A new Sergeant and some Vardu Minions

   I've been painting, a bit. I've also got a new camera, so I am working the kinks out of it still. But here are a few snaps of what I've been up to lately.

   First is another Empress British NCO. I love Empress's minis, and this guy has been sitting about waiting for his final touches for months. He's now ready to join the rest of the 30th Foot on Mars, defending the Empire for Her Majesty (God Bless Her).

   Also a Bull Snapper, a light warbeast from Hordes' Minions faction. He joins his larger cousin the Blackhide Wrassler as an experimental subject for Doctor Vardu. I made a puddle at his feet, just like the bigger one. Venus is a dreadfully swampy place, after all.

   Finally, there is a pair of Razor Boars, more Minions warbeasts. I have another pair of these that I will paint soon, giving me - er, Doctor Vardu, that is - four of the aggressive piggies.

The Joy of Six

Six Millimeter, that is!

Whilst journeying through Great Britain the last two weeks, I had the opportunity to attend the Joy of Six gaming show in Sheffield. It was a nice little show, with several interesting demo games, and a good set of vendors, including Baccus, Brigade, and Heroics and Ros.

The most interesting games I saw were a Star Wars game using X-Wing rules for ground combat (an assault on Hoth with truly awesome AT-ATs), and SAGA being played with bases of 6mm figures in place of the single 28mm standard. As far as I could see, there were no other rules changes, though I didn't play in it. It did make it seem more like warbands than the dozen or so figures involved in a standard game of SAGA.

I purchased some figures of Victorian interest from Baccus while there, principally a set of Imperial French for Franco-Prussian Wars. Or, as the case may have it, for my own use as a Legion Extraterrestriale, the extra-solarian forces of La Belle France. I also picked up some Mahdists for use as Martians and some more British for use as, well, British.

I will, of course, get those painted straight away... I figure you will get to see photos sometime around 2021 at the current rate of production. I really need to get some brush time in.

Back to the UK this summer!

Hurrah!

My family and I will be returning to the UK again this summer. Booked airfare last night. Our itnerary is less focused than usual, as yet.

We will be in London on July 11-12. My son has a tour of a college campus (University of East London) that he is interested in attending.

We will be in Edinburgh from the 13-17 July. After that, Momma heads back to the US and the boys and I go... somewhere. Considering a day or two in Weymouth again, as it was lovely, and I'd like to see the Goddards again and stay in that lovely little hotel from last time. The owners were wonderful.

Also considering a visit to northern cities. Any suggestions?

Finally, I would love to meet any gamers in the areas in which we visit. Just give a shout!

Final construction

I used scrapbook paper to make the wallpaper and the tiled interior floor. The backside was painted black to darken the windows.

I also have a shop from them which is the next piece of terrain on the list. I hope to get around to it before the end of the year, but that seems unlikely.

By Jove! That's a Lot of Peelers!

   I finally finished these thirteen Bobbies and their associated infernium hound from the Empire of the Dead Kickstarter. So, now I have a force of flat-feet to harass Adventuring Companies and other ne'er-do-wells on the streets of Ol' Blighty! 

Three Cheers for Her Majesty, the Queen!

Hip hip

HOORAY!

Hip hip

HOORAY!

Hip hip

HOORAY!

   As of today, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has surpassed her great-great-grandmother Victoria I (God Bless Her!) as the longest reigning monarch in British history. Her Majesty's reign began in 1952, with the death of her father, King George VI. She has been Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for 23,226 days.

Her Majesty at work.

Probably my favorite photo of Her Majesty.

   Naturally, some one has to ruin the party. That someone is this fellow (and his pals).

Graham Smith

  Smug looking grumble grumble... Mr. Smith and his compatriots would like to do away with the monarchy. He's taken this occasion to call for an end to the hereditary succession. Could you not give it a rest for the day? Good taste doesn't allow me to describe my thoughts. It may seem strange that an American such as myself would think that's a terrible idea, but I'm also a historian, with a reverence for traditions. Heck, I'm an Aggie - and we are chock full of tradition.

  Anyway, enough about that guy. Congratulations to Her Majesty, and best wishes for her continued good health and long reign.

28mm Project Review: Her Majesty's Forces

   Just to keep track of what's going on, I worked up a bit of thought on just what I wanted to accomplish for 28mm VSF forces. Thought I would share that with you all, starting with the British.

   The basic idea is to create factions large enough to fight platoon-level games. That is, I want to have at least four units of troops, plus some leaders, support weapons, and vehicles for each faction. Using GASLIGHT as my template rules, that means some 40-50 figures, plus the support weapons (and crews) and vehicles (and crews).

   At any rate, here are the units and odds and ends which I have, mostly completed.

