tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16704008133966529912024-03-28T15:12:41.468+00:0028mm Victorian Warfare"A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition" - Rudyard KiplingMichael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.comBlogger786125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-80192707039817992024-03-25T10:54:00.006+00:002024-03-25T11:02:57.487+00:00The Village<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4u5pxH9qckTBgRRLZlzIlG_KdTYGaCDDaUJtf4PgpK39FiT-cukxK3fFth5pcU1XHbwksrMCIJKdMO76FyAPyuQexzQnXeTBugaOB9FGvVn1fY73KPCus53yqqV_yArHTYPqvQ3D6RyqQdXBTvd28Q_7ZyVV14rEH9r3HWcp0tv-MDiZcIagO_fMJz4/s3039/IMG_1654.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="3039" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4u5pxH9qckTBgRRLZlzIlG_KdTYGaCDDaUJtf4PgpK39FiT-cukxK3fFth5pcU1XHbwksrMCIJKdMO76FyAPyuQexzQnXeTBugaOB9FGvVn1fY73KPCus53yqqV_yArHTYPqvQ3D6RyqQdXBTvd28Q_7ZyVV14rEH9r3HWcp0tv-MDiZcIagO_fMJz4/w400-h223/IMG_1654.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLA7tqWja73FfWwekecj04V-TpsRyDs-vtdETSVs9wZrb503EZ3YyfzqB49CeF_1fUJdmzQYUDyexAOC-wNnZDaiCmznFzYAzyouE5ivH24ta72ihTq4fMJx0-kEXMyZJ-AH5_gqrMP2C8Wb6pATyi7kzsn7qSvAwCe_2Rcb-V4vdz90SAXa26B5V3YQ/s4719/IMG_1659.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2885" data-original-width="4719" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLA7tqWja73FfWwekecj04V-TpsRyDs-vtdETSVs9wZrb503EZ3YyfzqB49CeF_1fUJdmzQYUDyexAOC-wNnZDaiCmznFzYAzyouE5ivH24ta72ihTq4fMJx0-kEXMyZJ-AH5_gqrMP2C8Wb6pATyi7kzsn7qSvAwCe_2Rcb-V4vdz90SAXa26B5V3YQ/w400-h245/IMG_1659.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Just the briefest of posts to showcase the rest of the buildings that were done in readiness for our western adventure using the Shoot N' Skedaddle rules. All are from <a href="https://sarissa-precision.com" target="_blank">'Sarissa Precision'</a>, but not all from the most obvious areas of their collection. True, the small Adobe houses and the Cantina were certainly from the 'South of the Border' range and very nice they were too. Quick and easy to put together and painted to match the church. As with all MDF builds the overly straight edges and joints sometimes spoil the look, but some cheap wood filler worked really well at concealing these whilst also added a pleasing level of texture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJEJrG4tMhSiCd3A6mbxva6LVD2pGvLjDcvcm73ZGWtN-2Iy3U6kxy4Fdv_55WYU-0ISiS5YoluJfLujM3tp3Rm7YMH-uiE6enxEQllvq3XmbGLwjlFQtu3MARYnGHhKmzVKQutWqGEmIc9MUnyz6KGVuiLitkjGpJLlQTb6L7NmLF0UDseLrl_-3dhE/w400-h300/IMG_7565.jpeg" /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESC_cuCXkI5rKptG4Mz77a5mdpRaSO8dCpCFrHqXg1Dmh68cYNLw3o1UGVAExP_S80xeCteaXHeI9JfgKnat46yxj-rwUc_n8sYbk9VVh9NqjMZMYBpsJvAoqKXZfCw01ixraY76t0BIFzKyBB3TuP6fuwRgE-hzqFUjD3fsYJtQAczDDhyphenhyphenVjmVGQNAg/s4032/IMG_7566.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESC_cuCXkI5rKptG4Mz77a5mdpRaSO8dCpCFrHqXg1Dmh68cYNLw3o1UGVAExP_S80xeCteaXHeI9JfgKnat46yxj-rwUc_n8sYbk9VVh9NqjMZMYBpsJvAoqKXZfCw01ixraY76t0BIFzKyBB3TuP6fuwRgE-hzqFUjD3fsYJtQAczDDhyphenhyphenVjmVGQNAg/w400-h300/IMG_7566.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I discovered the destroyed single storey souk building in the North Africa/Colonial section, but just felt that the arches were remisnetct of the architecture form the village that starred in the Magnificent Seven. By the time it was painted using a similar colour palette to the rest of the buildings it certainly seemed to fit with them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIankEznzeIQufgHiTSFXu6AJ6ZmX6m-AMJvjqJ2FllVIIB-oeZKjkhy44OawHLHOGPGsoDY735BgniGtBmP0dDI5nUrz8nSbXftp1BN8UhiKCqAB4BRxhdD98LdVoaov5Sz2xfxHxrbs7wMKX0XYjWa5nINzDWJlKs5IV0ZFuvMqavxOJDZ0JkkPKwQ/s4652/IMG_1664.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2189" data-original-width="4652" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIankEznzeIQufgHiTSFXu6AJ6ZmX6m-AMJvjqJ2FllVIIB-oeZKjkhy44OawHLHOGPGsoDY735BgniGtBmP0dDI5nUrz8nSbXftp1BN8UhiKCqAB4BRxhdD98LdVoaov5Sz2xfxHxrbs7wMKX0XYjWa5nINzDWJlKs5IV0ZFuvMqavxOJDZ0JkkPKwQ/w400-h189/IMG_1664.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB37AljpCQeaTUrvYC33jXRhwRvgWeS5BTmnWVIrzIcyfs644LyXYXh6JddBXE-UfirhHWc_yVQ3DY6J7kPkzvgZPpgv19_0B6v35qDmDq0YNVaN44jrrQCoa_dmrx1if3wMOh1P513pkyKqdFVJmLAyDD_Bf2WpNaDEQZ6EVtKWbOZbW9fNk1Q88Bz-I/s4962/IMG_1666.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2418" data-original-width="4962" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB37AljpCQeaTUrvYC33jXRhwRvgWeS5BTmnWVIrzIcyfs644LyXYXh6JddBXE-UfirhHWc_yVQ3DY6J7kPkzvgZPpgv19_0B6v35qDmDq0YNVaN44jrrQCoa_dmrx1if3wMOh1P513pkyKqdFVJmLAyDD_Bf2WpNaDEQZ6EVtKWbOZbW9fNk1Q88Bz-I/w400-h195/IMG_1666.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A chance discovery in the Mediterranean section unearthed this small house. I simple disposed of the pitched roof, added lashings of wood glue and used reeds instead of vines to create an animal shelter for the villagers. Whereas the rickety fencing was from the Japan section and catalogued as 'Mountain Village low farm fence'. They fitted in with the worn down look I was hoping to achieve and seen here in the last picture protecting my <a href="https://warbases.co.uk" target="_blank">'Warbases'</a> hay stacks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg1ZaqseS6sRCgH7n_E2n8rHSvg_HZhXflRR80rHeezmHWQ9Po3S6At96AJ8-iaA7G_XiyX5c1kMj5OYhmftS5ev7UMxhV3ZjFZ40p4VvFXZwAoxalRyE2bxoCql8BCCGlCtHqwOHfkm6M7FBvzFWjGyi_GXxmAbps28GiNivdTEGLJyaVif-WP9Vns8/s3978/IMG_1668.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="3978" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg1ZaqseS6sRCgH7n_E2n8rHSvg_HZhXflRR80rHeezmHWQ9Po3S6At96AJ8-iaA7G_XiyX5c1kMj5OYhmftS5ev7UMxhV3ZjFZ40p4VvFXZwAoxalRyE2bxoCql8BCCGlCtHqwOHfkm6M7FBvzFWjGyi_GXxmAbps28GiNivdTEGLJyaVif-WP9Vns8/w400-h206/IMG_1668.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjH68kHMzMzhDmxRfrmJwavV6bROuX5T4Su_QQ9SZbrdNBQcQiOmSkC6A9wZRmmrE6L35MRuIQEVAki9yWP9cd37PQ1KiUt-vcdaeWl5vqVyC20-2v8_6gH8dBTuO8mKGpumRPAYutqwsIhoglRzilSiz2oynroj7L3a9UGE-IbsoGySIydbsh5xyvd-U/s4353/IMG_1670.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2817" data-original-width="4353" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjH68kHMzMzhDmxRfrmJwavV6bROuX5T4Su_QQ9SZbrdNBQcQiOmSkC6A9wZRmmrE6L35MRuIQEVAki9yWP9cd37PQ1KiUt-vcdaeWl5vqVyC20-2v8_6gH8dBTuO8mKGpumRPAYutqwsIhoglRzilSiz2oynroj7L3a9UGE-IbsoGySIydbsh5xyvd-U/w400-h259/IMG_1670.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Looking at back at these photographs, I can see lots of areas that could have been enhanced even further with a bit more time, but with these pieces done, the village was good to go. As with all my projects what followed can only be described as mission creep and as soon as the photographs are thinned down, I shall share with you where my wild machinations led me next.</div>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-9200015771809699572024-03-17T19:37:00.001+00:002024-03-17T19:37:14.463+00:00The Church<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-Rsuyv35ZPMHDUkbrTY7lf_xnJtSD8DTNIaOEHI6nxE-zZcm48Ycc9kCnOTMpkn5agoWMUCUeHkHSje7hUSBq-beGIyfWO9WUEOJSV55URaRqXfbG4cSJUHCMhKoZJh4eMka45w02KS5bSK9vihIrWjWsqgU3RpIam33825vzcysZYKGpDz9LGd1WuU/s2987/IMG_1634.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2987" data-original-width="2441" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-Rsuyv35ZPMHDUkbrTY7lf_xnJtSD8DTNIaOEHI6nxE-zZcm48Ycc9kCnOTMpkn5agoWMUCUeHkHSje7hUSBq-beGIyfWO9WUEOJSV55URaRqXfbG4cSJUHCMhKoZJh4eMka45w02KS5bSK9vihIrWjWsqgU3RpIam33825vzcysZYKGpDz9LGd1WuU/w328-h400/IMG_1634.jpeg" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Having decided to create a sleepy, little Mexican village for our gunslingers to fight over, inspired by the wonderful 'Magnificent Seven', I found myself pouring over the virtual pages of <a href="https://sarissa-precision.com" target="_blank">'Sarissa Precision'</a>. I appreciate that MDF on the tabletop is not for everyone, but I have to confess to rather enjoying the building process and with some liberally applied wood filler and texture pastes, it is possible to minimise the angular look of the kits. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41bX9QXUx_atOPDXnp6w88k808U1QCyt2TeamZbS93cpIvW8JnA1FKc9RqH1l4A6Dh0Mse8bJHhTQetbX0Z5P5QCVXKihC66qSw3BiaJcNOaWRaZJR7wCMMuYNwfgnYXDMm7pzx8bsd50R1dZpZdiScwM7w9pTL2z69y6Dq9BuUoADgx4_kfBM-8zfHE/s4032/IMG_7453.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41bX9QXUx_atOPDXnp6w88k808U1QCyt2TeamZbS93cpIvW8JnA1FKc9RqH1l4A6Dh0Mse8bJHhTQetbX0Z5P5QCVXKihC66qSw3BiaJcNOaWRaZJR7wCMMuYNwfgnYXDMm7pzx8bsd50R1dZpZdiScwM7w9pTL2z69y6Dq9BuUoADgx4_kfBM-8zfHE/w300-h400/IMG_7453.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It would also be fair to say that <a href="https://sarissa-precision.com" target="_blank">'Sarissa Precision'</a> are at the top of their game, clearly looking to push their designs further than most, not settling for the basic structures, but incorporating more etching and clever construction techniques to produce some really top quality models. The Mexican Church#2 from their South of the Border range is a case in point. Instantly recognisable from the aforementioned celluloid gem, this was a 'must have' centerpiece for my village, offering cover and a considerable vantage point for those lucky enough to secure the bell tower for their side.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4C9ZA-pHSgbGL5E3ys8yUcmFoQC2aBhoUB7tFnaJAiPAHEAGSbF8jXTuQhyG1ezU832camuOIh0_D69o0UV2D90NaKx2ON3aMxmGp9t1nVvVx49itCAxGN7UEd20aGvzFEzoYIRlQD_Se83x9EHcsOixReYDibHxhyphenhyphenolryAoWP2MrqWcO436wZgsHEUg/s3034/IMG_1649.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3034" data-original-width="2539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4C9ZA-pHSgbGL5E3ys8yUcmFoQC2aBhoUB7tFnaJAiPAHEAGSbF8jXTuQhyG1ezU832camuOIh0_D69o0UV2D90NaKx2ON3aMxmGp9t1nVvVx49itCAxGN7UEd20aGvzFEzoYIRlQD_Se83x9EHcsOixReYDibHxhyphenhyphenolryAoWP2MrqWcO436wZgsHEUg/w335-h400/IMG_1649.jpeg" width="335" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZ_uF33V7RrNbW_MC44mflvWeI4QFJUSmIi4RuAlt9c2r3j4LpiqETaCRuaCL55lLZkAcw1u8mHayH5uJKifZyJVPww6x06JL7Ejx2hhbWKnP1RQgCRTKNmM2Ee24ptQ85XD7XV5Wihtk56Pw1M16naGexdMgEbDeMZLr6KQqbvZmRnzwIiofmuh9C7Q/s2987/IMG_1644.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2987" data-original-width="2545" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZ_uF33V7RrNbW_MC44mflvWeI4QFJUSmIi4RuAlt9c2r3j4LpiqETaCRuaCL55lLZkAcw1u8mHayH5uJKifZyJVPww6x06JL7Ejx2hhbWKnP1RQgCRTKNmM2Ee24ptQ85XD7XV5Wihtk56Pw1M16naGexdMgEbDeMZLr6KQqbvZmRnzwIiofmuh9C7Q/w341-h400/IMG_1644.jpeg" width="341" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNDnJYGq2kN5mLiaXlVXPB74qeTIhcP4MbvW8kFsem_0A2QDzQFXs2Pgqvh1CxSkeBji_Ed_wDx4s3BHtDXNSSR68qlyq6JGMDfhPEGr7eI9V8avmiYxnBduSdsB2j5-IUQeD5802bazx0l8IUUdRO-lwEs71M1Fr_v8REWWObIoZCxtkMiEoz7I5KVM/s3104/IMG_1647.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3104" data-original-width="2233" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNDnJYGq2kN5mLiaXlVXPB74qeTIhcP4MbvW8kFsem_0A2QDzQFXs2Pgqvh1CxSkeBji_Ed_wDx4s3BHtDXNSSR68qlyq6JGMDfhPEGr7eI9V8avmiYxnBduSdsB2j5-IUQeD5802bazx0l8IUUdRO-lwEs71M1Fr_v8REWWObIoZCxtkMiEoz7I5KVM/w288-h400/IMG_1647.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the texture of the walls done the painting was really straight forward with just base colours and dry brushing. As with all projects, I could have taken things further, but time was marching on and there was still quite a list of 'things to do' before the scheduled game day. The base plate was textured and painted to match those of my villagers and bandits and with some tufts of weeds added the first bit of real estate was complete. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXO3E5M181WriQGQcYSnAiNxgiL8CmgbGY9eF5R6-orcPVqZLjjk6pZfRcBkLdcPBs-XNXfPzFdrO0mMgbUcuSCcBH0du_5_l4ycNuF7JJa7w2m5qjbd1tW64S8L5BKIVZO5dtQxUY53_uld89n280o6lL1VK0FCPSB2fGx7zIKmyqRglH9ra23Xg19bI/s4032/IMG_7465.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXO3E5M181WriQGQcYSnAiNxgiL8CmgbGY9eF5R6-orcPVqZLjjk6pZfRcBkLdcPBs-XNXfPzFdrO0mMgbUcuSCcBH0du_5_l4ycNuF7JJa7w2m5qjbd1tW64S8L5BKIVZO5dtQxUY53_uld89n280o6lL1VK0FCPSB2fGx7zIKmyqRglH9ra23Xg19bI/w300-h400/IMG_7465.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-2037487464012166072024-03-12T13:12:00.002+00:002024-03-12T13:12:29.984+00:00Villagers <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Iq2YtjJLfkJ7DvCKRNLnwZtAECrHOL8FgErDsbqkrCg0q348z8P0Zf9yv-oynmOaR3Y9qKp-vKCQm3qMdo2U7N9rD0_X_fFrQnCI7RqI477j7Z07Ael2I7bvNktqveKqykawRkblmPrlBLclGTfVYI72sVj-98Gy7jsKYPtrdinGmzHfQhCqqUGBzpM/s3754/IMG_1510.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2172" data-original-width="3754" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Iq2YtjJLfkJ7DvCKRNLnwZtAECrHOL8FgErDsbqkrCg0q348z8P0Zf9yv-oynmOaR3Y9qKp-vKCQm3qMdo2U7N9rD0_X_fFrQnCI7RqI477j7Z07Ael2I7bvNktqveKqykawRkblmPrlBLclGTfVYI72sVj-98Gy7jsKYPtrdinGmzHfQhCqqUGBzpM/w400-h231/IMG_1510.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Having assembled my protagonists for the planned game of Shoot N' Skedaddle, I couldn’t help but feel that they were very much akin to the gang of marauding Banditos from the celluloid gem that is 'The Magnificent Seven'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OFD-Or2sZiPSb6VehqA45w6eSu2pAHLgPWL1tt1dFf-vSYUpMBqkAe1ohUF2cnNvYRecKJMJagfx7qsh9PLNt_DgACRQzYhy426WbIemAhyphenhyphenGY_2vuQLBiSSmYJ8-T2TBeR1wF8Zz7DYtpAr3OroCs01F_PkP3iUv6FZwtl5KF8LwzHnjnDQmS96pAFI/s600/magnificent-seven.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OFD-Or2sZiPSb6VehqA45w6eSu2pAHLgPWL1tt1dFf-vSYUpMBqkAe1ohUF2cnNvYRecKJMJagfx7qsh9PLNt_DgACRQzYhy426WbIemAhyphenhyphenGY_2vuQLBiSSmYJ8-T2TBeR1wF8Zz7DYtpAr3OroCs01F_PkP3iUv6FZwtl5KF8LwzHnjnDQmS96pAFI/w400-h294/magnificent-seven.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This connection was to open of a rabbit hole of pure boyhood joy and self expression as I set out to recreate the ill fated village for the table top. Whilst I waited for a sizable order of MDF from the ever reliable ‘Sarissa Precision’, I toyed with the idea of having some non combatants to add a touch of local colour to the setting. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdYS0Yee7lIQJp44LHjB3YH-t_6lytN-MHBc9FggipHeOOKne2EF4RhT7hBfsAvx3lOdNcT-TbIk_G6L0AIO9kWpkQxe0OVIXdhJDMTx_Xs1PpPSO4Zfw4h4Spxk-jWAEPIoikVYPW9PGjm60HRtfcmJ-a3u1EDdQTPBuAINqQwbRA0qs1uA680Y8DM4/s3840/IMG_7583.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdYS0Yee7lIQJp44LHjB3YH-t_6lytN-MHBc9FggipHeOOKne2EF4RhT7hBfsAvx3lOdNcT-TbIk_G6L0AIO9kWpkQxe0OVIXdhJDMTx_Xs1PpPSO4Zfw4h4Spxk-jWAEPIoikVYPW9PGjm60HRtfcmJ-a3u1EDdQTPBuAINqQwbRA0qs1uA680Y8DM4/w400-h225/IMG_7583.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I had an idea that they could amble around and generally get in the way of what was going to be a three way gun battle. As luck would have it, <a href="https://www.wargamesfoundry.com" target="_blank">'Wargames Foundry'</a> do a couple of rather nice packs of Mexican Villagers and Peons. A bit like the <a href="https://www.artizandesigns.com" target="_blank">'Artizan Designs'</a> Banditos these are just great fun to paint. Even after all this time there is very little flash and the detailing is not over complicated. Having opted for a very straightforward palette they were based in grey primer and then I just made a couple of passes with the airbrush lightening the tone each time. With the skin colour added and few details and they were done! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLf5bAqNU-pd4BJu9Q8YbrsCIcjh_ad_kbKcinsaqCuNVp2emDW5gFHpCOcKL5RY9VnTe8yz4fUyv-U_RfM5_x2synqj6AqFF7DpfjyWw1TDf2TwV2uXtGLUfYOm0OTop21xnS1K2yMJl9HY3z8_mwBNTIIOwLTsxDkmhxacMbjx0z_kt5Qdk4jEkc2qY/s3302/IMG_1546.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2219" data-original-width="3302" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLf5bAqNU-pd4BJu9Q8YbrsCIcjh_ad_kbKcinsaqCuNVp2emDW5gFHpCOcKL5RY9VnTe8yz4fUyv-U_RfM5_x2synqj6AqFF7DpfjyWw1TDf2TwV2uXtGLUfYOm0OTop21xnS1K2yMJl9HY3z8_mwBNTIIOwLTsxDkmhxacMbjx0z_kt5Qdk4jEkc2qY/w400-h269/IMG_1546.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFlzw9hih9p7DPPc8uJGANo5Cr820tgSAWCo9r4IpvrzB4nk7iuON6CwCjkL5P5FunHWQdrjJViwz5sXS-u0pAVBQYAJlgqdxLxnxc3tawVQDsIe51TvZMFvAY4DGzGZiC1vQMJKgJ2xA9vuO2543uxRV9VLb9RNb5L2fXo9gpyN-fV9DdCXGguU4r-0/w400-h209/IMG_1521.jpeg" /></div></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As you will see in the close up shots, I managed to overdo the varnish again, but it isn’t too noticeable at arm’s length. All that I needed to do now was build their village!</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYIqo-T4SuGjMRTWdvYJg3a09Cwbqf-1pMy7FunEW_VabJjOoF_qpv79ZNkSqPG3A-QJmaj5CDlSeqciEzDerd-J_GuaFUq23_o8D92bEibEIpjpW13CSwmJ8AntJCqH0Ztlpq8bvCtB3rjjHL0sNPuy4gwjr3Poy6AqIUcyJHz45Tp8GND_G7MtVQ3k/w400-h197/IMG_1720.jpeg" width="400" /><br /></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-55610525751977518762024-02-25T19:02:00.000+00:002024-02-25T19:02:28.665+00:00The Good, the Bad and the Ugly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJk2u9Fpjd2LJuksXPKMQ8uOlzhVT8N_U3xf0iR_PG6Lz8c7gW21LD-B502wY2mBISf7lp8lp8G2kiRgWIJ0YmQQpzwihzZATUthoD7ylVRflw_cFeYUV8nGf2RaV9-zbZnR9lkl9vPpo3GG4T7lBekZxCn6OjzpAa1JNq0CsZKY8pYH3ugCKRUdO42s/s2726/IMG_1675.