It is time to summarise the wargaming year, a most unusual year. I have been incredibly fortunate to have been impacted much less than many this year
PaintingThe year has been dominated by two painting projects; Punic Wars and Hundred Years War
The Punic Wars project provided enough elements to cover 15 different DBA armies:
- 2x II/32a Later Carthaginian - with the extras to do II/32b the in Africa version
- 2x II/33 Polybian Roman
- 2x II/39a Iberian or II/39b Celtiberian
- II/5h Siciliot
- II/8a Bruttian or Lucanian or II/8c Apulian
- II/11 Gallic
- II/9a Syracuse in Sicily
The figures were ordered on 1
st February, shipped on 18
th and arrived on 23
rdThe first army was painted and pictures posted by 1
st March http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,19425.msg294776.html#msg294776 (http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,19425.msg294776.html#msg294776)
The bulk of the project was finished in May but the tents for my Roman camps were delayed and sent with the order for my next project. The last of the camps was completed 7
th June
Painted and Based
841 | Foot |
107 | Mounted |
11 | Models |
959 | Total |
The second project of the year was eight DBA armies for the Hundred Years War. The armies are focused around the time of Agincourt, 1415, but cover earlier and later variants:
- IV/16 Scotland [1124-1513]
- IV/57 Low Countries [bc versions 1330-1478]
- IV/62 100 Years War English (2) [bcd versions 1334-1455]
- IV/64 Medieval French (2) [abc versions 1330-1445]
- IV/74 Free Company & Armagnac [1357-1444]
- IV/76 Early Burgundian [1363-1471]
The figures were ordered on 6
th April, shipped on 14
th May and arrived on 26
th. Casting and shipping was somewhat delayed by Pendraken's amazing PPE production efforts and the need to stagger shifts to allow for social distancing. I quarantined the parcel for 3 days before opening it. [Certainly a couple of sentences that wouldn't have made any sense to us this time last year.]
The first half of the first army was painted and pictures posted by 7
th June http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,19748.msg303407.html#msg303407 (http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,19748.msg303407.html#msg303407)
Progress on the project was somewhat derailed by the need to job hunt after being made redundant in July and coming up to speed at the replacement job
So far I've completed the Early Burgundians, both 100 Years War English armies and the first Medieval French army. I hope to make some more progress over the Christmas break and pick up the pace as I settle into the new job more
Painted and Based
621 | Foot |
81 | Mounted |
4 | Models |
706 | Total |
A total for the year of
Painted and Based
1,462 | Foot |
188 | Mounted |
15 | Models |
1,665 | Total |
GamingFrom a gaming perspective New Zealand has been extremely lucky with only two significant periods of major restrictions (mid-March – mid-May, mid-August – mid-September)
I managed to play 32 games, totaling 118 hours, an average of 3.7 hours per game
The rulesets played were:
- homebrew 20mm Napoleonic rules of our regular host; 6 games including 4 campaign games
- homebrew 20mm WWII of our regular host; 5 games
- Big Battle DBA; 4 Punic Wars, 1 First Crusade
- For King & Parliament; 2 10mm ECW, 1 28mm ECW, 1 28mm Muscovite
- General Quarters I/II; 2 WWII & 1 Pre- Dreadnought naval
- DBA; 3 solo 6mm Macedonian Wars
- DBMM; 2
- Bigjackmac's WWII air rules; 2
- Volley & Bayonet – Wing scale AWI; 1
- Spearhead – 6mm WWII; 1
Plenty of variety and all very enjoyable games
A number of my forces didn't make it to the table this year:
- 1/4,800 Age of Sail fleets
- 6mm Napoleonic Volley & Bayonet forces
- 10mm WWI forces for If the Lord Spares Us
- 6mm WWII Spearhead forces for Poland, early North Africa and late Eastern front
Most of these forces haven't been on table for 2 or 3 years, this will have to be addressed next year
I did have one Spearhead game this year with someone else's forces and plans are already forming for a road trip for the 6mm Napoleonic Volley & Bayonet forces next year
PlansI've been pondering my plans for next year
First on the list is to progress the Hundred Years War project
Then things get more complicated
Do I continue with painting projects and end up with more forces that won't see the table each year or do I focus on making better use of the forces I currently have
I've been inspired by some of the narrative campaigns discussed on the forum and am thinking about spending more time developing linked scenarios
Some interesting things to think about as I paint the Hundred Years War figures...