• Gurkhas (x10)
• Sikhs (x20)
• Martian Sepoys (x20)
• Martian Sepoy Gashant Cavalry (x10)
• British Line (x20)
• British Line, Venusian Uniform (x20)
• British Ensign bearer
• British Officer (x4)
• British civilians (x4)
• British Aerocav (x10)
• British Airship (Aphid-ish) and crew
• 9-pdr Gun and RA crew
• Hale Rocket team, RA crew
• Gatling Gun and RA crew
• SWORD Unit (x15)
• SWORD Artillery (x3, plus crew)
• SWORD Scout Walkers (x2)
• Metropolitan Police (x10)
• Landship

   Note that these units do not include Lord Curr's Incorrigibles, an Adventuring Company with strong British ties, nor the Gentleman's Club for EotD.

Round 2 Entry - 17th Lancers Aerocav

   Since this round is also over, I can share these. I posted the original one many moons ago, but I only got around to painting up the remaining nine back in February. I think they came out well, and look forward to using them in a game.

   This is the 17th Lancers' F-Troop, mounted on the new Guernsey Patent Steam Ornithopter. Nicknamed the "bug boys" for obvious reasons. Note how the 'eyes' glow green? That's the handwavium reaction providing heat for the steam power. Vents out the tail, in controlled bursts for charges. Also, they are armed with the explosive limpet lance. Just the thing for blowing big holes in the delicate liftwood panels of Martian kites.

Ships of the Indian Raj!

   Okay, consider this purchased - maybe as late as Christmas this year. Maybe. I love anything to do with Colonial India. I blame Stirling's book The Peshawar Lancers and films like Lives of a Bengal Lancer.

Political Map of the World According to Peshawar Lancers

The British Empire Runs on Tea

Naval Brigade Jack Tars Arrive

   Sailors from HMAS Minotaur have been armed with rifles and disembarked in order to secure downport facilities in Victoria Landing. Recent unfortunate events with native malcontents in the Crown Colony have made an increase in downport security a necessity. Government sources indicate that several credible threats have been made against the fuel and ammunition depot, requiring additional security beyond that provided by the Army. Certainly, we all feel much safer with these additional loyal Crown servants protecting our vital interests and infrastructure here in the Crown Colony.

[Editor's Note: These are eleven 15mm naval brigade armed sailors, manufacturer unknown (but I suspect Old Glory), and purchased years ago at Historicon flea market. I finally rebased and touched up the paint on them to make them fit in with my other minis.]

Victorian Conversion Ideas

   Mark, the chronicler of the Winter of '79, has put up some interesting thoughts regarding Foundry's Zulu War uniformed British Officers and NCOs. Besides that, his blog is quite entertaining as well.

http://winterof79.blogspot.com/2014/01/quick-zulu-war-conversions.html?showComment=1388643354131#c359768018577941167

   That should get you to the post in question, but do take a peek about the place, if you haven't already. Certainly worth the cost of admission and a few hours of your time.

In Her Majesty's Name! - Lord Curr's Company

   All done with these chaps! Except for Her Ladyship, Lady Felicity, at any rate...

Pinstripes are hard to paint. Lovely grey morning coat.

Love this fellows whiskers.

Especially happy with this waistcoat.

The Whole Company

Lord Curr's Incorrigibles Progress

   I've made a bit of progress on my second Company for In Her Majesty's Name. These are, as you can tell, members of Lord Curr's Incorrigibles. While they have a bad reputation, they are actually quite loyal to Her Majesty. The rest of the Incorrigibles are in the works.

"Mad Mick" McFarlane, a certified mad scientist.

Mad Mick's Arc Generator.

One of the Incorrigibles. A flashy cove, what?

The backside of Sam Warburton.

Mod. 13 British Forces Plan - 28mm

   A fine spring afternoon in London, at Horse Guards, a meeting of Important Personages of the Realm. After a fine luncheon, the meeting begins.

   "Ahem! Pardon me, gentlemen. If you will all please take your seats for the briefing? Thank you. Welcome to the Ministry of Defense's briefing on force availability and build up plans for Her Majesty's Imperial interests in the solar system. We will be discussing today what forces we have, and those which we intend to establish in the coming year. Budgetary constraints may restrict this goal somewhat. Everyone has their drink topped up? Good. Waiters, you are dismissed. Corporal, please secure the door?"

   "SAHR!"

   "Now, if you will please open your briefing envelope, breaking the seal - you have all signed your Official Secrets Act Notice, yes? - we can proceed. Note that the unit entries are color coded. Green indicates units already in place. Yellow indicates units that are in process, and an approximate percentage of completion will follow the line item. Orange indicates units for which the requisite equipment has been acquired, but not yet prepared for service in any fashion. Red indicates a unit that is, at this time, purely theoretical."

   "Another notice, before we really dive in to the meat of the report. The organisation formerly styled the Royal Artillery Research and Development Center has been replaced by the Royal Special Weapons and Ordnance Research Division. They currently equip two platoons and a field battery for testing devices under actual field conditions."

