Leibster Award

It appears that I have been nominated for one of the latest crop of Liebster Awards. Many thanks to
Mosstrooper at http://tinsoldieringon.blogspot.co.uk and Tradgardmastre at http://tradgardland.blogspot.co.uk .I feel quite honoured that people think my inane and illogical ramblings merit attention, but grateful that they are read. I believe I have to nominate my five blogs now? Difficult. according to my counter I currently have 75 blogs on 'watch', not all wargaming, some are model railways. Some seem to be slightly defunct as there have been no entries for some time.

So, taking these into account, and trying not to repeat those that already have the award, or too many followers to match the criteria, my five.

Army Red/White and Others. http://armyredwhite.blogsopt.co.uk the 54mm blog that got me back into this at the start, so it's all his fault.

The Kingdom of Wittenberg. http://tidders-kingdomofwittenberg.blogspot.co the one I always go to immediately, and one of the ones i'd like to emulate eventually.

I like the things I like. http://ilikethingsilike.blogspot who does amusing things with basic plastic figures and old postcards (not neccessarily at the same time)

Classic Wargaming. http://classicwargaming.blogspot.co.uk that does what it says on the tin.

The Airfix Civil War Project. http://airfixcwproject.blogspot which is a fairly new blog but brimful of nostalgia for those of us who had these figures originally.

I could have listed a lot more, and probably spend far too long browsing than I should. I feel a resolution for next year coming on!

Book of the Month x2

Two books from my shelves this time, as I couldnt decide which to feature first.

The Law Marches West, Sir Cecil E Denny, an Inspector in the original NWMP, was originally published in 1939 and reprinted in 2000. It is the story of how the RCMP (Mounties) made their epic march to the North West in 1874 and their subsequent feat of bringing law and order to this wild region. It is a tale of "guts and rugged determination....littered with blizzards and bootlegging, horse rustling and gold-digging...full of the romance of pioneering history. A very interesting read, I can see that it could lead to a number of scenarios involving the law, indians, settlers and roughnecks that could be slightly different to the 'Wild West' norm.

Broadsides and Boarders, Marvin H Albert. published back in 1958, is the story of the romantic era of warfare under sail told through the stories of some of the Great Captains, including Nelson, Drake, Suffren, John Paul Jones, Monck and De Ruyter. I first read this just after the publication time and, being a youngster, discovered that other countries had their naval heroes too, just as respected and loved as our own. Well worth searching out if you can find it. (My copy was priced at 21/- reduced to 4/11)

 

 

 

 I'm trying not to critique any books I put up, as I find that not everyone has the same taste, and that books I've enjoyed over the years may not suit you. I can only reccomend something that takes my fancy. Please feel free to comment on the choice or remarks.

On The Desk Today

It's pouring with rain outside, I'm suffering from bunged up nose, runny eyes and throaty cough, so don't feel like doing anything excertive. Just thought I'd post a picture of my painting desk as it is this morning.
This holds two 54mm FLW regiments, one cavalry one infantry, a batch of based mounted commanders from the Great Wars Crimean range who will be the General Staff for my 28mm Grand Duchy of Humperstein army, a batch of Foundry ACW artillerymen in shirtsleeves who will end up as Engineers for same, and an assortment of civilians from various makes to act as politicians and bystanders. I haven't painted anything this small for years, so it will be interesting to see how I get on. I'm not a fan of 'black lining' (my hand shakes too much) and I prefer gloss finish. Pictures eventually.