Wednesday 15 October 2014

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

11 comments:

  1. Great looking troops, I'll be interested how Donnybrook works with the troops.

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    1. Hi Ray, Thanks mate! I am pleased with them, the more confident I get with the dip the happier I am with the end results. As for Donnybrook, I shall keep you posted. Clint tells me I should expect a few games in an evening so that could be fun, Twenty nine more troops to paint and then the unit cards...I remain confident!

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  2. I had been to the bank before SELWG to make sure I had cash in my wallet and had disciplined myself by preparing a list of stuff I 'need'. However, I didn't spend anything in the end. I was helping with a SAGA participation game and didn't get enough time to have a good look around the traders! I briefly cast my eye over the bring and buy, but by the time I got there all the best stuff had gone... Since I suffer with the shiny at these places, helping with participation games is seemingly a good form of control!

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    1. Hi Lee, disciplin! thats the key....or help run a game and keep your hands busy! I find that bring and buys all seem very spartan these day...what with ebay and all. Very rare to find anything too interesting whatever time you get there. That you can actually get to see whats there without a cattleprod these days is telling. And, you still have a pile of cash to play with! Want to spend it on a good looking Norman Saga army??

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    2. Well, although I was too busy to spend the proper amount of time reviewing product at SELWG, I did spot some cavalry and had money burning a hole in my pocket by the time I got home. So... Quick trip to Fireforge and Conquest and I have my Norman cavalry via the web. They are now sat in their boxes looking at me, tempting me to stop painting the Norse Gaels and get them all assembled...

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    3. Cool! At least you have something, although I do so know what you mean about the temptation to start them when there are other things to be done! What are we like?

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  3. Very nice mate and you did not mention anything about Marks stiletto kinky boot and gimp mask fiasco so it looks like both your secrets are safe for the time being.

    The troops look good a little jaundiced but that's the camera and not the painting I suspect. I think Donnybrook will work well for this game and look forward to you telling all about it. I will expect an AAR on the blog (within 2 days of the game!)

    Yeah I know "Cheeky barstool". All the best mate.

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    1. Hi Clint, yeah, the pics cold be better. Problems of a small badly lit house and dodgy camera! They do look better in the flesh...as do I :) I am looking forward to the game and will provide a full report....a day or three later...

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  4. Excellent Maori wars project. Looking forward to seeing this develop further.
    Cheers

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    1. Hi Kiwi, Thanks mate. I too look forward to seeing it develop, there are so many good options and scenarios. I think that once I get the game on the 28th under my belt the enthusiasm will kick start me to get the rest of the figures painted. I have plans.....!!!!

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  5. Hmm, I think I've got to get that 4Ground block-house for my own NZ Wars project.

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