Showing posts with label On the workbench. Show all posts
Showing posts with label On the workbench. Show all posts

05/04/2026

Progress against plan 1Q26

So one quarter down and 295 items, which was not bad considering my time spent on becoming a grandfather and successfully getting the FDM printer going. Breakdown of progress so far:
  1. Reworking my Napoleonic Russian Army - well underway
  2. Enhance existing armies- well underway
  3. 3D printing terrain (FDM) - started, but lots of learning to consider
  4. 3D printing vehicles and figures (resin) - not started yet as too cold
  5. Continue to clear out all unwanted items, including painted figures - started, a certain amount cleared but still more to do
  6. Enjoy Games & Shows- OK so far
Amplifying the above:

1. Reworking my Napoleonic Russian Army
  • Rebase existing Russian Line Cavalry - done
  • Decide whether to replace or rebase existing Cossacks - tested rebasing and decided to stay for now with existing cossacks
  • 3D print Infantry to replace Version 1 Springwood Infantry - waiting for warmer weather
  • Rebase Version 2 Springwood Infantry, plus new 3D printed officers, etc. - as above, waiting for warmer weather
  • Decide how to replace existing Militia (HaT) - decided to sell and have sold
2. Enhance existing armies - already planned are
  • Napoleonic Saxons/Westphalians when I can find suitable STL files - still have not found suitable files
  • 28mm Wild West terrain including a mine (non MDF) - All printed need to assemble and paint
  • Some more 28mm Gunfighters including some Indians- not started
  • 28mm Gangs of Rome figures.- not started
  • Some Spanish medieval infantry for the El Cid period- completed apart from some crossbowmen
  • 3 units of Almoravid Heavy Cavalry- about to start
  • 3 units of SYW British Infantry - about to start 4 instead of 3 units
  • 4 units of WSS Spanish (Walloon?) Infantry - not purchased yet
  • 3 units of WSS French Cavalry- not started
  • Legion Nautique for the French in Egypt 1800 - not started, waiting for warmer weather to print
  • Hanoverian limbers for the SYW - completed
  • a couple of units for the SYW - I decided on Hessians and have completed them.
  • Assemble and paint Wild West buildings received at Xmas - I have assembled and painted them apart from some signage
  • Support the stash reduction by painting useable items -started

2. 3D Printing Terrain (FDM)
  • Test printing a Horsa using FDM- conducted a digital test and decided it was feasible
  • Vietnamese hooches - Printed, but still need to paint
  • Western European buildings - not convinced by the files I have
  • Spanish/Mediterrainean buildings - not convinced by the files I have
  • New bridges - not started

3. 3D Printing Vehicles & Figures (Resin) - in the summer
  • Napoleonic Saxon and Westphalian Infantry - not found suitable files yet
  • Napoleonic Russian Infantry - just waiting on the weather
  • Maybe Napoleonic Russian Cossacks? - not needed
  • Gradually replace existing diecast and other poor quality AFVs in my collection - slowly clearing them out

4. Continue to clear out all unwanted items, including painted figures
  • Re-assess each existing period, army, and units to consider if I am really going to use them - no progress yet
  • Sell the identified surplus, probably on ebay - sold a certain quantity, just need to keep on
  • Review stash (figure and plastic bits box) aiming to reduce from 3 to 2 crates by painting or selling the excess - no progress yet
  • Identify replacement STL files for my 1st version Springwood Prussian figures for 2027 - not convinced by the files I have found so far

5. Gaming
  • Continue supporting the Beacon Club and attending as many weekend events as possible - OK so far
  • Try to attend the same number of shows as last year - Managed to get to Vapnartak but unfortunately WMMS was cancelled this year

03/04/2026

In the Workbench - Apr 2026

Well at last I got the FDM printer working and I'm very happy with my "Vietnamese" buildings, unfortunately the decals for my Dewoitine disintegrated so it will have to wait till I find some replacement decals.