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2151" data-original-width="2726" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJk2u9Fpjd2LJuksXPKMQ8uOlzhVT8N_U3xf0iR_PG6Lz8c7gW21LD-B502wY2mBISf7lp8lp8G2kiRgWIJ0YmQQpzwihzZATUthoD7ylVRflw_cFeYUV8nGf2RaV9-zbZnR9lkl9vPpo3GG4T7lBekZxCn6OjzpAa1JNq0CsZKY8pYH3ugCKRUdO42s/w400-h316/IMG_1675.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have been doing some tidying up on my ailing laptop as it has developed a rather worrying chesty wheeze and I concerned that I may need to upgrade. That being the case, I felt it prudent to 'back up' the files and <i>what not</i> including a vast amount of photographs of toy soldiers in various states of readiness. Some of the images that I came across were as a result of a wonderful little distraction back in the summer of 2021 and so I thought I would take the opportunity to share them here.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgZQmyJdokPDZSq7ulkUYUy9ttLPd_38CxMQTygoMS61ezyoghSMKHbV30ZF2Aqbr6EuLlOozb3tVZoHwxaNgZysfEUvponC8H-hmI9oFibN3a7aAKjH8qq1joTzbmfoXsoWsD9ugGQOZc8UnyOO8r7XosxMnenDHnML1z8mSFWZ8ULQkOW58uEnzGZc/s1323/s-l1600.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="935" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgZQmyJdokPDZSq7ulkUYUy9ttLPd_38CxMQTygoMS61ezyoghSMKHbV30ZF2Aqbr6EuLlOozb3tVZoHwxaNgZysfEUvponC8H-hmI9oFibN3a7aAKjH8qq1joTzbmfoXsoWsD9ugGQOZc8UnyOO8r7XosxMnenDHnML1z8mSFWZ8ULQkOW58uEnzGZc/s320/s-l1600.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I try to catch up with a couple of blogging chums every year and at this particular visit it was suggested that we try something a bit different in the shape of a Cowboy skirmish game called Shoot N' Skedaddle from Turnstyle Games. This is a 'rules lite' game that sees the combatants field a posse or gang of Cowboys from either Lawmen or Outlaw factions with Neutrals being available to either side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRdlS52W2c8AM4BMU66O00B4gJmovOwLloSZy7_upTd7knw-KGK2wAvyhonrZhPQcE8CnLaHdV5VWMw2MQN_XeCW2EKpEOeay0pYA7ITC4xeQV9WECPf2JLRxnG8RrpoOU7cduXVUObiiVuEWac-NPhRzxgzFZ83l51_x3DR320ye-mzaKgobF9Qu8gk/s4244/IMG_1541.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2195" data-original-width="4244" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRdlS52W2c8AM4BMU66O00B4gJmovOwLloSZy7_upTd7knw-KGK2wAvyhonrZhPQcE8CnLaHdV5VWMw2MQN_XeCW2EKpEOeay0pYA7ITC4xeQV9WECPf2JLRxnG8RrpoOU7cduXVUObiiVuEWac-NPhRzxgzFZ83l51_x3DR320ye-mzaKgobF9Qu8gk/w400-h208/IMG_1541.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs7Mubi8Cs0BphiMY8t5mVzMecdNC7-XeuN5lg_zIjPxJXW9IcLWl5nG5xI4vksk8fA-SME17F7o5W_5rcmQnoCJNEaPfhSzTW8dcjUaTZy_2qXTUvmPvGLZO8TEZYPFW2luY8S-TvBCj3xrU3sRpjZKTMmCx1Ct4z6Ra1gEREf6IGrFgW__COas2SqM/s3319/IMG_1554.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2109" data-original-width="3319" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWs7Mubi8Cs0BphiMY8t5mVzMecdNC7-XeuN5lg_zIjPxJXW9IcLWl5nG5xI4vksk8fA-SME17F7o5W_5rcmQnoCJNEaPfhSzTW8dcjUaTZy_2qXTUvmPvGLZO8TEZYPFW2luY8S-TvBCj3xrU3sRpjZKTMmCx1Ct4z6Ra1gEREf6IGrFgW__COas2SqM/w400-h254/IMG_1554.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Having decided that I was going to field a gang of Mexican bandits the wonderful <a href="https://www.artizandesigns.com" target="_blank">'Artizan Designs'</a> came to my rescue with their characterful Banditos, but with them came Ill Buono, Ill Brutto and Ill Cattivo. Simply a joy to paint all was going well until the varnishing stage, where a distinct lack of attention on my behalf saw me overdo the matt spray and left some rather nasty pooling. Although disappointing, it wasn't terminal and actually at arm's length barely noticeable. To round out the gang, I re-based a With the a couple of miniatures that I already had kicking around and so phase one was complete! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-R14Vltb5VCH1JyNvUZ9228zcN9jFvhZrDa6Z60MnResFzabTirEa0wdqeWaWNXa7e96YImizXIkgrDPiyd93NJ74C8IsWewmbcmLs0ZM8rkAGRS7bA9pXoxdAkV561TBtkojGYA1XPYZ7uAkbzxn3JABSFYM0AwvE4kNgnu6cuErhGgzM4hXI9wO4-I/s4537/IMG_1723.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2022" data-original-width="4537" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-R14Vltb5VCH1JyNvUZ9228zcN9jFvhZrDa6Z60MnResFzabTirEa0wdqeWaWNXa7e96YImizXIkgrDPiyd93NJ74C8IsWewmbcmLs0ZM8rkAGRS7bA9pXoxdAkV561TBtkojGYA1XPYZ7uAkbzxn3JABSFYM0AwvE4kNgnu6cuErhGgzM4hXI9wO4-I/w400-h179/IMG_1723.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-58172597469430807282024-02-10T12:08:00.000+00:002024-02-10T12:08:05.439+00:00Exploding Puppies! <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f4ylVLKJO6-m69YlIJAKreK3cHUBxTcfu1UVsuU96xHqWEDME48bmUXyi6hi7rN3yqusR-NRivLzI0tjtp8t80agbfjO0Qzr55Y-Q4aALLFZGVFm8fX7AI7xnmiFmLD6V7mIiwS5IIdFKfGzDWBhY_59iVmNTi2buTZrJoP_RnekZ85s8sTfTgkBhqc/s4032/IMG_0257.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f4ylVLKJO6-m69YlIJAKreK3cHUBxTcfu1UVsuU96xHqWEDME48bmUXyi6hi7rN3yqusR-NRivLzI0tjtp8t80agbfjO0Qzr55Y-Q4aALLFZGVFm8fX7AI7xnmiFmLD6V7mIiwS5IIdFKfGzDWBhY_59iVmNTi2buTZrJoP_RnekZ85s8sTfTgkBhqc/w300-h400/IMG_0257.jpeg" width="300" /></a></p><div style="text-align: justify;">I am perfectly aware of my many limitations as a war gamer. The most crippling of which is a lack of focus on any given project for any length of time. To be clear these projects are never totally discarded, but rather hang in suspended animation awaiting their time to shine once again. So to complete the basic units required for a 1000 point Bolt Action Soviet Army was, by my standards, going to quite an achievement. I had deliberately left aside the more esoteric units as something to look forward to, but with the return to work hobby time evaporated, that’s not to say that it disappeared altogether and there would be small steps forward, often snatched over a weekend, but the momentum built up through the longer breaks was inevitably going to stall. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EIULWG3Bh4Zth5oohkAcxXjgoTG323ltE9LHlVztUx51xoa4QyzxtyRWR7oe0IEJXEdJ6_i1LVOd0Cg4wRi3ti-jkbDqWYqNKNv9rS0qc3WtqsPCh_r4cBtOx-ttVYT9GnIYXY-J2nSQPRN02LVutbdiaoXVW1GzViqIRMOhuDpd-FfuEg6Dq4zX1gc/s3007/IMG_1979.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2143" data-original-width="3007" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EIULWG3Bh4Zth5oohkAcxXjgoTG323ltE9LHlVztUx51xoa4QyzxtyRWR7oe0IEJXEdJ6_i1LVOd0Cg4wRi3ti-jkbDqWYqNKNv9rS0qc3WtqsPCh_r4cBtOx-ttVYT9GnIYXY-J2nSQPRN02LVutbdiaoXVW1GzViqIRMOhuDpd-FfuEg6Dq4zX1gc/w400-h285/IMG_1979.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Returning to the esoteric, the inclusion of the dog units was always going to be a controversial choice here at ‘Awdry Towers’. The <i>Saintly Mrs. Awdry</i> will not bat an eye as the massed ranks of my toy soldiers are massacred wholesale following another tactical blunder by yours truly, but suggest that an animal might be injured, even one made of white metal, and oh my goodness me - the horror!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4JXxFvDUxV1-bySPnVME6Q_s6ipFZPwNitXmYDDR5BbHO9YEJ6y0wVRpUot0Qeyo_i9JvmOlo_1J_qMZrvrnTbaH86Az-a5Gxf6YfVSYoYAPTCcbLZmeuWgwg-fij0x-i8fsMXv3kM6HHBa5Q3AjNXf9F1ONm9PaSLYFX6Q-UkXi1pqTRIOVZVj0oeo/s2073/IMG_0267.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="2073" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4JXxFvDUxV1-bySPnVME6Q_s6ipFZPwNitXmYDDR5BbHO9YEJ6y0wVRpUot0Qeyo_i9JvmOlo_1J_qMZrvrnTbaH86Az-a5Gxf6YfVSYoYAPTCcbLZmeuWgwg-fij0x-i8fsMXv3kM6HHBa5Q3AjNXf9F1ONm9PaSLYFX6Q-UkXi1pqTRIOVZVj0oeo/w400-h275/IMG_0267.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> So when we discussed the fate of these poor mutts, that had explosive charges strapped to their backs and then encouraged to go and lie under the advancing tanks, it was clear that I needed to present the grim reality in a more palatable way. No longer would they be referred to as Anti Tank Teams, but instead good doggies being taken for a walk by their caring handlers! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCor6ZNaP-hAv6U_YO5X2USJ11m0OHhlKcfdy0_udE-dIT4Y_iyErtafO1sU49Vr0EkuekjkC6_2oYMRWAyJVqlrRVqDbGy-udW43kseLkck8XUsg28J71mTAsvo3V9yQI-mu9_KWUC5yjimjtxT88U2xCcLMXTRDkeaVCXXJVNgOxGvtVECe35EY9JYQ/s3350/IMG_1984.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2499" data-original-width="3350" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCor6ZNaP-hAv6U_YO5X2USJ11m0OHhlKcfdy0_udE-dIT4Y_iyErtafO1sU49Vr0EkuekjkC6_2oYMRWAyJVqlrRVqDbGy-udW43kseLkck8XUsg28J71mTAsvo3V9yQI-mu9_KWUC5yjimjtxT88U2xCcLMXTRDkeaVCXXJVNgOxGvtVECe35EY9JYQ/w400-h299/IMG_1984.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All of this nonsense aside, it would appear that there is some discrepancy as to the effectiveness of such tactics, not the sanitising of history to appease your wife you understand, but stories abound of dogs so terrified by the metal behemoths that they run back to their own lines, much to the chagrin of Uncle Ivan. I am led to believe that any stray dog seen on the streets of Mother Russia was exterminated by the German invaders. Still there was something so absurd about all of this that made them a must have inclusion to my force. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh527uz7C5VAGn5WoxFc15vXR6ZBp98pw5Gjc3TYO6WaKuuSrB1Jtk4aVrpOjTMCR3j4Mf04F_I4iD74_31jrUpuIwJgceWpQrFAC1jSvAwaNQQlt7BX1E6dziR4qtFj77Vu8pXBGtHe2F3CBEj3LsH6p0hR8F2TxZXllS-uwtfBgDcy-EDrVWb-bl2Okk/s3229/IMG_1987.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2353" data-original-width="3229" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh527uz7C5VAGn5WoxFc15vXR6ZBp98pw5Gjc3TYO6WaKuuSrB1Jtk4aVrpOjTMCR3j4Mf04F_I4iD74_31jrUpuIwJgceWpQrFAC1jSvAwaNQQlt7BX1E6dziR4qtFj77Vu8pXBGtHe2F3CBEj3LsH6p0hR8F2TxZXllS-uwtfBgDcy-EDrVWb-bl2Okk/w400-h291/IMG_1987.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As hinted at earlier, tactics are not my strong point, so anything that throws a certain semblance of chance into the proceedings is most definitely up my street so I picked up the <a href="https://store.warlordgames.com">‘Warlord Games’</a> pack and planned to paint them as they were, but give them the ‘wintery’ treatment to tie in with the rest of my force. Unfortunately the pack only had one handler wearing a Telogreika, but as I wanted to add additional units to this team I was going to need more winter clad warriors to swell the ranks. Fortunately I fell upon on a series of posts on the wonderful, <a href="https://dramatickatastases.blogspot.com">Dramatic Katastases blog</a>.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAEQ-EU-z5HzKohmoF5yWz3L0d0_Ji85EApwInRq40xI1lk0OEVkVqNpvkn0UZd2efO7iC2Ka-xTMuO63yVc3PgjA_kiVTtn8iwoYceTq2sFMDEl6H8MyNeAo9zPF0Ve669_oTroeDxvF2O9KOJApVsg5M0frv4Nfa_KzJqch_dJuv-XS7SDV7OyRl18/s5184/IMG_1989.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAEQ-EU-z5HzKohmoF5yWz3L0d0_Ji85EApwInRq40xI1lk0OEVkVqNpvkn0UZd2efO7iC2Ka-xTMuO63yVc3PgjA_kiVTtn8iwoYceTq2sFMDEl6H8MyNeAo9zPF0Ve669_oTroeDxvF2O9KOJApVsg5M0frv4Nfa_KzJqch_dJuv-XS7SDV7OyRl18/w400-h266/IMG_1989.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was a veritable gold mine of ideas, and you can expect to see more of them shamefully plundered here in due course, but the dog unit in particular gave me food for thought - I could make my own! A couple of snow suited veterans that had been abandoned, as I was looking to make a unit with SMGs and they had rifles, were conscripted to the cause. The bits box also yielded some scraps that I thought would work well for me and as luck would have it, a pack Warlord Games Ancient Britons Mastiffs!*</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenLrSJ0iu1iVYNuMtv0AvzcsVA1XmTMjuZ5uOb58XYHmz47XFtEElAmmuHaFYlT2Mo4N4TeOwFwkzaGfexGaaNmWS8f-IllC_OLLoravDJTyhdY-WkxkV54W1dBA6UyvnQAR2BKPS2f71NR5dIor2FJlhXZQpbelDhRxt6ckGsDKCfTiwHirUKgrWdLo/s5184/IMG_1993.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenLrSJ0iu1iVYNuMtv0AvzcsVA1XmTMjuZ5uOb58XYHmz47XFtEElAmmuHaFYlT2Mo4N4TeOwFwkzaGfexGaaNmWS8f-IllC_OLLoravDJTyhdY-WkxkV54W1dBA6UyvnQAR2BKPS2f71NR5dIor2FJlhXZQpbelDhRxt6ckGsDKCfTiwHirUKgrWdLo/w400-h266/IMG_1993.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">*Everyone has these lying around, right?</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The build itself was relatively straightforward and I am genuinely thrilled with the results, although already thinking about the possibility of using markers to show that the dogs had been deployed. With regards to painting, I simply followed the same steps that I used with earlier units, finished off with a dusting of ‘snow’. For the time being this is where I am going to leave my Soviet forces. By my reckoning, I have enough options to field a competitive 1000 point force, although there are still some pieces I could call upon, including the ubiquitous T34 waiting in the wings. As to what pops up next here at '28mm Victorian Warfare' is anyone's guess. A quick check revealed 54 draft posts, the earliest dating back to 2013, in various states of completion and detailing an inordinate array of periods and projects. That said, I am enjoying getting back to writing and catching up with friends so determined to keep going for a little while longer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjfWHIp8x0B6ifcPU5SVfaKPlw0ZjDBQtSNiU_H3DCaVAQ5dsYwcgFDwo68ERcK1ekp8_2sZir8Vmp2dcFF9fRyQM2Tmv9279INh838_TBZ4W1BOQVGWguh4AWI6CqFB5ZPwOD1PH61NcCEbdP1Q3E-2vDDqKQP1rwC9ErKDAYXlJI2_IFpARQD-hjGs/s3758/IMG_1991.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2087" data-original-width="3758" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjfWHIp8x0B6ifcPU5SVfaKPlw0ZjDBQtSNiU_H3DCaVAQ5dsYwcgFDwo68ERcK1ekp8_2sZir8Vmp2dcFF9fRyQM2Tmv9279INh838_TBZ4W1BOQVGWguh4AWI6CqFB5ZPwOD1PH61NcCEbdP1Q3E-2vDDqKQP1rwC9ErKDAYXlJI2_IFpARQD-hjGs/w400-h223/IMG_1991.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-33253167971382205052024-02-03T10:32:00.003+00:002024-02-03T10:32:55.562+00:0028mm BM-13 Katyusha rocket launcher<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbrOTNkBhLPekzMCf4hQYEaNNPocWHv9z4fQukkGj4-nHjIqZBm1sPnRNcU3k22gxKSluH59jVVQhqiThstk5axbGbiv5C6NCScjryOPIGAfvED_Sk2oJFP-UO53Zm6l2QP7W5iU-dM5Mcd3jjyeA6RiBjWaraeYtGsM8PbLDR6eB9j6tDNXKswSbsic/s2148/IMG_1319.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2148" data-original-width="1776" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbrOTNkBhLPekzMCf4hQYEaNNPocWHv9z4fQukkGj4-nHjIqZBm1sPnRNcU3k22gxKSluH59jVVQhqiThstk5axbGbiv5C6NCScjryOPIGAfvED_Sk2oJFP-UO53Zm6l2QP7W5iU-dM5Mcd3jjyeA6RiBjWaraeYtGsM8PbLDR6eB9j6tDNXKswSbsic/w331-h400/IMG_1319.jpeg" width="331" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The BM-13 Katyusha rocket launcher, also known as 'Stalin's Organ', was a fearsome and iconic weapon used by the Soviet Union during World War II. It was a truly formidable weapon that left a lasting impact on the battlefield. The sudden, overwhelming nature of its barrages, creating chaos, destruction and psychological distress among enemy forces must have been terrifying. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This, then, is one of those units that I would consider 'uniquely' Soviet and a 'must have' for the collection. There were several options available, but in the end, I kept with 'Warlord Games' in the thought that it would be a relatively easy build as compared to perhaps a 'Rubicon Models' kit, but when I unpacked the box, I was left with this... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUEvKaVz35bPBMwptibU-Spn3lr1wAoCXOlfD5fSxfoDVJZRRaDA_44eAG4Qkg2p3Nu82hA6dpWCwxxPcpdtQ5Zo792KIARDnqQsOuMMtbtCbdsZxjK3alWl93t5C-kn3KQUTrIdlTHe9MdeGhPkVr3X-COuJ-Zdw3fZBv3XilTW50r9tDw-corOOeas/s4032/IMG_0262.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUEvKaVz35bPBMwptibU-Spn3lr1wAoCXOlfD5fSxfoDVJZRRaDA_44eAG4Qkg2p3Nu82hA6dpWCwxxPcpdtQ5Zo792KIARDnqQsOuMMtbtCbdsZxjK3alWl93t5C-kn3KQUTrIdlTHe9MdeGhPkVr3X-COuJ-Zdw3fZBv3XilTW50r9tDw-corOOeas/w400-h300/IMG_0262.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have to confess, I was initially put off by the sheer number of parts some of which were cast in soft metal whilst the molded, resin elements had some warping that would need addressing. Slowly and with some considerable filing and filling, the finished model emerged!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZraxWx45bUte4j4mWuoUx_xooT4yvjJXhInmdVy164DwPL2LfIhNBstDdpZemUsU32SBHE_dVhKhgzw3JrVgX6tFtjjv8MtszpiymLYQN2trX_p93QMaWrVeENyVpKJiee55Q6VC81HepkWD_iIzZ0xgfoEBy_Y29Clt1mmJaTxugwTYnHilCyA662eg/s3579/IMG_0327.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2352" data-original-width="3579" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZraxWx45bUte4j4mWuoUx_xooT4yvjJXhInmdVy164DwPL2LfIhNBstDdpZemUsU32SBHE_dVhKhgzw3JrVgX6tFtjjv8MtszpiymLYQN2trX_p93QMaWrVeENyVpKJiee55Q6VC81HepkWD_iIzZ0xgfoEBy_Y29Clt1mmJaTxugwTYnHilCyA662eg/w400-h263/IMG_0327.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bfmXuuK-ZiUMFIdYsX1asZiz9chV7vCBzyfbbqiPMoczIYTNjOKiGHVNSSacCc-7QoW2hpD7J6LayE4oxtvMFBKR3koCi85v5oIKcwYaBREVPjEQd2XNc3a225P1QJZhaYIe0m6Ik76RVvtK4tF9L383XPk2YVeA9-2zqYrYALqxdRzl0-gL4ugRDJI/s4032/IMG_0811.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bfmXuuK-ZiUMFIdYsX1asZiz9chV7vCBzyfbbqiPMoczIYTNjOKiGHVNSSacCc-7QoW2hpD7J6LayE4oxtvMFBKR3koCi85v5oIKcwYaBREVPjEQd2XNc3a225P1QJZhaYIe0m6Ik76RVvtK4tF9L383XPk2YVeA9-2zqYrYALqxdRzl0-gL4ugRDJI/w400-h300/IMG_0811.