Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Painting & Modelling => Topic started by: Shecky on 17 December 2014, 03:27:10 AM

Title: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Shecky on 17 December 2014, 03:27:10 AM
Whilst painting SYW figures tonight I began pondering...
1. Why do I paint flag poles if I'm just going to put a flag on it?
2. I hate painting Prussian flags because I can't paint a straight line and I can't paint circles. Other than that I have no problems with them.
3. Don't mix up the Prussian and Austrian Cuirassier figures. Don't mix up the Prussian and Austrian Cuirassier figures. Don't mix up the Prussian and Austrian Cuirassier figures. Dang it, I painted the Austrians as Prussians and the Prussians as Austrians.
4. when you drop the top to a paint bottle you have to find it soon or the dog will eat it.
5. I have yet to find a yellow paint I like.
6. There is too much yellow in the SYW Prussian army
7. Once I get the Prussians and Austrians painted then I need to get French, British/Hannoverian and Russians to complete my project.
8. I'll never complete my project
9. I've never completed any project
10. I still have ACW to paint before I "officially" start my SYW project.

Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: paulr on 17 December 2014, 03:48:18 AM
 :D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leon on 17 December 2014, 03:57:01 AM
 :D

Quote from: Shecky on 17 December 2014, 03:27:10 AM
8. I'll never complete my project
9. I've never completed any project

;D
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 17 December 2014, 06:51:00 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Steve J on 17 December 2014, 07:55:19 AM
Hmmm, I can empathise with you on all of your points :D.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Techno on 17 December 2014, 08:07:27 AM
 ;D ;D
Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: fsn on 17 December 2014, 08:24:34 AM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 17 December 2014, 09:02:36 AM
Austrian and Prussian cuirassiers? Hats mate, hats! Standard bearers for Prussia - generic standard bearer with bare pole. Empathise fully with the Russians in your project. I will never even start British, French and other Germans, but the Turks will get a look in at some stage.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Nirnman on 17 December 2014, 09:39:15 AM
musings are spot on
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Ithoriel on 17 December 2014, 09:56:13 AM
I resemble these remarks :)
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 17 December 2014, 10:01:17 AM
10am - pull back those bed covers.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: fsn on 17 December 2014, 10:11:52 AM
... and get in.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Westmarcher on 17 December 2014, 10:20:48 AM
Quote from: Shecky on 17 December 2014, 03:27:10 AM
4. when you drop the top to a paint bottle you have to find it soon or the dog will eat it.
Once, when planning a flank attack, I did not factor in the possibility of casualties inflicted by my opponent's dog whose jaws suddenly appeared from under the table and snatched away half a battalion!  :o
.... Stupid me. So obvious, in retrospect .....  :)
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: petercooman on 17 December 2014, 10:51:32 AM
Quote from: Shecky on 17 December 2014, 03:27:10 AM

10. I still have ACW to paint before I "officially" start my SYW project.



I have finished 3 or 4 projects after buying my acw troops. I must get on with it too  :-\
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Nosher on 17 December 2014, 11:21:01 AM
I always leave a little part of each project unfinished as it's well known that once a project is complete the wife will find you something to do to fill the void....
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Hertsblue on 17 December 2014, 11:24:02 AM
Quote from: Shecky on 17 December 2014, 03:27:10 AM
2. I hate painting Prussian flags because I can't paint a straight line and I can't paint circles. Other than that I have no problems with them
Get yourself a computer drawing package - Serif Draw-Plus is cheap and easy to learn - you won't have to worry about drawing straight lines then.

Quote from: Shecky on 17 December 2014, 03:27:10 AM
8. I'll never complete my project
9. I've never completed any project
That's the beauty of wargaming, there's always something left to do or paint. It's kept me going for forty-odd years.

Quote from: Shecky on 17 December 2014, 03:27:10 AM
10. I still have ACW to paint before I "officially" start my SYW project.

You wouldn't be a wargamer if you didn't have a lead mountain. It's part of the job-spec.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: SV52 on 17 December 2014, 12:46:22 PM
How true, how true.

