New Bases Cut --    

Today I got a whole bunch of new bases cut for my Saxe-Bearstein and my vile Stagonian 18th century armies.  Mind you I didn't cut them myself; but thanks to a friend with a bandsaw who cut them for me, I now have over a hundred bases each for both infantry and cavalry.

For those who don't know, I live about a third of the way up the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.  (Note that Vancouver Island and the city of Vancouver, which is on the mainland, are quite different places).  This is hardly a hot bed of miniature gaming, so I don't have to worry about matching my basing to anyone else's.

I have found that I really like square bases.  And I like thick bases (blocks of troops can be moved more easily).  So I purchased a quarter sheet of 1/4" MDF (medium density fiberboard) and my friend Stuart cut a lot of it into 40mm squares for foot and 47mm squares for cavalry.

"Why 47mm squares?", you ask . . .  I mean 50mm squares are more common, right?  Well, yes, but those would make my units a bit too large for my display cabinet . . . and the horses DO fit on the 47mm squares.

So that, of course, was the easy part.  Now I have to remove all the figures from their current bases before I can place them on their new bases.  But first I will paint the sides of the bases (which is much easier to do en mass before they're attached to figures).

This rebasing is something that I decided I'd do back when I was flat on my back in the hospital.  Now all I have to do is get it done . . . which won't happen quickly I'm afraid since I still do need to take lots of naps during the day . . . nevertheless, a start on the project has been made.

-- Jeff

World's Greatest Athlete --    

While the above title is usually given to the Olympic Decathlon winner, I do not believe that it is correct.  I believe that the winner of the Modern Pentathlon is more deserving of the title.

The decathlete competes in ten various Track & Field events.  The pentathlete competes in five totally different sports.

• a Swimming event -- 200 meter freestyle
• a Fencing event -- epee
• a Track event -- 3000 meter cross-country run
• a Marksmanship event -- pistol shooting
• an Equestrian event -- show jumping on an unfamiliar horse

The obvious wargaming connection is that the event was designed to test the skills that an Aide-de-Camp  might have to use in the course of his duties.  This echoed the Ancient Greek pentathlon which tested the skills of the ancient soldier (actual events unknown to us).

Unfortunately the Modern Pentathlon does not get much "Western" notice because it has been dominated by Eastern European nations . . . and some want to see it dropped from the Olympics.

I, as a Wargamer, say that an emphatic "NO" to that.  Don't you?

-- Jeff

Suddenly Useful Book --   

On March 28, 1990 I purchased a copy of Charles Stewart Grant's "Programmed Wargames Scenarios.   I know this because it still has the receipt in it . . . probably because prior to today I had not really looked at it because it was basically for "solo wargaming" and I play with other people.

Well, while I dohave some available opponents, I'm still tire very quickly because of my cancer surgery . . . and will probably continue to do so once the chemotherapy begins.

So, since I don't have the stamina to face a live opponent for very long (I keep having to take naps); today I started to take a good look at Grant's book.

And it looks like it will work very well.  I can see using it to play some "mini-campaigns" (two have been created using these scenarios):

• "Continuing Diplomacy" by Dr. Vesuvius of "Axis of Naughtiness"
• "Campaign of Positions" by Ross Macfarlane of "Battle Game of the Month"

 Mind you, taking over 22 years to look at this volume wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done . . . but it looks like I will finally be getting it right.

-- Jeff

Birthday Thoughts --   

Yes, today (June 19) is my 64th birthday and I thought I'd post a few thoughts.

First, I'm alive and getting stronger.  As many of you know I had eight hours of cancer surgery in April and spent 20 days recovering in hospital.  I still have to take it pretty easy . . . and I often find myself taking naps . . . and I run out of breath easily (lots of residual anemia) . . . but I no longer have to use a walker . . . indeed I don't even use a cane in the house (although I do outside).

So I am thankful for my improving health . . . although I'm supposed to start about six months of chemotherapy next month, which will undoubtedly knock the stuffing out of me again.  Still, I'm alive . . . and it isn't all that many decades ago that I wouldn't be.

As for gaming, I've not been up to it since the before my surgery . . . but of course I've thought about it.

Hopefully I'll be able to resume my Colonial "Afristan" Campaign soon.  It was initially interrupted when one of my players had a heart attack, then of course I got sick.   I do need to finish painting some figures for the next couple of battles, but until recently I've been prohibited from lifting anything that weighed more than "a half kettle of water" so I haven't had access to my paints.

I also am looking forward to trying out Ross Macfarlane's "Hearts of Tin" rules with my Saxe-Bearstein and vile Stagonian forces.  One of the attractions of these rules is that Ross uses them for solo play . . . which would be good for me over the coming months since I would be able to play games in small chunks, resting when fatigue catches up with me. 

I am also hoping to re-base all of my 18th century units with bases better designed to fit into my gaming cabinet. 

Oh, while they haven't arrived yet, one of my birthday presents will be three books from On Military Matters:

• THE WOLFENBUTTEL WAR

• BLACK POWDER: Last Argument of Kings

• THE WAR GAME RULES  

Hopefully it won't take too long for them to arrive . . . but I will have a good birthday even without them since I am still here.

-- Jeff

Red Orcs --   

As a very young man I read a fair number of books of "fairy tales" which were illustrated with images of "red goblins" . . . so I have never liked the "green goblins" (and orcs, etc.) that Games Workshop advocates.

Today, while reading tradgardmastare's "The Duchy of Tradgardland" post wherein he also didn't care for the ubiquitous Games Workshop green, I recalled that I had painted up a bunch of goblins and orcs in red for a "Hordes of the Things" army.
 

So,  here are a couple of photos to show that goblins and orcs don't have to follow the Games Workshop corporate line.

Paint your goblins and orcs whatever colour you want, Gentlemen.

-- Jeff

I am humbled --   

Bill Protz (Gallia) has created a wonderful "story board" of images using characters from his "Campaigns of William Augustus Pettygree" and "Campaigns in Germania" blogs to welcome me back from hospital on the "Emperor vs Elector" group blog.

I am, as always, humbled by his creativity and honored by his effort.  Here is a link to his post.

Likewise, Michael Mathews of "Campaigns in Miniature" has also offered a touching "welcome back" series of images to greet my return from 20 days in hospital.  And, as his blog moves on to other posts, you may always see his "Celebration" here.

Again I am deeply touched by the effort that Michael and Bill (two gentlemen whom I have never actually met) have taken for me.

Thank you, sirs. 

And many thanks also to "Murdock" (of "MurdocK's MauraderS" and "The Duchy of Mieczyslaw") who has so ably filled in for me as a temporary inhaber for the "Emperor vs Elector" group blog; and who has offered updates as to my condition while visiting me in hospital.

I am humbled, gentlemen . . . and most appreciative indeed.

-- Jeff

Jeff is Back Home --   

Well after my colon cancer surgery and 20 days in hospital I am finally once again home. 

I do wish to thank all of those who prayed, sent healing energy or just good wishes . . . all such are gratefully received.

I can now look forward to a period of slow recovery . . . I am very weak after this ordeal and sleep is never far off.  I have, by the way, lost over 50 lbs (23 Kg) since earlier this year . . . but I really do not recommend cancer as a diet plan.  Trust me on this.

Of course during the long hours of lying in a hospital bed, I did think a lot about what I want to do "toy soldier"-wise . . . but more of that later; I hear my bed calling me for more rest.

And, believe it or not, the simple act of eating is hard work.

-- Jeff