Right, I'm off somewhere sunny and warm. See you all when I get back!
Merry Christmas to everyone, and all the best for the new year.
Love you all,
Indy
Friday, December 15, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
From the Front Line - Adventuring in the 41st Millenium
Okay, so I was bored. Bored enough to put these together.
Rules for Archie appearing during games of WH40K.
He's played for laughs, don't forget.
Rules for Archie appearing during games of WH40K.
He's played for laughs, don't forget.
Thought for the Day
There are four stages in life.
(1) You believe in Santa Claus.
(2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
(3) You are Santa Claus.
(4) You look like Santa Claus.
From Radio 2 last week
(1) You believe in Santa Claus.
(2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
(3) You are Santa Claus.
(4) You look like Santa Claus.
From Radio 2 last week
The songs of Christmas
The Christmas number one not withstanding, Christmas songs are the way that I get into the spirit of things this time of year. I'm one of those sad people who don't mind the constant plinkyplunky music being played in stores (although I don't like it before December...)
I think this comes partly from working in a shop that sold cards, gifts and gift wrap. Christmas was our time of year, and when most of the year's money came from. As soon as October began we would completely revamp the store, replacing the usual tat with Christmas...um...tat. Trees, decorations, those foil chains and hanging shapes, cards, gift wrap and the like.
And from November, we would have the Christmas CDs playing. When you work all day Saturday and Sunday you tend to pick up the lyrics. Now, this was an improvement from the Chris De Burgh CD that the manager usually played (to this day, I am word perfect to waaaay too many of his songs...)
In addition to the ones playing on these CDs, there are others that, too me, are just apart of Christmas.
Years ago, we had two Christmas records (for the younger readers, that's what we had before cassettes. If you are too young to know what a cassette is, ask someone over 30) One of these was a collection of carols, which my brother and I have generally disliked.
The second one rocked. It had Mickey et al goofing around with the songs instead. Much better when you are ten.
This was the music we would put on Christmas morning to open the presents to before breakfast.
Anyway, here are some of the songs I like. And am not ashamed to say it. (Oh, and when I say "by" I mean "sung by" and maybe not "written by").
The 12 days of Christmas by the Spinners. This version is so very very funny, with various ad libs going on ("What's a calling bird?") plus one very odd-sounding goose a-laying. One Christmas Eve at the store, the 12 of us on the tills managed to get most of the store singing along to it.
You make it feel like Christmas by Neil Diamond.
The Marvellous Toy by John Denver
Walking in the Air by Aled Jones. The Snowman just *is* Christmas.
Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty McCall.
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Such a bizarre duet, and yet...it works.
A Spaceman came travelling by Chris De Burgh. Some would argue that this song is a crime against humanity, but I like it.
The Power of Love by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Not necessarily Christmassy, but one of my all time favourites.
Merry Christmas Everyone by Slade and I wish it could be Christmas every day by Wizzard. Again, Christmas isn't Christmas without these.
Driving Home For Christmas by Chris Rea. This always seems to get played whilst I am driving home for Christmas.
Rocking Round the Christmas Tree Mel and Kim, plus the Radio 1 lot. Very funny.
Do they know it's Christmas by ....everyone. Not the God-awful remake they did last year or whenever it was. This was the first single I ever bought. Well, I was too little to buy it myself - Mum or Dad bought it.
There are of course a few more, but I think I've embarrassed myself enough.
They just don't make 'em like this any more. (apart from The Darkness' one from a couple of years back)
I think this comes partly from working in a shop that sold cards, gifts and gift wrap. Christmas was our time of year, and when most of the year's money came from. As soon as October began we would completely revamp the store, replacing the usual tat with Christmas...um...tat. Trees, decorations, those foil chains and hanging shapes, cards, gift wrap and the like.
And from November, we would have the Christmas CDs playing. When you work all day Saturday and Sunday you tend to pick up the lyrics. Now, this was an improvement from the Chris De Burgh CD that the manager usually played (to this day, I am word perfect to waaaay too many of his songs...)
In addition to the ones playing on these CDs, there are others that, too me, are just apart of Christmas.
Years ago, we had two Christmas records (for the younger readers, that's what we had before cassettes. If you are too young to know what a cassette is, ask someone over 30) One of these was a collection of carols, which my brother and I have generally disliked.
The second one rocked. It had Mickey et al goofing around with the songs instead. Much better when you are ten.
This was the music we would put on Christmas morning to open the presents to before breakfast.
Anyway, here are some of the songs I like. And am not ashamed to say it. (Oh, and when I say "by" I mean "sung by" and maybe not "written by").
The 12 days of Christmas by the Spinners. This version is so very very funny, with various ad libs going on ("What's a calling bird?") plus one very odd-sounding goose a-laying. One Christmas Eve at the store, the 12 of us on the tills managed to get most of the store singing along to it.
You make it feel like Christmas by Neil Diamond.
The Marvellous Toy by John Denver
Walking in the Air by Aled Jones. The Snowman just *is* Christmas.
Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty McCall.
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Such a bizarre duet, and yet...it works.
A Spaceman came travelling by Chris De Burgh. Some would argue that this song is a crime against humanity, but I like it.
The Power of Love by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Not necessarily Christmassy, but one of my all time favourites.
Merry Christmas Everyone by Slade and I wish it could be Christmas every day by Wizzard. Again, Christmas isn't Christmas without these.
Driving Home For Christmas by Chris Rea. This always seems to get played whilst I am driving home for Christmas.
Rocking Round the Christmas Tree Mel and Kim, plus the Radio 1 lot. Very funny.
