I'm Back.

Well I'm Back.


The last eight weeks have been a tad stressful to say the least.

Luckily my move to my new home went pretty well, and the weather was good.

I didnt realise just how much baggage you accrue until it has to be packed then unpacked, do we really need all this 'stuff'.

The next thing is how much you actually rely on the internet and not just for blogs.I was unable to do any online shopping and really struggled trying to get Bruce Springsteen tickets, I suppose thats progress for you.
 Openreach weren't exactly customer friendly regarding connecting up my phone line.
I dont think TWELVE weeks is a prompt service, and even then my builder put in the ducting for the line.

One shock I did get was that I had mislaid four of my terrain boards that I had earmarked for Smoggycon. By mislaid I mean left them outside of the Border Reivers show in Newcastle along with my hills. I had made the boards to take to shows and they were very good, really. It just shows you how much I had on my mind.So if anyone has seen four totally flat, four foot terrain boards as per my blog photograph, I would love them back.

Anyway onto Smoggycon.

I was really pleased that the Middlesbrough club took up the mantle from the defunct Stockton show.The venue is pretty good with decent parking. The show seemed busy with a fair turnout from the traders. This year John and I were determined to put on two games, one a Flames of war Normandy affair, and I, a Seven Years War affair to showcase our rules.

I couldnt really describe my game as a game, more of a mobile display, to hopefully inspire people, and get them talking about the game etc.

I think it worked. I certainly did some talking, and lost my voice.

Brunswick Hussars move to the front to counter the French advance. [ Hinchliffe one piece figures.]

Hanoverian and Hessian grenadiers showing how well they march. [ RSM and Hinchliffe figures]

Austrian hussars showing how its done [ Again Hinchliffe one piece masterpieces]

 French artillery train.[ Jackdaw miniatures]

Hanoverian Legion Brittanique.[ Dixon Miniatures,with RSM Hanoverian grenadiers in background]

John and his son Neil, put on a fine game, with a lot of armour, that certainly looked the part, once again John lost to his son.So nothing new there then. I only managed a couple of photographs,which dont really do the game justice.

John and I finally got Charles Wesencraft to sign our copies of his two books.I think Charles never really got the recognition that he deserved, as the books are an excellent read,and still very relevant.

Charles then proceeded to go through a list of queries he had re the 'Nostalgic Whim' rules.

He certainly got me thinking about things, and the assumptions that we had made regarding who would actually be using the rules.

I was then lucky enough to have a talk to one of my painting idols, Phil Robinson. Again Phil got me thinking about how I actually paint my figures and present them.

It was pleasing to see that he has got the wargaming bug again, although I couldn't get any of his beautiful 28mm figures as he had sold them all.
Its great to be back..................