My thanks to all the forum members for the interest, support, information, entertainment and confusion they have contributed over this 'interesting' year
A good and interesting overview of your year Paul. Certainly your painting output is impressive and focussed, which I can't say for mine! I'm at the stage now where I want to paint less and game more, so am looking to really offload much of my lead mountain to help me achieve this, famous last words...
My end of year review can be found below, if you're interested:
https://wwiiwargaming.blogspot.com/2020/09/end-of-year-review-2020.html (https://wwiiwargaming.blogspot.com/2020/09/end-of-year-review-2020.html)
At work we were 3 off/2 on, then 3 on/2 off for a couple of months, until they made us Covid safe (I am, allegedly, a key worker. At the start of Tier 4 they gave me a letter to show the police if I get stopped). This meant I got rather a lot of Kleine hölzerne Österreicher painted/coloured in.
I was lucky enough that the Sunjester family invited me to 'bubble' with them, and for that they received a (yet another) bottle of gin in thanks*. (SJ actually said to a NHS nurse he would be my carer, for reasons I won't go into here, but nothing like the reasons Lemmy and Techno need a carer!)
This meant we had the chance to get a number of games in: I think I've corrupted him with the Blucher rules, so he is now interested in 'Early 19th Century" games (Don't mention the N word.)
Also pre Bubble we did some gaming by web-cam/WhatsApp. I was particularly proud of the 'Frei-spiel' (make it up as you go along) WW2 games I ran for him.
The first was 1/72nd platoon attack; I put the camera only where his Lieutenant was, and only added terrain as it came into LoS. This meant he was relying on 2 runners to communicate. You can see why Lt's had, proportionately, the highest casualties of the war - the only way to effectively lead was to be there, and direct Corporals personally.
The 2nd was as a battalion commander. This we did purely as voice - I stuck WhatsApp/phone on speaker, and ran it in (slightly accelerated) real time. He got sent a map, I had the table set up, with template units. He learned a truth about command; Things take time to happen (something I know because of my job). I actually made an 'insubordination roll' in response to "A company where are you'. No charges were brought as the Major resisted the temptation to say "Same place as we were when you last asked 5 minutes ago because WE ARE BEING SHOT AT! If you would shut up for a bit I can get on with fighting the Germans rather than continually talk to you." C Coy C/O did give a flat out refusal to attack a town because his men were knackered - When A coy got bogged down in the centre, C Coy had pretty much lead the attack on the left flank.
*Not going to lie- I can be pretty high maintenance as a friend.
Steve, an interesting post as always :)
Having a hobby, any hobby, seems to have been incredibly valuable this year
The idea to "buy only miniatures that will augment existing ranges or armies that I have" is an interesting one, another option to add to my pondering :-\
Last Hussar, it has been interesting seeing the innovative ways that people have managed to continue gaming
I fear I would have been charge with insubordination in at least one game
It was a multiplayer Vietnam game with Charlie controlled by the umpire. I was playing the forward air controller and the CO berated me for not calling in enough air strikes
My response, "If you weren't getting so many people wounded I could get enough time between medivac missions to call an airstrike" ~X(
Oh dear oh dear... ;D
Paul.....An 'interesting' year ? ;)
Cheers - Phil :)
Quote from: paulr on 31 December 2020, 01:28:04 AM
"buy only miniatures that will augment existing ranges or armies that I have"
Sorry, I do not understand the above statement. :)
He needs medical help :'( :o
Interesting. I remember declaring that 2020 was going to be the Year of Painting Napoleonically.