Do they know it's Christmas by ....everyone. Not the God-awful remake they did last year or whenever it was. This was the first single I ever bought. Well, I was too little to buy it myself - Mum or Dad bought it.
There are of course a few more, but I think I've embarrassed myself enough.
They just don't make 'em like this any more. (apart from The Darkness' one from a couple of years back)
Song of the Day
I've always loved this song, ever since my Dad played it to me from John Denver's Christmas album.
The Marvelous Toy Lyrics
When I was just a wee little lad, full of health and joy.
My father homeward came one day and gave to me a toy.
A wonder to behold it was with many colours bright
And the moment I laid eyes on it, it became my heart's delight.
It went zip when it moved and bop when it stopped whirrrrr when it stood still
I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.
Now The first time that I picked it up I had a big surprise.
For right on the bottom were two big buttons that looked like big green eyes.
I first pushed one and then the other, then I twisted it's lid.
And when I set it down again, well here is what it did.
It went zip when it moved and bop when it stopped whirrrrr when it stood still
I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.
It first marched left and then marched right, then marched under the chair
and when I looked where it had gone it wasn't even there.
I started to cry my Daddy laughed he knew just what I'd find.
When I turned around my marvellous toy came chugging from behind.
It went zip when it moved and bop when it stopped and whirrrrr when it stood still
I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.
Well The years have gone by too quickly it seems, I have my own little boy.
And yesterday I gave to him my marvellous little toy
His eyes nearly popped right out of his head and he gave a squeal of glee...
Neither one of us knows just what it is but he loves it just like me.
It still goes zip when it moves and bop when it stops, whirrrrr when it stands still
I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.
The Marvelous Toy Lyrics
When I was just a wee little lad, full of health and joy.
My father homeward came one day and gave to me a toy.
A wonder to behold it was with many colours bright
And the moment I laid eyes on it, it became my heart's delight.
It went zip when it moved and bop when it stopped whirrrrr when it stood still
I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.
Now The first time that I picked it up I had a big surprise.
For right on the bottom were two big buttons that looked like big green eyes.
I first pushed one and then the other, then I twisted it's lid.
And when I set it down again, well here is what it did.
It went zip when it moved and bop when it stopped whirrrrr when it stood still
I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.
It first marched left and then marched right, then marched under the chair
and when I looked where it had gone it wasn't even there.
I started to cry my Daddy laughed he knew just what I'd find.
When I turned around my marvellous toy came chugging from behind.
It went zip when it moved and bop when it stopped and whirrrrr when it stood still
I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.
Well The years have gone by too quickly it seems, I have my own little boy.
And yesterday I gave to him my marvellous little toy
His eyes nearly popped right out of his head and he gave a squeal of glee...
Neither one of us knows just what it is but he loves it just like me.
It still goes zip when it moves and bop when it stops, whirrrrr when it stands still
I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Thought for the Day
If WH40K is such a hell on [insert planet], how come we're so often fighting on neatly cropped grass?
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
From the Front Line - WIP (Mausoleum)
Some shots of the mausoleum I am in the middle of building. Or temple, depending on how it turns out.
The six marine honour guard statues will be regular scale tactical marines, one on each pillar. However, the plan is to have them removable so that I can alternatively add a roof.
I still need to find a model to sit on the tomb itself. Perhaps a praying angel, but I haven't found one yet.
Finally, this shot shows how it comes apart for storage. If you flip one half upside down, it slots into the other half. Both will then fit into one of the A4-size cardboard boxes.
There's still a lot to do - I need to add a flagstone floor, more carved detail on the pillars and the whole thing needs to be textured before painting.
The six marine honour guard statues will be regular scale tactical marines, one on each pillar. However, the plan is to have them removable so that I can alternatively add a roof.
I still need to find a model to sit on the tomb itself. Perhaps a praying angel, but I haven't found one yet.
Finally, this shot shows how it comes apart for storage. If you flip one half upside down, it slots into the other half. Both will then fit into one of the A4-size cardboard boxes.
There's still a lot to do - I need to add a flagstone floor, more carved detail on the pillars and the whole thing needs to be textured before painting.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
From the Front Line: The Hills are complete
I forgot to post the photos of the completed hills and rocks.
A slightly blurry rock. After painting, the base was painted brown, drybrushed lighter brown and then flocked.
A slightly blurry hill, too. Apologies, but I didn't realise they were blurred until too late. The base and top of the hills were finished in the same was as the rock. A few places were flocked, were grass may be growing.
Finally, the full ensemble along with the Imperial Guard.
The four hill sections can be placed along the table edges, or placed back-to-back (as in the centre). One of the finished rock columns can be seen on the left, as well.
And, as planned, all four hill sections fit into an A4 paper supply box for convenient storage!
Oh, and to follow on from my cat litter comment on the board, this was used around the foot of the hills, where the weathering would wash rocks and debris.
A layer of PVA (white wood glue) was painted on, and a few larger chips sprinkled on (Ikea decorative sand - similar size to the cat litter). Then, I poured on larger sand, from a fish supply store (again, decorative sand). This was tipped off, leaving a covering on the glue. Finally, I poured on fine sand which falls in between the existing sand. This was tipped off, then the whole lot left to dry overnight.
The texture was then painted over brown, then drybrushed with a tan brown, then finally a light drybrush of 'bleached bone' to just pick out the top of the rocks.
A slightly blurry rock. After painting, the base was painted brown, drybrushed lighter brown and then flocked.
A slightly blurry hill, too. Apologies, but I didn't realise they were blurred until too late. The base and top of the hills were finished in the same was as the rock. A few places were flocked, were grass may be growing.
