Friday 3 January 2020

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!


61 comments:

  1. Excellent work...love the Star Wars stuff!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jim, there was more Star Wars stuff than I remember and I know that I haven't posted some too! I shall need to get back to that once the castle is done.

      Delete
  2. Great to follow along with all the projects you've worked on this year Michael, hope 2020 continues to get better for you, and hope all goes well at Salute

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Dave, your continued support and encouragement really have made a difference.

      Delete
  3. A productive, diversified and gorgeous year...Congrats!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. You’ve had a good year. I’m really looking forward to seeing what you do in 2020.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Peter, here's to a positive 2020.

      Delete
  5. Another great year Michael, so many to pick from.
    Great timing with your post as I am just pinning the wings on my Vampire and was only thinking about the colouring.
    Best wishes
    Stuart

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Stuart, I was really pleased with the results having looked back through the posts and good luck with the Vampire.

      Delete
  6. An excellent year, sir! I'm looking forward very much to seeing the Schloss Itter game at Salute in April :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Tamsin, really looking forward to Salute too.

      Delete
  7. One of the things I enjoy about your blog is the variety; this post sums it up rather nicely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, I think the variety might be down to my butterfly mentality, but hopefully a focussed start to the year will help.

      Delete
  8. I forgot about most of that stuff - you had a good year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mike, it was busier that I remembered too. :)

      Delete
  9. Some lovely stuff which I had forgotten or missed during a slightly disrupted year. I have formally put Salute on the list this year so unless I mess everything up......I might just see you there 🙂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Matt and what great news about Salute, more impetus to get it done.

      Delete
  10. What accomplishmens Michael! When one takes a look back, it can make for a proud moment to see all you've done. Projects completed can oftimes be set aside & forgotten as you move ahead to other things. Great to dust them off & remember them! Looking forware to your posts for 2020!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Terry, in recent years having definite focus whether that be for hosting a game or contributing to a larger project has really helped my prodction.

      Delete
  11. Great year, Michael. I#m really looking forward to seeing what 2020 brings you :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Simon, hoping that 2020 is a productive year for all of us.

      Delete
  12. A prodigiously productive year, Michael! A Happy New Year to you, and I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with in 2020.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much A.J. hoping to have lots more to show this year too.

      Delete
  13. You've had a good year of hobbying Mike and it's been fab following along. Hope 2020 is as entertaining!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Dai, looking forward to continuing the adventure this year.

      Delete
  14. Although my other takeaway from this post is: there was a show in Folkestone?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you as for the show, it was in May at the Lees Cliff Theatre, more military modelling, but a good day out none the less.

      https://28mmvictorianwarfare.blogspot.com/2019/05/euro-miniature-expo-2019.html

      Delete
  15. So many well-painted minis! It's always a joy to see your posts! Happy new year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's really kind, thank you. Hopefully more ti show this year too.

      Delete
  16. What a year! One of my favourite blog! Thank You sir!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, what a wonderful compliment.

      Delete
  17. You did wonderful work in 2019 Michael & I look forward to seen what you do in 2020, on the models not done & trying to find away to reducing the lead/plastic mountain, I think that is something we all have in common :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Frank, although getting better, I still suffer from the 'Oh Shiny' syndrome, only yesterday a Great White appeared in the post! :D

      Delete
  18. You put me to shame in every aspect of this hobby, however your posts remain a massive source of inspiration and a target to aim for. Long may they continue.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow Kieron, thank you so much, what a lovely thing to say.

      Delete
  19. That’s been then a pretty good year ... well done! Onwards !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you and absolutely Dave. The real target is finishing everything in time for Salute!

      Delete
  20. A brilliant review Michael and all the best for you two in 2020!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sander and I should have mentioned our meeting in the hobby highlights of the year, sorry!

      Delete
  21. A cracking year at Awdry Towers by any standard! The diversity and quality of your brushes continues to impress and inspire.

    Glad that things improved in 2019- best wishes for that to continue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Paul, really hoping that 2020 has some consistency to iy, in all that I do.

      Delete
  22. Always a good read. Wishing you another good year.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Congratulations on succeeding on all these last year's resolutions.
    What an awesome year did you have on the hobbyfront, that all looks outstanding.
    Wishing you all the best for this year as well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much, the hobby and indeed the community around it have proved invaluable to me.

      Delete
  24. Excellent work all of them! I am happy to see that you met your targets! I wish you all the best for 2020!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Impressive amount of work completed, all the best for 2020

    Cheers
    Matt
    French Wargame Holidays

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's incredibly kind Matt and welcome aboard.

      Delete
  26. You really have had a splendid year and may it long continue providing us all with mouth-drooling eye candy.
    All the best to you and yours for 2020.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Joe, really kind of you. Here's to a productive 2020.

      Delete
  27. Simply stunning piece of result you have made my friend.Very, very nice paintjob and the shading is outstanding.I love your classic horror-figures! I also fancy the beds you made, they look almost to cosy. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much, that is really kind of you.

      Delete
  28. Wow when you look at it in one go your output has been phenominal, well done and all the best for the New Year, sorry to be so late wishing it.
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow Michael ... what a fantastic 2019. You did great. No you did excellent work. Congrats!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...