I'll be working on:-
  • Almoravid heavy cavalry
  • Four units of SYW British infantry (I've struggled to clean these up, but I found I had sufficient for an extra unit)
  • SYW Prussian pioneers
  • Paint the Vietnamese buildings
  • WSS Franconian grenadier battalion
  • 3 units of WSS French cavalry

09/03/2026

WIP - Henschel Hs 123 & Dewotine 520

I have completed the assembly of the two aircraft. I experienced the usual problems of fitting the struts and the upper wing on the top of a biplane.
Now onto fitting a screw underneath for the magnetic stand and then it's painting

05/03/2026

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

03/02/2026

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

08/01/2026

Plan for 2026

As I am due to become a Grandfather this year, I suspect my time will have a strong emphasis on family activities this year. That said I do have a clear main theme for the year of reworking my Napoleonic Russian Army, which does involve 3D printing lots of Russian Infantry.

So this year I will be working on the following broad themes:
  1. Reworking my Napoleonic Russian Army
  2. Enhance existing armies
  3. 3D printing terrain (FDM)
  4. 3D printing vehicles and figures (resin)
  5. Continue to clear out all unwanted items, including painted figures
  6. Enjoy Games & Shows
Amplifying the above:

1. Reworking my Napoleonic Russian Army
  • Rebase existing Russian Line Cavalry
  • Decide whether to replace or rebase existing Cossacks
  • 3D print Infantry to replace Version 1 Springwood Infantry
  • Rebase Version 2 Springwood Infantry, plus new 3D printed officers, etc.
  • Decide how to replace existing Militia (HaT)
2. Enhance existing armies - already planned are
  • Napoleonic Saxons/Westphalians when I can find suitable STL files
  • 28mm Wild West terrain including a mine
  • Some more 28mm Gunfighters including some Indians
  • 28mm Gangs of Rome figures.
  • Some Spanish medieval infantry for the El Cid period
  • 3 units of Almoravid Heavy Cavalry
  • 3 units of SYW British Infantry
  • 4 units of WSS Spanish (Walloon?) Infantry
  • 3 units of WSS French Cavalry
  • Legion Nautique for the French in Egypt 1800
  • Hanoverian limbers for the SYW
  • a couple of units for the SYW
  • Assemble and paint Wild West buildings received at Xmas
  • Support the stash reduction by painting useable items

2. 3D Printing Terrain (FDM)
  • Test printing a Horsa using FDM
  • Vietnamese hooches
  • Western European buildings
  • Spanish/Mediterrainean buildings
  • New bridges (all eras)

3. 3D Printing Vehicles & Figures (Resin)- in the summer
  • Napoleonic Saxon and Westphalian Infantry
  • Napoleonic Russian Infantry
  • Maybe Napoleonic Russian Cossacks?
  • Gradually replace existing diecast and other poor quality AFVs in my collection

4. Continue to clear out all unwanted items, including painted figures
  • Re-assess each existing period, army, and units to consider if I am really going to use them
  • Sell the identified surplus, probably on ebay
  • Review stash (figure and plastic bits box) aiming to reduce from 3 to 2 crates by painting or selling the excess
  • Identify replacement STL files for my 1st version Springwood Prussian figures for 2027

5. Gaming
  • Continue supporting the Beacon Club and attending as many weekend events as possible
  • Try to attend the same number of shows as last year

06/01/2026

On the Workbench - January 2026

Not a clean start to a new year with quite a few part finished projects carried over.

I'll be working on:-
  • Panzer 38(t)s - add decals and drybrush
  • 28mm Mexican Gunfighters and Miners - underway
  • Seven Years War Hanoverian Limbers - nearly finished
  • El Cid era Spanish Infantry
  • Repaint a trio of old Matchbox M3 Stuarts
  • Three Early War German MMG teams
  • Start on rebasing my Napoleonic Russian Cavalry
  • Refresh my memory of how the use the FDM printer and it's slicing software

04/01/2026

Review of 2025 - Part 2 - painting breakdown

Painting output was 1,444 items a very much lower level then 2024. The quantity of 3D printed material was 419 items. Now breaking it all down.