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Now knowing that I could work with the dark green undercoat spray, the startling appearance of the freshly primed model didn't hold the same terrors as before. In fact working with primarily a dry brush the initial painting took less time than the actual </span><span style="text-align: left;">construction. By far the most complicated area was trying to paint the rockets themselves given that I had glued them in place before priming. Weathered and detailed, I am pleased with the final outcome, although I remain nervous at the fragility of certain elements like the support legs at the rear. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayzkK3wYxlAvkWGQfjCp2ctWnPqUlX0UnuNBVMnsisEyOJ4WDZRuKFoeuoW9X09dShriN_rqhpnm-WDZLfryAIjXsrtfQ39R1Sl5MRl48HoZ10jH-dPAlWKg2UIW7Ay05ckqmiLdyILrutj7LogTDJPmh-V6H6JMZiJQN1zmmZRfMtefG4nqHmkFdAFI/s4069/IMG_1928.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2580" data-original-width="4069" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayzkK3wYxlAvkWGQfjCp2ctWnPqUlX0UnuNBVMnsisEyOJ4WDZRuKFoeuoW9X09dShriN_rqhpnm-WDZLfryAIjXsrtfQ39R1Sl5MRl48HoZ10jH-dPAlWKg2UIW7Ay05ckqmiLdyILrutj7LogTDJPmh-V6H6JMZiJQN1zmmZRfMtefG4nqHmkFdAFI/w400-h254/IMG_1928.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll3uLBcdj4bVBRHY3BFKMntDBjWcFcXYivGLsaJKNYMnpnaOGpybzakJkh5NeZgM7E9RmWAv7IMmcc0Sra2ImcNKfFZeeaFXGo1G5kF5Gv-FdnkXmEoXkEM9tGDlWBPJUd3dLzFXbv-RQtMkTzsqGhoXHFR2qhNQzaTh9k9CxPYKSMHnBOv1ivDGxJGc/s3903/IMG_1933.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="3903" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll3uLBcdj4bVBRHY3BFKMntDBjWcFcXYivGLsaJKNYMnpnaOGpybzakJkh5NeZgM7E9RmWAv7IMmcc0Sra2ImcNKfFZeeaFXGo1G5kF5Gv-FdnkXmEoXkEM9tGDlWBPJUd3dLzFXbv-RQtMkTzsqGhoXHFR2qhNQzaTh9k9CxPYKSMHnBOv1ivDGxJGc/w400-h285/IMG_1933.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaxCxNWeiHpCGfa8vWP2Gf1-YKTkd_Du6IuhXULg7YcvEF9g16ZAwzb3uZwHio2u4tva9Q2eGNvI0hoGsKm2srzXnfIOfNo_sMuWNok8cOzk20WCdgKsLwIzP04DUUwpRDCtf_BmaT4wUV7RPZlYlzjqzIoVuAf3k3XGLPWpH3FkzzYy7GnBds2Vf_aE/s3834/IMG_1940.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="3834" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaxCxNWeiHpCGfa8vWP2Gf1-YKTkd_Du6IuhXULg7YcvEF9g16ZAwzb3uZwHio2u4tva9Q2eGNvI0hoGsKm2srzXnfIOfNo_sMuWNok8cOzk20WCdgKsLwIzP04DUUwpRDCtf_BmaT4wUV7RPZlYlzjqzIoVuAf3k3XGLPWpH3FkzzYy7GnBds2Vf_aE/w400-h311/IMG_1940.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The model comes with a couple of crew members, one of which received a quick head swap from the plastic sprue and angled as if following the trajectory of his screaming rockets. Their bases given that all important 'wintery' treatment to tie them into the rest of the unit and with that another, devastating addition was added to the collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO53i59MR4EiqsQtwcK4laGd9SUeJs8CyycQkomWk3XT1mC9KWiz9XG80xsVATdXXFR9xyP_PUIqaSCZVbmkEIyL8f4HpoWeaVhTthhWIGFEMS78icDEv3r9yaJ4vmbyc4TgsTRoUIHwaIClo7DP_gNomCItklVOaFd_rI72-_JOpxgMvzuKYYUzbwbE/s5184/IMG_2024.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO53i59MR4EiqsQtwcK4laGd9SUeJs8CyycQkomWk3XT1mC9KWiz9XG80xsVATdXXFR9xyP_PUIqaSCZVbmkEIyL8f4HpoWeaVhTthhWIGFEMS78icDEv3r9yaJ4vmbyc4TgsTRoUIHwaIClo7DP_gNomCItklVOaFd_rI72-_JOpxgMvzuKYYUzbwbE/w400-h266/IMG_2024.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIA8B3R34nKIsQHUldr5z8gLvSpQL78gwWrmSBgDk4lycWlb5M4e3tIrU3y5QWp0pdSkic9Oz8vMIf4uSUtTJc3qFqWAjhSGqqDFsXOIqgP4U4ACXWNErZriaz25IXZgeOX5S0kywYz-qIGAZObdkMyRR4yJZmr3KZLexl1WNwWcebGl-Kdb0FJlILy8/s5184/IMG_2031.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIA8B3R34nKIsQHUldr5z8gLvSpQL78gwWrmSBgDk4lycWlb5M4e3tIrU3y5QWp0pdSkic9Oz8vMIf4uSUtTJc3qFqWAjhSGqqDFsXOIqgP4U4ACXWNErZriaz25IXZgeOX5S0kywYz-qIGAZObdkMyRR4yJZmr3KZLexl1WNwWcebGl-Kdb0FJlILy8/w400-h266/IMG_2031.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-63532811493671000142024-01-27T09:32:00.000+00:002024-01-27T09:32:05.717+00:0028mm Soviet Army Zis 3 Divisional Gun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMjP1PZ0qtbq9okwwwa3wwBY0ElC6DgQT6lnuPineUNnqNeAg-mGxoQnhyfZhIIVFq7cnOUh14wJ3uSJVRm53Mzvd62v-l-14xJr5BPWY1HqMKm0BGPuQ0gWB28cwwBKgNDTzWQut6E8R0RAAikLDfnv1kWtzuwLBtFl1gHnvlay-LXY_Xj-9jEz5jko/s4639/IMG_2120.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2217" data-original-width="4639" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMjP1PZ0qtbq9okwwwa3wwBY0ElC6DgQT6lnuPineUNnqNeAg-mGxoQnhyfZhIIVFq7cnOUh14wJ3uSJVRm53Mzvd62v-l-14xJr5BPWY1HqMKm0BGPuQ0gWB28cwwBKgNDTzWQut6E8R0RAAikLDfnv1kWtzuwLBtFl1gHnvlay-LXY_Xj-9jEz5jko/w400-h191/IMG_2120.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have always enjoyed building and painting artillery whether it be the <a href="https://28mmvictorianwarfare.blogspot.com/2014/05/cannon-to-right-of-them.html" target="_blank">Russian guns at Balaclava</a>, the <a href="https://28mmvictorianwarfare.blogspot.com/search/label/Indian%20Mutiny%201857" target="_blank">mighty siege cannons</a> pressed into the service of my Indian mutineers or a more modern iteration in the form of the <a href="https://28mmvictorianwarfare.blogspot.com/2020/01/kaboom.html" target="_blank">fearsome '88</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There is something about a finely crafted and historically accurate model that just looks wonderful on the tabletop. One such gem is the <a href="https://store.warlordgames.com/" target="_blank">Warlord Games</a> 28mm Zis-3 Divisional Gun. This miniature artillery piece is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy that Warlord Games is renowned for. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqRkWEaHARLUMXtwrNOW_BlCohsCcquW5hUYk2pC5AxWJSfPaOY2-Kq7UlEP7Sfe3C8oPl1gdPyGNfR4eyT6ejEcYf4sTueWbjKeShCe-XKzraJmnGozjGUnL5dVD5F1U2_JQ-zWIh_gfWXIsMRzrQRlkdk7PgGivJx4DViu-3g8yIY7j-z_sDyhTEk0/s2674/IMG_0300.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2674" data-original-width="1957" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqRkWEaHARLUMXtwrNOW_BlCohsCcquW5hUYk2pC5AxWJSfPaOY2-Kq7UlEP7Sfe3C8oPl1gdPyGNfR4eyT6ejEcYf4sTueWbjKeShCe-XKzraJmnGozjGUnL5dVD5F1U2_JQ-zWIh_gfWXIsMRzrQRlkdk7PgGivJx4DViu-3g8yIY7j-z_sDyhTEk0/w293-h400/IMG_0300.jpeg" width="293" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Part of the challenge is putting the thing together and I try to take a before and after shot just for my own reference and to document the process that I underwent. It also helps to remind the 'Saintly Mrs. Awdry' that I don't just spray paint on models, those that I actually get round to painting that is. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBNfki7F-i7XEuCSIaAU7NOxHHSMtnUPhrh0FG7vwCdgg1nNOksKw6TX1obkXiIuMa2gQNBnGfIwMJYuLM3NXCpZT6s9ymF3NgVBOWQM8qNdA3URtM9y74zBOqr4iyRATCBlzJipI6AmzjYutVVSF8k96OFuQFOMqRRzz1XKrKTXN8L6oKB-4QynW3_4/s2299/IMG_0514.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="2299" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBNfki7F-i7XEuCSIaAU7NOxHHSMtnUPhrh0FG7vwCdgg1nNOksKw6TX1obkXiIuMa2gQNBnGfIwMJYuLM3NXCpZT6s9ymF3NgVBOWQM8qNdA3URtM9y74zBOqr4iyRATCBlzJipI6AmzjYutVVSF8k96OFuQFOMqRRzz1XKrKTXN8L6oKB-4QynW3_4/w400-h199/IMG_0514.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">That said the photograph above has obviously just been sprayed using a previously long forgotten can Army Painter Angel Green primer; a remnant of a jungle terrain build. I did have a mild panic that it was too dark, spending far too long agonising over how accurate my palette selection was. Ultimately I reminded myself that this was my toy and I could paint it any colour I liked and immediately set about weathering it and lightening certain areas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFUoVvegdU6gLguEeDXy3OI2-d4q0XcU-_tWKF1hpmtxwhkrZwWp8_aGrwStm7jreZSeSGu5EdOlkxrZg2yQP_KOYlfB58KLKNHKkxbBsOUUhgh-FUK4VOjBcx7LTD3ykIvG1c0b8LOBVNgr_qUis5LT_Siwwm7bF3T0mFiaSaxgWSD3qp0NWccfns6U/s4725/IMG_2111.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="4725" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFUoVvegdU6gLguEeDXy3OI2-d4q0XcU-_tWKF1hpmtxwhkrZwWp8_aGrwStm7jreZSeSGu5EdOlkxrZg2yQP_KOYlfB58KLKNHKkxbBsOUUhgh-FUK4VOjBcx7LTD3ykIvG1c0b8LOBVNgr_qUis5LT_Siwwm7bF3T0mFiaSaxgWSD3qp0NWccfns6U/w400-h178/IMG_2111.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Zis-3 Divisional Gun, a product of Soviet engineering during World War II, played a crucial role on the Eastern Front. Its versatility, power, and reliability made it a staple in the Red Army's arsenal. My 'wintery' Soviet forces now have some significant stopping power in the armoury! </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR75UaIzJhGGagg-5O1oBQ3ScI-IWPaHnvYWoMSJlXTnAvTsi5V2FIhfsrcL4hn1i7ybF-oBCN6m9teKsNgXqzWIHXw1pjO_1vJOnyiPjp7k07i3AuJBqg6jIDBAoMz6Kzuf_3ftEy8MotJkUiTkLVG8D79IWxm4ekvdfmpRLLA4ZCd3oKl-S7ucGl-M/s4198/IMG_2113.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2404" data-original-width="4198" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR75UaIzJhGGagg-5O1oBQ3ScI-IWPaHnvYWoMSJlXTnAvTsi5V2FIhfsrcL4hn1i7ybF-oBCN6m9teKsNgXqzWIHXw1pjO_1vJOnyiPjp7k07i3AuJBqg6jIDBAoMz6Kzuf_3ftEy8MotJkUiTkLVG8D79IWxm4ekvdfmpRLLA4ZCd3oKl-S7ucGl-M/w400-h229/IMG_2113.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioK0crD43lcWlqMDiVZgmzM5vbUb0Sipiz6alVG9F1wgWMXkBFOBt0rL3rVKD_ihFSJu78PYd6o4TuTCbh-nCoo1WT4tayjz4P_P5cz7dlL7MqfnyeHxQla32JjLXrmeKdkUyaKXDAWl7pIWUcA-yA52EFvwItkyDCrAcwP2pHt-UrDz7S9LSymFwLEGA/s3864/IMG_2115.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1955" data-original-width="3864" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioK0crD43lcWlqMDiVZgmzM5vbUb0Sipiz6alVG9F1wgWMXkBFOBt0rL3rVKD_ihFSJu78PYd6o4TuTCbh-nCoo1WT4tayjz4P_P5cz7dlL7MqfnyeHxQla32JjLXrmeKdkUyaKXDAWl7pIWUcA-yA52EFvwItkyDCrAcwP2pHt-UrDz7S9LSymFwLEGA/w400-h203/IMG_2115.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The crew of three, bolstered here with the addition of a forward observer from the Soviet HQ pack, were all given the same treatment as the rest of the force with a suitably wintery base. I found that a coat of heavily watered down PVA glue on the hems of the jackets persuaded the snow to adhere, adding to the illusion that they were battling the elements and not just the enemy. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYinZ0YAP2906bsVHjVJdOSnAu9zzpezxVvcRgwjFAOVdrt9_JTal5Edumri0KnsWIuBtK7XS_wYv1la7t8F7c6iOMuHXoLdS30EA6hbQLti0bsaDtQsXvjaKhvoXTFeE8p_ShQzA7S6MBCoo7Tpcni6xYtN6UV7IKqSwxt7sl4cnvneK6Hdv5sGnB6o/s2500/IMG_1953.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="1752" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYinZ0YAP2906bsVHjVJdOSnAu9zzpezxVvcRgwjFAOVdrt9_JTal5Edumri0KnsWIuBtK7XS_wYv1la7t8F7c6iOMuHXoLdS30EA6hbQLti0bsaDtQsXvjaKhvoXTFeE8p_ShQzA7S6MBCoo7Tpcni6xYtN6UV7IKqSwxt7sl4cnvneK6Hdv5sGnB6o/s320/IMG_1953.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I am obviously delighted to have completed another support unit and have taken the opportunity to photograph the recent additions together. I have a couple of more 'uniquely' Soviet support units to come so hopefully more updates in the near future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPGiiIhU1pK6xKxgCota4eoyybuOjP4YumcG3JwdYDlv0xNU1VicLC89iYR_maOB3jOsulhqpAGl_uCu5zx0web399BvedqRtBOzTCL9ndgzW3b_YquwYOq39Xkeap4aShTXjFQTioTl7GxhvkvnaNxZwCWl9l4XKaekNK0kFKNuHVj0ZvDT4pwLIQT0/s3619/IMG_3319.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1685" data-original-width="3619" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPGiiIhU1pK6xKxgCota4eoyybuOjP4YumcG3JwdYDlv0xNU1VicLC89iYR_maOB3jOsulhqpAGl_uCu5zx0web399BvedqRtBOzTCL9ndgzW3b_YquwYOq39Xkeap4aShTXjFQTioTl7GxhvkvnaNxZwCWl9l4XKaekNK0kFKNuHVj0ZvDT4pwLIQT0/w400-h186/IMG_3319.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-74870100252543287522024-01-22T19:39:00.000+00:002024-01-22T19:39:27.423+00:00Soviet Army 82mm Medium Mortar Team<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF1EbBbgizG4GeGw4cMtMc8m5cRoWzhlGoLmwQIjv89b8u72h5v8t9aw1efRUftTMQCgmCvKBkFMCITtrav3ZdG2ZVsGkcFbOkB5zxni7WwZq6gb1k1dduCnujJACaQs4nWz7QZ-xA3uiUIA7RPfewi1ZdfgJOUU6lih2-wyKX6g1uqpQV80d6NyWicY/s3997/IMG_2103.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2584" data-original-width="3997" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF1EbBbgizG4GeGw4cMtMc8m5cRoWzhlGoLmwQIjv89b8u72h5v8t9aw1efRUftTMQCgmCvKBkFMCITtrav3ZdG2ZVsGkcFbOkB5zxni7WwZq6gb1k1dduCnujJACaQs4nWz7QZ-xA3uiUIA7RPfewi1ZdfgJOUU6lih2-wyKX6g1uqpQV80d6NyWicY/w400-h259/IMG_2103.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">More essential support for my hard pressed 'wintery' Soviet Army. This 82mm Medium Mortar Team is from Warlord Games and was given much the same treatment as before. I, like a great number of us, keep notes as to what colours I have used and so by now this palette is becoming quite familiar. I dare say that there would be an argument for adding a bit of variety to things, but I like the repetitiveness this is giving the unit as it helps, in my eyes, to convey the feeling of a much larger force.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0omI4-a6vpQPWzXYcpASWzI6jJILih7JqUEzuvQmJur7w8EB2FzK_joY5UReKpbMAdFy7SDlnQDqMLRjOEq2wkbNsU5VqTonXA3q-rHZ1z2uP7bGfI2RPrzGBsKPFi2kJci3gkOjqVZeSyTATVg4gdsPfcXddxuRkKp5dUnTOdTnAv97Ze9FDKEotC5U/s3366/IMG_2104.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2281" data-original-width="3366" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0omI4-a6vpQPWzXYcpASWzI6jJILih7JqUEzuvQmJur7w8EB2FzK_joY5UReKpbMAdFy7SDlnQDqMLRjOEq2wkbNsU5VqTonXA3q-rHZ1z2uP7bGfI2RPrzGBsKPFi2kJci3gkOjqVZeSyTATVg4gdsPfcXddxuRkKp5dUnTOdTnAv97Ze9FDKEotC5U/w400-h271/IMG_2104.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnlijSOg7Oi5eDPdMMt9zvEXgHQQwZfKGhsxpilEmSRCDf4Oo8VScvHErJcy6jcH5h3_yJkzJIxPYpw5B5d5-y7Gbpl_NG4hCMpWrIIBV6qeKSleZPJi6BB9k8UgTJQGUFWFmAnFkADDMPvxCgtCr8Bso3ZtPkNbGriw-xM5tDrKN9zZkvTuwj_vtakc/s3967/IMG_2105.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2338" data-original-width="3967" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnlijSOg7Oi5eDPdMMt9zvEXgHQQwZfKGhsxpilEmSRCDf4Oo8VScvHErJcy6jcH5h3_yJkzJIxPYpw5B5d5-y7Gbpl_NG4hCMpWrIIBV6qeKSleZPJi6BB9k8UgTJQGUFWFmAnFkADDMPvxCgtCr8Bso3ZtPkNbGriw-xM5tDrKN9zZkvTuwj_vtakc/w400-h236/IMG_2105.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I am building up to a couple of larger support units before a much needed change of palette and an opportunity to catch up with some more varied subject matter. </div><br /> <p></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-45762475537835503312024-01-19T11:30:00.000+00:002024-01-19T11:30:01.470+00:0028mm Soviet Maxim MMG<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8Bfpvbri3lra3EubvfVObTFFUuJmVxHv-UD6K_EUn9mltPJ46t5HVv-KiKp70WgjQXB8wi1UkOdEv5Gxg1Xjk65fawaouH2TL32k46f83Cpb_r7fk7_2Aj1jn73e3Z_uxoyIKPDrUCCrRvZauDO-Pb8OAaXxvDZrA6eKQXX684blqON3OnpvHed0/s5184/D4155B4A-F268-461B-95C6-7645FD34BFF2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8Bfpvbri3lra3EubvfVObTFFUuJmVxHv-UD6K_EUn9mltPJ46t5HVv-KiKp70WgjQXB8wi1UkOdEv5Gxg1Xjk65fawaouH2TL32k46f83Cpb_r7fk7_2Aj1jn73e3Z_uxoyIKPDrUCCrRvZauDO-Pb8OAaXxvDZrA6eKQXX684blqON3OnpvHed0/w400-h266/D4155B4A-F268-461B-95C6-7645FD34BFF2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some much needed support for my 'wintery' Soviet Army in the form of a <a href="https://store.warlordgames.com">Warlord Games</a> Soviet Maxim MMG. Not much in the way of component parts, but an additional three crew members needed painting to match their comrades. Rather than use the metal heads provided, I snipped off a couple of the plastic ones from the winter infantry frame, for no other reason than to help tie in to the rest of the unit.</div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnO_-iJYmvgSmm3c_36OguEm639eO1Vs_wa0khQtMu-1LlXRcJ2Js9Bxc1Ic9KjLSl5dDKvGK2Dz6MSpBM2q-kAo5zKe6e7oQoCtr2NWfU6xpd6tv5Iva3Rr542FdoVg3GHFrP9TQ009HiFc891n1nSJzLAtPr5F7aFchRUP6JEXGHY5W-b2gMiCr/s2150/4668332D-3664-4651-AD23-5037897A36DF_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="2150" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnO_-iJYmvgSmm3c_36OguEm639eO1Vs_wa0khQtMu-1LlXRcJ2Js9Bxc1Ic9KjLSl5dDKvGK2Dz6MSpBM2q-kAo5zKe6e7oQoCtr2NWfU6xpd6tv5Iva3Rr542FdoVg3GHFrP9TQ009HiFc891n1nSJzLAtPr5F7aFchRUP6JEXGHY5W-b2gMiCr/w400-h398/4668332D-3664-4651-AD23-5037897A36DF_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once painted the base was given a light sprinkling of snow, but otherwise kept very simple. Another useful addition done, but feel that the hard pressed infantry are going to need something with a bit more punch. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-YBUJQhXO4Dayvn5_DGI5wMm-iGLseUrjxdlmyWdrCTrWfh3Ve-CMVX9Pf49-YOZA3hK6KEDiwTndSgLNUZpFv0AJ3HJAgB_VEO2HS4-DBSaYpteWS_PYa4aWwx51C5-kQNkpyBQlUzgwkHktJKlN1NMI05b66LV7ip-hGPGNlSEQmCwSTECboXz/s4264/003E029F-B61A-40EB-89D7-33F3D30D1ED0_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2330" data-original-width="4264" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-YBUJQhXO4Dayvn5_DGI5wMm-iGLseUrjxdlmyWdrCTrWfh3Ve-CMVX9Pf49-YOZA3hK6KEDiwTndSgLNUZpFv0AJ3HJAgB_VEO2HS4-DBSaYpteWS_PYa4aWwx51C5-kQNkpyBQlUzgwkHktJKlN1NMI05b66LV7ip-hGPGNlSEQmCwSTECboXz/w400-h219/003E029F-B61A-40EB-89D7-33F3D30D1ED0_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmmVVBV3cQQCeAr1SMz_Ln90qFFFdkPkEQ5yOkrrLMVb7VPIGvMGEQLfFP04yqjYbUw2-5wWV8lmxezYU-NoFIZYvqq9pNSA6MKfCceAe00H2gCimDySB0BeLubhiMbwPqfesZHVE-LzwbJ_tf_O04ds50RVzCJUFcH1EI4C21BOzhoYqVmibZMxS/s4026/A23F8E67-B30F-41BD-88F6-8A1281F0A5CF_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="4026" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmmVVBV3cQQCeAr1SMz_Ln90qFFFdkPkEQ5yOkrrLMVb7VPIGvMGEQLfFP04yqjYbUw2-5wWV8lmxezYU-NoFIZYvqq9pNSA6MKfCceAe00H2gCimDySB0BeLubhiMbwPqfesZHVE-LzwbJ_tf_O04ds50RVzCJUFcH1EI4C21BOzhoYqVmibZMxS/w400-h250/A23F8E67-B30F-41BD-88F6-8A1281F0A5CF_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>A quick shot of the team in action...