I think it’s safe to say that my ‘blogging’ has got off to a slow start. The last eight weeks haven’t exactly gone to plan but that’s not entirely my fault. There’s some sad news and some good news and a little progress to mention.
My mate Laurie died on 24 July. Laurie’s health, which was never great, had been in gradual decline for some time but it still came as a shock to learn that he’d passed away. We’ve been friends since 1973 so we’ve gone from young to old and grumpy together. More recently our conversations have dwelt on ‘the good old days’ and how strange is the process of getting old – probably the only two subjects on which we’ve agreed in over forty years. Rest in peace, mate.
I found that Laurie had left all his wargaming stuff to me. I’m honoured, touched and very grateful. Gathering everything together has brought back wonderful memories of classic units, great games and campaigns – but it hasn’t been easy and I wouldn’t wish such a task on my worst enemy. I’m going to try not to subject anyone to that after I’m gone.
On a lighter note, I’ve had a bash at sculpting a generic musketeer figure and it’s been sent off to see if it can be cast. The idea is for the musketeer to compliment my existing Spencer Smith units but I’ll say more about that later. I’m trying not to get too excited because nothing may come of it. Here are a couple of piccies of the sculpt which is a ‘draft’ or work in progress.
Young Andy of ‘Another Slight Diversion’ blog and I have an ongoing painting challenge. I churned these out for the June Challenge……..
but I failed miserably when it came to producing a similar 18thC English battalion by the end of August. My only consolation is that Andy also failed. We’ve yet to agree on what we’ll do, or try to do, by the end of October.
Last year I had a wargames shed and workshop built in the garden but only in the last week have I been able to start preparing it for use. Hardboarding the floor is almost done so I’ll soon need to source an off-cut of smart vinyl.
Also, I have managed to re-base a few more of the Gateway alliance troops. I must say more about the Gateway. Later.
As already said, condolences on the loss of a long time friend. Never easy. But the presence of his troops in your armies will always bring good memories.
I look forward to seeing stage two of the sculpt. Looking good. As are the Erbprinz. You’ve got me wondering about all those RSM Prussian Grenadiers I have now!
And the shed is coming along nicely. There looks room for at least two large freezers in there, and maybe a fridge too. And a tumble dryer… In fact that’s you sorted! Several washing machines and dryers and you can take in washing to supplement your pension!
Well done for posting. It better not be as long until the next one!
Thank you Andy.
You should definitely have an Erbprinz regiment. It’ll look wonderful with RSM figures and with your painting style…….not so sure about your extended order basing though.
The only chilled stuff in my shed will be the beer and ice for the cocktails.
I shall try to post more regularly.
Iain
Very sorry to hear about your friend but its touching to know you’ll have the figures to remember your good times together.
That musketeer is fantastic – completely captures the Spencer Smith look and feel. Have you left the end of the musket bit as an excuse to use the Dremel ?
Thanks Simon,
I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you’d posted. I expected to get an e-mail when someone commented. Evidently not.
I never need an excuse to use the Dremel.
Iain