Sunday, August 27, 2017

Taking Stock

Jon's blog post got me thinking about where my various projects are and where they are going.  I have had everything on hold for over two years while I work my way through the giant commission, but with some light at the end of the tunnel, it's probably worth taking stock.

The American Civil War remains my primary interest, both in studying and in gaming.  I have a good sized 15mm collection for Fire and Fury (Brigade and Regimental).  Once I add some more Union cavalry, I could pretty much play any scenario.  I'll call this project 90% done.  I also have 28mm armies for Pickett’s Charge (tactical) and Sharp Practice (skirmish), say about 80% done.

After the Civil War, my next gaming love is Napoleonics.  I have been diligently building 15mm armies over the years, so I can field French, British, Austrian, Russian, and Spanish armies for just about anything.  I use the 15mm figures for Age of Eagles (grand tactical) and General de Brigade (tactical).  I would say my forces are about 80% complete, although this is one period that always calls for more troops.  I also have decent French and Austrian forces in 28mm for skirmish gaming using Sharp Practice, and I could consider that project complete.

One project that has stalled is Napoleon in Italy.  I was planning to use the outstanding Eureka 28mm figures to fight the 1796-1800 campaigns.  I have all the lead; I just need some time to get painting.  This project is stuck at about 10%.

Ancients, from the dawn of time to the fall of Rome, has always fascinated me.  I have a number of complete 28mm armies for Warhammer Ancient Battles (and its descendants), all 100% done.  I started a 1/72 scale Trojan War project for for Saga.  I have finished the Acheans and need to paint some Trojans to fight them, so 50% done.  I have started some 15mm ancients armies for . . . something.  I have a decent sized Macedonian army, a large Greek hoplite army, and a few units for Caesar in Gaul.  I haven't found a set of grand tactical rules that really do it for me, apart from Commands and Colors.  Call this project 30% done?  I also have a bunch of 1/300 triemes for ancient naval gaming, but I haven't painted a thing.  This is 0% done!

I bought 28mm Saxons and Vikings for Saga, but I haven't painted much, so about 10% done.

I have good sized 28mm AWI armies for British Grenadier and Sharp Practice.  I could use more troops, especially Hessians, but this project stands at about 90%.

Jon's latest game convinced me to buy a bunch of 1/72 WWI aircraft for Canvas Eagles, but the models are not even here yet.  I also want to try Through the Mud and the Blood in 28mm, but I only have eight figures painted.

Lastly, I do like gaming World War II.  I have a few 15mm armies for Battlefront, 100% done, nothing left to add.  I have enough Germans, Americans, and Soviets in 28mm to play Chain of Command, but I really want to get some winter troops done for the Ardennes, so this project is sitting at about 70%.

I think two years of solid painting could see me finish up all my incomplete projects.  Another two years would allow me to game anything I wanted.

6 comments:

  1. Excellent summary of your collections and planned path(s) to completion. Besides your massive 15mm Napoleonics, you show much restraint. I am a surprised at your assessment of your 28mm Napoleonics collection. I thought you had a large collection of Austrians and French.

    I do want to return to Chain of Command when your time allows. The few games we tried were enjoyable. For WWII skirmish gaming, we likely need to field many more suitable buildings. Maybe you already have a sufficient stash but I have none.

    With a new gaming space, you have plenty of room to expand your collections!

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  2. I have always enjoyed your blog. Really liked the painting tutorials the most. Any chance you will add more on painting 15mm ancients in the future? Or how to highlight things properly. Keep up the great content!

    Thanks
    Micha

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the kind words, Micha. Yes, I plan to return to 15mm ancients. I have been all tied up with the giant commission, which is funding my new gaming room.

      Maybe a another highlighting is order. It's a good idea!

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  3. Comforting to know, that others have my problem of half finished and sort of finished lead kicking about.

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