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStD_pWs70eqIzRF0wA4chFCafYStpBhliQc6dIwRPZXHTiG8MX9SY4NUCT-cnDVYpBaHJ2tAYC2BFZJZQaufPKpDFztDIgMhRAver6WYmEwkSkbQuG6wwqTnqZckvtzZecnRghp_7JTymIVmhWp5YZWnn-3V2CBu7ZIsJLduQ6J58GqnxyYE-tU0Z/s5184/05EA7154-F0B8-437D-B9B3-CDBA54D45A89_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStD_pWs70eqIzRF0wA4chFCafYStpBhliQc6dIwRPZXHTiG8MX9SY4NUCT-cnDVYpBaHJ2tAYC2BFZJZQaufPKpDFztDIgMhRAver6WYmEwkSkbQuG6wwqTnqZckvtzZecnRghp_7JTymIVmhWp5YZWnn-3V2CBu7ZIsJLduQ6J58GqnxyYE-tU0Z/w400-h266/05EA7154-F0B8-437D-B9B3-CDBA54D45A89_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-23548850916067609992023-12-16T11:40:00.003+00:002024-02-10T12:12:47.830+00:00Happy Christmas Chumrades! <p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3mJ1FC5goI0Hbhk02piTfkXz_26u6zBOYkyegbxM6FsXhYYXM7tIGHVx2nNI1bsTNk0UPy6pByWtpHvggxB-2MqFBqnR-7lApjah2GhZhfBVsHedHkaxQCs9SwiMOuNyuo2ZEpETnnRYsWSKPZuYjKwMfHvN572p_jXOa4BaFGEaLU32xoOyMsd3zN4/s1288/Happy%20Christmas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3mJ1FC5goI0Hbhk02piTfkXz_26u6zBOYkyegbxM6FsXhYYXM7tIGHVx2nNI1bsTNk0UPy6pByWtpHvggxB-2MqFBqnR-7lApjah2GhZhfBVsHedHkaxQCs9SwiMOuNyuo2ZEpETnnRYsWSKPZuYjKwMfHvN572p_jXOa4BaFGEaLU32xoOyMsd3zN4/w249-h400/Happy%20Christmas.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><br />It had been brought to my attention that a year has passed since my last post. Somewhat aghast at this fact, I resolved to do something about it, once the long Michaelmas term came to a close. Now, as I sit here, tring to write this post, I am not entirely sure where to begin. I had thought that I would simply just document another completed part of a collection that has already gathered dust, but somehow this didn't seem to be enough. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This most humble of weblogs was conceived to document my exploits in our most wholesome of hobbies, building on the sense of community first encountered at the Gentlemen's Wargames Parlour; a wonderful forum for likeminded chaps. The support and advice received during these times was what kept me inspired. Working, essentially in isolation, the interaction that grew through the blog meant the world to me as ideas would be shared and genuine progress made. Some of my closest Wargaming friends were met through this interaction and whilst we manage to meet up once a year for a game, there just never seems to be enough time to move ideas along.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I am essentially a very private person and so find outpourings of emotionally charged material difficult. As such, I am simply going to report that myself and the saintly Mrs. Awdry are well. Personal circumstances have thrown up a few difficulties that we strive to overcome. With the day job, I am looking at stepping back from pastoral responsibilities in the hope that this might help to give me the headspace that I need to address the work/life balance that is clearly askew at present. In short, I miss my chumrades. I started Facebook and Instagram accounts in a bid to make that connection 'easier' but even these have dried and turned to dust.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So what is to be done? I enjoy writing the posts, I imagine I am sitting in a Gentleman's Club at the end of the nineteenth century as I do, where nothing but good manners will be tolerated - utter tosh, but nonetheless this is often my starting point to generate themes and ideas. That said, I have found Blogger to become very 'clunky', something that I am sure is down to 'cookies' or the settings, but just replying to comments or even commenting on others' work has become so painful that I just haven't the time to commit to it. To not interact like this has caused me the most concern, it is essentially what is at the heart of the community, it just seems rude to me to not reciprocate if someone has taken the time to comment on your work. Yet this is the dilemma I face - some interaction, or none at all? Surely a 'like' is better than loneliness? </p><p>So then, <span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: georgia;">'28mm Victorian Warfare'</span> is to continue. I will write posts as, and when, I have the time, but they will essentially be for my own satisfaction. I shall also look to post more on Instagram and continue to use Facebook for following wargaming groups and connecting with friends, do please seek me out. There will be no 'targets' on the blog anymore, it is here simply as a journal. </p><p>So here is to you all, a very Happy Christmas. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-49529611201905091122022-12-17T13:30:00.005+00:002022-12-17T13:30:00.183+00:00Craters!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43v2yDDsd0-b1kE5rg15qGrmNK0jcYQRLBsGgRzD-M_oYhkbjXSTYikVj10_RtToRYAU1VmiGFvCwbp2tCqP6Z5osvbJWVmVeproMFW9-I1FSdhRcxwotJBCPMDGWB0xDR4DX5u1Oz9Fj0UDbFmP94tlKFrQ9B8-OGtLuC7yLL_65L22fRC4kFawW/s3060/6CC1206E-ED8E-4352-8BAF-B99D67D13EF3_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3060" data-original-width="2842" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43v2yDDsd0-b1kE5rg15qGrmNK0jcYQRLBsGgRzD-M_oYhkbjXSTYikVj10_RtToRYAU1VmiGFvCwbp2tCqP6Z5osvbJWVmVeproMFW9-I1FSdhRcxwotJBCPMDGWB0xDR4DX5u1Oz9Fj0UDbFmP94tlKFrQ9B8-OGtLuC7yLL_65L22fRC4kFawW/w371-h400/6CC1206E-ED8E-4352-8BAF-B99D67D13EF3_1_201_a.jpeg" width="371" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Having made it to the Christmas holidays, I was keen to try and share what limited progress has been made on my Soviet Army since the summer. Without going into the now tedious detail, life continues to be hectic and hobby time is very much in short supply. That said, I cherish the precious moments that I have at the painting table, but all too often get distracted and find myself falling down yet another rabbit hole; indeed the main frustration at the moment is that I have far too many ideas and barely any time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As a result, I have tried to keep one or two building projects on the go at work; the sort of things that can be pushed aside when the prestigious talents demand to be taught. Having brought some things home, I was able to apply the finishing touches and share with you some bomb craters! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUWAJCAtud_MAvw2WYsM4BnfE41QLDoTnMLsdyA-Pq0S8XByL3tuUVkLKeQh1ZPI8MVXxYAEhdoD4YBIabg8HliMCsUnTOdw3nsY2vNXT2mzLgmE9w1XylQxu0dy9_z2IoiosU3-WhYF_VzGctZPuBS3W0Pm9D0cp-47iTWK9aajmV01XAGpE72lq/s1918/4B7A5C07-67D0-43E4-AAFD-81F8F59F089A_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1918" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUWAJCAtud_MAvw2WYsM4BnfE41QLDoTnMLsdyA-Pq0S8XByL3tuUVkLKeQh1ZPI8MVXxYAEhdoD4YBIabg8HliMCsUnTOdw3nsY2vNXT2mzLgmE9w1XylQxu0dy9_z2IoiosU3-WhYF_VzGctZPuBS3W0Pm9D0cp-47iTWK9aajmV01XAGpE72lq/w400-h161/4B7A5C07-67D0-43E4-AAFD-81F8F59F089A_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span><span><span><span>I had found a couple of useful tutorials </span></span></span></span><span style="text-align: left;">online and these were the result of combining my favourite. Nothing new here, but a satisfying build nonetheless. The craters were formed using air drying clay placed onto shaped MDF bases. The crater lips were then created by using torn pieces of cork tile fixed in place with a hot glue gun. Texture was added with filler, into which stones and sand were liberally scattered. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4j7WhXq1r3lACebgzRJpouU5kKFvyHsntVIvOsyNxHIB2eTRxOyy55NM4zO91mK5QnlqFW8farX273M3kNVNrtWVBkCUayboiMyyaO2FVPewkviW0dUXLOJTY4-lLROEUo3SCEBKO_eB-tL373-JYbOZyt4baqV-rrWDvpkDW9YQez4h8M_80ckyJ/s2830/D5F72B55-B6BB-4B11-BF51-0950A1361B9D_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1748" data-original-width="2830" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4j7WhXq1r3lACebgzRJpouU5kKFvyHsntVIvOsyNxHIB2eTRxOyy55NM4zO91mK5QnlqFW8farX273M3kNVNrtWVBkCUayboiMyyaO2FVPewkviW0dUXLOJTY4-lLROEUo3SCEBKO_eB-tL373-JYbOZyt4baqV-rrWDvpkDW9YQez4h8M_80ckyJ/w400-h248/D5F72B55-B6BB-4B11-BF51-0950A1361B9D_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Finishing touches included some furniture from <a href="https://www.manticgames.com" target="_blank">'Mantic Games'</a>, which I had picked up in a 'Warlord Games' half price sale, bricks from <a href="https://www.charliefoxtrotmodels.com" target="_blank">'Charlie Foxtrot Models'</a> and pieces of plastic tube. Everything was then painted to match the bases of my troops including a liberal smattering of suitably festive snow.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu2qeY3T9IIAupg6tWNgkreqCiidMufujsDmKcgQ49XbBT9BSYtLgTFvTQFuaZjyUYqQ9vNDzfVNKIx6PlScn7ZG8Nc2HZ9slXuG3KIu--2C0B7WGvIOm2oViAfHTPcHORO4UkEQzAhnvtxBEz8OoavTy7_VQnWXlEzRKXRjlwvEU15Mt8r8inu9R/s1655/5D2B8F8B-33C7-4FE2-B1E3-C13F7060E26B_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1655" data-original-width="1310" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu2qeY3T9IIAupg6tWNgkreqCiidMufujsDmKcgQ49XbBT9BSYtLgTFvTQFuaZjyUYqQ9vNDzfVNKIx6PlScn7ZG8Nc2HZ9slXuG3KIu--2C0B7WGvIOm2oViAfHTPcHORO4UkEQzAhnvtxBEz8OoavTy7_VQnWXlEzRKXRjlwvEU15Mt8r8inu9R/w316-h400/5D2B8F8B-33C7-4FE2-B1E3-C13F7060E26B_1_201_a.jpeg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L78zpRFsBzwGve8CYeOqQcZSivLG2B-dwT3nA_WJRDc-m4TX3sOFe0Cg-Ih7ie14FarhD0sRTMXvB6OnfELj6l7-zTpyuUJzzVbjjgzLa7BQ5EhwtAXVbCKLlSz9C5Gh1abWxpSUd3goH8vjF1oyr5ONO7MOYApDHEiUhnQRw84lC1X2Ni3ImWVV/s4032/F58D3AE1-8FC3-4DC1-901B-B77DC8CA61C9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L78zpRFsBzwGve8CYeOqQcZSivLG2B-dwT3nA_WJRDc-m4TX3sOFe0Cg-Ih7ie14FarhD0sRTMXvB6OnfELj6l7-zTpyuUJzzVbjjgzLa7BQ5EhwtAXVbCKLlSz9C5Gh1abWxpSUd3goH8vjF1oyr5ONO7MOYApDHEiUhnQRw84lC1X2Ni3ImWVV/w300-h400/F58D3AE1-8FC3-4DC1-901B-B77DC8CA61C9.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Really pleased to get these ticked off the list and they have already been used to help set the scene for a couple of photo-shoots, the results of which I hope to share soon. Posting them here, has also given me the opportunity to hoist the Christmas decorations atop this most humble of weblogs and as uncork the sherry, as I look forward to catching up with everyone in due course.</div><br /></span></span></span></div><p></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-23243314542772025142022-10-31T08:00:00.004+00:002022-10-31T08:00:00.410+00:00Well, well, it's Halloween again.<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfswA26YRWHmoHoDOHT73zEa_7MRVgK72WMBhIQfvg7SYKkekTOkeFQBb8p7MKvA1cu2z8fUIGnvJXuZ3MuI5ZVRDaNkXaW6yg5_b6O3m_i60CAB7RhB5cHdpEawMjFTSaSHhxxx6QsM/s1600/ring.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="900" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfswA26YRWHmoHoDOHT73zEa_7MRVgK72WMBhIQfvg7SYKkekTOkeFQBb8p7MKvA1cu2z8fUIGnvJXuZ3MuI5ZVRDaNkXaW6yg5_b6O3m_i60CAB7RhB5cHdpEawMjFTSaSHhxxx6QsM/w400-h280/ring.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Perhaps not unexpectedly, the return to school following the splendid summer holidays saw a cessation to the Soviet Army build. There has been some progress, pieces have been prepared and there have been some joyous distractions along the way. I have no doubt that the project will be completed, but I still struggle with the work and life balance. That said, I thought I would share a spooky Halloween post, a piece that had been prepared some five years ago and is only now being dusted off and shared with you, good reader.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrWYaMsrPYCsxqXdrOb3WUkOJvZtrdaV0y7pbogbx1i1XYCQt5NiZGyZJavLrAxtRyLs-fB8QTyZAANbQD0xzfRKekCsoUOEbhkV8d8G5HAruHTcIcDY9xM25kCazYX4MjfPS84zxSEw/s1600/Ringu-1998-movie-Hideo-Nakata.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrWYaMsrPYCsxqXdrOb3WUkOJvZtrdaV0y7pbogbx1i1XYCQt5NiZGyZJavLrAxtRyLs-fB8QTyZAANbQD0xzfRKekCsoUOEbhkV8d8G5HAruHTcIcDY9xM25kCazYX4MjfPS84zxSEw/s320/Ringu-1998-movie-Hideo-Nakata.jpg" width="268" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">This then is my homage to Ring, a 1998 Japanese, psychological, horror film directed by Hideo Nakata. A wonderfully odd piece of celluloid that revolves around a cursed videotape that kills the viewer seven days after watching it. Without wanting to give too much away a young girl, Sadako is killed and her body disposed of in a well; her grisly return forming part of the cursed tape.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LIS4PkgcKkVC5AnkILoLBhGztyko_ou5vXu5ak15B7XgBHux6dLhgs8gftbctl-koMZwp2Yw_sSRPrkNw43J903McmdV2fNyJQCCMdGrCu1YN41R0b_SapX-MClI0NEM-6aT34CS_48/s1600/IMG_7036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="900" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LIS4PkgcKkVC5AnkILoLBhGztyko_ou5vXu5ak15B7XgBHux6dLhgs8gftbctl-koMZwp2Yw_sSRPrkNw43J903McmdV2fNyJQCCMdGrCu1YN41R0b_SapX-MClI0NEM-6aT34CS_48/w400-h270/IMG_7036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The build started with a <a href="https://fenrisgames.com" target="_blank">Fenris Games</a> well, but thinking that I might want to use it in my <a href="http://28mmvictorianwarfare.blogspot.com/search/label/Witchfinder%20General" target="_blank">'Witchfinder world'</a>, I added a few little extras in the form of a rope and bucket, mushrooms and even the remains of some luckless soul, perhaps Sadako herself?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIDUMHXU2PFdCJO4_1WbGgeBxUl2X_0HkxSYy86gtC7mo1U6m1Kxq7SxPNeIacUhaIu74Jo_9wKi5qE2G8I6a6NcPf0hWVfAAlkjMkej1237AIrq8AIZs0TsA5J0idW9RdoBZU_GYXN0/s1600/IMG_7106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIDUMHXU2PFdCJO4_1WbGgeBxUl2X_0HkxSYy86gtC7mo1U6m1Kxq7SxPNeIacUhaIu74Jo_9wKi5qE2G8I6a6NcPf0hWVfAAlkjMkej1237AIrq8AIZs0TsA5J0idW9RdoBZU_GYXN0/w400-h267/IMG_7106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zoN69sZso61Wn_xxW3VUf0AS4ZvdeVWdxO4SB9-zpVTyGb15w3C-pyMTHGnDCgW_Vp1bWrInH4qeXtrdDJRBqVObuL1bvbBxOGaIL6_sHa6EeKnEip9nGPcUhRUKdyK0MSjkPzprxVw/s1600/IMG_7121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="767" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zoN69sZso61Wn_xxW3VUf0AS4ZvdeVWdxO4SB9-zpVTyGb15w3C-pyMTHGnDCgW_Vp1bWrInH4qeXtrdDJRBqVObuL1bvbBxOGaIL6_sHa6EeKnEip9nGPcUhRUKdyK0MSjkPzprxVw/w400-h248/IMG_7121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">