Period

 

Notes

Napoleonic 

911

Completed rebasing the Austrian, painted the replacements for my old Springwood 1st edition French and added some Spanish round hat infantry. In preparation for 2026 I printed and painted Russian Guns and Horse Artillerymen.

WW2

140

Chinese infantry then mainly resin products with Soviet paratroops US airborne and assorted vehicles.

WSS

136

4 units of Dutch Infantry and 5 of Cuirassiers.

Post WW2

136

A platoon each of US Infantry and Marines for Vietnam.

Terrain 

34

Bamboo clumps for Vietnam, 15mm Conifers and a few islands for naval games

Medieval        

30

El Cid era cavalry

Wild West

26

All 28mm, female gunfighters, dismounted cavalry, bystanders and cattle

AWI        

26

28mm Indians and Robert Marion both mounted and dismounted

Colonial        

13

Zulu cattle

Revolutionary Wars        

5

French Generals

WW1

4

A couple of Aircraft and Lettow-Vorbek to command my Germans in East Africa

Renaissance

3

a couple of Field Preachers and a field gun for the ECW in 28mm

Grand Total

1,444


Type

 

Notes

Infantry

630

Majority Napoleonic French and some Spanish, WSS Dutch, WW2 Chinese, US for Vietnam and lots of bits for odd units

Rebase/Rework

513

Almost entirely Napoleonic Austrians, plus a couple of other French and Prussian units

Cavalry

128

WSS German and Austrian Cuirassiers, Replacement French old Guard, Prussian Cuirassiers, British Dragoons and Medieval El Cid Spanish

Gunners

43

Napoleonic Austrian, Russian and Spanish horse artilley crews.

Buildings, etc.

34

Bamboo clumps for Vietnam, 15mm Conifers and a few islands for naval games

Other Items

20

Modern era scientists, wild west bystanders and ECW field preachers

Horses

18

Cattle for 28mm Wild West and 20mm Zulu War.

Commanders

17

El Cid Era, WW2 Germans,Wurttemberg Cavalry, Lettow Vorbek and Robert Marion

Artillery

14

WW2 British 5.5in gun, a ECW field gun and a dozen Russian Napoleonic guns

Riders

10

German WW2 DAK drivers and passengers and a couple of US drivers.

Tanks/AFVs

17

All 3D resin printed for WW2; British M3A3 Stuarts, Italian CV35 Lance-Flamms, German Hummels and Nashorns

Vehicles

6

Four assorted sdkfz 9 FAMOs to replace exisiting die casts and a couple of US Dodge Command Cars

Aircraft

2

WW1 British Sopwith Camel and German Fokker D VII gliders        

Grand Total

1,444




Finally a big thanks you to all those who commented on my blog through the year, your comments help to keep me motivated.

03/01/2026

Review of 2025 - part 1 - progress against plan

Rather a mixed year painting progress was slow with 1,444 items completed, previous years have been a lot higher, but there have been various distractions, our village pub is now open and I have redecoated two bedrooms. With the exception of using the FDM printer I have done reasonably well against plan. Other non-plan sucesses have been climbing Ben More, a Munro on Mull, visiting the Normandy beaches and the Portsmouth shipyards.

Progress on my broad themes:
  1. Enhance existing armies - Reasonable progress
  2. 3D printing terrain (FDM) - Complete fail, I need to concentrate on this next year.
  3. 3D printing vehicles and figures (resin) - Completed everything I had planned to do this summer
  4. Continue to clear out all unwanted items, including painted figures - Fail, quite a bit sorted out, but nothing sold yet
  5. Enjoy Games & Shows - Another good year of games and visits.
Amplifying the above:

1. Enhance existing armies - already planned are
  • Continue rebasing the French Napoleonics - Completed except for a few units where I have not found suitable files yet.
  • then I will start on the Austrians - Completed
  • 28mm Female Gunfighters - Completed
  • 5 units of Napoleonic Spanish round hat infantry (1 of which will be skirmishers) - Completed
  • 4 units of Napoleonic Italian line infantry - Completed
  • 3 units of Napoleonic Young Guard skirmishers - Completed
  • WSS Danish Cuirassiers - Completed
  • Hanoverian limbers for the SYW - Almost completed
  • Some Spanish medievals for the El Cid period - Completed, except I decided to add more infantry figures, which I have still to do.
  • plus the figures listed below to be 3D printed - Completed

