I am talking about that army you and I bought many moons ago, you know the one, we had to have it didn't we? A new era, a new project all so very exciting. Well it was at the time, but sadly that army, bought with such haste and with grand ideas clouding our judgement, now lies untouched in that dark cupboard we all have and try to forget about. Our way of dodging the guilt is to hide it away, out of sight out of mind.
Over the last few days, unable to wargame or even paint, I have taken to thinking and pondering, which is probably the same thing, however it is dangerous for me to do anything that involves engaging my other brain cell. Once again a subject raised on Tabletop Commanders paint & chat piqued my interest. With the onset of the new rule set and models/miniatures for Team Yankee and the imminent release of Band of Brothers and an updated rule book for Bolt Action. Something new and shiny, there to tempt us from our current projects.
I am one of those people who plods away at one project, normally until it is completed. As a solo wargamer, that means painting up at least two armies to oppose each other. Of course that means painting the same figures over and over again, yes they may be wearing different coloured jackets, trousers etc. but it is the exact same model. To be frank you become jaded with the monotony of it all and then the dreaded moment comes when they disappear into that dark cupboard as a new, and seemingly, more exciting project lands on the doormat.
It has finally dawned on me, after trying to complete all my unfinished projects since January of this year, that I actually enjoy jumping from one era to another, it is refreshing to paint a unit of archers for the War of the Roses and then a unit of Highlanders for the English Civil War. I am so far resisting the urge to paint up the American War of Independence box set I acquired a couple of months ago. With variety being the spice of life apparently, I am going about this in the wrong way! I can mix and match what I paint from unit to unit. Pretty damn obvious really, but it hadn't occurred to me previously, I did say I operate on a single brain cell.
I have enough armies already painted up to allow me to play on the table in a number of different eras, so there is no almighty rush to complete the current figures. I can play and game as and when I wish. With a move of house this coming weekend, all activity has been temporarily suspended and most of my troops will have to remain here until storage is purchased, assembled and in place at the new home.
I am taking the AWI box set with me to work on as well as my 6mm ACW to allow a game or two, so that will keep me occupied until the rest of the armies catch up. So now a few photographs of my projects, we all love photographs.
Now where did Gladys go?
Wow, Ian. You have come a long way since the ECW days. So much accumulated. You can also see how your painting style has changed. Just amazing. I also agree about having variety in your collecting and painting. A new unit, or a new army, or even a new period altogether, make for a constant motivation to keep on treading forward.
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Thanks Kurtus, yep I sure do have plenty of troops, scales etc. to keep me going for a while.
DeleteAnd Romans! I didn't know you had some painted up!
ReplyDeleteGreat article Ian sooooo very true we all do it :) Great pictures you have accomplished painting and building so much .
ReplyDeleteCheers buddy, I am surprised myself sometimes when I look back and see just how many I have painted up.
DeleteWell Ian, those photos are proof of the amazing skills you have gained over the few years you have been wargaming, they are just stunning and the 11th photo of the street scene is to die for. Not only that but you are a true wordsmith too, the written text prior to the photos is exquisite - a very talented man indeed. Well done and I'm sure it will only be a matter of days before you will be back into full swing again with your passion for wargaming.
ReplyDeleteThanks Graham, well you know me very well, I love to write. No Gert and Lil this time.
DeleteI'm the same, Ian. I have quite a few different projects on the go across various eras and scales, so each one is taking a while to finish, but the variety is what keeps me interested. That's a fantastic collection you have! The armies look great.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Kev, I am lucky to have so many figures, though storage at 28 mm is always a problem. It is however, my preferred scale as I just love the extra detail.
DeleteAll I can say Ian is that is one superb collection you have, congratulations on all the work you have put into painting up and finishing off all those projects. I only wish I had the same will power. I think you have it about right it dose help to have a go at a little side project here and there interesting stuff again Ian cheers S
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephen, I think variety is the keyword from now on, just doing the same project week after week can become tedious instead of the pleasure it is meant to be.
DeleteThanks Stephen, I think variety is the keyword from now on, just doing the same project week after week can become tedious instead of the pleasure it is meant to be.
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