Indeed I managed a battalion of Wurttenberg Infantry, on of light and a regiment of ChL - grand total 158 figures.
However, I also managed to finish my WWII projects. (21 aircraft, 258 infantry, 21 guns with 95 artillerymen, 190 vehicles and 14 command figures) - plus 30 1/600 aircraft. Also finished the WWI project (82 aircraft) and Korean War (12 aircraft). In the spirit of comp;leting ranges, I painted the 60 Rugga-Rugga tribesmen outstanding from my East Africa WWI project - which if I remember correctly started because I wanted to paint a giraffe. So painted some wildebeest and zebra too (20).
I've also finished my current medieval projects - 60 TB line for skirmish games; 64 infantry and 342 cavalry for the Baron's War.
Also lurched into action and painted the Dark Age Saxons, Norse and some Arabs - 977 Infantry, 30 cavalry, 24 command - plus 65 figures as status markers. They had been in my To Do box for years. Also cleared out was the Sci-Fi stuff I had bought yonks ago (465 (most zomibe) infantry, 12 vehicles, 4 command/ personality plus 36 "other" things like buildings.)
Mostly for fun, but also because I'm waiting for the Amazons I have dipped my toe into the Mythology arena - 27 centaurs, 10 hirdmen (who I painted as Jacob's sheep ... but don't think I'll be doing any more) 17 minotaurs and 100 skeletons (they're fun and easy to do!)
Just for fun I painted the plague demons (3) and terror birds (6) some bugs and worms (17).
136 bits of scenery (roads, marshes, fences, buildings, trees etc)
And now my confession. I have strayed. I have bought 10mm outside of the Pendraken family. I have gone elsewhere to source some Trojan War figures. (!06 infantry, 8 chariots, 14 gods).
In total 2,244 infantry, 135 cavalry, 119 artillerymen and 27 guns, 210 vehicles, 44 command figures, 281 "other" and 147 aircraft. Good year!
What for 2021? Well, it would be sensible to finish off the Dark Age Arabs to contest Sicily against the Normans. I painted some with a lemon yellow that put me off, but I need to be a big boy and get over that. I suppose if I've done that I should start the Byzantines then. Talking of finishing off projects, I must complete the Flodden English. :-[
In the hope of the Amazons, I should also finish off the Greeks, which means I should also finish the Carthaginians and Republican Romans too.
I will have finished buying the Japanese by March 2021, so should look to fit them in then.
BUT my priority for 2021 must be Napoleonics. I think my problem was starting with the Wurttemburgers. I shall start this year with the British and see if I can get the juices flowing.
Danger points for me will be the Amazons (obviously), the promised Arab-Israeli infantry (more Centurions!), and the Japanese buildings - especially that lovely castle.
Quote from: fsn on 31 December 2020, 03:31:56 PM
the promised Arab-Israeli infantry (more Centurions!)
But tghe Isralies didn't use Centurions - They used Sh'ots :d
Call 'em what you will, they're still Centurions. :P
4709 figures, full review of the year on the blog later...
Quote from: Techno II on 31 December 2020, 10:57:47 AM
Paul.....An 'interesting' year ? ;)
Cheers - Phil :)
Perhaps a little bit of Kiwi understatement there ;)
Quote from: mad lemmey on 31 December 2020, 06:17:15 PM
4709 figures, full review of the year on the blog later...
Blimey! :o
Well its been an interesting year!
On the work front I was fortunately a key worker and had to go to work as I needed a secure connection.to the customer accounts. Mrs Orcs already worked from home, so no change on that front. I moved within the department in September, so now am able to work from home. This has resulted in a flurry of painting, in lunch and tea breaks.
Figure Purchases have been regular and in many scales. Partly because I cannot resist the "Shiney Shiney!" aspect of our hobby. As one of those who was not affected financially by the COVID-19 situation I felt I should support the traders who I use and rely on. Particularly when it became obvious that no shows would go ahead after March.
