On Saturday Amy was off to see her sister and mum for a days shopping so I was left to entertain myself. I ended up taking my figures down to the Carluke and Law Wargames club for a game of Battlegroup Overlord. I had a nice time, but was left feeling a bit flat by our use of the game - specifically what was being left out. The lack of proper army lists, morale and morale counters, tank ammo, etc, which are what defines this game and makes it different from the likes of Rapid Fire.
We talked about it after the game and I think everyone agreed the game would be better with a bit more organisation and proper army lists. YD has suggested we try some of the scenarios in the books, so we may do that.
I've included some pics of the table and of some of YD's models
After the game on Saturday I didn't get much done. I think the fact I hadn't enjoyed myself put me on a downer. I'd hasten to add that I didn't have a bad time, the atmosphere at the club was great and we had a laugh. I think the fact that I had it in the back of my mind that it might be my last game at the club - and slightly worried about being able to find games after I move (which is growing increasingly likely) - made the fact the game wasn't what I had hoped for a much bigger deal. It effectively made me doubt the wisdom of continuing to collect and paint my mini's when my future in the hobby is a little in doubt - and when even the local club is running so fast and loose with what aspects of a rules set they use it doesn't bode well.
Anyway, Sunday afternoon I got my mojo back and made a start on my next 4 Shermans. 2 x Sherman I's and 2 x Sherman Fireflys. These 4 models are the last of those prepped prior to the painting challenge. My work on them consisted of an edge highlight using a 50/50 mix of Vallejo Model Colour Khaki and Russian Uniform - with a small drop of Ivory. I just use this on prominent surfaces like hatch handles, panel edges, around hatches, along the top of the gun barrel and around any section I deem to be an edge.
I did the same with the wooden items (only using beige brown), rubber and metal (using black grey) and other bits and bobs. Once I had done the edge highlight I also did a quick dry brush on Russian Uniform again, just to tone down the highlights and blend them slightly.
Still to do are the decals, aerials, weathering and matt coat. Hopefully I'll make good progress on those next weekend.
In other news, my transfer at work is almost authorised so a move to Middlesbrough looks likely by October. And my total weight loss as of today is 2 stone 9 pounds - a long way to go but I'm pretty pleased with my progress over the last 16 or so weeks. That includes 3 separate weeks (holiday week, birthday week and Edinburgh show/visitors/visiting Son week) where I put weight on.
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Tanks looks great mate per usual.
ReplyDeleteThe big game at least was visually pleasing. At least from here. Sad to hear your impending move will take you away from familiar playing areas and opponents. I'm sure though that in a big town like Middlesborough that they have a club or two that will suit your needs in this regard - you've just got to get past that gawd-awful Middlesborough accent first! :P
Thanks Dai.
DeleteGiven that my gorgeous Fiancée has a equally gorgeous Teeside accent, I shouldn't have a problem...
There are several clubs and shops that I'm already aware of, I'm sure it will be fine. I've also realised that even if I didn't play it wouldn't matter as (shock horror) I'm actually finding in enjoying painting now rather than it being a total chore. I guess I was just having a bad day on Saturday!
I should have known! ^_^ Ah well, what is music to some is the opposite to others I guess. My North Wales born Great Grandfather could never stand my South Wales accent when I had it as a child (Totally gone now - though comes out a bit when I watch rugby for some reason?). Strange that.
DeleteGreat to hear you have been down at the Club. Yes we are working up Battlegroup over the last 13 weeks at the club, it takes time. The enthusiasm is there for Battlegroup. We were just getting to grips with line of sight and urban combat where you might only see a bit of a unit. A tough nut to crack. Normally we do use the morale rules. Did hear you were stonking Gerry with Army level artillery! The consensus is still moving to pointed lists and scenarios which should lift this game even higher. When I was in Argyll I came down once every three months for a game, you may get an opportunity to visit so dont get rid of your minis or stop collecting, I am sure I can find my way to Middlesborough also.
ReplyDeleteAh, yeah. It was near the end of the game, I'd been trying to call Divisional arty but rolled high on the comma check. YD insisted I roll on the top table out of some sort of morbid curiosity. 2 x 240mm guns. All it caused was some pinning.
DeleteTurned out the shells from these were just as many dice (9) as the Petard from the AVRE!
I'm sure I will find games down here, even if it's just Flames of War. I think I had set my expectations too high on Saturday but hadn't done any prep or organising myself so don't know why I expected more. A momentary crisis of faith that's now passed!
Don't be too down about moving and hobby. I moved to a smaller town 2 years ago. I haven't found anyone right in town to play with but I am playing more than ever before. There is a group an hour away so I travel every other week or so to play with them. I've also been playing in more tournaments to get a few more games in.
ReplyDeleteBy blogging you are also still involved with the hobby on a global level. There are other ways to participate in a hobby from afar. Online miniature gaming is growing with vassal and Skype games for some game types. You could always run an online fow campaign too if you are unable to play yourself.
Thanks Cameron. I think I was just having a bad day, but was over it after a nights sleep. I just mentioned it as I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had that experience. I'm sure it happens to every hobbyist who is having to move house a great distance. Like you said tho, it's not just about the playing games now and I'm equally committed to the painting and modelling side now.
DeleteIt's only 166 miles away from my house, we were on holiday two years ago outside of Thirsk. I drive 120miles to Lochgilphead at least once a fortnight and that's for work.
ReplyDeleteI think I might have a house load when the Leeds, York or Newcastle shows are on ;)
DeleteGood to see the troops on the table Jamie, you can see it all coming together! Pity the game was a downer. Yip prep is definitely a big plus to going into a game. I felt the same after the Waterloo game at the club however that was more that I wasn't committed to the rules also hadn't done much reading. Brilliant your enjoying your painting and make sure you never sell on your growing collection as you will regret it 20 years down the line. If you finish it and move over to other stuff it's always there for you! Your move will no doubt give you loads of gaming options and also shows to visit pretty close by! Well done with YouTube, when your travelling is less and your in yer new life the painting and hobby time will increase! We can always pop down for a show or 2!
ReplyDeleteNo chance of me selling stuff on Paul, my collection means too much to me for that! Last day down here on Friday till we move in October. Be glad to see you guys whenever you want to visit!
DeleteYeah we would get something sorted!
DeleteI quite liked the battlegroup rules in many many ways. I do find that artillery resolution is a rough patch in an otherwise smooth sailing set of rules.
ReplyDelete