And who can forget the famous 'stuck the flags on upside down and didn't notice until some smart ass pointed it out'.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Westmarcher on 17 December 2014, 12:57:19 PM
Quote from: Hertsblue on 17 December 2014, 11:24:02 AM
Get yourself a computer drawing package - Serif Draw-Plus is cheap and easy to learn - you won't have to worry about drawing straight lines then.
Unfortunately, a computer won't be enough for Pendraken's SYW Prussian infantry - you'll need a robot because the flags are molded on!  #-o (hence Dour Puritan's recommendation for the generic standard bearers with pole.) The SYW Prussian and Austrian cavalry standard bearers also have molded on flags. I came up with my own solution for the Prussian infantry before the generic standard bearers were released but, like Shecky, absolutely hated painting those damned birds!  ~X(

P.S. Nice blog by the way, Ray.  :-bd
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Fenton on 17 December 2014, 01:13:03 PM
Quote from: Westmarcher on 17 December 2014, 12:57:19 PM
Unfortunately, a computer won't be enough for Pendraken's SYW Prussian infantry - you'll need a robot because the flags are molded on! 
P.S. Nice blog by the way, Ray.  :-bd

Sadly this is why I abandoned my SYW project
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 17 December 2014, 05:24:36 PM
There are generic standard bearers with bare flagpoles which take the baccus flags very well:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1346_zps5b98b801.jpg)
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 17 December 2014, 05:44:00 PM
Very nice DP
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: paulr on 17 December 2014, 06:34:46 PM
 :-bd =D> :-bd
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Techno on 17 December 2014, 06:39:26 PM
Those look damn fine, DP.  :-bd
Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Westmarcher on 17 December 2014, 06:45:36 PM
A very fine array of soldiers, DP!  8)
That's the way to base Pendraken SYW infantry - in close order!  =D>

[But I would say that because its very similar to if not exactly the way I base my own Pendraken SYW infantry, even down to the 2 standards - I've never seen anyone else base theirs the same way as me - but I lead sheltered life!.  1 inch square or 30mm square bases?]
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 18 December 2014, 09:06:23 AM
Those are 1'' or 25mm square bases. Got a Black Powder game with them tonight. I agree that packing line troops of this period on to a base looks good, but it does get expensive, i.e. a four base unit is an entire pack of 30 Pendraken figures. Incidentally, the musketeer units behind and beyond are Old Glory, which also have a bare flagpole on the command strip. Old Glory come in strips of five figures in line, each strip being 25mm wide, so I mount two strips one behind the other on a base.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Hertsblue on 18 December 2014, 09:16:02 AM
That's interesting, DP. My WSS Old Glory figures (admittedly fairly old) have cast-on flags, which I hate. I do think that the flags make your units, though. And the provision of two flags per battalion is spot-on.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 18 December 2014, 03:25:44 PM
I'll take some photos of tonight's battle and post tomorrow. Odd that the Pendraken SYW Austrian infantry don't have cast flags.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 19 December 2014, 10:00:43 AM
As promised, last night's battle starting with a general view of the club, the game being to the right:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1382_zps29600318.jpg)

A view of the Prussian set up at the start:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1376_zps59df584f.jpg)

The Austrian army prior to set up:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1377_zps61ec4bf7.jpg)

The Prussian artillery seized the only high ground in this marshy, wooded area:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1378_zps680e6349.jpg)

Photobucket very slow today so will post this and finish off this evening.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Techno on 19 December 2014, 11:31:27 AM
Very nice indeed, DP.
Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 19 December 2014, 12:33:45 PM
Very nice.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: wurrukatte on 19 December 2014, 02:07:24 PM
Most impressive

W
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 19 December 2014, 02:33:20 PM
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1383_zps978ab739.jpg)

As the serrtied ranks of Prussians stoically marched forward into the teeth of Austrian artillery fire, the Austrian cuirassiers made a lunge towards the single Prussian cavalry brigade consisting one unit each of dragoons, cuirassiers and hussars.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1384_zpsdc7ba63c.jpg)