Purchases Made
10mm
Some WW2 bits to complete projects.
Alexandrian/Selucid Army
17th/18th Centaury figures towards my WSS armies
Buildings and carts in Peninsular Non-Kickstarter
15mm
Chariots and infantry to allow my bronze age stuff to morph into an Assyrian army
20mm
WW2
Figures to complete 2 Chain of Command Platons for Early War British
Figures to complete Commando Assault group
Home Guard Figures and two vehicles plus "improvised" weapons
Figures Better PIAT teams and more Engineers
¾ Ton Dodge truck - as driven by my Dad when in Bomb Disposal.
Challenger Tank
Panard armoured car
French Truck
Lliedo trucks for Home Guard /operation Sealion
28mm
Dwarf Warband s for our 2020 Frostgrave campaign – Yet to go ahead
Rules
To the Strongest
MeG .
Two Mats for To The Strongest Rules.
Usual assortment of bases, paints, magnabase and other sundries.
Figures painted
10mm
250 Infantry
21 Cavalrty
9 vehicles
1 Gun
15mm
6 Civilians
1 Ox Cart
20mm
285 Infantry
7 Guns
6 Vehicles
28mm
16 fantasy figures
42mm
12 British to display alongside Poppy from the Tower of London Expedition
The 20mm infantry have all been since my job change in September, that allowed me to work from home, and also perfecting a speed painting technique that cut my painting time for WW2 figs in half .
I think I have painted more than I have bought and also managed to shift some stuff that had not seen the light of day for several years o E-bay
Gaming
This got off to a good start with several all day games at Sunjesters, plus half a dozen evening games. This came crashing to a halt in March. Between the two lockdowns I got in 4 all days games of Chain of Command and Two Games of To the Strongest.
I really liked To the Strongest. My friend (yes I have one or two) Colin introduced me to it as he has been gaming it for some time. When Tiny Wargames gave a 20% off for Black Friday I had to pick up a couple of mats.
Plans for 2021
I have been working on scenarios for some of the figures I have painted this year. A couple of Commando raids., and some early war scenarios. To my great delight Two Fat Lardies annual special has an Operation Sealion "Pint Size" Campaign based around where I used to live in Essex. Thus solving the scenarios for my early war stuff, but will necessitate further purchases.
Purchases Planned for 2021 (contrary to popular belief they are planned)
For Operation Sealion
20mm
Police squad
Old Gun with Civilian Crew
LDV squad
Civilian Squad
BEF Motorbike and side Car
Terrain bits – Police box , Milk Churm
Bunkers
Generic
Rivers from S&A Scenics – When I can decide on size.
Painting Targets
10mm Parthian Army
20mm Home Guard additions
2 x 20mm Cottages from Tiger Terrain
Complete Early War German to 2 platoons for Chain of Command
Finish 10mm Dutch Brigade for WSS
15mm Assyrians
20mm WW2 French
I think the above will be pushing it, as I will no doubt get diverted by something along the way – especially if Leon comes up with this armored train
Hopefully next year will see the rules relaxed enough to get some gaming in again.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year
2020
Yeah - right, well... what to say that has not already been said about this year?
Erm... well... Fishface!
No one will have said that about 2020.
I had set myself some 2020 goals and they looked like this...
X-Wing on Thursday, only ever played 4 games before, and I am so looking forwards to getting these out again. Only one game played.
That might be my only Thursday for a long while... Oh the irony of that!
MeG Weekends on the way:
Burton: Ancients, Yep, did that. Derventio: Ancients, Didn't play, umpired and went and played Mortal Gods with Pete.
Warfare: Eastern Themed, Skull Rollers: Open Competition, Campaign: Team event with three periods (Viking Age, Medieval France and Africa), Warfare: Bronze Ages All cancelled, ho hum!
Other stuff, no idea, but isn't that the best way to be? Oh wow, this is where things actually got good!
