Pledge Update, and On the Table

Just a quick update on the Pledge. I have added 14 15mm figures and 2 25mm figures. With the progeny absent next week, I hope to get a few more things completed.

In 15mm, on the table:

• A mounted Martian Prince. I have a mount painted up, but I am not really pleased with it, so I may be re-working it. The Prince hisself is primed and ready for painting.
• A German 'advisor' has made his way offworld and on-table. Up to no good, I am sure.
• A mysterious Oriental woman, mad scientist and a well-dressed lady.
• The last three of the 15mm British Regulars. Nothing like seeing red-jacketed Tommies marching along, spreading Her Majesty's Empire.
• Some Napoleonics.

In 25/28mm:

• Two Sentinels. A bit of converting still to be done and then re-paints.
• My second Clockwork Soldier.
• Finish Professor Otto Maton (Parroom Station's Automaton Master miniature)
• The remaining members of the Research Platoon.
• The first members of the German Secret Weapons Team
• Some RAFM Martian Askaris/Sepoys/Colonial troops - they're having a sale right now, 40% off at www.rafm.com on Space 1889.

One last mention - I went and checked out Dampfpannzerwagon's blog for the first time in ages. If you haven't been to it, go and check the Aeronef section of his blog. A link is available [on the left, on the LEFT!] to the main page of his blog. Brilliant stuff!

It seems I spoke too soon

The very day after writing that I felt my health troubles were behind me... I end up back in hospital for another night. Ahhh, the wonders of modern pharmaceuticals. I could use the end result of that night for terrain. It would make a decent rock for 15mm troops, if the doctors were not so interested in studying it.

At any rate, once again in full command of my faculties, I eagerly post photostatic evidence of Progress in Her Majesty's Service.

Steam-powered cavalry support walkers... wonders never cease! I have not yet learned if these so-called "Sentinels" shall be fitted with voltaic rifles or flameguns. There has even been some rumor that Hale Patent Rockets may be fitted to their flanks, the better to rain fire upon the enemies of Her Majesty and all that oppose the Right Progress of Empire and Civilization across the Solar System. Huzzah!

Unfortunately, it will most likely be several weeks or even months before these fine examples of Brittanic craftsmanship shall be seen at their tireless Duty.

So, how do my recent purchases affect the Pledge? I have added seven 28mm troops and 2 vehicles, plus the dinosaur since last update. No finished painting, but a few small projects are getting nearer completion, including the first of the Clockwork Soldiers of Professor Otto Maton, the Mad Scientist of Lower Batavia.

Back in the Saddle

Friends, I am glad to say that I have finally, it seems, gotten back into the groove of gaming and blogging. At least somewhat. My health problems are behind me for now, and its full steam ahead.

I finally touched brush to metal again yesterday morning. I have received a pair of incomplete Praetorian Sentinels (Games Workshop) and some additional Praetorian Imperial Guard troops (again, Games Workshop) via eBay in the last few weeks. They all need a repaint, both to match my other troops and to make them more Victorian in feel. I'll post in progress pictures, of course. The Sentinels are going to be assigned as armored support walkers to the 17th Lancers, I think. At least, that's how I am planning on painting their drivers, as lancers. I'll probably affix a pennant to each as well, red over white, just for snazzy looks.

As far as conversion work goes, I need to put together a coal bunkerfor each. I may have to order the bitz for the roll cage, as those are missing. I haven't decided if I really want that though. And I suppose I could always scratchbuild one instead. One Sentinel has a very neat looking computer flat screen monitor kind of thing going on in place of the gun, but that will have to go. Simply too high tech for VSF feel. I'll probably arm them with either twin voltaic light rifles (lasrifles) or flameguns, as I did the 15mm steam tank mentioned elsewhere in the blog.

Paint scheme-wise, the Sentinel I have started to paint is getting a blue-gray paint job all over. Very 'battleship' looking. I'll add a good bit of brass accent here and there, especially around the hydraulics tubes. Black india rubber hoses as well, with brass couplings, what? The second Sentinel is still in its ochre and green camouflage as purchased. Not really a bad job of camouflage painting, but just not fitting into my VSF ideal.

Quick uniforms question: Does anyone know what color the plastron on the tunic ought to be for lancers? Still dark blue? Or should it be facing color (white, I think)? I may paint it white anyway, just to get a bit of contrast out of them. White sunhelmets, of course.

Final note for today, I have finished writing my first short story based on Victorian Science Fiction and the early exploration of the luminiferous aether. Now all I have to do is write about a half dozen more and start shopping for pubblishers, what? Fame and wealth just around the corner, haw haw.

Until next time...

Problems with the Poll?

Is anyone else having problems with this month's poll?

Technology. Bah.