Finally, the full ensemble along with the Imperial Guard.
The four hill sections can be placed along the table edges, or placed back-to-back (as in the centre). One of the finished rock columns can be seen on the left, as well.
And, as planned, all four hill sections fit into an A4 paper supply box for convenient storage!
Oh, and to follow on from my cat litter comment on the board, this was used around the foot of the hills, where the weathering would wash rocks and debris.
A layer of PVA (white wood glue) was painted on, and a few larger chips sprinkled on (Ikea decorative sand - similar size to the cat litter). Then, I poured on larger sand, from a fish supply store (again, decorative sand). This was tipped off, leaving a covering on the glue. Finally, I poured on fine sand which falls in between the existing sand. This was tipped off, then the whole lot left to dry overnight.
The texture was then painted over brown, then drybrushed with a tan brown, then finally a light drybrush of 'bleached bone' to just pick out the top of the rocks.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
One to remember
Sir. I bear a rhyme excelling
in mystic force and magic spelling
celestial sprites elucidate
all my own striving can't relate
or locate they who can cogitate
and so finally terminate
finis
in mystic force and magic spelling
celestial sprites elucidate
all my own striving can't relate
or locate they who can cogitate
and so finally terminate
finis
Sunday, November 19, 2006
From the Front line - Hills and Rocks and paint, oh my!
Okay...
Next step on the hills was to highlight them. I used a light grey emulsion and dry brushed the rock faces. Since I wanted them to be fairly grey, it was more of a wet brush...anyway. Onve that had dried, a much lighter drybrush of Skull White to just pick off the top detail.
Next, I added some rocks around the foot of the hill. This should have been done before I painted, but whatever. I have never been wise. Watered down PVA glue, then a sprinkle of larger stones (Ikea decorative stones) and then a heavy coating of large sand.
And a Tallarn Desert Raider to show the scale.
I've also done the rocks in exactly the same way...
Base coat of textured paint and grey highlights:
White highlight and sand around base:
Finally, the rest of the rocks. More like monoliths, or rock columns. One ended up slightly wonky. Perhaps it's falling over. They look a little too man-made I think, as the cutting away looks too much like brick work. Still, not bad for a first attempt.
Next is to paint and highlight the 'ground' then flock the grass areas (flat bits!). I'm most of the way through doing that, so more photos tomorrow once everything is dry.
So, now you know how a nerd spends his weekend...hello? Say, where did everyone go?
Next step on the hills was to highlight them. I used a light grey emulsion and dry brushed the rock faces. Since I wanted them to be fairly grey, it was more of a wet brush...anyway. Onve that had dried, a much lighter drybrush of Skull White to just pick off the top detail.
Next, I added some rocks around the foot of the hill. This should have been done before I painted, but whatever. I have never been wise. Watered down PVA glue, then a sprinkle of larger stones (Ikea decorative stones) and then a heavy coating of large sand.
And a Tallarn Desert Raider to show the scale.
I've also done the rocks in exactly the same way...
Base coat of textured paint and grey highlights:
White highlight and sand around base:
Finally, the rest of the rocks. More like monoliths, or rock columns. One ended up slightly wonky. Perhaps it's falling over. They look a little too man-made I think, as the cutting away looks too much like brick work. Still, not bad for a first attempt.
Next is to paint and highlight the 'ground' then flock the grass areas (flat bits!). I'm most of the way through doing that, so more photos tomorrow once everything is dry.
So, now you know how a nerd spends his weekend...hello? Say, where did everyone go?
The Front Line meets my lounge
"i wish i had a big place and a room dedicated only for doing stuff like that."
--Nadine
So do I, Nadine. So do I.
This *was* the dining room bit of my lounge. It's now a mess. Somewhere under the pile is my printer. The new hills are stacked on the end of the table.
The rowing machine (on the left) has lots of raw materials (foam board, card etc) plus the early stages of the temple that I am making.
The yogurt pots contain various grades of sand...fine sand, larger sand (from a fish supply store), and decorative stone from Ikea.
On the right, the boxes of completed scenery, paints and miniatures.
--Nadine
So do I, Nadine. So do I.
This *was* the dining room bit of my lounge. It's now a mess. Somewhere under the pile is my printer. The new hills are stacked on the end of the table.
The rowing machine (on the left) has lots of raw materials (foam board, card etc) plus the early stages of the temple that I am making.
The yogurt pots contain various grades of sand...fine sand, larger sand (from a fish supply store), and decorative stone from Ikea.
On the right, the boxes of completed scenery, paints and miniatures.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
From the Front Line - WIP photo
Okay, some work-in-progress shots of the bits and pieces.
First up, the hills.
These are made from thick polystyrene sheet, with card bases. They're shaped using a (very) sharp craft knife. They are designed to fit into A4 boxes (that printer paper comes in), so have been made moduluar. Each half will fit into the box. There are four sections, so I can either have two large hills, or four smaller ones around the table edges.
To make it the hills a little more passable to troops, I've carvbed out some lower levels for them.
Next the sandbags. These have been made out of plasticine, on a card base. They are sized to hold 2-4 models. The first has made use of a chunk of exposed rock.
The sandbags were given a coat of PVA glue to give them a hard coating, as the stuff doesn't set. Then, a base coat of Graveyard Earth.
Next, everything needs a dry brush highlight. I'm planning on using a light greay for the rock faces. Not sure about the rest. The flat parts of the hills will be highlighted, then flocked. This may sound daft, since the flock will cover the paint, but I know flock will come off with time and wear - this way it won't look odd where the flock comes off.