2. 3D Printing Terrain (FDM)
  • Test printing a Horsa using FDM - Nothing done yet
  • Vietnamese hooches - I decided the hooches I bought were not well designed and I need to find something better
  • Western European buildings - bought files from a kickstarter
  • Spanish/Mediterrainean buildings - Nothing done yet
  • New bridges (all eras) - Nothing done yet

3. 3D Printing Vehicles & Figures (Resin)
  • Napoleonic Saxon and Westphalian Infantry - Nothing done yet as I have not found any files I like
  • Napoleonic Russian Artillery & Gunners - Completed
  • Napoleonic Polish Lancers, French Guard Horse Grenadiers and Chasseurs a Cheval - Completed
  • WW2 Russian paratroops - Completed
  • Gradually replace existing diecast and other poor quality AFVs in my collection - Some done, but plenty more still to do
  • Working on more figures with the Resin printer using the more robust resin I have found - Completed, now switched over to ABS water washable resin. I just need to use up my remaining old resin on less critical models

4. Continue to clear out all unwanted items, including painted figures
  • Re-assess each existing period, army, and units to consider if I am really going to use them - Put a batch on ebay in January and have now sorted out another batch to go.
  • Maintain stash (figure and plastic bits box) at 3 crates and hopefully reduce the numbers - Still managing within 3 crates - but nothing substantial purchased But the stash has fallen slightly from 4,132 to 3,767
  • Consider the future for my 1st version Springwood figures as I have the capability to replace them with more compatible figures to the 2nd edition - I am going to sell them as I complete their replacements. My French are included in my batch ready to sell.

5. Gaming
  • Continue supporting the Beacon Club and attending as many weekend events as possible - Completed with additional periodic games at Si's "Officer's Mess" during the week.
  • Try to attend the same number of shows as last year - Completed - only two weekends missed due to other commitments
  • Attend at least as many shows as last year - The list of shows completed are Vapnartak, Hammerhead, Phalanx, Attack, Other Partisan, Wirral Warboot, South West Model Show and Recon.

01/01/2026

Last of the old year

My final painting for 2025, no time to display them properly
A complete US Marine platoon for Vietnam, French Revolutionary generals, Some Scientists and German generals
Looking back you can see what I failed to finish on time, Hanovarian limbers, Panzer 38(t)s, 28mm Mexicans and miners, plus all sorts of oddments

04/12/2025

On the Workbench - December 2025

I am definately struggling to finish painting figures, although I have just completed decorating a room. Also I have started clearing out my old wargames magazines. So I this month I will endeavour to finish as much of my annual plan as possible while working on more decorating.

My working list is
  • 2 unts of Napoleonic Duchy of Warsaw Lancers - very close to finishing painting
  • Painting the Panzer 38t - part painted but needs stowage
  • Some French Revolutionary generals - underway
  • 28mm Mexican Gunfighters - started
  • Seven Years War Hanoverian Limbers - started
  • Various odd figures that are part completed
  • Maybe complete a US marine platoon for Nam 68
  • Maybe start up the FDM printer over the Christmas break
My next show will be Recon on 6th December with the Lance & Longbow Society

06/11/2025

On the workbench - November 2025

I have definately lost my way, I've too many conflcting priorities and painting is getting to the back of the list. This is partly because I may become a Grandfather, but also because of my work on the pub I'm expected to get on with work on the house now that I've finished with that.

