repeat for a number of tiles (I have done 2o in total, gives a 5x4' table), with T-junction, crossroads, bends and even a parking lot. Unfortunately I ran out of labels before I could complete them all (but a £7 for 100, they are suitably cheap) but here is a typical 2x2' Ambush alley sized board. I have stuck a few patches of varying textures on to break up the pattern a bit and still intend to use bases for the buildings. The building bases allow a greater structural rigidity and the placement of scenic items on the base that will further enhance the look.

Bobby Carson and Jessie Summers - Survivors

2010-11-13T09:44:00.001-08:00

Bobby and Jessie were on their way back home from a camping trip when the infection hit Ascension. When they rolled into the outskirts of town, they could tell something was wrong. Abandoned cars and bodies in the streets are never a good sign......

Bobby and Jessie are by Rebel miniatures, Toyota pickup by Peter Pig.

And to give you an idea of what they look like in 'real size'

The Heroes of 5th and Main.....

2010-11-13T09:43:00.001-08:00

On the day of the evacuation of Ascension (or E-Day as it would become known), 4 Correctional Officers volunteered to take the Prison Bus into Ascension to try and rescue some of those not yet affected by the virus.

Officers Waltham, Harris, Chavez and Hamilton made 3 trips in the face of increasing risk to save 37 townsfolk and brought them back to the safety of the 10 metre walls of the prison. At the junction of 5th and Main streets they fought of several of the infected to save the Spencer family including their 3 young children.

The Dead rise....

2010-11-13T09:42:00.001-08:00

The first 10 Rebel Minis zombies are done. Favorites were Baywatch and Skater Boy. Painted the cop to match the prison guards (I guess not all of them made it!).

Added some newspaper debris to the test building to give it a more 'deserted city' look in the vein of 28 Days Later.

The Streets of Ascension - Completed

2010-11-13T09:41:00.001-08:00

With the arrival of another batch of labels, I have been able to complete the 20 tiles that I will use for the streets of Ascension. At present they only have stuff on one side but the joy of using the paper is that I can do the reverse should I find that I need more of any particular type and they will still lay nice and flat on the table.
Below is just one layout using all 20 but as you can see, there is plenty of adaptability. It's also worth remembering that Ambush Z games in 15mm only use a 2x2 (4 tiles) for most of them!

I am now considering doing a similar set for a less well developed urban area (think Mogadishu or similar) for my CQB page for use with Ambush Alley.

A couple of action shots.....

2010-11-13T09:39:00.001-08:00

...with the first 2 completed buildings.

Managed to get some Pole Bitwy zeds done...

2010-11-13T09:37:00.002-08:00

I ordered these as soon as Piotr got a sales facility on his website but have only just got the first batch done.

They are very nice miniatures with a good level of animation (especially as I like my zeds fast!) and are suitably generic in clothing for moderns of any location.

This is the first batch painted.
Some female types Some male types
Alongside some Rebel miniatures, they mix very well.
There may be some other variations in poses in females, i just happened to pick these off the top of the pile.
All round good figures and a must for 15mm zed gamers

Red Ops 5

2010-11-13T09:37:00.001-08:00

Have recently bought these from Rebel Miniatures following some press via other fora (the fallout from which hasn't yet settled). Using 'some' of the mechanisms from ATZ (All Things Zombie) they are designed for a game where the player controls a SWAT/SF team storming a zed infested building, looking for survivors.

Clearly influenced by the opening scenes from Romero's Dawn of the Dead, they are also now more relevant due to the release of Rec 2. A sequel to the film that was remade as 'Quarantine' for the US market, it's plot also revolves around a similar premise.

I initially bought them with some Aliens-esque gaming in mind, but they may get some use for zed gaming too.

Ellis, his target and a hazmat trooper

2010-11-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

Ellis is an ex-hitman turned survivor of the zed-apocalypse. I may do a scenario based around one of his assassinations before the infection as a scenario. Ellis is a 15mm 'Agent' from The Scene painted in civvy clothes. His target is a Rebel Miniatures civilian with a couple of The Scene 'Agents' as corporate muscle. Unfortunately for him, SMGs and pistole are no match for Ellis and his rifle and the outcome is sure!

The HazMat suited trooper is a test piece as I couldn't decide what colour to paint them (I have a couple of teams. After re-watching Resi-Evil 3 and seeing the guys below, I thought white may be the way to go.