First up, the hills.
These are made from thick polystyrene sheet, with card bases. They're shaped using a (very) sharp craft knife. They are designed to fit into A4 boxes (that printer paper comes in), so have been made moduluar. Each half will fit into the box. There are four sections, so I can either have two large hills, or four smaller ones around the table edges.
To make it the hills a little more passable to troops, I've carvbed out some lower levels for them.
Next the sandbags. These have been made out of plasticine, on a card base. They are sized to hold 2-4 models. The first has made use of a chunk of exposed rock.
The sandbags were given a coat of PVA glue to give them a hard coating, as the stuff doesn't set. Then, a base coat of Graveyard Earth.
Next, everything needs a dry brush highlight. I'm planning on using a light greay for the rock faces. Not sure about the rest. The flat parts of the hills will be highlighted, then flocked. This may sound daft, since the flock will cover the paint, but I know flock will come off with time and wear - this way it won't look odd where the flock comes off.
No one would have believed...
As you may remember, I went to see Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of the War of the Worlds earlier this year.
I were absolutely blown away by it.
Anyway, the DVD of the live show, from the Wembley concert, is now out. I picked it up last weekend, and saw it on the laptop screen as my mum wanted to see it.
Tonight was the first time I've seen it at home, and made use of the 5.1 surround sound...and it is fabulous. The sound quality is so rich, and the editing has captured both the show itself, with the CGI back screen, the live action and the special effects as well as the atmosphere of the audience.
Jeff himself was clearly enjoying himself immensely during both shows that I've seen. The cast as well did a fine job. Justin Hayward and Chris Thompson reprise their roles from the original recording, and the new cast members do fit in very well.
If anyone in the UK wants to catch the show itself, they have announced further dates for 2007. Info can be found here. If you have ever been moved by the musical version, with Richard Burton's narration and the classic songs like Justin Hayward's "Forever Autumn" - go and see it!
I were absolutely blown away by it.
Anyway, the DVD of the live show, from the Wembley concert, is now out. I picked it up last weekend, and saw it on the laptop screen as my mum wanted to see it.
Tonight was the first time I've seen it at home, and made use of the 5.1 surround sound...and it is fabulous. The sound quality is so rich, and the editing has captured both the show itself, with the CGI back screen, the live action and the special effects as well as the atmosphere of the audience.
Jeff himself was clearly enjoying himself immensely during both shows that I've seen. The cast as well did a fine job. Justin Hayward and Chris Thompson reprise their roles from the original recording, and the new cast members do fit in very well.
If anyone in the UK wants to catch the show itself, they have announced further dates for 2007. Info can be found here. If you have ever been moved by the musical version, with Richard Burton's narration and the classic songs like Justin Hayward's "Forever Autumn" - go and see it!
From the Front line - the hills are alive with the sound of incoming ordnance
After spending the last few evenings hacking up polystyrene sheet in between stints at NaNoWriMo I know have five hill sections, four rock formations and a couple of sandbag emplacements.
Last night I spent an hour shaping and cutting 1cm x 0.5cm pieces of plasticene into sandbags, and glued everything to the bases.
Today, I went up to B&Q for paint. I've mentioned the paint mixing service they have up there. After the boast that they could match any colour, I painted a piece of card with GW's "Graveyard Earth" and a piece with "Codex Grey". I ended up with a tester pot of each colour (plus an extra pot of "Graveyard Earth", which I have to say looks damn good. I've now used one of the browns mixed with ample amounts of sand to texture the polystyrene - which now looks like they are made of chocolate!
I'll post some WIP pictures later, once the paint has dried.
I fear I am going to have to re-work the razor wire fences. I added the wire before painting, and it makes doing the base very hard. I'll see if I can get the wire off (it's superglued on...) so may have to get some more if I destroy it in the process.
Oh, and if anyone out there has a Predator turret going spare, please let me know...
Last night I spent an hour shaping and cutting 1cm x 0.5cm pieces of plasticene into sandbags, and glued everything to the bases.
Today, I went up to B&Q for paint. I've mentioned the paint mixing service they have up there. After the boast that they could match any colour, I painted a piece of card with GW's "Graveyard Earth" and a piece with "Codex Grey". I ended up with a tester pot of each colour (plus an extra pot of "Graveyard Earth", which I have to say looks damn good. I've now used one of the browns mixed with ample amounts of sand to texture the polystyrene - which now looks like they are made of chocolate!
I'll post some WIP pictures later, once the paint has dried.
I fear I am going to have to re-work the razor wire fences. I added the wire before painting, and it makes doing the base very hard. I'll see if I can get the wire off (it's superglued on...) so may have to get some more if I destroy it in the process.
Oh, and if anyone out there has a Predator turret going spare, please let me know...
Sunday, November 05, 2006
From the Front line
Finally, I finished the buildings I have been working on for the last couple of weeks.
In all, I have five buildings, a tower, one and a half columns, several wall sections, and ruined building.
Here they are, accompanied by the Tallarn Desert Raiders and Cadian Shock troops, from my Imperial Guard army. Click for larger versions.
The two tanks are Leman Russ battle tanks, painted as part of the Tallarn Desert Raider troos. The squadron leader is identified by the red turret and Vox antenna.
Details of the construction, partly to remind myself in the future...