The well was then 'filled' epoxy resin, which helps to convey a much needed feeling of depth to the piece. As for Sadako, this was another of my <a href="https://www.studiominiatures.com" target="_blank">Studio Miniatures</a> horror characters and was relatively simple to paint on account of her damp, matted hair covering her face. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhByKnttRf2hvzk-9oVqqFG9OwSm6kefJn-gHz10x3CYe-UofSV8YSPCi64_ixhUnzEs1lG4uxHSvdq34MN9HxHCmyf8o7PlDe3cQmA8scaWv6XVunipachKko1MvLy0hxzumZpXK05k/s1600/Sadako.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="900" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhByKnttRf2hvzk-9oVqqFG9OwSm6kefJn-gHz10x3CYe-UofSV8YSPCi64_ixhUnzEs1lG4uxHSvdq34MN9HxHCmyf8o7PlDe3cQmA8scaWv6XVunipachKko1MvLy0hxzumZpXK05k/w400-h176/Sadako.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>A little bit of fun with the digital editing to allude to a grainy VHS recording and the piece is done...</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Happy Halloween! </i></span><br /><br /></div></div>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-63620418647344584242022-08-31T20:00:00.001+01:002022-08-31T20:00:00.195+01:00Headquarters Units<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7QC7VVW-oDc3vaMhscPtr2CkDrWmJZLF5Od7Z2deVmzCCdBdGaSXgmBBxDGVEXWBSItUkhUOGDoIAmYWX6EpE9bEpKjSK3-zYZX9TCsy4XqmnEWfT5n2weIwsYjxHUuw1bZRd5QW6WxTqG0RyLiljp-cDgOMW4AN6vgK9a3T0QIpj9dHc576uoKK/s3005/AEE444C3-A67F-46EC-A4B3-618AEFE8FF21_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2730" data-original-width="3005" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7QC7VVW-oDc3vaMhscPtr2CkDrWmJZLF5Od7Z2deVmzCCdBdGaSXgmBBxDGVEXWBSItUkhUOGDoIAmYWX6EpE9bEpKjSK3-zYZX9TCsy4XqmnEWfT5n2weIwsYjxHUuw1bZRd5QW6WxTqG0RyLiljp-cDgOMW4AN6vgK9a3T0QIpj9dHc576uoKK/w400-h364/AEE444C3-A67F-46EC-A4B3-618AEFE8FF21_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">All a bit of a rush to get this post in before returning to work tomorrow, but these represent the command element of my Soviet Army. I haven't decided on the final make up of the command structure and so have options for most eventualities including a standard bearer and Commissar... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J876wrOV9Op1Vzd0FdI5dvlyeOBuYXw16DKL9Gzue1FYfldD4EBOQq6tSrFmC3Do0xPwJlZghr4U7rc3SE3A7J4Mc06y4YxnLsKpHW3MTxTa2yIycecRJJCU-wjW0BqG63mZhg0jc6f7vOjYiPgH_c-YQxqeMd74IQ86Ys3u3a7ah9leOf_AA4Ut/s2714/6350225C-81B1-4BE8-89B4-6A31BC7C468B_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2441" data-original-width="2714" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J876wrOV9Op1Vzd0FdI5dvlyeOBuYXw16DKL9Gzue1FYfldD4EBOQq6tSrFmC3Do0xPwJlZghr4U7rc3SE3A7J4Mc06y4YxnLsKpHW3MTxTa2yIycecRJJCU-wjW0BqG63mZhg0jc6f7vOjYiPgH_c-YQxqeMd74IQ86Ys3u3a7ah9leOf_AA4Ut/w400-h360/6350225C-81B1-4BE8-89B4-6A31BC7C468B_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With a senior Lieutenant and NCO. The Senior NCO is a bonus figure as I wanted to have a look at the compatibility of other ranges and this one is from 'Crusader Miniatures' purchased through 'North Star Miniatures' and I think fits in pretty well. The Crusader sculpts are a little simpler, especially the weapons, but certainly close enough to bolster the troops if required. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq9hOO0OmAGCCXtdrt0XsFsTMecx8o-K3Kenq5NVeuslp2nPUrTSWmUL_ghgUQ2vurQT0BDHp51jlj72iBgORSEiF1MEa4YUGVI-Z_30BXtZDmp2rrVNi7IksVr4zENhvyZSSppXLJGVtxkNJBVXY7cDFroY4LGmwJvs0NMQqw-qlCOeNBvOuRuIz/s4715/25396FE1-156B-494E-80E6-36BFE4A2BC34_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2899" data-original-width="4715" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq9hOO0OmAGCCXtdrt0XsFsTMecx8o-K3Kenq5NVeuslp2nPUrTSWmUL_ghgUQ2vurQT0BDHp51jlj72iBgORSEiF1MEa4YUGVI-Z_30BXtZDmp2rrVNi7IksVr4zENhvyZSSppXLJGVtxkNJBVXY7cDFroY4LGmwJvs0NMQqw-qlCOeNBvOuRuIz/w400-h246/25396FE1-156B-494E-80E6-36BFE4A2BC34_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So what next? Well this has completed the rank and file, so to speak, and has been a genuinely rewarding experience, selecting miniatures, preparing them and then completing the painting - not something I am renowned for. Obviously the Army list contains other elements including an anti-tank detachment, artillery, trucks and of course a tank, but none of these are ready to paint and so I have reached a bit of a natural hiatus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_u7Z69qMDTow4EZa43kMBsrGLJmIY0WOtEh0cT3pFNkd0HzmA4wo1Xe-2R3NG8ItJb6HWlQafP1tBCvymmSb677zsTt0ZwZ0nvQTT4yk9NhUXaQp50RsklslhUt2h5DbLpCBACCuYvRh4RhBhuoEuTIxHegh4F7H3xbfvkzKCnHsSl86w56kKoUg/s3324/2738AC14-F3CE-4212-9237-B9E0066CEB37_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="3324" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_u7Z69qMDTow4EZa43kMBsrGLJmIY0WOtEh0cT3pFNkd0HzmA4wo1Xe-2R3NG8ItJb6HWlQafP1tBCvymmSb677zsTt0ZwZ0nvQTT4yk9NhUXaQp50RsklslhUt2h5DbLpCBACCuYvRh4RhBhuoEuTIxHegh4F7H3xbfvkzKCnHsSl86w56kKoUg/w400-h278/2738AC14-F3CE-4212-9237-B9E0066CEB37_1_201_a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It has been so lovely to reconnect with a good many like minded folk and I can't thank you enough for your continued support throughout the summer. I certainly have plenty of 'fun' things to pootle around with and it may be that as the new academic year gets underway that hobby time becomes a priceless commodity again. Hopefully, though, I can continue to make the odd post to record progress and keep the momentum going. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII6dcopixDcFnbFI3Yf3VsKERxnaEnsw_Xhr5CEVFf_TFRt9u6cu4FX0FoSLucT4mkl29wrQo3AQNGMasUtILozXBVD3dcK0fKtOhvDdKsMh1vNpVAFESR180Ime00VLc9FwgNsXJC5tcjpugTIVHWCc70SIdYbV_XUU_O8H7v_0wvUEDnhMzTF4n/s4854/633D69D1-DCF1-409D-826C-A9D7040853A8_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2044" data-original-width="4854" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII6dcopixDcFnbFI3Yf3VsKERxnaEnsw_Xhr5CEVFf_TFRt9u6cu4FX0FoSLucT4mkl29wrQo3AQNGMasUtILozXBVD3dcK0fKtOhvDdKsMh1vNpVAFESR180Ime00VLc9FwgNsXJC5tcjpugTIVHWCc70SIdYbV_XUU_O8H7v_0wvUEDnhMzTF4n/w400-h169/633D69D1-DCF1-409D-826C-A9D7040853A8_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-50959091299563077582022-08-28T09:30:00.003+01:002022-08-28T11:54:49.303+01:00Sniper Team<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5c4wFw4ZnK3YBbSXa_oWI4vRn69naSuIGPSnkt0_tlGe_KvtBzB1b-dkJnEgylqQKH6kUHA5Ti6rZ0iMxgsWEFyzLkMPtJ-jQyRY7ZHwuVFObctJTzB8iH8aSWP3xuTTwTMCmslvAsJ_J8zFjnzeuA3QwU2k5gyrEFf0T8Yw6EwxnOLmkYuuZ4C-/s2799/0F0B2EDA-B38C-42DF-AD7C-CC2BD441E4C2_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2799" data-original-width="2026" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5c4wFw4ZnK3YBbSXa_oWI4vRn69naSuIGPSnkt0_tlGe_KvtBzB1b-dkJnEgylqQKH6kUHA5Ti6rZ0iMxgsWEFyzLkMPtJ-jQyRY7ZHwuVFObctJTzB8iH8aSWP3xuTTwTMCmslvAsJ_J8zFjnzeuA3QwU2k5gyrEFf0T8Yw6EwxnOLmkYuuZ4C-/w290-h400/0F0B2EDA-B38C-42DF-AD7C-CC2BD441E4C2_1_201_a.jpeg" width="290" /></a> </p><div style="text-align: justify;">I had found the perfect <i>wintery</i> sniper team for my Soviet Army at <a href="https://badsquiddogames.com" target="_blank">'Bad Squiddo Games'</a> and with the rank and file of my Soviet force now complete it was time to paint up this specialist team. In essence there was very little painting to be done as I had already followed the same method employed for the snowsuited section, namely dark grey spray primer, airbrushed Vallejo Grey surface primer, a lighter shade, then a final blast with an airbrush white to help bring out the highlights.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A few details were picked out and then there they sat, on the empty base, and waited, and waited, and waited. I knew that I wanted to do something a little special with this base, but just couldn't decide on what and then Amazon's almighty algorithm delivered the inspiration - 'Osprey Publishing' Heroines of the Soviet Union 1941 - 45!*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9zqwzBvBk24QxEJ9zsw6lyA-rZNejVeIs7HKnDozcFDu7dwNw2joNz2rWQIo0XRV2vQbYt1AVIaRH9Gsr44uEZvNAz0DfnX7NEdjiK79ozhvwmoqpmj1-XfCBwLpO4RU1Suzocvd94lwb0nAOz8C9F_lfVUukg9oASw3Pv6wZYUcelRpqumJaNnb/s4032/FBE666BB-9F7D-4C1E-AF82-75973BF4C705.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9zqwzBvBk24QxEJ9zsw6lyA-rZNejVeIs7HKnDozcFDu7dwNw2joNz2rWQIo0XRV2vQbYt1AVIaRH9Gsr44uEZvNAz0DfnX7NEdjiK79ozhvwmoqpmj1-XfCBwLpO4RU1Suzocvd94lwb0nAOz8C9F_lfVUukg9oASw3Pv6wZYUcelRpqumJaNnb/w300-h400/FBE666BB-9F7D-4C1E-AF82-75973BF4C705.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: right;">*Seriously though, does anyone else find the way that they seem to know exactly what you are looking for unnerving?</div></span><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The heroine on the cover is considered the greatest female sniper of all time, Lyudmila Pavlichenko. With 309 confirmed kills, Pvt. Pavlichenko was attached to the 25th Infantry Division "V.I. Chapayev" as a sniper and soon found herself in combat near Odessa in August 1941. When the Germans gained control of Odessa, the Independent Maritime Army was pulled out and sent to Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula of the Black Sea. In the fierce fighting, Pavlichenko was wounded by mortar shells in June 1942. Her sniping skills were considered invaluable and so was ordered to board a submarine and evacuate Sevastopol. Such was her fame that Lyudmila was sent on motivational and fund raising tours, she was even received by President and Eleanor Roosevelt at the White House!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM0c5z_XOduKQwpci5H71omuu6jvvdlZJ1bMYQnLB6qDP8qKozAnMA8IL9BflXjc0MtmHqy4JcGDO2llxgem6VRGErDcuNzbt2wFwg0YmSRytQV2Hw0NUJzhklg2mNJJ2I8F6jFL9aNdca37g56NDSZOCOTw4kac9C2jPg3eIr5SAZHd7BGx4Xv9h/s4032/D19D925E-5810-4DB1-B123-CDAA43A79564.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM0c5z_XOduKQwpci5H71omuu6jvvdlZJ1bMYQnLB6qDP8qKozAnMA8IL9BflXjc0MtmHqy4JcGDO2llxgem6VRGErDcuNzbt2wFwg0YmSRytQV2Hw0NUJzhklg2mNJJ2I8F6jFL9aNdca37g56NDSZOCOTw4kac9C2jPg3eIr5SAZHd7BGx4Xv9h/w400-h300/D19D925E-5810-4DB1-B123-CDAA43A79564.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Using the cover artwork as inspiration, I set about making my own homage to this heroine of the Soviet Union. Keeping the same size base as the prone figures in the rest of the army was probably an unnecessary aesthetic choice as it seriously restricted the area that I had to work with, but I imagined that the team would be hunkered down and close together, so persevered anyway. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A foray into the loft unearthed some plastic brick building pieces from a Mars Attacks Kickstarter I had backed and after some 'offering up' I fell on a likely piece that had a broken window section in it. I hacked, pulled and snipped it to form a corner of a bombed out building and then set about texturing the base with little bricks, torn cork matting and a variety of textured pastes to create a nest for my sniper team. Getting them to fit took some tinkering and so decided to leave a space and paint the base first and then add the miniatures knowing that I could disguise any gaps with the snow.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQXjoO8S44g3uP1SEyXmRfXoAiu8VVengODsVR3aflUHRQooXZqTbi5XARMZvh9lVaYU73VTTkUiF-qR69Gb7vAYeV4Fl6bp_62bhJ4fWKfwSSAYMWv9nBsPtcM7EI_hlDM9rZvkNqd9sG5SAcmGKFE_YPlAMxTBM2UyTXv6JH-quUoFDBg9ZK4wc/s4032/441C8C14-2CBB-4886-8302-79F6B755C4E4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQXjoO8S44g3uP1SEyXmRfXoAiu8VVengODsVR3aflUHRQooXZqTbi5XARMZvh9lVaYU73VTTkUiF-qR69Gb7vAYeV4Fl6bp_62bhJ4fWKfwSSAYMWv9nBsPtcM7EI_hlDM9rZvkNqd9sG5SAcmGKFE_YPlAMxTBM2UyTXv6JH-quUoFDBg9ZK4wc/w400-h300/441C8C14-2CBB-4886-8302-79F6B755C4E4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="text-align: justify;">In retrospect, I probably went a little too far with the drybrusing, but was trying to match the warm greys of the cover art whilst still making the miniatures the star attraction and yes, I realise making the sniper team stand out goes against all aspects of their fieldcraft, but I felt it looked good! With the team then glued into place the whole thing was give a coat of gloss varnish, before a spray with a matt varnish.**</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Fnt-zaMFlKp-U1pGi-My_ZRxZaQeFFDbYIVCmCtlDpnPry5rYpwPRZCMBk54VVrnFEADcrRQV_gLxgG98Bc_V5U24DrLrK0vEG04nm36XSW3i5HYGnGxVTo3GImjNB8Vvtq2Ka3ATFryQ0noCFdALUdNPiqFkX1sQ6xQteIIKAnWateIeLps-KHi/w400-h268/DB864773-4C26-4241-AA5F-410C4C1D1829_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">**Note to self, remember to thin the gloss coat next time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Those that have been patiently following the progress of this project will know that I had yet to decide on a snow solution for my <i>wintery</i> army. I had a couple of options in mind, but in the end have gone for 'AK Interactive Terrain'. There is a mind boggling array of products in their range, mostly aimed at the serious hobby painter and they are certainly not the cheapest, but I have to say that I am delighted with the results. The initial effect is created with 'Snow Acrylic (AK8011)', a white acrylic medium that will hold small peaks and obviously coloured white. While this is still wet, I sprinkled on 'Snow Microballons (AK8010)' which give it that freshly fallen powdered snow look. Now I have no doubt that there would be cheaper alternatives involving cornstarch and PVA glue, but this worked for me as I could do a small base without any waste then put the lids back on and store ready for the next group.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjK9HnQi6glHwnovM7jp6YLXxoG_pgxvcZ_HjhigchXfOrGD19d-RITrRWOq-0CMn8aeRTTqk5mnwEGgrHy5D7Jlvp9n5vqms9DqVjBcPmjFn9ok9iQkVXp8nWO_rW2nsZTKozOcd69puJSbTWp3DjNbW-cZGeXTN8oMvB7MMZyemZwbTl4HSVrjQ/w400-h253/48E96B30-EE64-48EA-AC8E-3012CBDC83F9_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPE1LMvFAlkEOW10hNlYtL5LZCvVsNcq8ZPbftyY4Nx32PCMAG6YTYSfftRWqo2M1MrPKn4mRtQh2hkmKthWzc_wWVPNApsM_BlFOJfPoth27WGVRMgi3HUp2HDlUaOcSz7EDPGfv_DOjgDk02t3s5S4p2Ilh9_9GNI2VyfBIZ4Yhm8CMtNltfwnu/s2900/E34CBA24-EFAE-4E59-850C-6D727B2BA112_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1997" data-original-width="2900" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPE1LMvFAlkEOW10hNlYtL5LZCvVsNcq8ZPbftyY4Nx32PCMAG6YTYSfftRWqo2M1MrPKn4mRtQh2hkmKthWzc_wWVPNApsM_BlFOJfPoth27WGVRMgi3HUp2HDlUaOcSz7EDPGfv_DOjgDk02t3s5S4p2Ilh9_9GNI2VyfBIZ4Yhm8CMtNltfwnu/w400-h275/E34CBA24-EFAE-4E59-850C-6D727B2BA112_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IdsJ2JSILe122dreNyn1ejIvLv7NpJ0JKTKrk7rFj-b8Yp46sPnbBwBvXacEq5xUmXut3VE1X11oYhRpvAxI2x9gejupaK9qqKfFofwl4nL0dC9k4WowTPOZYFuh8K9XFMyqF0NLoVCUQLvQXPpGgD4JcbZgY1ddVQSRRlNmiRU_TZ1_Nsuuimje/w400-h289/99E44866-6201-4C52-892F-FE9F1C3DDF1B_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">What should have been a very quick 'win' has taken a little more time than I was expecting, but ultimately a rewarding project that has led to a greater understanding of some of the history of the conflict and a viable solution for the snow basing of the whole army.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeOlRlmbShuTq3-j3dIvLf7-INb9zmd3wfTaYNb6hfhqFOMmpQtxcJnGv_AcDE6eczS4ym8ozJmo4FzaQmap-qqL9wkd56WuksceCfcbHB3nlYW85BARIFNeWc4gMqcnf2Of-4v8p2R7xU1OwYsNE2Llj6VcUzcYIjZXYtaertPa89fbUBWXgkZ6z/s3324/Army%209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="3324" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeOlRlmbShuTq3-j3dIvLf7-INb9zmd3wfTaYNb6hfhqFOMmpQtxcJnGv_AcDE6eczS4ym8ozJmo4FzaQmap-qqL9wkd56WuksceCfcbHB3nlYW85BARIFNeWc4gMqcnf2Of-4v8p2R7xU1OwYsNE2Llj6VcUzcYIjZXYtaertPa89fbUBWXgkZ6z/w400-h278/Army%209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-15133834303588507482022-08-22T09:30:00.001+01:002022-08-22T09:30:00.190+01:00Final rifle section done! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zKAZ94Ygkr2cQIsSD437JIj9RiSc4vFR_vRr-2HQnj_nCFPvwLdRkNlV_fAZw9LkqCJffliUacmgJvi6JZoLpoZIXKKdAdjCUWitRPq6NLKaFuHOa02vJheIONmaJgSXi44_Yj0SzIFfS9oeB09taiVmZLWZiMC0h0PipAu-rzqdE0_Bnqdd69dL/s3922/AEE5F680-8DB7-4DFD-A86A-51E1EE4DC0F6_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1771" data-original-width="3922" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zKAZ94Ygkr2cQIsSD437JIj9RiSc4vFR_vRr-2HQnj_nCFPvwLdRkNlV_fAZw9LkqCJffliUacmgJvi6JZoLpoZIXKKdAdjCUWitRPq6NLKaFuHOa02vJheIONmaJgSXi44_Yj0SzIFfS9oeB09taiVmZLWZiMC0h0PipAu-rzqdE0_Bnqdd69dL/w400-h180/AEE5F680-8DB7-4DFD-A86A-51E1EE4DC0F6_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As the new academic year lurches into sight, there is a palpable sense of urgency here at <span style="font-family: georgia;">'Awdry Towers'</span>. Early morning alarms are being set to steal an hour or so of precious painting time before the day begins proper, but I am pleased to report that progress has been made. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlBDpZB16uOQPMIo7VlYu1cv8hwDLDx1O7H1JUxOHuZlhRIUgPLl5i3OBFNHffdy6_6wos5o5HWPZr9JWnuMLf4uWvICWs9naLP1nMh-XmTt1r3JhNi3lRJJVqARtJ7uFfq1yGSis7D1FSTNgEIwAT5CQtiCGNJerFJu-AkUjY7Y_s2ap6_0Errzw/s3358/180B2DFC-9209-4F76-A6A2-FE72C7587198_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2133" data-original-width="3358" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlBDpZB16uOQPMIo7VlYu1cv8hwDLDx1O7H1JUxOHuZlhRIUgPLl5i3OBFNHffdy6_6wos5o5HWPZr9JWnuMLf4uWvICWs9naLP1nMh-XmTt1r3JhNi3lRJJVqARtJ7uFfq1yGSis7D1FSTNgEIwAT5CQtiCGNJerFJu-AkUjY7Y_s2ap6_0Errzw/w400-h254/180B2DFC-9209-4F76-A6A2-FE72C7587198_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">More of the same, I'm afraid, but there are one or two slight variations on the theme. That said producing a core force of over fifty miniatures that actually hangs together, stylistically, is a bit of a first for me. This then, the second of my <i>wintery</i> Soviet Army rifle sections with Light Machine Gun support. The young lady about to launch the Molotov cocktail has already been counted in the tally, having been showcased recently, but this is where she will be based for any games.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAq_qqap5v6oqLCMvs8lxSieygfvtyO09KJxqWTZK4tvdwpDwORnBPb7pczNTqCuZNCRuxqYW2YRrS6Fsc9QMatH2MYhmdO4ZLLwKqzIfqkmTfYtnJoXPkvgYrf45NRgqsdhOI7sPrUFRR0AphF7N2GbcWzoGjWZwkXs5iYR6Hkgl0mubqSzHApCc/s4362/A97E23DF-BF6D-444D-A821-C7B1BAD869A3_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2125" data-original-width="4362" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAq_qqap5v6oqLCMvs8lxSieygfvtyO09KJxqWTZK4tvdwpDwORnBPb7pczNTqCuZNCRuxqYW2YRrS6Fsc9QMatH2MYhmdO4ZLLwKqzIfqkmTfYtnJoXPkvgYrf45NRgqsdhOI7sPrUFRR0AphF7N2GbcWzoGjWZwkXs5iYR6Hkgl0mubqSzHApCc/w400-h195/A97E23DF-BF6D-444D-A821-C7B1BAD869A3_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Time to move on to the command section and the sniper team, but waiting in the wings are no end of extras including anti-tank dog units, artillery support and other vehicles; starting to think that I need another holiday!</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoLwJiQm3RTaJavIu6WfCHj6-014SwdwDX0VpqOaIwLexEe-StObQh1zVIuBhB4YSaIoBkm04C4g6F7njjbP3edi8SChLu4qg5w8EPZk-s-CtixDjnkEGIv8VyW7kZE2TmhKSkxIF1BTOQNqZHai7OkDnGy4FzR0yZyEjMMjyQjJFrwcY_m3IfToO/s3324/2738AC14-F3CE-4212-9237-B9E0066CEB37_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="3324" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoLwJiQm3RTaJavIu6WfCHj6-014SwdwDX0VpqOaIwLexEe-StObQh1zVIuBhB4YSaIoBkm04C4g6F7njjbP3edi8SChLu4qg5w8EPZk-s-CtixDjnkEGIv8VyW7kZE2TmhKSkxIF1BTOQNqZHai7OkDnGy4FzR0yZyEjMMjyQjJFrwcY_m3IfToO/w400-h278/2738AC14-F3CE-4212-9237-B9E0066CEB37_1_201_a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><p></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-56012233692834386202022-08-17T09:00:00.001+01:002022-08-17T09:00:00.187+01:00Filling the gaps.