MARS

30th (Cambridgeshire) Regiment of Foot, 1st Battalion

  Company B, No. 5 Platoon

    Lieutenant

    Sergeant

    Corporal (x2)

    Private (x16) [xx%]

17th Lancers, No. 1 Squadron

  B Troop (Mechanickal)

    Mk. I Sentinel (x1)

17th Lancers, No. 1 Squadron

  B Troop (Aerocavalry)

    Lieutenant

    Sergeant

    Lancers (x8) [12%]

1st Victoria's Landing Rifles, 1st Battalion

  Company A, No. 1 Platoon

    Lieutenant (British)

    Havildar

    Sepoy (x18)

Royal Artillery, No. 5 Brigade

  Battery N [Replacement by Empress Miniatures pending]

    9-pdr gun

    Crew (x4)

Royal Special Weapons and Ordnance Research Division

  Field Platoon No. 1 (Special Weapons) [Replacing Praetorians with Victoria Miniatures]

    Lieutenant

    Sergeant

    Private (x8)

    Grenadier

    Portable Gatling

    Caloric Ray Emitter

  Field Test Battery B [Awaiting delivery of replacements, Curious Constructs Kickstarters]

    Tesla Gun

    Photonic Cannon

    Dual Automatic Cannon (3-pdr)

    Galvanic Gatling Gun

    Revolving Rocket Array

    Heavy Rocket Tube

Royal Aeronaval Service

  HMAS Dragonfly, Aphid-class airship

    

Royal Navy Landship Service

  HMLS Wales, Kingdom-class landship

VENUS/EARTH

22nd (Cheshire) Regiment of Foot, 2nd Battalion

  Company A, No. 3 Platoon [Venusian Service Uniform]

    Lieutenant

    Sergeant

    Corporal (x2)

    Private (x16)

Coldstream Guards Regiment, 1st Battalion
  Company C, No. 8 Platoon
    Lieutenant
    Sergeant
    Corporal (x2)
    Private (x16)

17th Lancers, No. 1 Squadron

   B Troop (Mechanickal)

     Mk. II Sentinel (x1)

14th Regiment, Bengal Native Infantry (Ferozepore Sikhs), 1st Battalion

  Company B, No. 6 Platoon

    Lieutenant (British)

    Subedar

    Havildar

    Naik (x2)

    Sepoys (x15)

43rd Regiment, Bengal Native Infantry (Gurkhas), 1st Battalion

  Company A, No. 2 Platoon

    Lieutenant (British)

    Havildar

    Naik

    Sepoys (x7)

Royal Artillery, No. 5 Brigade

   Battery L

     9-pdr gun

     Crew (x4)

Royal Special Weapons and Ordnance Research Division
  Field Platoon No. 2 (Skywalkers)

    Lieutenant
    Sergeant
    Private (x8)

  Field Test Battery A [Awaiting delivery of replacements, Curious Constructs Kickstarters]
    Tesla Gun

    Photonic Cannon

    Dual Automatic Cannon (3-pdr)

    Galvanic Gatling Gun

    Revolving Rocket Array

    Heavy Rocket Tube

Royal Aeronaval Service

  HMAS Locust, Aphid-class airship [same airship as Dragonfly, different planet]

Royal Navy Landship Service

   HMLS Ireland, Kingdom-class landship [same landship, different planet]

[Editor's Note: These plans are subject to change. But it gives an idea of what is going on in my madness with just one force of my massive plans and collection. I have more Brits I want to field in 15mm and 6mm, as well as Dystopian Wars Fleet Scale. Then add in other nationalities, some in multiple scales as well: Germans, Texians, French, Russians, Japanese, Turks, Canal Martians, High Martians, Lizardmen, Parrotmen, Octomen, Confederated Italian States, not-one-but-two Mad Scientist factions, Americans...]

The Bug Boys are Coming!

   Ahem, that is to say, a trooper of the 17th Lancers, B Squadron (Aerocavalry), has been sighted. More commonly known as the "Dragonfly Lancers", the Aerocavalry ride into battle astride a mechanickal dragonfly, powered by handwavium and held aloft by unobtainite. They bravely (some would say 'recklessly') charge right at enemy aerial vessels, hoping to strike home with their long, spar torpedo-like Grantham Patent Explosive Lances. They can also make daring low-level attacks against landships and the like, skimming just over the terrain in a dashingly bold manner. The landing struts of the mount can also be used to carry cargo while in flight, and the whole thing can hover in place at need. Quite the thing for delivering desperately needed supplies to remote outposts.

[Editor's Note: Finally, one down, nine to go. This is my prototype Rough Rider from Victoria Miniatures, painted in 17th Lancer uniform, mounted on a Mage Knight mechanical dragonfly. My only complaint is that the resin spears warped in shipping and have to be repaired. Oh, and I need more pieces. Better get to ordering!]