Buildings:
5mm foam board walls/floors for the later ones, and cardboard for the first two
All glued together using PVA wood glue
Surface texture - 125ml of paint with 3 dessert spoons of fine sand
Base coat - Dulux emulsion "Jamaican Bronze 1"
Highlights - Dulux emulsion "Jamaican Bronze 4"
Cardboard base with texture from Ikea decorative sand (larger pieces), Fish sand (smaller texture), GW green flock
Doors/shutters/hatches - made from wooden coffee stirrers (similar to lolly sticks)
"Wooden" floor supports - foam card (added after painting) or matchsticks (added before texturing - used on the first card buildings and does not looks as good!)
Tower:
A Pringles tube on a CD base, using the same texture etc and matchstick floor supports.
Wall sections:
Foam board
Columns:
Foam board, with polyfilla used to fills add rounded texture in between the square sections.
Phew. All they need now is a coat of varnish to keep the flock attached and to help protect against knocks.
In all, I have five buildings, a tower, one and a half columns, several wall sections, and ruined building.
Here they are, accompanied by the Tallarn Desert Raiders and Cadian Shock troops, from my Imperial Guard army. Click for larger versions.
The two tanks are Leman Russ battle tanks, painted as part of the Tallarn Desert Raider troos. The squadron leader is identified by the red turret and Vox antenna.
Details of the construction, partly to remind myself in the future...
Buildings:
5mm foam board walls/floors for the later ones, and cardboard for the first two
All glued together using PVA wood glue
Surface texture - 125ml of paint with 3 dessert spoons of fine sand
Base coat - Dulux emulsion "Jamaican Bronze 1"
Highlights - Dulux emulsion "Jamaican Bronze 4"
Cardboard base with texture from Ikea decorative sand (larger pieces), Fish sand (smaller texture), GW green flock
Doors/shutters/hatches - made from wooden coffee stirrers (similar to lolly sticks)
"Wooden" floor supports - foam card (added after painting) or matchsticks (added before texturing - used on the first card buildings and does not looks as good!)
Tower:
A Pringles tube on a CD base, using the same texture etc and matchstick floor supports.
Wall sections:
Foam board
Columns:
Foam board, with polyfilla used to fills add rounded texture in between the square sections.
Phew. All they need now is a coat of varnish to keep the flock attached and to help protect against knocks.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
From the Front Line
Facing the Eldar again!
Yes, I faced the Eldar player that had wiped the floor with me on my first visit to games night.
Instead of a full report, I'll just pick out some highlights.
- One Land Speeder destroying the Wave Serpent on my first turn with its multimelta. Then toasting the entire squad of Dire Avengers (including Exarch) that were being carried in it.
- The swooping hawks (aka "budgies") skulking behind trees until the very last turn.
- One Tactical squad losing half its strength after the Rhino APC they were in was hit.
- Tactical Marines in close combat with the Farseer and Guardian jetbike squad...managing to eventually cause them to break...and then catching them up and wiping them out.
- Realising on turn 5 that there was nothing left in my army that could reach the enemy deployment zone to score me any victory points!
Ah well. 3-0 against. At least this time I (a) lasted to the end of the game and (b) had some troops still alive.
Fun game, as ever.
The two foam board buildings are looking good. Next job for them is a coat of textured paint - which I'll pick up at lunchtime.
Yes, I faced the Eldar player that had wiped the floor with me on my first visit to games night.
Instead of a full report, I'll just pick out some highlights.
- One Land Speeder destroying the Wave Serpent on my first turn with its multimelta. Then toasting the entire squad of Dire Avengers (including Exarch) that were being carried in it.
- The swooping hawks (aka "budgies") skulking behind trees until the very last turn.
- One Tactical squad losing half its strength after the Rhino APC they were in was hit.
- Tactical Marines in close combat with the Farseer and Guardian jetbike squad...managing to eventually cause them to break...and then catching them up and wiping them out.
- Realising on turn 5 that there was nothing left in my army that could reach the enemy deployment zone to score me any victory points!
Ah well. 3-0 against. At least this time I (a) lasted to the end of the game and (b) had some troops still alive.
Fun game, as ever.
The two foam board buildings are looking good. Next job for them is a coat of textured paint - which I'll pick up at lunchtime.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
NaNoWriMo 2006 begins
And so it has finally dawned on me what I have let myself in for.
Work involved a lot more typing than normal, so with that and gaming tonight I've done enough typing. The RSI, my old nemesis, is hinting that it's time for bed so I will say no more.
Since the NaNoWriMo profile (click on icon on right) only allows a limited extract from the novel, I will be posting my efforts in the Chronicles blog.
Since the posts are in date order, the posts are going to be in the "wrong" order.
I'll blog each day with a new post, so the new stuff should always be at the top. I think.
Anyway, best of luck to the rest of you taking part!
Happy adventuring.
Indy
Work involved a lot more typing than normal, so with that and gaming tonight I've done enough typing. The RSI, my old nemesis, is hinting that it's time for bed so I will say no more.
Since the NaNoWriMo profile (click on icon on right) only allows a limited extract from the novel, I will be posting my efforts in the Chronicles blog.
Since the posts are in date order, the posts are going to be in the "wrong" order.
I'll blog each day with a new post, so the new stuff should always be at the top. I think.
Anyway, best of luck to the rest of you taking part!
Happy adventuring.
Indy
Funnies
"A slipping gear could let your M203 grenade launcher fire when you least expect it. That would make you quite unpopular in what's left of your unit."
- Army's magazine of preventive maintenance...
"Aim toward the Enemy."
- Instruction printed on US Rocket Launcher
"When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend.
- U.S. Marine Corps
"Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate. The bombs are
absolutely guaranteed to hit the ground."
- USAF Ammo Troop
"If the enemy is in range, so are you."
- Infantry Journal
"It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just
bombed."