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOl0neyMXwROh2geJ5o99kWHdEXlzaxfRW3nOysKCOBJplzDe-9knCsMpkg0mdSrT6f7zlksHEiFIy5sPDhdMjQpXLM2o-sm-dybgquSjnaxJV4zRRLwtC3sKqyyLfT0cx62t0YJdK8_SOo-_T-r8-QOwSO338BI85LVHbOaMB1jwxIdJEkqufoAM/w400-h234/EC56FB80-8F6A-4952-A6CE-69742DA4F399_1_201_a.jpeg" /></p><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been a wonderful summer break, with fabulous weather and time devoted to this most wholesome of hobbies. However, with the public examination results due to be published tomorrow, I am afraid that the day job will demand more and more of my time. With that in mind, I am pushing on as fast as I can in a bid to get as much finished before September.<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWl_WInnq5aJJF3UMFz31vBjtU0ulOPP0QaUPbb5slhGpYSEnX8CPUwIS3AgI0U1iG6B7irmWZdCZTh1W1ZPVmFM4ooowYDTPZmD2ntSaQzpLensiohDlIIxCooJ62HjyAHFsW97MQ_LM4-wPpDm5er9b_X1rYrR4c7KypWZ74YASf8tnj5ZIMvn0y/s3561/D01533E6-C702-4E35-9EEE-AF19F556DE92_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="3561" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWl_WInnq5aJJF3UMFz31vBjtU0ulOPP0QaUPbb5slhGpYSEnX8CPUwIS3AgI0U1iG6B7irmWZdCZTh1W1ZPVmFM4ooowYDTPZmD2ntSaQzpLensiohDlIIxCooJ62HjyAHFsW97MQ_LM4-wPpDm5er9b_X1rYrR4c7KypWZ74YASf8tnj5ZIMvn0y/w400-h173/D01533E6-C702-4E35-9EEE-AF19F556DE92_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Just three more posted today, but these will finish my second, eight 'man' veteran squad. The chap in the rather natty sheepskin jacket, originally from a command group, will be taking on the role of NCO, whilst the other two have metal elements from the Siberian Veterans boxed set. All armed with Sub Machine Guns and Light Machine Gun support this is another expensive unit, but one that should be hugely explosive on the tabletop, if given the chance. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh2PHoyGuTWA3YpqHJq525mLcNdjJobBMH53S-ybr6yygNhSNqq50G4_ZbG5kQF_1uPp1kxkSqz0wrCl3qHVQm89dvtLC-YbDknY34ubTpnGfDtAjZYBi9lk3Eeja3TUO73_AYRiiv5-Zhur1Se0d780njZmU10GHe22B9wui-XNPzYvjFiYo4_tr/s3324/Army%207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="3324" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh2PHoyGuTWA3YpqHJq525mLcNdjJobBMH53S-ybr6yygNhSNqq50G4_ZbG5kQF_1uPp1kxkSqz0wrCl3qHVQm89dvtLC-YbDknY34ubTpnGfDtAjZYBi9lk3Eeja3TUO73_AYRiiv5-Zhur1Se0d780njZmU10GHe22B9wui-XNPzYvjFiYo4_tr/w400-h278/Army%207.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Attention now falls on the remaining rifle squad, which should then allow me to tinker with a few more characterful pieces in the remaining time that I have; fingers crossed.</span></p><p></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-22152314890539766362022-08-15T09:30:00.001+01:002022-08-15T09:30:00.173+01:00Bravo Bad Squiddo Games!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1x5gZT_STuA_NEnKxpivKI9CoEaZ_9GFRVV92-pQQAKtVeZr0Wlj_CDuwVIYTgMoRz-maOJCC84uywo3K4R8i_6n8MzUQStBEwokQyLeS7uL-yiBkn3FaBAzuiNLQpr9iAPwb6kL-ThQni0rwe2aELdLOYa1FXzMX8J14EKKI6a2vwGg97AmJxu5/s3137/D4AFA597-D4FE-490A-9BC3-010E0816AC67_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1687" data-original-width="3137" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1x5gZT_STuA_NEnKxpivKI9CoEaZ_9GFRVV92-pQQAKtVeZr0Wlj_CDuwVIYTgMoRz-maOJCC84uywo3K4R8i_6n8MzUQStBEwokQyLeS7uL-yiBkn3FaBAzuiNLQpr9iAPwb6kL-ThQni0rwe2aELdLOYa1FXzMX8J14EKKI6a2vwGg97AmJxu5/w400-h215/D4AFA597-D4FE-490A-9BC3-010E0816AC67_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p>Despite the stifling heat down here on the South Coast, not that I am complaining you understand, I have managed to paint up 'most' of the second veteran unit for my wintery Soviet Army. I had hoped that the <a href="https://store.warlordgames.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3eeXBhD7ARIsAHjssr_4ai7SCAp3NbicVR9TMp-dwWbrebwZONs6OJqoxnFoc5BqzD87rjIaAqOgEALw_wcB" target="_blank">'Warlord Games'</a> Siberian Veterans box was going to account for most of its number, but I just wasn't happy with what were effectively the same sculpts that I was using for my other two rifle sections; fortunately a solution was found when serendipity played her hand.<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQnErjaPvKQdDpakq128vYTBSJXJef79oOCJQ47lHa825qbYECAKySXwZ_ru8E4XeM8QH_uBun5g2pDXAO9qhFolQ6PM2w7AuaFqSKccRSUwNuA8YJBDru30cILnahBupDQFOyErNp6KqmdHaZas8hXzbw_Cd530DimQJ3O1qnTI05F6Ds2HqMi4-/s4032/5589C036-1A1D-4A51-85A9-0E68052C17F0_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQnErjaPvKQdDpakq128vYTBSJXJef79oOCJQ47lHa825qbYECAKySXwZ_ru8E4XeM8QH_uBun5g2pDXAO9qhFolQ6PM2w7AuaFqSKccRSUwNuA8YJBDru30cILnahBupDQFOyErNp6KqmdHaZas8hXzbw_Cd530DimQJ3O1qnTI05F6Ds2HqMi4-/w400-h300/5589C036-1A1D-4A51-85A9-0E68052C17F0_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">When gathering the initial troops for the list, I knew that I wanted a sniper team, but felt that the 'Warlord Games' team was <i>wintery</i> enough for my liking. In searching for a suitable substitute, I stumbled across <a href="https://badsquiddogames.com" target="_blank">'Bad Squiddo Games'</a> whom I have used before for all manner of wonderful scenic items. Having spied a couple of likely candidates, I duly ordered them up and in her customary timely manner, Annie had them dispatched and winging their way to 'Awdry Towers' before you could say 'hosepipe ban'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5gxOEP4Ig8GZ6K3BNix4FbrJhFCgCQ_OUwbUhFR0_AHF3tzkISmduVa-w3otgvebaAnA7yVBeIAz0SGR1_CHZPbAAcjUDyPEtP7dZpmq6s5vK2WP72u2o6yfuaNPO1Zlpi5MYjBOQOImod7aG7fj6xJIARfs6vM7fUBo2VAR0DsC9GAvjdpXZj2S/s2838/5B33463D-9C8F-46FA-9801-6B19308FFC7E_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2838" data-original-width="1889" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5gxOEP4Ig8GZ6K3BNix4FbrJhFCgCQ_OUwbUhFR0_AHF3tzkISmduVa-w3otgvebaAnA7yVBeIAz0SGR1_CHZPbAAcjUDyPEtP7dZpmq6s5vK2WP72u2o6yfuaNPO1Zlpi5MYjBOQOImod7aG7fj6xJIARfs6vM7fUBo2VAR0DsC9GAvjdpXZj2S/w266-h400/5B33463D-9C8F-46FA-9801-6B19308FFC7E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">What I wasn't expecting was a delightful little thank you for my custom, another female Soviet combatant, this time toting a PPSh-41 sub maching gun with drum magazine and in winter uniform; an idea was forming! Closer scrutiny of the Bad Squiddo webstore unearthed another couple of packs that I felt I could use and before long an order was placed, although this time through <a href="https://www.northstarfigures.com" target="_blank">'North Star Miniatures'</a> as I was curious about some of their Crusader Miniatures Soviets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnNSGe0ypsWnQLOuUk2DImiudCH6PDUic9gSw0PUM24if8tlVFzBQEPQLQPeS6LtliquUriAHuQjWARt9uZBMdWPlIof6mfW9sQrrcV-1fwoD0VDbKmHM7i_kuLAv5fNLQE9ehkPeF5D7yjnQJzN835a4h2CFzjT1bQCo--6GKiKW1wH4JiDsRgMP/s3032/2CFE6967-763F-4D29-8D1C-66A76A49DE4C_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1946" data-original-width="3032" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnNSGe0ypsWnQLOuUk2DImiudCH6PDUic9gSw0PUM24if8tlVFzBQEPQLQPeS6LtliquUriAHuQjWARt9uZBMdWPlIof6mfW9sQrrcV-1fwoD0VDbKmHM7i_kuLAv5fNLQE9ehkPeF5D7yjnQJzN835a4h2CFzjT1bQCo--6GKiKW1wH4JiDsRgMP/w400-h256/2CFE6967-763F-4D29-8D1C-66A76A49DE4C_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With regards to the quality of the bad squiddo miniatures, I am happy to report that they are excellent, nicely cast with very few lines and no extraneous flash. Characterful poses that scale-wise fit in well with the other miniatures that I have used, they are uncomplicated making them an absolute joy to paint. The ladies have collar tabs and I have picked these out in red, mostly for aesthetic reasons as opposed to any thought for historical accuracy, but I have to say that I am really rather chuffed with them. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLxerGYJyKjcW5HYtk1johpfi4CpR9zDQ5D5UN_kCdVVrKq0tDvX0MVOV5pQEuELAVWs23p5m8TrJdCZdyDCKy6FajTDy8wott6FJ37kgwz9-QOQEGCgZBWyqaqLWyHEdpm3jALFec3L38iG6gaATJz50GCN3sY_Rbxk6HFpbjrr9kKcmpI7dqpr8/s4409/83D1EC02-4067-4535-B30D-F9F3A6677C59_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2277" data-original-width="4409" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLxerGYJyKjcW5HYtk1johpfi4CpR9zDQ5D5UN_kCdVVrKq0tDvX0MVOV5pQEuELAVWs23p5m8TrJdCZdyDCKy6FajTDy8wott6FJ37kgwz9-QOQEGCgZBWyqaqLWyHEdpm3jALFec3L38iG6gaATJz50GCN3sY_Rbxk6HFpbjrr9kKcmpI7dqpr8/w400-h206/83D1EC02-4067-4535-B30D-F9F3A6677C59_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> As my veteran units are all going to be armed with sub machine guns, if not carrying a light machine gun, I added an extra weapon carefully placed on some bricks, for the soldier kneeling and firing the captured Panzerfaust. Meanwhile the fearsome lady about to hurl the Molotov cocktail will find herself in the final rifle section when it is finished.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">What of the sniper team, I hear you ask? Well they are primed, but I am still deciding how to base them and so remain firmly stuck to their lollipop stick for the time being. If you look carefully you can see the final members of the the ragtag veteran unit lurking in the background, waiting to be painted so that they can joy their sisters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpDzFxuIXsTJqCPrpgSxSDslsNxQH0vwNB1vwyHK8K9ze66wpwfNY5UehPEmXDIy9EE9QlkbxuDkKSIvZjTlCR9Add3jXWYJwTr-lsT37AlrfikfbosV20wGCPQOw-brwlxgszUT89wyGenw_vQYJbS9sJAFuv5HGp8MC_KRR7PW1XHC72ChISm7R/s2934/61A25AF9-AAD2-4673-A230-D8AD37DD6A95_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="2934" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpDzFxuIXsTJqCPrpgSxSDslsNxQH0vwNB1vwyHK8K9ze66wpwfNY5UehPEmXDIy9EE9QlkbxuDkKSIvZjTlCR9Add3jXWYJwTr-lsT37AlrfikfbosV20wGCPQOw-brwlxgszUT89wyGenw_vQYJbS9sJAFuv5HGp8MC_KRR7PW1XHC72ChISm7R/w400-h211/61A25AF9-AAD2-4673-A230-D8AD37DD6A95_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thank you then, Annie, of <a href="https://badsquiddogames.com" target="_blank">'Bad Squiddo Games'</a>, whose generosity of spirit and quality of service resulted in me adding more of her fine miniatures to the army and which have, in turn, help give the existing troops a truly unique feel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4QSOLj43bezZ4-dTp3kfLFrGhQEykBTMSXX6ekk7igqEz4oIrB_3ljwPRsrzu3h3THINX2zpol3GcGQgP4nsooUnBcTdrz3-DWrJ2MgXDPPi6lRh2T8dWTdIfFXks3AiPXYfXaydLnNXzF-eXJpAwAZW3rmQCCinluxoO0L57M1T0xBz51be90r-/s3324/Army%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="3324" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4QSOLj43bezZ4-dTp3kfLFrGhQEykBTMSXX6ekk7igqEz4oIrB_3ljwPRsrzu3h3THINX2zpol3GcGQgP4nsooUnBcTdrz3-DWrJ2MgXDPPi6lRh2T8dWTdIfFXks3AiPXYfXaydLnNXzF-eXJpAwAZW3rmQCCinluxoO0L57M1T0xBz51be90r-/w400-h278/Army%206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-30505346821989313102022-08-09T10:00:00.001+01:002022-08-09T10:00:00.171+01:00Snowsuits<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKMiHjp440ikH7pYKPl9rkRhT122BP4LB3su2LS_eOCsygXBc4T_1wJTVmtdQmK8XE6dzHgr_ispn4O13wOfDS-Crv5rPwUws-2HtNvfCS-tSQWxFQBK2CdGseoWQvKVvvchW9fWbWr2t4o5YIfXQpzB4AEvwdD1KcO7zKQ_vPMCWwNGFSUaYL_ky/s4377/BF321F21-2BA0-47ED-83F1-3EF9A638A480_1_201_a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2279" data-original-width="4377" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKMiHjp440ikH7pYKPl9rkRhT122BP4LB3su2LS_eOCsygXBc4T_1wJTVmtdQmK8XE6dzHgr_ispn4O13wOfDS-Crv5rPwUws-2HtNvfCS-tSQWxFQBK2CdGseoWQvKVvvchW9fWbWr2t4o5YIfXQpzB4AEvwdD1KcO7zKQ_vPMCWwNGFSUaYL_ky/w400-h209/BF321F21-2BA0-47ED-83F1-3EF9A638A480_1_201_a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like the howl from a timberwolf, the bitter east wind caused more than just fingers to freeze. The fear of an imminent attack was debilitating, not one soul moved for fear of alerting an unseen enemy to their position. They were out there, watching, waiting...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvmefZWO2cSUDpfLS5MiLnA4iIEb7XDb3y1qsiy5FwOxZsyWg2mEDYgmaSc2qZ3JNQbH4bQENMcW9XLUipDOl2i5uGamunwW25Js1unihnSmnLTfOfRVKDElzMJAHisb1S8TotyNXGcDJsjoWQ6qfzWhVqaQkcmAPytrhobNT11lK0NqC3904Liv4/w400-h264/5D5D5C13-011E-47B7-BAF3-14E87F59C265.jpeg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fanciful narrative and photo-editing aside, the lesson learnt as a result of this post is don't try and take a shot of troops wearing snowsuits on a white background! Just a very quick post to showcase the latest unit for my Soviet force. With my 1000 point army list, I have opted for two eight man SMG totting veteran squads with LMG support. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72eLvMf_VfM30mainmz4mAWjq-Wdv8JS-l93btFD_zMjGSRG5oBsXsExFQ7j31Fb1Kmz63MhBFnRPrCaA6ZV4lluYlEbmR8wg6p5og5I6EhTwyICaelLoMZd9hdGfdW9VSNhyi26WRJa_mJ6HbLC05_V0dTslikZABSnSJhdVV3pGSPHK6ix74lxn/s4476/548594DF-0071-4490-AE07-5A64D7872AD3_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2225" data-original-width="4476" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72eLvMf_VfM30mainmz4mAWjq-Wdv8JS-l93btFD_zMjGSRG5oBsXsExFQ7j31Fb1Kmz63MhBFnRPrCaA6ZV4lluYlEbmR8wg6p5og5I6EhTwyICaelLoMZd9hdGfdW9VSNhyi26WRJa_mJ6HbLC05_V0dTslikZABSnSJhdVV3pGSPHK6ix74lxn/w400-h199/548594DF-0071-4490-AE07-5A64D7872AD3_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Given that I wanted a wintery feel to the army the 'Warlord Games' snowsuits squad was always going to be on my shopping list and I was relieved to find that they had just enough models carrying the appropriate hardware to work for my purposes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXEvVTqN_8XB9cRex6lp30h22R8mIDpzxpDIYEX09VwRzTs4h17Wdzpykk5DgOiq8iITtSAyrPmH5lRVuRd66ZoqzJYU3UhXnGSmkCnyIFAOF39g8rzvaj9ywwbkirKPFbv_cfho_tP3KcFNdLWIitjypSOXjwTDq8RGE8tV4swQClWiCYEzrZteL/s4213/D7F8E402-2076-4781-AF01-FAF60FEC7723_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2222" data-original-width="4213" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXEvVTqN_8XB9cRex6lp30h22R8mIDpzxpDIYEX09VwRzTs4h17Wdzpykk5DgOiq8iITtSAyrPmH5lRVuRd66ZoqzJYU3UhXnGSmkCnyIFAOF39g8rzvaj9ywwbkirKPFbv_cfho_tP3KcFNdLWIitjypSOXjwTDq8RGE8tV4swQClWiCYEzrZteL/w400-h211/D7F8E402-2076-4781-AF01-FAF60FEC7723_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">When it came to painting, I had hoped that they would be a quick win and so having blasted them with my dark grey spray primer, I dusted off the trusty airbrush and gave them another coat of Vallejo Grey surface primer. This is quite a light shade, but when dried I gave them a final blast with an airbrush white to help bring out the highlights. It was then just a case of picking out the detail like faces, weapons and of course the bases. Initially this proved rather painstaking as I was worried I would paint over the suits, but once I realised that I could just paint back over any mistakes and claim it was a highlight the whole process sped up considerably.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1788" data-original-width="3527" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdLjaEEPZX2DJFn-MxilrTMKkZrYChWHoylyy59qNZLbrfSQ1160nDKznDplishlM0VvnOwGu1hMG33fiOX0s3fP8SGkq5RSZRL77mHeoWQ_sJCKN5MyZw6uF9M7boG_dqfSaLdBsgr7ucHMhq-56uH3UbCs5Wd8gg48QZm3he3SqzeRWhuIaRTbq/w400-h203/5FC8938A-FCFE-413B-B6BB-A1B40895B2F1_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">An expensive unit to field, I am hoping that they pack quite a punch and make my adversaries think twice about taking them on, allowing me to take advantage of any hesitation by throwing even more troops into the action. As with all the troops shown so far they have yet to be varnished and the bases still need a sprinkling with snow, but for now I will chalk them up on the tally board. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScjWrADXiEr-kny8eCZLxAFgGn9PhQjNkOp6_-FGf1zGvSYs3x2Sh327G9NuSnX13F_wKFW9paBJNxO0kOz3ZDC29ksvh7Ya3L2F4rNNElsrVdErHmM1W1ez9KvW0rSonVFCMghhd9ucC1a6TWTh4cbdTV8i_czCf-AlTuwtRUghbpCZ_Np8MyPVR/s3324/Army%205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="3324" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScjWrADXiEr-kny8eCZLxAFgGn9PhQjNkOp6_-FGf1zGvSYs3x2Sh327G9NuSnX13F_wKFW9paBJNxO0kOz3ZDC29ksvh7Ya3L2F4rNNElsrVdErHmM1W1ez9KvW0rSonVFCMghhd9ucC1a6TWTh4cbdTV8i_czCf-AlTuwtRUghbpCZ_Np8MyPVR/w400-h278/Army%205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-56243705685299225812022-08-04T11:00:00.001+01:002022-08-04T11:00:00.177+01:00You go first! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVb_5yvBR8XCmra4eABoE4LbC8t9_WShvPXTLEw_U_eBk8zsZFVrgmMnZh38VshgrhWeJtUdq80APsPnZe4AFK38bBW2AS10hDN9wJMryxHlqD5mCHwa9qOe5xE7wKuBX2nBBXsimM9s_2E6QIr9zpjLHLEsN13gQMaLBH0LsLCFtHozoPYm-eHod/s2656/2820A839-4718-4B66-BBBF-8AB4538FF0DE_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1976" data-original-width="2656" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVb_5yvBR8XCmra4eABoE4LbC8t9_WShvPXTLEw_U_eBk8zsZFVrgmMnZh38VshgrhWeJtUdq80APsPnZe4AFK38bBW2AS10hDN9wJMryxHlqD5mCHwa9qOe5xE7wKuBX2nBBXsimM9s_2E6QIr9zpjLHLEsN13gQMaLBH0LsLCFtHozoPYm-eHod/w400-h297/2820A839-4718-4B66-BBBF-8AB4538FF0DE_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Another completed section! Surely this can't be true? Let me assure you dear reader, this level of productivity can't be sustained, but nevertheless one must ride the wave when given the opportunity. Another five troops that complete the green, 'free' section for my Soviet force. If I understand the rules correctly these are effectively a 'meat shield'* that is thrown up in advance of more seasoned troops. However if they do survive their first encounter then they become more versatile and a thorn in any adversary's side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVb_5yvBR8XCmra4eABoE4LbC8t9_WShvPXTLEw_U_eBk8zsZFVrgmMnZh38VshgrhWeJtUdq80APsPnZe4AFK38bBW2AS10hDN9wJMryxHlqD5mCHwa9qOe5xE7wKuBX2nBBXsimM9s_2E6QIr9zpjLHLEsN13gQMaLBH0LsLCFtHozoPYm-eHod/s2656/2820A839-4718-4B66-BBBF-8AB4538FF0DE_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1963" data-original-width="3892" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_NryKTKZ5GI2syC14BuxQI-iL9psZj9c6WWq9sw2PDFKgHb_6DApSULozEXWyxrs2Rg5HkTmAuowJTFcu-MLyZI8hh6MRYy68dT4OptDgx1xfunDA0WkuHwN6CJrzzoZOL-sblBHxRDoOmuX7vWinlhx5mqXOColNdtZyecnI66LZP1LLrAk_i6C/w400-h201/86C81A61-7167-47CC-9E8F-A0C7C0337D00_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">*A truly ghastly expression</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">I have mentioned before how much I enjoy the 'Warlord Games' plastic sprues as there is a good amount of character and versatility in the sculpting without been plagued by extraneous details. That said, I am sure that I read a comment somewhere that there is a concern over the longevity of the plastic soldier with some of the painted miniatures becoming brittle and snapping over time. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLj_oHEsp5tBryDhtjdef7YFyhQRjgxWnOnFocuW9PWT5SwRjG9E6Gpwy9AvtZSh43n6Ta3N0mM4mIYUBk5lHsW-PcWkwaevMU0rS_VajSba-Mxp-_w03Ef12xYysac_GjwYePxJOCxqzij224x9V82jYx2WnWaPjuCaEPAuGA0AONE74Pr6we8WF/s4765/18489AA2-AE59-4AD1-83CA-F32AC1C15846_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2290" data-original-width="4765" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLj_oHEsp5tBryDhtjdef7YFyhQRjgxWnOnFocuW9PWT5SwRjG9E6Gpwy9AvtZSh43n6Ta3N0mM4mIYUBk5lHsW-PcWkwaevMU0rS_VajSba-Mxp-_w03Ef12xYysac_GjwYePxJOCxqzij224x9V82jYx2WnWaPjuCaEPAuGA0AONE74Pr6we8WF/w400-h193/18489AA2-AE59-4AD1-83CA-F32AC1C15846_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the time being I shall carry on regardless and charge off blindly to prepare the next section, which just happens to be a veteran unit and made up of metal miniatures. With July already behind us it won't be long before the return to school starts to invade my waking hours. That, and the need to capitalise on the time remaining to enjoy some quality time with the Saintly Mrs. Awdry, may well see a downturn in production but I am determined to try and finish the basic force before the end of the holiday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKoOVYbhFtrVZCzbDkWtbZmSizt62MMl7EfiYNzpO8h5_hoPM9Nwb6BFTvR1Q4J8O4ShWW9u-D3eHr8qvatXRivDW1gsUgEvIxjiZznlroMe3zE7fxoRISD2uZoePquK33uPgKVhzggDcvTOlt6sMxtHutS4IUVBAKT6rEQ_cNhy-ZQUnA8cKoeOQ/s3556/F1019A01-D9DD-4324-8A25-469A731FFFB7_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="3556" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKoOVYbhFtrVZCzbDkWtbZmSizt62MMl7EfiYNzpO8h5_hoPM9Nwb6BFTvR1Q4J8O4ShWW9u-D3eHr8qvatXRivDW1gsUgEvIxjiZznlroMe3zE7fxoRISD2uZoePquK33uPgKVhzggDcvTOlt6sMxtHutS4IUVBAKT6rEQ_cNhy-ZQUnA8cKoeOQ/w400-h150/F1019A01-D9DD-4324-8A25-469A731FFFB7_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It won't come as any surprise to those more regular readers of this humble weblog that distractions have been sighted on the horizon, but most revolve around possible terrain ideas for these chaps to battle over. That said I have picked up one set of rules that has caught my imagination, but more of that another day. For now, the visual tally tracker has been marked up accordingly and so onwards! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiCVev6B43KFlMMuADMAdF8d5hCABNfH0PjC5d2v7OluGqBKCN1cDZ4uce_fNxeIoa5PI4EQPMVr8RbDHLdWe_oIqH7WIY58Uu-JE_DN58xiakM9RZO6dtNEMnghoae4GNX7t6lejVc35Kh-eXpQ_4Fx4D5P_nvltcYXlKrBiusQLAfh8aMWW0LDb/s3324/Army%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="3324" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiCVev6B43KFlMMuADMAdF8d5hCABNfH0PjC5d2v7OluGqBKCN1cDZ4uce_fNxeIoa5PI4EQPMVr8RbDHLdWe_oIqH7WIY58Uu-JE_DN58xiakM9RZO6dtNEMnghoae4GNX7t6lejVc35Kh-eXpQ_4Fx4D5P_nvltcYXlKrBiusQLAfh8aMWW0LDb/w400-h278/Army%204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-38764729736724923992022-07-30T08:00:00.004+01:002022-07-30T08:00:00.190+01:00Rifle Section Ready<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOJkq5EVq3o4mInmakREKDztwNG2zjKzs509FI3SdpEgI7EUdH-6XZrEdy-KexdpOyNwt9AbrE2gTJwqTBTvjNA3FYyOMU4hz0yDuhIS9tW4mV6SLHvQ4f37UEjCiZt9UqSMaHlZS8sEbjAjhuOWksRT7TB3YEXRAs-F79KkI50D6Uc0ZfirBzdrv/s3978/5F574A1A-7B31-483B-B009-EC261FDA6AC1_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2170" data-original-width="3978" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOJkq5EVq3o4mInmakREKDztwNG2zjKzs509FI3SdpEgI7EUdH-6XZrEdy-KexdpOyNwt9AbrE2gTJwqTBTvjNA3FYyOMU4hz0yDuhIS9tW4mV6SLHvQ4f37UEjCiZt9UqSMaHlZS8sEbjAjhuOWksRT7TB3YEXRAs-F79KkI50D6Uc0ZfirBzdrv/w400-h219/5F574A1A-7B31-483B-B009-EC261FDA6AC1_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have mentioned before how I had found inspiration in the painting guide found on <a href="https://moitereisbuntewelt.blogspot.com/">'Moiterei's bunte Welt'</a>. Unfortunately this only dealt with the 'summer' uniform and although I was able to adapt it my needs, I had a sudden panic when dealing with the Telogreika padded jackets worn by some of my troops. Fortunately, Nick very kindly came to my rescue and suggested a couple of colours and techniques to incorporate into what I was already doing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3imawzruqGhMNazt80oSyLV9azQG1vcgbBt8HYw6ZoGvgK4jbZwllUGJdaf_5cX-8v3QfKdEGPv0bEMkMx0Ku3RnqtW4Ab-lYz2i2JFKf3VAdkxmsTrOEYhXFaMxoGRJHoXOZXSdXYupnz5o0wdSug4sN1mxekrPiNXTZUhVMmUM_0KqsbbWRdqOp/s2390/5F5CFBC8-0D5C-454D-997B-6AF18235B349_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2390" data-original-width="1823" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3imawzruqGhMNazt80oSyLV9azQG1vcgbBt8HYw6ZoGvgK4jbZwllUGJdaf_5cX-8v3QfKdEGPv0bEMkMx0Ku3RnqtW4Ab-lYz2i2JFKf3VAdkxmsTrOEYhXFaMxoGRJHoXOZXSdXYupnz5o0wdSug4sN1mxekrPiNXTZUhVMmUM_0KqsbbWRdqOp/w305-h400/5F5CFBC8-0D5C-454D-997B-6AF18235B349_1_201_a.jpeg" width="305" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After using a suitable 'earth' colour for the base everything was given a wash, something I always worry about. I have used washes and glazes and understand the technique, but I always shudder at covering over a nicely painting miniature in this way. In this case the purpose is simply to accentuate the depth between the padded sections, which then allows me to highlight the raised sections to sell the illusion.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYNGhRvVeHFxLqgAVDs_ms2k18Ejdwcfl0vUpl7efssUTBkT3SgA5wdQTioV41ubNeq-CePNHxfnmgm1mS52axcZFRhBOEeF4qf9rkwxgYGAKulL1YIVsafM4c5oo9KI18bCjAGpuKKAIpu-DInwbzJR0orq_kT3vfexh2_EBpoBpgXukferrNzOe/s3582/7D63C704-C338-4EEB-8F43-6521D361C77A_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2249" data-original-width="3582" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYNGhRvVeHFxLqgAVDs_ms2k18Ejdwcfl0vUpl7efssUTBkT3SgA5wdQTioV41ubNeq-CePNHxfnmgm1mS52axcZFRhBOEeF4qf9rkwxgYGAKulL1YIVsafM4c5oo9KI18bCjAGpuKKAIpu-DInwbzJR0orq_kT3vfexh2_EBpoBpgXukferrNzOe/w400-h251/7D63C704-C338-4EEB-8F43-6521D361C77A_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">All relatively straightforward stuff, but it helped tremendously having someone just guide me through those initial steps and choices for a colour palette. The idea is to have recognisably Soviet troops for the tabletop as opposed to historically accurate ones and so my simplified style is working as well as I could have hoped. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaG9PShUzKmO9OJfEINWo3zTffz5nI5TScbw-tqUxvQ9hF1Je919L2cdgZW0bmGDI3JfLXaVPd4vfWaeZdzR7cxG0McJwTNoAxfWe1M5dpWvijRDDO1gdIZjoOomYzGPJlU4jVihx98gLIR5KdAmRwYy_lpCpkH5grlBa2Hm46KRck1wOVj13m8hX/s4949/E4DA2CFE-38C6-46A7-860D-954CB1B1F657_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2246" data-original-width="4949" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaG9PShUzKmO9OJfEINWo3zTffz5nI5TScbw-tqUxvQ9hF1Je919L2cdgZW0bmGDI3JfLXaVPd4vfWaeZdzR7cxG0McJwTNoAxfWe1M5dpWvijRDDO1gdIZjoOomYzGPJlU4jVihx98gLIR5KdAmRwYy_lpCpkH5grlBa2Hm46KRck1wOVj13m8hX/w400-h181/E4DA2CFE-38C6-46A7-860D-954CB1B1F657_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNwjU56fVr1-pBauVfDO8E_wyxpAzZNoK0BqKNguu358HhtGnUAL0pWghczMuwjUzi8Rf1QVl5eoieJ7aARHA2QIuJzz0kLCdZ8lkv8hzKpS9wvecZp9YlZLxPyJ7k5RX-pIUgtaahxaLHGlieh2VxQf9bVwIxvU9pswENP7LGQETAYIDlVdY_KXH/s3917/9849E022-3F9F-4E09-97DE-B260E9E63964_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="3917" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNwjU56fVr1-pBauVfDO8E_wyxpAzZNoK0BqKNguu358HhtGnUAL0pWghczMuwjUzi8Rf1QVl5eoieJ7aARHA2QIuJzz0kLCdZ8lkv8hzKpS9wvecZp9YlZLxPyJ7k5RX-pIUgtaahxaLHGlieh2VxQf9bVwIxvU9pswENP7LGQETAYIDlVdY_KXH/w400-h159/9849E022-3F9F-4E09-97DE-B260E9E63964_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">So with the addition of these four, I have my first completed Rifle section with Light Machine Gun support. There is another of these to come, along with two Veteran Sub Machine Gun sections, but first I need to finish of the other half of the 'Green' Rifle section. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCplaRBKdPuqTZWgllwU3iWJRaO9FhNLTz4eTOSV4iujD8-_sxsERcWrLXUxleBlj0USoNOIq3SbijjObDFrPsifhzJTlsdUOxrI6xu4n8meLaGlXKQxj6aN5xk5sIt6XcyL3qWzCIdtTpUEK_F2cjxglJczJFJ1tKg9RHvzcjYp2kGiN84Di3_nV/s3324/Army%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="3324" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCplaRBKdPuqTZWgllwU3iWJRaO9FhNLTz4eTOSV4iujD8-_sxsERcWrLXUxleBlj0USoNOIq3SbijjObDFrPsifhzJTlsdUOxrI6xu4n8meLaGlXKQxj6aN5xk5sIt6XcyL3qWzCIdtTpUEK_F2cjxglJczJFJ1tKg9RHvzcjYp2kGiN84Di3_nV/w400-h278/Army%203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-83424139171939473402022-07-23T08:00:00.001+01:002022-07-23T08:00:00.198+01:00Da Comrade! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi99gwZ_n0OykndGLCqNJwpbm7CMBcuXcq_ywGD9rwZmWtrc108Oq6_Hu6gWVTHZ4phbPJZSD1uA-kkh0gAxihfB1fK75YhLhwPD0aJpJ7Zfydt6OhfPabtt9xXB-DCXHmM_1rcc17-V0PCOFqVtrmGLMANufVw392IQA3cg3VptpD0adq_WO6fPgU/s3316/FBC916C0-83B1-4577-B4A2-77D4733D1FB7_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2324" data-original-width="3316" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi99gwZ_n0OykndGLCqNJwpbm7CMBcuXcq_ywGD9rwZmWtrc108Oq6_Hu6gWVTHZ4phbPJZSD1uA-kkh0gAxihfB1fK75YhLhwPD0aJpJ7Zfydt6OhfPabtt9xXB-DCXHmM_1rcc17-V0PCOFqVtrmGLMANufVw392IQA3cg3VptpD0adq_WO6fPgU/w400-h280/FBC916C0-83B1-4577-B4A2-77D4733D1FB7_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I have managed to safely negotiate the record breaking temperatures here in the United Kingdom by simply not doing very much! I did try to keep the hobby momentum going with a few hours of painting first thing in the morning and last thing at night and, as a result, can share my latest efforts. </div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5_ExaAtY_wKT6fHlkoXGxazQm1U8lgIiKMHRF7OaNysy2_oD1TZHzf1ObJZi1PGfxOGSJHJLGj6R84vSvlsXKSAwuBHbhqTGt2BOIqxtDEdepzXIR_9GJdzFWigrqEmq7RZ1StqbILGJsn87RlQZD1MMwQIrhCtEi6eozxfWoQ8O2abp4a0j9Orr/s4590/1AE1A96B-F3A2-4BFF-A40F-6B5F45621E03_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="4590" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5_ExaAtY_wKT6fHlkoXGxazQm1U8lgIiKMHRF7OaNysy2_oD1TZHzf1ObJZi1PGfxOGSJHJLGj6R84vSvlsXKSAwuBHbhqTGt2BOIqxtDEdepzXIR_9GJdzFWigrqEmq7RZ1StqbILGJsn87RlQZD1MMwQIrhCtEi6eozxfWoQ8O2abp4a0j9Orr/w400-h217/1AE1A96B-F3A2-4BFF-A40F-6B5F45621E03_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">These are my first test troops using the 'summer' uniform sprues from the 'Warlord Games' Siberian Veterans box. As I mentioned before, I was initially a little disappointed with the contents of box, but by using these as my 'free' Green Rifle Section, I feel that I have justified the purchase. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZILFcyOmd2VDrmGqwu7k_j7sL8_9QqEW5r_ajs-XbFVMP8cMFzdoEuXjiZ5eYkigsmLMLDLSZ9UHiD4uws4gFhCa6ZfcgiioPM_PsR6zJj1gg16G5wyKZZiGa21I96X6EkY7JdDiZ0OEo15f9y74Yxg-bzriIE3JubL8yI270hQPaDR7eEFTbWsI/s4823/A1702121-7E4B-4587-9593-A2E27463ACF1_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2655" data-original-width="4823" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZILFcyOmd2VDrmGqwu7k_j7sL8_9QqEW5r_ajs-XbFVMP8cMFzdoEuXjiZ5eYkigsmLMLDLSZ9UHiD4uws4gFhCa6ZfcgiioPM_PsR6zJj1gg16G5wyKZZiGa21I96X6EkY7JdDiZ0OEo15f9y74Yxg-bzriIE3JubL8yI270hQPaDR7eEFTbWsI/w400-h220/A1702121-7E4B-4587-9593-A2E27463ACF1_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Painted using the guide from the wonderful, 'Moiterei's bunte Welt' although, I did simplify it somewhat as I knew I wouldn't be able to match Nick's exquisite brushwork. Speaking of Nick, he was kind enough to share his thoughts on what colours would work for the Telogreika padded uniform so keen to give this a go next. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_XIKFwTmQ2SG7sQvd4oyxiggNjog1y-am5TAOC4eJzRZnMdO8oCAJnYxJlMHfXqovyIRJQFBaDGur-p-9sES4BBtpvriG7hCMt_X5rT1LRcGRgldKr0ZnarS6FVJ3LBwuWgKn9FQzK3Xobc8Lg9LmVA-EYovByhchPP4PFg8U6yRQu2ytKDdJqNJ/s3324/Army%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="3324" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_XIKFwTmQ2SG7sQvd4oyxiggNjog1y-am5TAOC4eJzRZnMdO8oCAJnYxJlMHfXqovyIRJQFBaDGur-p-9sES4BBtpvriG7hCMt_X5rT1LRcGRgldKr0ZnarS6FVJ3LBwuWgKn9FQzK3Xobc8Lg9LmVA-EYovByhchPP4PFg8U6yRQu2ytKDdJqNJ/w400-h278/Army%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So that's another ticked off my list, although still not varnished on final base work done yet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-19789712014748748622022-07-17T18:00:00.005+01:002022-07-17T18:00:00.210+01:00Wrap up warm! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspQ6g0Iga-QnuzIpj0TPycrZ8G1fwv60d4x7tzopCOUr9GQdsNDtTUZJ6CUokFIH4r_4_qYEXTAM2PMJdaNJ1zLCwRg1Np8ebm5JhSvFQdmgfldwsgn64WMklyCEdu8AZhogXp2g4J8xCMS7fvjj5Iwvpi-0-t1V2tRlj5LpVET-oQOs0I0hZesM8/s2511/FD1D2193-0C05-4628-A4C7-9DFA38B11AF0_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2511" data-original-width="1990" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspQ6g0Iga-QnuzIpj0TPycrZ8G1fwv60d4x7tzopCOUr9GQdsNDtTUZJ6CUokFIH4r_4_qYEXTAM2PMJdaNJ1zLCwRg1Np8ebm5JhSvFQdmgfldwsgn64WMklyCEdu8AZhogXp2g4J8xCMS7fvjj5Iwvpi-0-t1V2tRlj5LpVET-oQOs0I0hZesM8/w318-h400/FD1D2193-0C05-4628-A4C7-9DFA38B11AF0_1_201_a.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Progress this week hasn't been too bad, not a huge amount of miniatures painted but some important decisions made. As always my biggest hurdle is deciding on a colour palette. I have picked up a few reference books and the infoweb is awash with examples of 28mm Soviet Infantry, but it is if I need my hand holding and someone sayong, "put this colour on that part." I am fine once I get started and happy to take a free and easy approach to historical accuracy, but those tentative first steps can be quite daunting.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ-r5pkmQ_qbNu0szVBOHQgSoJ_PTR7P7VtiAvAaPSNJrA2xT41IzffeAHAyxbKFhTBzXuzQtRn5UPSYUHhg4hHUitQN1JFKpghIUeJWEYTZauXP51rvuIUAVZ6Eo72VBdH72m6Ps8okFmSvPLf1V_zRl8r_2D-PSLfhkkI8Y4KS1HMNB68WR5G3h/s3101/4ED51E7C-3858-4FCF-836A-5C0B0DAA5C92_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2270" data-original-width="3101" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ-r5pkmQ_qbNu0szVBOHQgSoJ_PTR7P7VtiAvAaPSNJrA2xT41IzffeAHAyxbKFhTBzXuzQtRn5UPSYUHhg4hHUitQN1JFKpghIUeJWEYTZauXP51rvuIUAVZ6Eo72VBdH72m6Ps8okFmSvPLf1V_zRl8r_2D-PSLfhkkI8Y4KS1HMNB68WR5G3h/w400-h293/4ED51E7C-3858-4FCF-836A-5C0B0DAA5C92_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The goal has been to achieve a level of competence that doesn't jar the eye too much, but is relatively quick to get the troops done. I have drawn on the experiences of several gentlemen and fellow Bloggers, namely Dai (<a href="http://lostdamnedstunted.blogspot.com/">The Lost and the Damned and the Stunted</a>), Sander (<a href="http://modusregmagnimomenti.blogspot.com/">Modus Reg Magni Momenti</a>) and Moitnerei (<a href="https://moitereisbuntewelt.blogspot.com">Moiterei's bunte Welt</a>). All have experience of putting together a similar force and so I was able to glean a few great ideas from them all and particularly this little gem, a <a href="https://moitereisbuntewelt.blogspot.com/2020/01/soviet-colour-guide_21.html">'Soviet Colour Guide!'</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-_J3ISuF-abgeOAL0jd9YS-TuPYLAsxAfedx3U5NlX2MCiZMAww8VuvFRne2jys4TjFPE--upvfNU0IzR6njriUkN2Dm_WUzl3AMtNFhTd-YsdCVKoISiQCZfZqpjtsUVR9HFBz8pahxEtYTVs0GHLui1c3w4H5ptVRw5vSmpDTCyP4fOedmKmRA/s3086/95AD56F4-86ED-4F80-9F49-670630A95C2F_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1976" data-original-width="3086" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-_J3ISuF-abgeOAL0jd9YS-TuPYLAsxAfedx3U5NlX2MCiZMAww8VuvFRne2jys4TjFPE--upvfNU0IzR6njriUkN2Dm_WUzl3AMtNFhTd-YsdCVKoISiQCZfZqpjtsUVR9HFBz8pahxEtYTVs0GHLui1c3w4H5ptVRw5vSmpDTCyP4fOedmKmRA/w400-h256/95AD56F4-86ED-4F80-9F49-670630A95C2F_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few liberties have been taken, particularly with the colour of the ushanka fur hat, but ultimately I am pleased with the first half of my first section. At this point they have not been varnished as I am not sure about insignia of uniforms, collar flashes for example? If anyone has any thoughts then do please share. As for the bases, I am thinking that they will ultimately have a snowy feel to them, but will be leaving that until I have more of the force assembled. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDM0r3J7f0CIV-D8bIzFWGXewMPWRqkA1SOU4dRIVsByfO5v0lWbSudd2Ox157lrlcgTT--wvxls4Nq6i8yBXSpeGdeTqh-YrvkFFBayWgq5LOUZGTIMyhZzO2_jEObDcIG-HXVSZZbZZebPXDFl5lMgwvRwtTTazObHQllzU7z-IgylCSN71oxsR/s3374/829E8376-9137-41B9-9937-DA8AD3A25131_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2150" data-original-width="3374" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDM0r3J7f0CIV-D8bIzFWGXewMPWRqkA1SOU4dRIVsByfO5v0lWbSudd2Ox157lrlcgTT--wvxls4Nq6i8yBXSpeGdeTqh-YrvkFFBayWgq5LOUZGTIMyhZzO2_jEObDcIG-HXVSZZbZZebPXDFl5lMgwvRwtTTazObHQllzU7z-IgylCSN71oxsR/w400-h255/829E8376-9137-41B9-9937-DA8AD3A25131_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDM0r3J7f0CIV-D8bIzFWGXewMPWRqkA1SOU4dRIVsByfO5v0lWbSudd2Ox157lrlcgTT--wvxls4Nq6i8yBXSpeGdeTqh-YrvkFFBayWgq5LOUZGTIMyhZzO2_jEObDcIG-HXVSZZbZZebPXDFl5lMgwvRwtTTazObHQllzU7z-IgylCSN71oxsR/s3374/829E8376-9137-41B9-9937-DA8AD3A25131_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2591" data-original-width="4973" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZwllzxnTup6nqtictHCGjSZYLLQeYj3FkykwLRLj1LQIHmh2HqE6hYWKpKABavUsOmAkdvWZ5IMQjMVy6dS681ylQI9jEmx6ZokUkR1LHXsH-Zxrxqz1ff7uWisSDHpYcAdRHGZDoDym7T363nq_2cCbIY9EgPtjpLzuuNk350mL8-WQ6hq9NApe/w400-h209/48DB3CD6-B599-4E1E-816D-1E7913698B42_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">These were from the <a href="https://store.warlordgames.com">'Warlord Games'</a> Soviet Infantry (Winter) box and I absolutely loved painting them. Great fun to build and just the right amount of detail to keep me interested without becoming too difficult; being plastic they are also more forgiving when I drop them too! There is a slight conversion using one of the arms from the Siberian Veterans box, but I ultimately I was a little disappointed with this purchase. It is essentially a mix of winter and summer uniform sprues with a few metal heads. That said, I am going to use the summer uniform sprues for the 'green' free section, progress for which is underway, see below, so not all is lost. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNutMyvADMONEgOA2XRXV2W2b9i9cEHGOfp9FfWDjhIlGMXQ4X-lQ4jtGxryCF1ThCZfr1c21dGM6KNvYgyckkdqkpdX5eWZLQcNqDG1bz4wkOnLWkoqyuGmYpDPCYwYNKPw7Aksy45sZ7cgobSkVHQMVy1MRWDA0TJn6_w0P6qpAdlR2sR3c1eiB/s4032/2AA1572F-2E59-44D4-8088-5906F4AFF930.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNutMyvADMONEgOA2XRXV2W2b9i9cEHGOfp9FfWDjhIlGMXQ4X-lQ4jtGxryCF1ThCZfr1c21dGM6KNvYgyckkdqkpdX5eWZLQcNqDG1bz4wkOnLWkoqyuGmYpDPCYwYNKPw7Aksy45sZ7cgobSkVHQMVy1MRWDA0TJn6_w0P6qpAdlR2sR3c1eiB/w300-h400/2AA1572F-2E59-44D4-8088-5906F4AFF930.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Not quite sure what record breaking temperatures means for 'Awdry Towers', but I am hopeful to make a bit more progress next week, spurred on by my visual troop tracker! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoDyQlf4G9QtQs1_2bsrT1jnDe1ysHqfzd14nm04Qdg8UmXYNzSI3dos_AD-n7V6mEAOz5wtbKNMHLs2vIOpj9CfJtUw3k9QCXaVqGqxfCgDWde4lUBqexBZi4DsBqRD4nYu_2anr3Ic8zVghS3JmZEcnD7zvm-2OZVqGTeCcd1WZS8sq7F9DItEh/s3324/2738AC14-F3CE-4212-9237-B9E0066CEB37_1_201_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="3324" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoDyQlf4G9QtQs1_2bsrT1jnDe1ysHqfzd14nm04Qdg8UmXYNzSI3dos_AD-n7V6mEAOz5wtbKNMHLs2vIOpj9CfJtUw3k9QCXaVqGqxfCgDWde4lUBqexBZi4DsBqRD4nYu_2anr3Ic8zVghS3JmZEcnD7zvm-2OZVqGTeCcd1WZS8sq7F9DItEh/w400-h278/2738AC14-F3CE-4212-9237-B9E0066CEB37_1_201_a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-482339463034177462022-07-09T16:30:00.001+01:002022-07-09T16:30:00.191+01:00An East wind blows<p style="text-align: justify;">Another academic year has drawn to a close in its usual frenatic way. With so much crammed into a truncated second half of term, I failed to meet my June posting target. I haven't the time nor the inclination to speak of it here apart from one small matter that has directly influenced this post. In the closing weeks of the year, the school welcomes pupils from <i><span style="font-family: georgia;">sur le continent</span></i> to attend, what is in effect, a summer school. They bring a certain exuberance and <i><span style="font-family: georgia;">joie de vie</span></i> that I tend to actively avoid as I proofread reports and lament on another year passed. However this year, one young gentlemen turned out to be a wargamer with a particular penchant for 'Bolt Action'. I happened to mention my meagre efforts with the 'Castle', the boards, miniatures and vehicles still stashed around the school, and once unearthed, the young chap looked wide eyed upon the collection and uttered, 'we should play a game'.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">One section of the castle board was duly wrestled from its hiding place and witnessed a brief encounter between the German and Soviet armies. Fast, furious and hugely enjoyable, much credit has to go to the young monsieur for that not only did he show great patience at my constant questioning, but also explained the rules in a second language!* </p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s0P1IYCcQHRYZkv-NXtwOwS0peXfUxC7U3c-MsQHi38sMKikGg8Sca6v3YRvl9eR0dpgB-pCRBUC9pl22wdSmT0BRCLIfzAYGZYiNZXHhZbKj0V9Y_00WRQoyG7zOKWajc4CH4zbL29BGd3BsND1eWiMWv1O3MyxNgxApTSkPz8ldMtTrXTMwFYc/s4032/7D1D38D4-0D69-47CF-84A7-7784F5A2E818.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s0P1IYCcQHRYZkv-NXtwOwS0peXfUxC7U3c-MsQHi38sMKikGg8Sca6v3YRvl9eR0dpgB-pCRBUC9pl22wdSmT0BRCLIfzAYGZYiNZXHhZbKj0V9Y_00WRQoyG7zOKWajc4CH4zbL29BGd3BsND1eWiMWv1O3MyxNgxApTSkPz8ldMtTrXTMwFYc/w300-h400/7D1D38D4-0D69-47CF-84A7-7784F5A2E818.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-small;">*I like to think I was instrumental in the broadening of his language skills.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It has been a lean year on the hobby front, but I have always enjoyed a summer project and the prospect of catching up with friends to roll some dice in anger. I had 'loosely' planned to host a return to the 'Congo', but given my all too brief initiation into 'Bolt Action' have decided to embrace a whole new adventure, cue audible groans from regular readers! Having already amassed some WWII German forces, I thought I would look to find some suitable opponents and so, without any further ado, my new summer project will be...</p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">...a 1000 point Soviet Army for Bolt Action!</span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-qKp9Kccad_eXIEH6oaHpiqUTln0IoSOLQQOx9uqCnwSI3WkbHxsLXu-8Jf9yrEr1fcagExpFa20pK5kXsIDEj0fyYM-6VE7zntPZBg322aCg7kMiZy9BZvmapX8RknZ6ZQLpu7QjBTRKJ_xQlELEJvc1XJqau-zrGgH0S69Av3R8vg4cYkDIwGh/s3994/D3CC9BCA-6A7C-4160-BB38-A1331356418A_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2924" data-original-width="3994" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-qKp9Kccad_eXIEH6oaHpiqUTln0IoSOLQQOx9uqCnwSI3WkbHxsLXu-8Jf9yrEr1fcagExpFa20pK5kXsIDEj0fyYM-6VE7zntPZBg322aCg7kMiZy9BZvmapX8RknZ6ZQLpu7QjBTRKJ_xQlELEJvc1XJqau-zrGgH0S69Av3R8vg4cYkDIwGh/w400-h293/D3CC9BCA-6A7C-4160-BB38-A1331356418A_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I have to confess that this came as a complete surprise to me, but I happened to be reading 'Enemy at the Gates: The Battle for Stalingrad' by William Craig and had enjoyed the spirit in which the Soviets had played in our little encounter that it seemed destined to be. I am approaching this project with some trepidation as a mass of troops, all wearing the same colour uniforms, sounds so far out of my comfort zone to be ridiculous, but I have enjoyed writing lists and amassing the requisite troops already having first broken my piggy bank. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxN7Ky2BgxXctk5H1uj9CbhC1h5-wsdylQa_LtBst41pAo9xgm1e1QR4cUoeJ32DjFeA1F5nJlyY6QrmaYTHY5tMmmi_qEH5JzDvadxdzkm6u64yrB5X8BtfhEcHfq0EmDbrL_wBpbYfouqlgVkuPiiegKSkSSomC_eCKq-VSd3DhzhjfcQmvLM7A/s2918/A8D51A59-CE82-433C-A20B-3D0F534F03F2_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1996" data-original-width="2918" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxN7Ky2BgxXctk5H1uj9CbhC1h5-wsdylQa_LtBst41pAo9xgm1e1QR4cUoeJ32DjFeA1F5nJlyY6QrmaYTHY5tMmmi_qEH5JzDvadxdzkm6u64yrB5X8BtfhEcHfq0EmDbrL_wBpbYfouqlgVkuPiiegKSkSSomC_eCKq-VSd3DhzhjfcQmvLM7A/w400-h274/A8D51A59-CE82-433C-A20B-3D0F534F03F2_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdB_0EKmgbJfddp2y6p0T7lhJkYc7-H2DCiB9fCZZrYXDqjIp-dcEtTRe-6t83Imx0En8cF4Ziu9Rs7NH8bxX0BMoO1H4yidWZWfEtj-x7d7ZWG6paj25-anlrvkzNFGMlJB8EBhlZ2Ub6YZAwdZNhPhqLAz4Hnwd0FCbea8qXfZ1U7dmIgMxG7gJ/s2736/59CD07B2-DD3C-40DC-A1ED-1A6C4A68EC8E_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="2736" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdB_0EKmgbJfddp2y6p0T7lhJkYc7-H2DCiB9fCZZrYXDqjIp-dcEtTRe-6t83Imx0En8cF4Ziu9Rs7NH8bxX0BMoO1H4yidWZWfEtj-x7d7ZWG6paj25-anlrvkzNFGMlJB8EBhlZ2Ub6YZAwdZNhPhqLAz4Hnwd0FCbea8qXfZ1U7dmIgMxG7gJ/w400-h220/59CD07B2-DD3C-40DC-A1ED-1A6C4A68EC8E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">My hope is to spend the summer sharing a series of 'Work in Progress' posts as I try and put the army together whilst taking the time to reconnect with the neglected community in our cozy corner of the 'Blogosphere'.</p>I have even created a new WWII sidebar button, using the artwork of Gordon C. Livingstone originally created for Ian Clark's, Commando issue 2751, 'Grant's Grudge', 1994.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGpGEGATrjz-WwSAvlMfOyEL9nnbc2c3wQgdFTJR-qBrEtqovrDV1hyaw7VPobBg_zoLNfnznSTz22acdN_j15yRSBsYm5tx7Fto55E-Z3S9z7_EJ6_lF4HPmEYbwknHXFP6gIlPLtSk5gy-DtF0AvhywEnSV8FUORYdsGi4ZhTEf537FsgDKuSam/s1711/RCO002_1548214666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="1711" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGpGEGATrjz-WwSAvlMfOyEL9nnbc2c3wQgdFTJR-qBrEtqovrDV1hyaw7VPobBg_zoLNfnznSTz22acdN_j15yRSBsYm5tx7Fto55E-Z3S9z7_EJ6_lF4HPmEYbwknHXFP6gIlPLtSk5gy-DtF0AvhywEnSV8FUORYdsGi4ZhTEf537FsgDKuSam/s320/RCO002_1548214666.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-41871187870862267772022-05-31T12:00:00.002+01:002024-03-10T11:23:56.095+00:00Fleet Troopers Star Wars Legion
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzLu5BGEFLe5LRzGq45aCAaUdGQqmajuDHRfixTIVmGfzfQeoWP-zKgQghWbrfkDx0lpM-VVCJQpHV1o_JFaxx-zrsBwHx6uLdj-tzQTMfRIfsHvGCqB6BLqPekFBzrvMgN2WFatdTsY/s1600/IMG_0150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzLu5BGEFLe5LRzGq45aCAaUdGQqmajuDHRfixTIVmGfzfQeoWP-zKgQghWbrfkDx0lpM-VVCJQpHV1o_JFaxx-zrsBwHx6uLdj-tzQTMfRIfsHvGCqB6BLqPekFBzrvMgN2WFatdTsY/s320/IMG_0150.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">From the beleaguered troops of Echo Base featured in the previous post, to the similarly ill fated Fleet Troopers of the opening scene of a New Hope, I offer up more plastic loveliness from Star Wars: Legion. Painted some time ago, these hard pressed troops have already seen active service on the tabletop and prove to be a resilient bunch, able to hold up an Imperial advance just long enough for a heroic character to save the day. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRR4HoK1vSwgrOjSWsTC8j-Oly5uuJCn0GwWmm6WRa8KBDA5fMXQFC0axNArbr2vvIoFDFcscfhplOtdnFHy27xWKfTZOQU5rM0C3Y3m1wcEA4wPvfe2-tdch455bMqI4lUOYZ5Ucqws/s1600/IMG_0156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRR4HoK1vSwgrOjSWsTC8j-Oly5uuJCn0GwWmm6WRa8KBDA5fMXQFC0axNArbr2vvIoFDFcscfhplOtdnFHy27xWKfTZOQU5rM0C3Y3m1wcEA4wPvfe2-tdch455bMqI4lUOYZ5Ucqws/s320/IMG_0156.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A relative quick paint job, the hardest decision was how to base them? I have spoken about my dislike of the 'tall' Legion bases, but it also seemed somewhat incongruous to base these chaps on a scenic base with a carefully placed flower tuft or two. Instead I opted for clear plastic so that they could go anywhere in the service of the Rebellion, confident of not fouling the immaculately polished decks of a CR90 Corvette!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gdLUmRSXYWtY_pVaAjKC8QnYf1oyPQCzLcLgn9kEm1yqxXGfrpf2aPZUpmsUpt1LaFpuHz-gXSZZxKbynVzebD56LKvfFOLSkK_fUTkGA7UuB3XJ2uZeME529qKl4rLG3dWJ5l0caBA/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gdLUmRSXYWtY_pVaAjKC8QnYf1oyPQCzLcLgn9kEm1yqxXGfrpf2aPZUpmsUpt1LaFpuHz-gXSZZxKbynVzebD56LKvfFOLSkK_fUTkGA7UuB3XJ2uZeME529qKl4rLG3dWJ5l0caBA/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I was an avid collector of the Star Wars action figures as a small boy, not an easy thing to be in a sleepy town in rural mid Wales, but every so often the shelves of the only toy shop would be restocked. I always hoped to find a Fleet Trooper amidst the other shelfwarmers, such was their impact from that opening scene, but sadly it was not to be. I understand that one is available now, and in a variety of scales, but back then it seemed such an injustice for their sacrifice. All the more reason that I am happy to see them swelling the ranks of my collection today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaqtlJ2SuGgvaIkr76-vX0lmeBFvISI-1gx9ZwR7jxaxIy6dha2joINbbvll96dOKvKiGADN7Dat65tz_jI7aOAwOjAS5U2P5xFaet3oXVvU02GHqb24BFoR-0kktT9M2XJi6-PbQ-3P72qPawR3M2B00geacAeckkamBWZLlz7nV-EBJb9DE9qvhg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="498" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaqtlJ2SuGgvaIkr76-vX0lmeBFvISI-1gx9ZwR7jxaxIy6dha2joINbbvll96dOKvKiGADN7Dat65tz_jI7aOAwOjAS5U2P5xFaet3oXVvU02GHqb24BFoR-0kktT9M2XJi6-PbQ-3P72qPawR3M2B00geacAeckkamBWZLlz7nV-EBJb9DE9qvhg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1670400813396652991.post-63377171480064854352022-04-30T09:00:00.002+01:002024-03-10T11:24:13.823+00:00Rebel Veterans <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6qbl__K4uxynt0nkZZgSIQkBa0pszyu5MrZs_t69bbEr9NdzloPqISo6qVtr0WNs15N8R3Tp8TxyykW7whcp7vS3_8ba7MREIYxf5VKmN-ejNpQaH5cewtafJQVxJumhEg1qG9jENZE/s1600/IMG_0174.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="1086" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6qbl__K4uxynt0nkZZgSIQkBa0pszyu5MrZs_t69bbEr9NdzloPqISo6qVtr0WNs15N8R3Tp8TxyykW7whcp7vS3_8ba7MREIYxf5VKmN-ejNpQaH5cewtafJQVxJumhEg1qG9jENZE/s320/IMG_0174.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Another month has flashed past and although I managed to get quite a bit of painting done during the Easter holiday the return to work has seen me struggle with time management again. That said, I am determined to try to keep up with the 'post a month' schedule and so have dusted off this draft from October 2019.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJgK7lS5JH3GR5aVtrio6LDeB1Hhiyh3WKRRRhPMj6lAJr7XsyNj-iVWvzExHeKVq9yzCMcjJwAEnm6jxlGrvGLgRW1GnaX43Mnbp1rQkqMWrDX2C5U1ctFLSieQ9EtSa71ND1_msSLM/s1600/IMG_0178.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJgK7lS5JH3GR5aVtrio6LDeB1Hhiyh3WKRRRhPMj6lAJr7XsyNj-iVWvzExHeKVq9yzCMcjJwAEnm6jxlGrvGLgRW1GnaX43Mnbp1rQkqMWrDX2C5U1ctFLSieQ9EtSa71ND1_msSLM/s320/IMG_0178.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I haven't played much 'Star Wars: Legion' of late, to be honest, I haven't played much of anything, but we did enjoy it when we had an outing and anything remotely connected to the Star Wars franchise is normally an easy win for me. It's not surprising then, that I picked up this upgrade for my Rebel Troopers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA87R3xCOezo8ztOF_3tSVs0DmYgvy3TSdnyRxgRjiDF97T-PVnTw86QIFEy_VI_D-ba4ktVCYKNyCJuc6WpbyRYhtfHc9XeqscFFzUzjI-TJNIdrGxue6IzOwwDx59jcejVZVR2i91Lo/s1600/IMG_0093.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1100" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA87R3xCOezo8ztOF_3tSVs0DmYgvy3TSdnyRxgRjiDF97T-PVnTw86QIFEy_VI_D-ba4ktVCYKNyCJuc6WpbyRYhtfHc9XeqscFFzUzjI-TJNIdrGxue6IzOwwDx59jcejVZVR2i91Lo/s320/IMG_0093.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Painted to represent the hard pressed veterans of Echo Base these were great fun to work on. Keeping the colour pallete suitably subdued the unit came together quite quickly, although they could do with some snow on the bases.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTavFtCjpi6tUUEbWayutHBvOVXWfik5-5zjGHDC5LXWu6CEAgn9i6zugiRJn7Kc4JfW0d1fcCKHlYlNPSuGzV6IQjV1lbvT0wXhwd-kL8HSc3586Sxlva0qAVPsbZetR2beZxhpxelgw/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTavFtCjpi6tUUEbWayutHBvOVXWfik5-5zjGHDC5LXWu6CEAgn9i6zugiRJn7Kc4JfW0d1fcCKHlYlNPSuGzV6IQjV1lbvT0wXhwd-kL8HSc3586Sxlva0qAVPsbZetR2beZxhpxelgw/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The weapons were painted in a deep blue colour as a nod to the plastic blasters of the beloved action figures from my childhood. I have a couple more Star Wars themed posts in the pipeline, so hoping to show a little more next month. </div>
<br />Michael Awdryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049982879661559305noreply@blogger.com44