On the Workbench - March 2025

Just back again from Granddad duties and I now see myself with a clear period for a while, so a chance to get back on track I hope.

I'll be working on:-

• Assemble and paint the Hs 129 and Dewotine I started while travelling before I found the task lighting was too poor for my old eyes.
• El Cid era Spanish light infantry - nearly finished painting
• Finish repainting a trio of old Matchbox M3 Stuarts - they now have caunter applied
• Three Early War German MMG teams - nearly finished painting
• Almoravid heavy cavalry
• Three units of SYW British Infantry
• Start the FDM 3D printer - I have found some interesting Vietnam buildings by Rubicon on Thingiverse

Western Gunfight buildings

Here are the four buildings I received from my daughter for Christmas, they are all now assembled and painted, and have even been used once in their unpainted state.

I will add some logos later once I have sorted something out.

Clear out now on ebay

Well, after some problems I have listed my current army surplus on ebay. They can be found here, but if anything is of interest let me know and a deal may be possible. link

Beautiful Boy

Just returned from visiting my daughter and my first grandchild my first thoughts are of John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy"

He is called George after my late father, which is very touching

I feel my life is going to change, in many ways!

On the workbench - February 2026

If all goes to plan I will become a Grandfather this month, I expect this will involve quite a bit of time away from the painting bench. January has been a reasonable start and pleasingly I have rebased all my Russian Cavalry. I have also installed Cura on my laptop to replace the Elegoo version and refreshed my understanding of how it works. I now feel I can get started once I get a clear period at home.

I'll be working on:-

• While travelling, attempt to assemble a few of the remaining plastic kits
• Paint the Wild West buidings I received for Xmas - I have already part assembled them
• El Cid era Spanish light infantry - they are already primed
• Finish repainting a trio of old Matchbox M3 Stuarts
• Three Early War German MMG teams - also primed
• Maybe get started on the Almoravid heavy cavalry

Vapnartak 2026

I visited Vapa as a punter for once not as a demonstrator as I was in transit. I usually enjoy the show, but I was underwhelmed. There were very few demonstration or participation games unlike the past so very little inspiration was on offer. It was also the first show I have been to where I have left with zero purchases, nobody stocked Vallejo or the Javis scatter I use (there are usually 2-3). So a brief set of pictures of the games

First off is Ken (Yarkshire Gamer) with his splendid game of Germantown 1776.

A Battlegroup Northag game

The Italian Wars fought using Midgard

Another AWI game from the Brompton Bankers using Rebels & Patriots

Something unusual the naval battle of Harodate 1869

Chariot racing, photogrphed during a lull in gaming

Panzer 38(t)s and a Jeep

As part of my attempt to clear the stash I assembled these back in September last year. Both kits are by Fujimi, the Jeep crewman is a 3D resin print, just a little on the large size.

The Panzer 38(t)s will join four others and allow me to better game the action of the 7th and 8th Panzer Divisions in France 1940 as well as Russia in 41/42.

Now off to my first show of the year - Vapnartak