- U.S. Air Force Manual
"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never
encountered automatic weapons."
- General MacArthur
"Try to look unimportant; they may be low on ammo."
- Infantry Journal
"You, you, and you ... Panic. The rest of you, come with me."
- U.S. Marine Corp Gunnery Sgt.
"Tracers work both ways."
- U.S. Army Ordnance
"Five second fuses only last three seconds."
- Infantry Journal
"Don't ever be the first, don't ever be the last, and don't ever volunteer to do anything."
- U.S. Navy Swabbie
"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."
- David Hackworth
"If your attack is going too well, you're walking into an ambush."
- Infantry Journal
"No combat-ready unit has ever passed inspection."
- Joe Gay
"Any ship can be a minesweeper ... once."
- Anonymous
"Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do."
- Unknown Marine Recruit
"Don't draw fire; it irritates the people around you."
- Your Buddies
"If you see a bomb technician running, follow him."
- USAF Ammo Troop
"Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death, I Shall Fear No Evil. For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing."
- At the entrance to the old SR-71 operating base Kadena,
Japan
"You've never been lost until you've been lost at Mach 3."
- Paul F. Crickmore (test pilot)
"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
"Blue water Navy truism: There are more planes in the ocean than
submarines in the sky."
- From an old carrier sailor
"If the wings are travelling faster than the fuselage, it's probably a
helicopter -- and therefore, unsafe."
"When one engine fails on a twin-engine airplane you always have enough
power left to get you to the scene of the crash."
"Without ammunition, the USAF would be just another expensive flying
club."
"What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots?
If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC screws up, .... the pilot
dies."
"Never trade luck for skill."
"Weather forecasts are horoscopes with numbers."
Airspeed, altitude and brains. Two are always needed to successfully
complete the flight."
"A smooth carrier landing is mostly luck; two in a row is all luck; three in a row is prevarication."
"Mankind has a perfect record in aviation; we never left one up there!"
"Flashlights are tubular metal containers kept in a flight bag for the
purpose of storing dead batteries."
"Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a
person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about
it."
"When a flight is proceeding incredibly well, something was forgotten."
"Just remember, if you crash because of weather, your funeral will be held on a sunny day."
Advice given to RAF pilots during WWII: "When a prang (crash) seems
inevitable, endeavour to strike the softest, cheapest object in the
vicinity as slow and gently as possible."
"The Piper Cub is the safest airplane in the world; it can just barely
kill you."
- Attributed to Max Stanley (Northrop test pilot)
"A pilot who doesn't have any fear probably isn't flying his plane to its maximum."
- Jon McBride, astronaut
"If you're faced with a forced landing, fly the thing as far into the
crash as possible."
- Bob Hoover (renowned aerobatic and test pilot)
Never fly in the same cockpit with someone braver than you."
"There is no reason to fly through a thunderstorm in peacetime."
- Sign over squadron ops desk at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1970
"If something hasn't broken on your helicopter, it's about to."
Basic Flying Rules: "Try to stay in the middle of the air. Do not go
near the edges of it. The edges of the air can be recognized by the
appearance of ground, buildings, sea, trees and interstellar space. It is much more difficult to fly there."
"You know that your landing gear is up and locked when it takes full power to taxi to the terminal."
As the test pilot climbs out of the experimental aircraft, having torn off the wings and tail in the crash landing, the crash truck arrives, the rescuer sees a bloodied pilot and asks "What happened?".
The pilot's reply: "I don't know, I just got here myself!"
- Attributed to Ray Crandell (Lockheed test pilot )
- Army's magazine of preventive maintenance...
"Aim toward the Enemy."
- Instruction printed on US Rocket Launcher
"When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is not our friend.
- U.S. Marine Corps
"Cluster bombing from B-52s is very, very accurate. The bombs are
absolutely guaranteed to hit the ground."
- USAF Ammo Troop
"If the enemy is in range, so are you."
- Infantry Journal
"It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just
bombed."
- U.S. Air Force Manual
"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never
encountered automatic weapons."
- General MacArthur
"Try to look unimportant; they may be low on ammo."
- Infantry Journal
"You, you, and you ... Panic. The rest of you, come with me."
- U.S. Marine Corp Gunnery Sgt.
"Tracers work both ways."
- U.S. Army Ordnance
"Five second fuses only last three seconds."
- Infantry Journal
"Don't ever be the first, don't ever be the last, and don't ever volunteer to do anything."
- U.S. Navy Swabbie
"Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid."
- David Hackworth
"If your attack is going too well, you're walking into an ambush."
- Infantry Journal
"No combat-ready unit has ever passed inspection."
- Joe Gay
"Any ship can be a minesweeper ... once."
- Anonymous
"Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do."
- Unknown Marine Recruit
"Don't draw fire; it irritates the people around you."
- Your Buddies
"If you see a bomb technician running, follow him."
- USAF Ammo Troop
"Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death, I Shall Fear No Evil. For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing."
- At the entrance to the old SR-71 operating base Kadena,
Japan
"You've never been lost until you've been lost at Mach 3."
- Paul F. Crickmore (test pilot)
"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."
"Blue water Navy truism: There are more planes in the ocean than
submarines in the sky."
- From an old carrier sailor
"If the wings are travelling faster than the fuselage, it's probably a
helicopter -- and therefore, unsafe."
"When one engine fails on a twin-engine airplane you always have enough
power left to get you to the scene of the crash."
"Without ammunition, the USAF would be just another expensive flying
club."
"What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots?
If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC screws up, .... the pilot
dies."
"Never trade luck for skill."