So for now I hope I will be working on
  • Painting the Panzer 38t I assembled while away - still awaiting paint
  • 28mm Mexican Gunfighters - primed and based - still awaiting paint
  • WSS Dutch Gardes Te Voet - have been started
  • Some French Revolutionary generals - have been started
  • Get started on my replacement US units for Nam 68 - I've sorted and primed a US infantry platoon
  • Seven Years War Hanoverian Limbers
  • Start up the FDM printer - still not started, although Steve Pickstock gave me some usful ideas on how to use AI to generate terrain
  • 2 unts of Napoleonic Duchy of Warsaw Lancers
My next show will be Recon on 6th December with the Lance & Longbow Society

10/10/2025

Progress against plan - 3Q25

Progress is still slow with 1,089 items completed, normally I would have completed over 1800, but there have still been various distractions. I am hoping that I can at least complete the majority of my plan by the end of the year.

Progress on my broad themes:
  1. Enhance existing armies - Underway
  2. 3D printing terrain (FDM) - Nothing done yet as I still haven't had a clear period to run it.
  3. 3D printing vehicles and figures (resin) - Completed this summers run and it is now too cold in the garage to run it
  4. Continue to clear out all unwanted items, including painted figures - Nothing done yet
  5. Enjoy Games & Shows - Going well about to go to "Other Partisan"
Amplifying the above:

1. Enhance existing armies - already planned are
  • Continue rebasing the French Napoleonics - Now waiting for figures to be printed
  • then I will start on the Austrians - Completed
  • 28mm Female Gunfighters - Completed
  • 5 units of Napoleonic Spanish round hat infantry (1 of which will be skirmishers) - Completed
  • 4 units of Napoleonic Italian line infantry - Completed
  • 3 units of Napoleonic Young Guard skirmishers - Completed
  • WSS Danish Cuirassiers - Completed
  • Hanoverian limbers for the SYW - Nothing done yet
  • Some Spanish medievals for the El Cid period - Completed, except I decided to add more infantry figures
  • plus the figures listed below to be 3D printed - Underway

2. 3D Printing Terrain (FDM)
  • Test printing a Horsa using FDM - Nothing done yet
  • Vietnamese hooches - I decided the hooches I bought were not well designed and I need to find something better
  • Western European buildings - bought files from a kickstarter
  • Spanish/Mediterrainean buildings - Nothing done yet
  • New bridges (all eras) - Nothing done yet

3. 3D Printing Vehicles & Figures (Resin)
  • Napoleonic Saxon and Westphalian Infantry - Nothing done yet as I have not found any files I like
  • Napoleonic Russian Artillery & Gunners - Completed
  • Napoleonic Polish Lancers, French Guard Horse Grenadiers and Chasseurs a Cheval - Completed
  • WW2 Russian paratroops - Completed
  • Gradually replace existing diecast and other poor quality AFVs in my collection - Some done
  • Working on more figures with the Resin printer using the more robust resin I have found - Completed, now switched over to ABS water washable resin. I just need to use up my remaining old resin on less critical models

4. Continue to clear out all unwanted items, including painted figures
  • Re-assess each existing period, army, and units to consider if I am really going to use them - Nothing done since I put already sorted stuff on ebay in January. I now need to sort out the next batch
  • Maintain stash (figure and plastic bits box) at 3 crates and hopefully reduce the numbers - Nothing done yet - but nothing substantial purchased so still managing within 3 crates
  • Consider the future for my 1st version Springwood figures as I have the capability to replace them with more compatible figures to the 2nd edition - I am going to sell them as I complete their replacements. I will put the French up for sale before the year end

5. Gaming
  • Continue supporting the Beacon Club and attending as many weekend events as possible - Well underway with additional periodic games at Si's "Officer's Mess" during the week.
  • Try to attend the same number of shows as last year - Like last year the summer is quiet but I've been to the Wirral Warboot and the South West model show at Bovington

06/10/2025

On the workbench - October 2025

Last months plan fell way short, especially as I spent over 3 weeks away.

