Friday, March 6, 2009
Im still waiting on some of the samples I have ordered. I have received Front Rank and Crusader SYW troops, British and Zulus from Old Glory, and Zulus from Black Tree Design. Foundry Russians are finally on their way and should arrive next week, and the British troops from Black Tree are backordered.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A word on inspiration.
In my opening statement I indicated that inspiration is a reason for starting these projects. Where does that inspiration come from you may ask.
Inspiration comes in many forms but to most wargamers movies, books, and historical accounts of their favorite periods often form the basis for their wargaming passion. It could also be born from the work of others carefully painted miniatures and terrain pieces. Perhaps you found inspiration simply because the uniforms look "cool" or the diversity of troop types and equipment appeal to you. Whatever the reason, inspiration is a good thing, in life as well as our hobbies.
In my case, I have always been drawn to the uniforms of the 18th and early 19th centuries, yes, they simply look "cool". Of course there is an interest in the history as well. What historical wargamer is not interested in the history behind the eras of which we try to re-create in miniature.
I'd be remiss not to mention that I am also a bit of a romantic too. The pounding of drums as your troops march forward, a gallant cavalry charge, the thin red line and all of that... But make no mistake, I do know that real war is horrible. My limited exposure to war, real war, makes me believe that the world would be a better place without it. Too bad conflict such as this could not be resolved with a good game.
Take a look at the following links for a bit of visual inspiration.
http://campaignsingermania.blogspot.com/
http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/
http://altefritz.blogspot.com/
http://gallery.sswg.org/thumbnails.php?album=44
Lastly, people play a vital role in enjoying this hobby. Getting together with a group of like minded people to share knowledge, talk about modelling and painting, and just have some fun is the most important factor in my opinion.
In my opening statement I indicated that inspiration is a reason for starting these projects. Where does that inspiration come from you may ask.
Inspiration comes in many forms but to most wargamers movies, books, and historical accounts of their favorite periods often form the basis for their wargaming passion. It could also be born from the work of others carefully painted miniatures and terrain pieces. Perhaps you found inspiration simply because the uniforms look "cool" or the diversity of troop types and equipment appeal to you. Whatever the reason, inspiration is a good thing, in life as well as our hobbies.
In my case, I have always been drawn to the uniforms of the 18th and early 19th centuries, yes, they simply look "cool". Of course there is an interest in the history as well. What historical wargamer is not interested in the history behind the eras of which we try to re-create in miniature.
I'd be remiss not to mention that I am also a bit of a romantic too. The pounding of drums as your troops march forward, a gallant cavalry charge, the thin red line and all of that... But make no mistake, I do know that real war is horrible. My limited exposure to war, real war, makes me believe that the world would be a better place without it. Too bad conflict such as this could not be resolved with a good game.
Take a look at the following links for a bit of visual inspiration.
http://campaignsingermania.blogspot.com/
http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/
http://altefritz.blogspot.com/
http://gallery.sswg.org/thumbnails.php?album=44
Lastly, people play a vital role in enjoying this hobby. Getting together with a group of like minded people to share knowledge, talk about modelling and painting, and just have some fun is the most important factor in my opinion.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Labels:
Selecting the figures.
Selecting the figures
Of course one of the first things to do when starting a new project is selecting the figures. I'm sure it's not new to anyone that there are multiple scales (sizes) and manufacturers of miniatures to suit almost any desire.
Scale/size
In my case, selecting the size of the figures that I would need for my projects was easy. Since the group I'll be gaming the Seven Years War with is already well established with 25/28mm and 30mm figures it only makes sense that I would do the same.
The choice of figure scale for the Zulu Wars was more a personal preferance than an attempt to conform. Although conformity does have its place since a friend of mine already has figures for the Sudan in the same scale.
Although I have not painted many larger scale figures, I do find them easier to paint than the smaller figures. My eyes aren't what they used to be.
Manufacturer
My criteria is based on a balance between price, compatibility, quality, and availability of the figures. Since the members of the gaming group have a wide variety of figures from many manufacturers, compatibility in a broad sense isn't really an issue. However, there aren't many manufacturers of 25/28mm Russian Figures for the Seven Years War, so I am limited.
Based on pictures found on the Web, I have already ordered samples from the following companies:
Front Rank
Crusader
Wargames Foundry
RSM95
It's a good thing that there aren't many manufacturers Russians or I could blow my budget just on samples.
Of these manufacturers, RSM95 are the least expensive followed by Crusader, Front Rank, and Wargames Foundry. The Old Glory Army makes Crusader look especially inviting, at least for the rank and file figures.
Selecting a manufacturer for the Zulu War was a no brainer for me. Here I was more concerned with price rather than quality, or compatibility and decided to go with Old Glory 25s. At less than 1 USD per figure, it's an easy choice, and the figure quality is certianly not terrible.
The sample figures should arrive soon.
Visit again soon...more to come.
Of course one of the first things to do when starting a new project is selecting the figures. I'm sure it's not new to anyone that there are multiple scales (sizes) and manufacturers of miniatures to suit almost any desire.
Scale/size
In my case, selecting the size of the figures that I would need for my projects was easy. Since the group I'll be gaming the Seven Years War with is already well established with 25/28mm and 30mm figures it only makes sense that I would do the same.
The choice of figure scale for the Zulu Wars was more a personal preferance than an attempt to conform. Although conformity does have its place since a friend of mine already has figures for the Sudan in the same scale.
Although I have not painted many larger scale figures, I do find them easier to paint than the smaller figures. My eyes aren't what they used to be.
Manufacturer
My criteria is based on a balance between price, compatibility, quality, and availability of the figures. Since the members of the gaming group have a wide variety of figures from many manufacturers, compatibility in a broad sense isn't really an issue. However, there aren't many manufacturers of 25/28mm Russian Figures for the Seven Years War, so I am limited.
Based on pictures found on the Web, I have already ordered samples from the following companies:
Front Rank
Crusader
Wargames Foundry
RSM95
It's a good thing that there aren't many manufacturers Russians or I could blow my budget just on samples.
Of these manufacturers, RSM95 are the least expensive followed by Crusader, Front Rank, and Wargames Foundry. The Old Glory Army makes Crusader look especially inviting, at least for the rank and file figures.
Selecting a manufacturer for the Zulu War was a no brainer for me. Here I was more concerned with price rather than quality, or compatibility and decided to go with Old Glory 25s. At less than 1 USD per figure, it's an easy choice, and the figure quality is certianly not terrible.
The sample figures should arrive soon.
Visit again soon...more to come.
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