"Weather forecasts are horoscopes with numbers."
Airspeed, altitude and brains. Two are always needed to successfully
complete the flight."
"A smooth carrier landing is mostly luck; two in a row is all luck; three in a row is prevarication."
"Mankind has a perfect record in aviation; we never left one up there!"
"Flashlights are tubular metal containers kept in a flight bag for the
purpose of storing dead batteries."
"Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a
person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about
it."
"When a flight is proceeding incredibly well, something was forgotten."
"Just remember, if you crash because of weather, your funeral will be held on a sunny day."
Advice given to RAF pilots during WWII: "When a prang (crash) seems
inevitable, endeavour to strike the softest, cheapest object in the
vicinity as slow and gently as possible."
"The Piper Cub is the safest airplane in the world; it can just barely
kill you."
- Attributed to Max Stanley (Northrop test pilot)
"A pilot who doesn't have any fear probably isn't flying his plane to its maximum."
- Jon McBride, astronaut
"If you're faced with a forced landing, fly the thing as far into the
crash as possible."
- Bob Hoover (renowned aerobatic and test pilot)
Never fly in the same cockpit with someone braver than you."
"There is no reason to fly through a thunderstorm in peacetime."
- Sign over squadron ops desk at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1970
"If something hasn't broken on your helicopter, it's about to."
Basic Flying Rules: "Try to stay in the middle of the air. Do not go
near the edges of it. The edges of the air can be recognized by the
appearance of ground, buildings, sea, trees and interstellar space. It is much more difficult to fly there."
"You know that your landing gear is up and locked when it takes full power to taxi to the terminal."
As the test pilot climbs out of the experimental aircraft, having torn off the wings and tail in the crash landing, the crash truck arrives, the rescuer sees a bloodied pilot and asks "What happened?".
The pilot's reply: "I don't know, I just got here myself!"
- Attributed to Ray Crandell (Lockheed test pilot )
Monday, October 30, 2006
From the Front Line
Okay, so we were bored.
A lament for Lucky Jim
Jim, my lad, you did just fine
Even for a humble mine
On the winds of change you'd drift
Whilst Varras always seemed miss
To us you never be "just a spore"
We'll remember you for ever more.
And a contribution from Jasper...
Lt. Varras you lucky man,
Soaring through the air.
Your spaceship crashed away you ran,
Those red blobs don't look friendly.
Lt. Varras you lucky man,
You keep the geneseed safe.
Dancing swiftly as you can,
Avoiding Lucky Jim.
Lt. Varras you lucky man,
The red blobs float the other way.
Your nimble feet - your electric fan,
You waft the floating menace.
Lt. Varras you lucky man,
There seems to be a noise.
A flash of claws - A glint from teeth,
Not so lucky now.
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Saturday, October 21, 2006
Westonbirt
Westonbirt Arboretum is just up the road from Bristol, and a favourite place of mine, especially during autumn. Alas, I was a week or so early and the full display of autumn colour had not quite begun.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
From the front line
Well, the Battlewagon bits delivery turned up last week. Although annoyed by the additional customs charge, everything was as expected. I did make one mistake as I had not realised that Jump Packs are now two pieces so I had only ordered 3 whereas I thought it was going to be 6. Ah well, at least the Chaplain is now properly equipped and the Assault squad he leads is now up to seven troops (all 'legally' armed with bolt pistols and chainswords).
The Lascannon model will have to wait a little longer, as the marines I had left over wouldn't fit with the new pose, but the missile launcher is together.
So, a few new models to paint. These were added to with the arrival of the Battle for Maccragge box set that I found on eBay. To be honest, this was a disappointment. The book is pretty flimsy and only A5 sized and the plastics are the worst mouldings I have ever seen from Games Workshop. Every model had bad mould lines, and the crashed ship scenery pieces almost needed carving out.
Although the scenery turned out to be pretty natty, and the marine squad is useful, I would recommend getting the full rule book on it's own instead.
Still, another tactical squad of marines to add to the collection, even if a little blocky. This now gives me ample troops to field two or three tactical squads all armed with bolters, plus a Devastator squad. More than enough for most battles :) I spent most of yesterday evening putting the marines and scenery together. Haven't managed the Tyranid troops yet - maybe tonight!
The next thing to get, which really will have to wait until more models are painted, will be a Scout Squad armed with sniper rifles. These are a very cheap Troops selection for the army, and I like the idea of being able to infiltrate a squad to take and hold a key area of cover that can provide some useful covering fire and threaten light armour. In addition, the sergeant can always be upgraded to carry a teleport homer to allow Terminators to deploy close by in later turns. Since this squad is likely to consist of either a stack of fire power, or the most heavily armed close combat troops available, this could be a useful tactic. Even if only to worry the pants off my opponent!
Oh, and finally, and the pilot from the Maccragge boxed set will make an excellent Igor to accompany Archie...now all I need to do is create some rules for them.
Current wish list, (cheapest first!)
3 jump packs
1 Terminator with assault cannon
1 Marine Scout squad boxed set (4 scouts with sniper rifles and 1 with missile launcher)
1 Land Speeder boxed set (with assault cannon and heavy bolter)
1 Crusader Land Raider
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
A small step up...
I had completely forgotten that several months ago I put together the justification for my being promoted to the next grade up - basically I had to show that I was already doing that role.
Anyway, Friday last week my boss called me aside and gave me the letter saying that I had been successful!
Even better was the very slight pay rise that I wasn't expecting :)
Apart from now having to live up to expectations, I now qualify for a bigger share of the pie when it comes to the performance-based bonus next time around...but the day job won't be changing.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
From the front line
I want one of these.