Games I actually played:
Carcassonne w5 2nd 3 3rd 2
King of Tokyo w4 l4 last 1
Xwing 2 out of 3
MeG l9 w16 d2 1 abandoned
Invasion Earth1w 1l
A Very British Civil War 1mutal loss 1loss
Mortal Gods w1 l1
Chess w4
Star Wars Destiny 2l
Quirkle w4 1 2nd
Warband 1l 1 abandoned
Classical Indian Civil War 1l
English Civil War 1l
WW2 tanks 16w 8l 3 d
Spanish Civil War 1w
Quiz 2nd
Black Powder 1l
Naval Thunder WW2 1w 7l 2d
Cowboys 1w 1l
Crossfire 1w 2l
Apaches 1l
Poseidon's Warriors 1l
1 hour wargames Beruit 2w
Warhammer Fantasy 1l
Lord Of t'Rings 1w
40k 2 draws
Principles Of War (Sudan & Crimea) 2w
Naval Thunder WW1 3 win
American War of Independence 1l 1w
Uno 2l (both tonight, daughter's Xmas pressie)
Most of these are online games, it was fun, it was quite different, some worked better than other, others came out of left-field and were brilliant. MeG, one of my favourites, took a hit early, as I did not enjoy it as much on-line as in real life, so it's numbers dipped, there was a brief resurgence before Lockdown 2, Naval Thunder WW2 was my surprise big hit, I have played live on-games with Si in South African and Drew in Australia, who would have thought it! It has been an especially big hit with Simon Elliott, who is now running WW1 games for a great deal of other players. A 40k campaign began, and I know know a lot more anout Tyranids now.
There were a lot more games that I ran for others but I didn't count these as a win or loss, but enjoyed all the same, including two of Last Days, a Kobold adventure, an assault on Dybbol in Black Powder, two games of Cruel Seas, plus the start of the Transnistrian War!
I could never have predicted 10% of the new games I hae ended up playing. The 1 hour wargames and AVBCW were from Leighton Buzzard Club via Mort, these were great fun, and I really like those rules. A lot of the fun was with the Shrewsbury chaps who kindly invited me into their on-line games, the games were a mix of old favourites such as Crossfire and Principles, and the others were a mix of homebrew and new too. Steve from Milton Keynes Club has been running an online ww2 tank company campaign, we have made it to 1944 on the Eastern Front as Germans, man it is hard work to survive! I love them. He comes up with brilliant scenarios, and runs them via WhatsApp, and you never know what is coming next.
I am not predicting what I will play in next year, it's not worth it, as I will be wrong!
Painting: Lack of real games led to the pint box being open permanantly. I smashed all previous records by painting 4709 figures this year, of which 2382 were my own.
The beginning of the year began happily enough, converting and painting Hausa, with skills taught by Techno, picking up on random projects, like my Peaky Blinders (in 28mm, eer thought I would ever do that) and steadily working on other people's commissions, it was great. Then lockdown hit, and for March/April and the majority of May, while schools argued whether they should be paying me, I could not afford materials for others basing etc, so I started to clear some figures that had been sitting around (some since the 80s or 90s) and repainting other older projects or working on ideas of my own (such as 1809 Austrains). Then the pay came through (phew) along with a stready influx of other people's commissions, like Si's Romans and Dacians. I started an Italian WW2 fleet as Naval Thunder took off, and was quite happily doing three or four ships a fortnight between other projects. These all took a (well deserved) hit in June/July/August/Spetember/October when Adrian and Roger basically moved in for a day a week and started rebuilding (in some parts, literally) large areas of my house. This means I now owe them a lifetime of painting armies (hence the Hafsids and soon the Goths), to be honest, I think I might be up on the deal here, and I also now know how to plasterboard and how to lay sewer pipes, all good life skills really. The 'to-do' list continues to remain steadily full. I really cannot complain! What will I do next? Who knows. I am keeping my options well and truely open.
It's more fun that way!
2021, let's see what happens next.
Happy New Year All!