In progress just before I left: Napoleonic French Imperial Guard Grenadiers a Cheval, Chasseurs a Cheval and some Revolutionary Wars French Generals
So now I will be working on
  • adding details of where I've been in Normandy to the blog
  • Napoleonic French Grenadiers a Cheval - almost ready for basing
  • Napoleonic French Chasseurs a Cheval - almost ready for basing
  • painting the Panzer 38t I assembled while away
  • 28mm Mexican Gunfighters - primed and based
  • 4 units of WSS Dutch Infantry - organised and washed ready for painting
  • Some French Revolutionary generals - primed
  • Get started on my replacement US units for Nam 68
  • Start up the FDM printer - not yet done as I never seem to have a clear period to get started
I will also be at the Other Partisan on Sunday

05/09/2025

On the workbench - September 2025

A more limited plan this month as I will be travelling, but I may get chance while doing so so assemble various kits/models that ae in my stash. As for painting I will be working on:
  • Napoleonic French 3rd Croatian Regiment - well underway
  • 4 units of WSS Dutch Infantry
  • Some French Revolutionary generals
  • 28mm Mexican Gunfighters
  • Napoleonic French Grenadiers a Cheval
  • Napoleonic French Chasseurs a Cheval
  • Maybe get started on my replacement US units for Nam 68
  • Start up the FDM printer - not yet done as I never seem to have a clear period to get started

02/08/2025

On the Workbench - August 2025

Having been 3D printing and built up a stock of figures and vehicles, I've decided to rethink my painting schedule and I will now be working on the following:-
  • Bystanders for "What a Cowboy" - still slowly being painted
  • WSS Danish Sjaellandske Cuirassiers - painting well underway
  • Two units each of Austrian and German Cuirassiers - painting well underway.
  • Napoleonic Russian Horse Artillery gunners and guns - started painting
  • Napoleonic Austrian Gunners - started painting
  • Selection of WW2 German vehicles that have been 3D printed
  • a pair of WW2 US command cars
  • Start up the FDM printer - not yet done as I never seem to have a clear period to get started
Currently being painted
From left to right, various resin vehicles, Napoleonic Austrian and Russian Guns and Gunners and WSS Cuirassiers

04/07/2025

Progress against plan - 2Q25

Progress is beginning to pickup with 841 items completed, normally I would have completed over 1200, but there have been various distractions. Hopefully I can get back on track for the rest of the year.

Progress on my broad themes:
  1. Enhance existing armies - Underway
  2. 3D printing terrain (FDM) - Nothing done yet as I still haven't had a clear period to run it.
  3. 3D printing vehicles and figures (resin) - About to get started, I hope
  4. Continue to clear out all unwanted items, including painted figures - Nothing done yet
  5. Enjoy Games & Shows - Going well
Amplifying the above:

1. Enhance existing armies - already planned are
  • Continue rebasing the French Napoleonics - Now waiting for figures to be printed
  • then I will start on the Austrians - All the figures have been rebased, but I need to print and paint some replacement flying artillery gunners
  • 28mm Female Gunfighters - Completed
  • 5 units of Napoleonic Spanish round hat infantry (1 of which will be skirmishers) - Completed
  • 4 units of Napoleonic Italian line infantry - Completed
  • 3 units of Napoleonic Young Guard skirmishers - Completed
  • WSS Danish Cuirassiers - Nothing done yet
  • Hanoverian limbers for the SYW - Nothing done yet
  • Some Spanish medievals for the El Cid period - Nearlt done
  • plus the figures listed below to be 3D printed - Nothing done yet

2. 3D Printing Terrain (FDM)
  • Test printing a Horsa using FDM - Nothing done yet
  • Vietnamese hooches - I decided the hooches I bought were not well designed and I need to find something better
  • Western European buildings - bought files from a kickstarter
  • Spanish/Mediterrainean buildings - Nothing done yet
  • New bridges (all eras) - Nothing done yet

3. 3D Printing Vehicles & Figures (Resin)
  • Napoleonic Saxon and Westphalian Infantry - Nothing done yet
  • Napoleonic Russian Artillery & Gunners - Replacement files have been purchased
  • Napoleonic Polish Lancers, French Guard Horse Grenadiers and Chasseurs a Cheval - Nothing done yet
  • WW2 Russian paratroops - Nothing done yet
  • Gradually replace existing diecast and other poor quality AFVs in my collection - Nothing done yet
  • Working on more figures with the Resin printer using the more robust resin I have found - Nothing done yet

