The long lay off!!!

Flames of War Italians,circa 1942.

Over the years I have found that I reach a point where I find it hard to devote my precious time to wargaming.I suddenly find that other things become more important,and I think I have just been through such an occurrence. Luckily it was only for a few weeks,and I still managed to continue painting,albeit at a much slower rate. A longtime ago I took an entire year out and didnt do any wargaming activities at all.

Granted I had only just been married and become a father,so perhaps that is understandable.Anyway I am back, and I'd thought I'd show off my Italian army circa 1942.

Progress has been slow,but persistance is finally paying dividends. The figures are a combination of Flames of War and Command Decision.I think they are very compatable,apart from the armour where Command Decision are slightly smaller.

I have attempted to customise some of the bases,and have incorporated camels and palm trees in an attempt to pretty things up.I do like the infantry from Command Decision,as they have pith hats,and shirt sleeve order.Very colonial and very Italian. For one of my squads I am going to paint a Black shirt unit,purely for theatre effect.My dad, God rest his soul was in the 8th Army,and although he very rarely talked about the war,gave me an officers Facista scarf,cap badges and officers tie. So I thought it would be appropriate to add some of Mussolini's followers to my army. I have made an elementary error for any wargamer,as I have stocked up with unpainted metal,which is unlike me.I am usually more disciplined. I have also alternated between scales and periods, and have continued my Seven Years War project,albeit very slowly. John my long suffering opponent kindly painted me a unit of Hungarian infantry,and I am part way through a French heavy cavalry unit.I missed the show at Durham last weekend,and havent been to a show since Sheffield Triples,which I do find a bit disconcerting.I was in New York instead watching England showthe world how to play football [ I wish ]I do like New York, although it is getting very expensive.

I understand that there were only five games on display at the Durham show, and I think this is the first time in over 25 years that I havent put on a game with John at the show.
Still sometimes a change is as good as a rest.

I have noticed that the Old School Wargame movement seems to have lost its impetus,so to speak,which I suppose is inevitable given the nature of wargamers. I will still continue to plug the idea,and hope to re publish ' A Nostalgic Whim' rules later this year.
It was also sad to see the demise of the Spanish wargames magazine,Soldiers and Strategy. I believe it will still be published in Spain.

I did like its enthusiatic approach and general layout.

Anyway well done for a valiant effort.

I hope to hold a photographic review of my entire Seven Years war armies next time.