2019 a year in review...

...and targets for 2020.

I do find these self indulgent posts fascinating as they afford me the opportunity to reflect on the previous year to see what, if anything, has changed.  Last year's review spoke of weathering a storm and the difficulties we faced at work, ever hopeful that these would be banished in 2019.  Sadly this wasn't to be the case and within a matter of months 2019 threw a metaphorical spanner into the works, one that demanded a complete change of perspective.  We have adapted, worked on solutions throughout the year and will need to continue to do so, but we are well and happy and for that I give thanks.

It would appear that I have become more resilient to such challenges and sought solace, once more, in this most wholesome of hobbies.  In 2018 the difficulties faced took a heavy toll on hobby production, but last year I am pleased to report progress was more consistent and posts to my beloved, '28mm Victorian Warfare' increased, somewhat, to bring them more in line with my personal expectations.  

At this point, I would like to publicly thank, James Walters Esq. for all he has done in support of one chap's hobby.  James will be mortified by such overemotional outpourings, but as I look back over the year's efforts it is clear that his enthusiasm for the hobby, his skill and unfailing good nature are all responsible for a number of the pieces coming to fruition.  James' Pegasus Bridge project, and his graciousness in allowing me to attach myself to it, proved just the distraction required at the most difficult of times.  It has also spawned the 'Schloss Itter' adventure that continues to demand as much hobby time as I can afford it and we look forward to sharing this with a wider community in 2020.  Thank you James.

There were, however, casualties again this year namely the themed months that I so enjoy.  'Zomtober', 'Dinovember' and 'Forgotten Heroes' were all missed again and this year has seen me not compete in the 'X Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge'.  That said, unlike 2018, my omission from such events was due to being happily distracted elsewhere!  Hobby Bingo was a new addition to the blog, inspired by the talented Rob Hawkins, but again I am not sure that I did this justice and so may need to rethink it for next year.  So, gentle folk a much shorter review than those of previous years, but as I write it I am buoyed by the enthusiasm of what is to come, so without any further ado, on to the review of last year's targets:

1 Play more games! Target Met! X-Wing Miniatures Game and Space Cadets: Away Missions continue to be popular at school whilst Star Wars: Legion saw myself meet up with  Messrs Bull and Templar to fight it out over the snow covered ice fields of a remote planet near Ashford.  Sadly no game hosted at Awdry Tower's this year, but one is hopeful that a rematch in the desert wastes of Westham might be on the cards for the summer 2020?

2 Maintain a credible level of posts throughout the course of the year.  Target Met!  2019 saw a return to a more consistent level of posting, not least because of my involvement in the aforementioned Pegasus Bridge and Schloss Itter projects.  Certainly fewer than in those halcyon days of 28mm Victorian Warfare's conception, but 50 posts in the year seems like a manageable, and obtainable target, and will be retained for 2020.

3 Attend at least one convention/exhibition/expo this year.  Target Met!  The annual pilgrimage to Salute 2019 was as inspiring as ever and this year myself and the 'Provost Marshal' travelled to Folkestone to see the relaunch of Euro Miniature Expo 2019.

4 I would like to try to curb the additional expenditure on miniatures this year, or at least try to bring it into line with output.  A simple tally score will suffice, hopefully something that will 'shame' me into being a little more restraint when it comes to all things hobby related.  Target Met! Painted 247 - 117 Bought = +130 in credit!  Good to see the output has increased, but so too the expenditure, which I will need to keep an eye on in these more frugal times.  

According to my tally counter the numbers are as follows*:
Painted/constructed:247
Bought:117
Balance: +130
Detailed breakdown:
Foot: 144
Mounted: 8
Artillery:
Vehicles: 9
Buildings/Terrain pieces:61
Livestock: 25
*All miniatures are 28mm scale unless otherwise stated

So what of 2020?  My primary focus will be bringing together the terrain boards for 'Schloss Itter'.  James has worked tirelessly on their design and construction to date, whilst I have tinkered around with rules and miniatures.  Now it is time for me to take the lead whilst keeping James busy with all manner of distractions that I can throw his way.  Our deadline for this is of course 'Salute 2020' and it would be lovely to see as many of you there as possible, if for no other reason than to thank you in person for all your continued support and best wishes towards the project.

I am keen to finish the desert inspired terrain for Star Wars: Legion and this might prove just the change of pace required after the castle is complete.  I am acutely aware that there are still some unopened Zombicide and Resident Evil boxes residing in the wardrobe of shame and so it might be that they finally see the light of day?  And then there is 'In Country', a hankering to dip my toe in the jungles of Vietnam.  I occasionally do this, dream up ideas, start looking at rules and make lists, so it is entirely possible that this will come to nothing, but who knows?  That said if anyone has any ideas or suggestions for skirmish level encounters in the 'Nam, then do let me know.

So time to reset the 'Tally Counter' and present, in a roughly chronological order of publication, if not creation, my efforts from 2019!