4. Continue to clear out all unwanted items, including painted figures
  • Re-assess each existing period, army, and units to consider if I am really going to use them - Nothing done yet
  • Maintain stash (figure and plastic bits box) at 3 crates and hopefully reduce the numbers - Nothing done yet - but nothing substantial purchased
  • Consider the future for my 1st version Springwood figures as I have the capability to replace them with more compatible figures to the 2nd edition - Nothing done yet - but I am tending to favour selling them

5. Gaming
  • Continue supporting the Beacon Club and attending as many weekend events as possible - Well underway with additional periodic games at Si's "Officer's Mess" during the week.
  • Try to attend the same number of shows as last year - Like last year only Phalanx this quarter

02/07/2025

On the workbench - July 2025

Well June has been quite a month and my painting effort has been concentrated on our local pub rather that figures.
So there has been little progress and I am working on:
  • Work on "El Cid" figures to modify my existing Crusader armies to Spain - well underway and I've nearly finished painting the figures
  • Islands for Naval Games - well underway
  • Start assembling the 28mm "Gangs of Rome" figures - still unstarted
  • Bystanders for "What a Cowboy" - slowly being painted
  • WSS Danish Sjaellandske Cuirassiers - Now ready to be painted
  • Two units each of Austrian and German Cuirassiers - with the arrival of new figures I have sorted out a rough plan to progress.
  • Start up the FDM printer - not yet done as I never seem to have a clear period to get started
  • Restart the resin printer - as per the FDM printer
  • If possible start on a US Army platoon for Nam 68
Mid month I hope to visit family in Wiltshire and get to the Attack show at Devizes.

01/06/2025

On the Workbench - June 2025

Given the over two weeks away I have managed to catch up a bit on plan, and at least I managed to finish the Napoleonic Austrian rebasing. So along with other interruptions I will be working on.
  • Painting the couple of biplanes from the Wargamers Forum Group Build - just started
  • British Dragoons and Light Dragoons for the Peninsula, the later will be for skirmish games. - now well underway, fixing the loose arms and carbines was a PITA
  • Work on "El Cid" figures to modify my existing Crusader armies to Spain - started and assembled
  • Start up the FDM printer and create some hooches for Nam68 - Have set it up, but I'm not sure about the hooches that I would have printed as they don't seem to be well designed, maybe because the file were cheap, I need to decide how to proceed. but I've still invested in another kickstarter with STL buildings for WW2 France
  • Start assembling the 28mm "Gangs of Rome" figures - still unstarted
  • Bystanders for "What a Cowboy" - already undercoated
  • WSS Danish Sjaellandske Cuirassiers - using the Strelets figures
  • As the temperature has risen I have the start preparing to restart the reisn printer
I'll also be at the Phalanx show in St Helens, where Beacon Gaming Club is putting on two games, a WW2 D Day 1944 scenario under the club banner and the battle of Arsuf 1191 in conjunction with the Lnce & Longbow Society. Please stop by and have a chat.

04/05/2025

On the workbench - May 2025

Still slow progress (for me), and as I plan to spend quite a bit of May away, I need to focus on my plan. Some progress has been made, at least on rebasing the Austrians, and the WW1 aircraft that I had been putting off making have ben assembled. So in May I will mainly concentrate on finishing what I've started or planned to start.
  • Napoleonic Austrian Infantry rebasing - I need to get them finished
  • Painting the couple of biplanes from the Wargamers Forum Group Build
  • British Dragoons and Light Dragoons for the Peninsula, the later will be for skirmish games. - I should get on with this now they are assembled
  • Work on "El Cid" figures to modify my existing Crusader armies to Spain - not started, although I have found the figures
  • Start up the FDM printer and create some hooches for Nam68 - not done, I need to get going on this
  • Start assembling the 28mm "Gangs of Rome" figures - another one I have not yet started
  • On a whim I did start on some bamboo thickets for Nam68 etc.