Meanwhile on the right flank the Prussian musketeers and fusiliers were starting to take casualties and disruption from the advancing Austrians, some of whom were ensconced behind the walls, hedges and fences of a manor house complex.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1385_zps28e3973e.jpg)

The beginning of the end; Austrian cavalry have destroyed and driven off the Prussian cavalry, enabling them to get round the Prussian left flank. Initially the Prussian infantry held their own against the Austrian cavalry, but the might of the Austrian artillery was starting to weaken the Prussian centre, with one fusilier unit being destroyed entirely (some lousy morale dice were thrown by the Prussians last night). The game ended with Austrian cavalry milling round the Prussian left flank, three more Austrian infantry units turning up (belatedly) on the Prussian right flank and many Prussian units having reached shaken status. A minor victory was awarded to the Austrians.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Techno on 19 December 2014, 02:37:18 PM
It gets better and better !!  :-bd
Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 19 December 2014, 04:42:36 PM
Very nice report. Lovely figures.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: fred. on 19 December 2014, 05:30:50 PM
Very nice looking game.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Bodvoc on 19 December 2014, 05:44:23 PM
That is a great looking game.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: paulr on 19 December 2014, 07:39:55 PM
 :-bd =D> :-bd =D>

Very impressive game and an interesting report

Interesting club set up, interesting to see permanently set up tables
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Westmarcher on 19 December 2014, 10:25:06 PM
Good stuff, DP.  :) Almost feel as if I'm looking at a report of one of my own games (32 figure battalions, 12 figure cavalry regiments, etc.) .... only yours have more 'up to date' bases (mine are so old they are still flocked!  :-[). Rock on!  m/ And great club facilities ... jealous!
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 19 December 2014, 10:55:12 PM
Thanks for the positive comments folks. I think this does illustrate the use of paper flags with the Prussians.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Shecky on 20 December 2014, 12:05:20 AM
Quote from: Dour Puritan on 18 December 2014, 03:25:44 PM
Odd that the Pendraken SYW Austrian infantry don't have cast flags.

I'm glad they don't. The Prussian flags are somewhat easy even though I can't paint a straight line. I'd go crazy if I had to paint the Austrian flags by hand.
I started my ACW project with Old Glory. Their flags are cast on. I quickly gave up trying to paint the Union Stars n Stripes and Regimental flags. Looked like the leavings of a large farm animal.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 20 December 2014, 09:25:34 AM
Have to admit I am not a great fan of cast on flags, however I do like the cast on FPW French flag (but don't use the Prussian one) and did paint the Austrian flag on my original 1866 Austrians. Thank goodness the new castings don't have them.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/Figurephotos2011/IMG_0194.jpg)

Grim isn't it.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Hertsblue on 20 December 2014, 10:53:07 AM
Not at all.  :)
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 20 December 2014, 03:01:02 PM
Doesn't look too bad!
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 20 December 2014, 03:58:58 PM
Leave the critical understatement to ME.......

Seen worse... ;)

IanS
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 20 December 2014, 05:46:02 PM
Jeez Ian, they must have been crap!
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 21 December 2014, 09:08:41 AM
No that's if I say - "seen better".

IanS  ;)
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Leman on 21 December 2014, 09:23:04 AM
Sorry, I meant about what you had seen worse.
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Techno on 21 December 2014, 09:34:57 AM
Quote from: Dour Puritan on 20 December 2014, 09:25:34 AM
Have to admit I am not a great fan of cast on flags, however I do like the cast on FPW French flag (but don't use the Prussian one) and did paint the Austrian flag on my original 1866 Austrians. Thank goodness the new castings don't have them. (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/Figurephotos2011/IMG_0194.jpg)
Grim isn't it.

Hardly !!....Especially when you consider the pic shows the figures around 4 times actual size.
Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Random thoughts, musing and aggravations
Post by: Hertsblue on 21 December 2014, 04:23:19 PM
Exactly, Phil.