Claymore Swag

Busy weekend for me this week. I'm home for the next week, which is a welcome change of pace from working away for the last 5 weeks. This weekend we have had A's parents visiting, me going to Claymore on Saturday with Paul and Davey and then me getting to spend 2 and a half hours with my son today (the first time I have been allowed to see him in over 17 months). Her parents visiting this weekend was good for A, as it meant I didn't feel guilty about going to Claymore as they went shopping in Edinburgh and then today spent the day at Loch Lomond while I saw my son nearby.

But this does feel like the first time I have sat down since I got home!

Anyway, onto swag.

The show seemed busy and had the usual range of traders (but again, not as good a selection as Carronade at Falkirk).

I picked up:

These three books, mainly due to the total lack of 15mm WW2 models. The Battlegroup book I got more because I like the rules and the pictures - as well as the painting guide. The other two I got for £10 and £5 respectively. I'm not a big fan of the Guard's armoured units - for various reasons but mainly their performance during Market Garden. But I do like personal experience from Tank troopers.

Model wise:

Some Daimler Dingo's and an Auster AOP - both bought 2nd hand

£2 for all these packs of GZG 15mm Sci Fi troops and 'ships crew' (ala Serenity). Very very nice models and a bargain at that price.

I have a sickness. I bought a box marked 'GZG ships' that was sealed. Purely purchased based on the price (£25), weight and markings on the box. Here are the NSL ships that were present. 1 Battleship (and a spare Battleship prow), 2 Attack Cruisers, an Escort and Light Cruiser, Destroyer and various small Escorts.

Japanese Ships. A Command Super-dreadnaught, Battlecruiser, Heavy Cruiser, 2 Patrol Cruisers, a Light Cruiser, 3 Destroyers, a host of smaller Escort ships and the rear hull and bridge of a large capital ship. Also in the pack were 3 bits that look like they came from a Islamic Federation ship, some fighters and fighter spider stands. Total value of all the ships I guesstimate as £50

Modelling supplies:

Tufts and static grass. as well as:

10(!!!) packs of Decals. These should provide all I need for my Tank Squadron - and for the Auster.

I also made a start to my terrain collection - with a felt table cloth, 2 hills and 84" worth of hedgeline!

I may have some tree's winging their way to me care of Paul and I've been searching about online for buildings and the likes. I would prefer the 'stackable' resin types but I'm struggling to find ones that are battle damaged (the idea of undamaged houses on the battlefield in Normandy seems rather strange). If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to leave a comment.

Julys progress

Not many posts recently mainly due to me not making much progress other than assembly. The Steam Summer sale and a great deal of Fallout 3 has not helped either.

Anyway, I have done a bit of work prepping. I now have all the various gun and vehicle crews ready on their lollipop sticks. Priming may follow shortly...

Vehicle wise I have spent a bit of time adding stowage. I still need the finer chain for my Sherman Crabs (I ordered these on the 11th of June from White Ensign Models, and still no sign of them - I have now asked them if I will have the chain by the 1st of August else I want a refund).

Stuff I am trying to get (and I will be looking for at Claymore on the 3rd of August) includes some spray primer, some upright PIAT gunners for my Universal Carriers (I need 3) and possibly some fine chain for my flails. Stuff I would love to see at the bring and buy would include Sherman I's, Churchill Crocodiles, 25 pounders.. although currently my 'waiting to be painted' shelf looks like this:

Sorry about the blur

Here you can see the Plastic Soldier Company M5 Halftracks all built.

 
And these pics don't include the other 10 Universal Carriers or 5 strips of UC crews...

One weird thing I noticed recently - I now have 6 'de-frocked' Priest APC's. They all came from Battlefront, all came from the same packs, and yet they all seem to be slightly different sizes. Not sure how they have managed that!