SELWG and the Maori Wars

I had a nice trip to the SELWG show on Sunday. I also did my bit for charity and took along my temporarily disabled mate, Mark, who, it should be noted, sustained his fractured shoulder injury in a 'terrible staircase-and-clear-plastic-document-wallet incident'.....and most definitely not, as some seemed to believe, in a rather shameful and wild act of self abuse. There, I am glad I have sorted that out. Anyway.....

Mark and I spent a lot of time talking to the traders and promoting Broadside 2015, we handed out 1500 flyers and even got our fist confirmed booking; welcome back Col. Bill!! A good day and a good start to the Broadside campaign :) Mark also took the opportunity to scotch those terrible rumours that simply flew around the venue....who knows who spreads these things.

Of course we also took the opportunity to do a little light shopping whilst there and I had a generally successful day. I was surprised that some basic items I was interested in were simply not there, Army Painter basing materials, some notable rule books etc.. but I also noticed several of the usual traders were absent. Running a show is a complicated business at the best of times and I know the difficulty of getting traders to sign up and confirm their attendance of a show; so many factors can affect that decision. But Mark and I enjoyed our day and we took time to have a good look at the wares on sale and splash the cash.....rather more than I was intending to as it turns out! But, I can at least hold my head high and say in all honesty that I only bought things that I needed and could use within the projects I am running. I really did!

My principle concern was to complete my ongoing Maori Wars project, especially as Empress Miniatures were there. But I picked up the buildings and extra terrain I needed too although, I did go a bit overboard.

So I needed another waggon and a team of horses... 4ground and Col. Bills horses...the waggons are so easy to put together and don't need painting.

 I needed fences for the New Zealand homestead but, a bit worried about how far one pack will stretch, I bought two. That said, fences around a very rural homestead are a priority for the settlers; even if they just form a symbolic garden fence to ease English sensibilities!

 I needed an extra few buildings for the homestead rather than just a house for the family so got a small cabin for the homestead's hired help. I also needed a stable thingy but completely forgot about that important point...but I did get a bloody great fortified blockhouse! This is to be used in games where Maoris attack a Naval signal station...sort of. And when I got home I felt the urge... and built them too.

And then I saw these Bell Tents and thought I needed a camp for the troops running the signal station, obviously. And a pack of women Maori warriors...and two pack of the newer militia packs for added variety. I also bought three packs of Royal Navy figures but cannot find the bloody photo for the life of me! Stupid computer....and operator...

Then I had another wobble. I do not need a 36lb Royal Navy gun with six crew but, it does look so cool. And the man at the stand made me buy it. He did...honestly...forced me to buy it....Mark so did not help here!

So. My Maori war game, set for 28th October, is almost ready. The new purchases are mainly set for the terrain for this game and the figures for a bigger game set later. The game being prepared is using Donnybrook rules and I am almost finished. The Brits have two units of eight Imperial troop, a unit of eight Militia and a unit of twelve settlers. There are four character figures and a commander. The Maori force has just one eight figure unit ready and one character. The rest are under way and WILL BE READY FOR THE BIG NIGHT!!! Honestly.

These are the Maoris, two shades of Wargame Foundy South American Flesh and then my usual strong tone dip. Seems about right to me...but what do I know.

And here are a few shots of the British force. I am pleased with how they have come out....

...especially the settlers.

So there you have it. SELWG was a good show, I was fairly good and didn't go silly with spending and my forthcoming game is going well do far