What I'd like to see from Pendraken in 2025

[fsn]

It's come to that time of year when I contemplate my hobby year, and what I would like from Pendraken in the next.

Progress in 2024
This year I have jumped into the SF range from Pendraken in a big way. The planet Eric was fun, and I have played a series of games pitching the various factions against each other using modified Traveller: Striker rules.

I also finished my 2nd Bishops' War armies - Covenanters and sort-of-Royalists. I need to modify Nobby's C17 rules, because when I refought Newburn, the Scots frame guns did great execution, somewhat akin to a Maxim gun.   

June saw my sojourn into the Russo-Japanese War. I overdid the artillery, and set up what I consider to be a mid-level game: 6 infantry battalions of 36 figures, 1 cavalry regiment of 24 and 6 guns.   

The rest of the year has been Napoleonic - Ottoman, French 1813 and now the Franco-Confederation of 1810. I've been alternating the Napoleonics with some C16 Japanese. the less said about those the better. 

What would I like to see from Pendraken in 2025?
I've done a lot of Napoleonics. I'm working on my 13th Napoleonic army, have the 14th (Anglo-Portuguese) in the wings, and could do with a change. Possibly something with an engine.

Certainly I look forward to the expansion of the SF ranges. There's a freedom in painting something that doesn't have a colour guide. I'd also welcome the long awaited Amazons for "Of Gods and Mortals" to march with Athene against Ares and his hoplites.* My previous enthusiasm for the Japanese castle has been drained somewhat by my lack of success with the Samurai.

I would like to see an expansion of the post-war ranges into the 1980s, but confess myself conflicted because of current world events so probably wouldn't buy into Leopards, Challengers or Abrams. I could be persuaded by some Swedish or French offerings:  S-Tank, AMX30 that sort of thing. There's quite a bit that could be used for the French in the 1960s already. 

I have spoken before of a hankering for 1929. I have reasoned that the most fruitful armoured conflict would be between the French and the British. For the British, the main things missing is the Carden-Loyd tankette and Dragon tractor. There is already the Vickers mediums and Birch Guns  and Rolls-Royce Armoured cars. On the French side we already have the mighty Char 2C, and FT17s - maybe a  Kegresse type half track would be useful. I've not checked on available softskins. 




Since I'm not going to stop the Napoleonics, I'd like to see some more baggage - caissons, ambulances, baggage. As a quick add-on I would like to see draft horses as a separate product. I never seem to have enough**.

I think the Ancient Indians could be due a revamp. They would be fun. The big hole in the Pendraken catalogue is, of course, the chariot armies. Assyrians, Hittites, Minoans, Egyptians, etc etc.

Current Plans for 2025
I've gone all Peninsula at the moment. I've just put in the last order to finish off the Franco-Confederation and Anglo-Portuguese, so the next steps have to be la Romana's Spanish and Joseph's Spanish.

After that - I'm not sure. I may try to wrangle 1929 if I can find a Carden-Loyd carrier elsewhere. I have a mild hankering for some Reaver skirmish action - may have to build a Peel tower.    After that, back to the Napoleonics probably: Dutch-Belgians, Saxons, French Guard - enough to keep me going.

I've had a good year really, and wish to thank Pendraken for their products, their services and their commitment.


*Or Osiris and his jackal headed warriors. Or Thor and his Norsemen - who have just kicked the backside of Babd and her Irish. 
** Yes I know I can order some from the Dark Lord, but I hate to be a bother.   





 

[steve_holmes_11]

I was rather hoping for world peace, an end to modern slavery and a medical breakthrough or two.

[fsn]

Think they're a bit out of scope, even for the Dark Lord.

[flamingpig0]

I was rather hoping for world peace, an end to modern slavery and a medical breakthrough or two.

I am  slightly less realistically hoping for models of the Vickers MBT Mk 1  and T44

[Raider4]

I was rather hoping for world peace . . .

[Raider4]

. . . I could be persuaded by some Swedish or French offerings:  S-Tank, AMX30 that sort of thing . . . 

Oooh, sir? Me too please

[Orcs]

I was rather hoping for world peace, an end to modern slavery and a medical breakthrough or two.

Sadly I think the first is more likely to go to World War , the second will go the same way as my quest to find a live Unicorn, as there are too many horrible people in this world.

The third would be good as it could  alleviate a lot of pain and suffering.

[steve_holmes_11]

Think they're a bit out of scope, even for the Dark Lord.

I can't recall the precise source, but was riffing on a popular journalists story.


The Washington Post contact Pres G.W. Bush and ask what he'd most like for Christmas.
He responds "A new set of carbon fibre golf clubs".

All is well until the Post's pre Christmas Edition.

What World Leaders Want:

Tony Blair wants lasting peace in the Middle East.
Gehrard Schroeder wishes for an end to world hunger.
Jaques Chirac wants a world without discrimination.
George W Bush wants a new set of golf clubs.