Anyway onto a review of 2021 which was one to forget if at all possible, and yet John and I did get in quite a few battles and also painted a few figures in periods we haven't wargamed for many years if at all. Looking back I wonder how I managed to stay sane but then a lot of individuals didnt. 
As for figures, the ones Ive enjoyed painting the most have to be David Imrie's small medieval range for the Scottish Wars. Like his painting the actual figures are simply beautiful but also tell a story. I bought some for my Burgundian Army. Yes they are kitted out for an earlier period, but I needed some pavisse crossbowmen and wanted some of David's figures.So well done Claymore Miniatures.
Normally I would highlight a wargames show which for me was the best one I had attended. Given the fact I only was able to attend three, I feel it would be churlish to award one an award when I enjoyed all three equally. Partizan had the best games with some excellent tables in various periods and scales. Fiasco in Leeds I enjoyed for the diverse trade and all round good crack. Battleground at Stockton I enjoyed because, well it was Battleground which I have always enjoyed.
A very close second was the Kern figures from Antediluvian Miniatures.They sell some figures based on the Durer sketches and are superb. They are also perfectly sized to match my Perry Kern and fit on the correct sized bases. No over weight chaps here.
Rulewise I have enjoyed using two sets. Never mind the Billhooks by Andy Callan and Test of Resolve, both for the Wars of the Roses. Two sets written by wargamers who know their stuff. Recomended.
Best product for use by wargamers? Warpainters random box of tufts available on E Bay. A snip at £15.00. The lunchbox sized container is full of different tufts, but all are usable and good quality.
As for resolutions. Im not a very good resolution keeper? but having realised how much metal Ive accrued this last year, I really need to either paint them or get rid. Its not really a resolution but definitely something that needs addressing. I intend to get to as many wargames shows as is humanly possible whilst not buying large numbers of figures. Is that possible?
So that's my 2021 review. Obviously there were other issues that could be discussed but I want to keep this light and optimistic.In my last post I highlighted what I believe is happening to wargaming, it probably isnt a bad thing but not to my personal taste. I enjoy board games but wargames for me need to be full of colour, lots of figures and tension.
As I've stated, I've returned to the Burgundian Wars. In my original army I had a lot of the old Citadel range so naturally I wanted some.I refuse however to pay the current prices that Foundry have stuck on the range, so have been collecting the odd battered figure as and when I saw them. I have managed to scrape a full unit of archers together and finally re painted them. Yes they are in livery, but the figure cries out for some colour. It was a hell of a range back in the 1980's and has stood the test of time.
Shame about Foundry's pricing regime.
Given that Charles the Bold seemed to get caught regularly at a siege, one needs a few pieces of artillery. Again I wanted some of the old Citadel figures. These had seen a lot of action prior to me buying them, unfortunately I was forced to pay full price for the gun. Perhaps a little too modern for the Burgundian's, but still a decent model.
Another foot commander. Several years ago I picked up a number of armoured priests whilst at Claymore. Scale wise they were true 25mm so when based with the Copplestone figure he morphed into a young page. I like him and somehow it works.
The units staged together. A colourful addition to my Burgundians.
I would struggle to go to lots of shows and not buy figures, maybe it's just me? Lovely additions to your Burgundians, I can't help feeling they fit in better on your other blog but I guess that's now a heritage reference blog?
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
I agree Iain it will be very difficult not to buy something but I intend to steer clear from figures for a while. As for linking the Burgundians to the Borgia site. I did consider that and then thought that the original concept was to concentrate on the Borgias so didnt post there. However I intend to start the site back up, simply because it deserves some attention.
DeleteFor a write-off year, it looks like you did well. Cheers on the tufts tip, I'll look into that. And happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteRe the tufts, you get a plastic lunch box full of tufts and a lot of special ones.You can see some on the archers on this post. They are good value and quick.
DeleteThe Burgundian units have shaken out very nicely. You do seem to have a thing about Foundry though; do you have some Scottish genes perhaps?
ReplyDeleteTight as a ducks bottom David. Strangely my mother's family were border Scots. By the way Ive been spending breakfast watching a series called ACW in colour on the Discovery site.Its not bad with some interesting images that have been digitally coloured.I think you might like it.
DeleteRobbie, great looking additions to your Burgundians. You tempt me to expand into this conflict. You fielded a lot of finely painted units in 2021. Not an effort to dismiss or write-off so easily. If postage did not cos an arm and a leg, I could send a CARE package with some Foundry figures.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Seriously Johnathan 2021 was a difficult year for me and probably most of the population of the World so my numbers are way down. I am hoping to be in the US in September visiting Austin for the music followed by Galveston for the peace, hopefully. As for postage costs, Im afraid until the World re adjusts costs will remain sky high.
DeleteQuite admired how you've managed to resurrect the medival period almost entirely by yourself! Lovely work and figures over the last year and something to be proud of.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul.I wish I could have prised my old units out of the hands of the bugger I sold them to but I probably couldnt afford them now.
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