WTF, you ask?
Well, with those, a bag of plaster of paris and a bit of time, you can create this, this or even one of these!
And when I saw this miniature on eBay, how could I refuse?
I just won, so he should be on his way soon.
WTF, you ask?
Well, with those, a bag of plaster of paris and a bit of time, you can create this, this or even one of these!
And when I saw this miniature on eBay, how could I refuse?
I just won, so he should be on his way soon.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
From the front line
Not a good day for the forces of the Adeptus Astartes, especially the Dark Angels.
Following last week's game, the roster looked slightly different. The Commander was replaced with a cheaper Chaplain, who was attached to the assault squad. I also took a 10-marine Tactical squad (all armed with bolters) and a Devastator squad (2 missile launchers for anti-troop/light armour and a Lascannon for anti-vehicle work, plus 7 marines for short range fire power). The Deathwing from last week were replaced by a Predator tank (Autocannon turret and two Lascannon sponsons) and a rhino for the tactical squad. The Dreadnought and Landspeeder were retained.
This force seemed to be a little better balanced, with plenty of shooty troops supporting reasonable fast attack units. I nearly went for an all-shooty army with no assault at all, but relented.
When I saw my opponent, I wished I had.
The tyranids are a race I have only faced once, but did remarkably well against. It's not often you can take 'nids down in hand-to-hand, but I have managed it - it gave my opponent of the time a new respect for the Dark Angels - see my campaign info on the website for more. But I digress.
I'm not sure how "normal" the force I faced was. A couple of Carnifexes, a squad of four things with guns (I don't know what they were) and three units of Genestealers.
The one lesson to remember is "Do not get into combat with 'stealers". Stay in cover. Keep your heads down. And keep on firing.
The Landspeeder was well worth it’s points. It single handedly wiped out one unit of stealers, and also finished off one Carnifex. My Devastator’s did not do so well, having trouble being able to hit anything. Mind you, I was distracted by someone’s cry of “those marines are illegal – that’s not a Space Marine!”. He was referring to one of my ‘beaky’ marines (in Mark VI armour from the original Space Marine boxed set from the early 90s!. Young ‘uns these days!
The model was older than he was…
Taking multiple vehicles worked well. Incoming fire was spread around more, and I didn’t lose any to shooting. Hand to hand combat against the vehicles was nasty. Not only did I eventually lose the Predator, Rhino and Dreadnought to ‘stealers, but the tanks both exploded, killing the units attacking them! Revenge is sweet!
With only the Land Speeder and the Tactical squad left against a Carnifex, a few stealers and the squad of Tyranid warriors (?) I decided to concede and let someone else have a go.
A good game, even though.
I think the army list wasn’t too badly organised. Perhaps a couple of Marines fewer in the Devastators, and a couple more Assault troops.
I’ll soon be ready with this, as the close combat bits and extra Lascannon are on order from Battlewagon Bits and should be here soon.
Well, here's the roster used:
HQ
Master of Sanctity (136 points)
Croziuz Arcanum (Power weapon)
Rosarius (4+ invulnerable save)
Bolt pistol
Jump pack
Elites
Dreadnought "Old Faithful" (135 points)
Twin linked Lascannon
Missile launcher
Troops
Tactical Squad Caecilius (200)
Sergeant Caecilius - Bolter (not power sword)
9 marines - Bolter
Rhino transport
Devastator Squad Sheriden (185 points)
Sergeant Sheriden - Bolter
1 Marine - Lascannon
1 Marine - Missile launcher
1 Marine - Missile launcher
6 Marines - Bolter
Fast Attack
Assault Squad Morden (120 points)
Sergeant Morden - Plasma pistol, chain sword, Krak grenades 120
4 Marines - Bolt pistols, chain swords, krak grenades
Landspeeder (80 points)
Assault cannon, Heavy Bolter
Heavy Support
Predator (138 points)
Autocannon (turret mounted)
2 Lascannon (one in each side sponson)
Pintle-mounted storm bolter
And, finally, some photos (Click for a larger version):
The 1,000 point army as described above.
Old Faithful
Ravenwing Land Speeder
Predator
Following last week's game, the roster looked slightly different. The Commander was replaced with a cheaper Chaplain, who was attached to the assault squad. I also took a 10-marine Tactical squad (all armed with bolters) and a Devastator squad (2 missile launchers for anti-troop/light armour and a Lascannon for anti-vehicle work, plus 7 marines for short range fire power). The Deathwing from last week were replaced by a Predator tank (Autocannon turret and two Lascannon sponsons) and a rhino for the tactical squad. The Dreadnought and Landspeeder were retained.
This force seemed to be a little better balanced, with plenty of shooty troops supporting reasonable fast attack units. I nearly went for an all-shooty army with no assault at all, but relented.
When I saw my opponent, I wished I had.
The tyranids are a race I have only faced once, but did remarkably well against. It's not often you can take 'nids down in hand-to-hand, but I have managed it - it gave my opponent of the time a new respect for the Dark Angels - see my campaign info on the website for more. But I digress.
I'm not sure how "normal" the force I faced was. A couple of Carnifexes, a squad of four things with guns (I don't know what they were) and three units of Genestealers.
The one lesson to remember is "Do not get into combat with 'stealers". Stay in cover. Keep your heads down. And keep on firing.
The Landspeeder was well worth it’s points. It single handedly wiped out one unit of stealers, and also finished off one Carnifex. My Devastator’s did not do so well, having trouble being able to hit anything. Mind you, I was distracted by someone’s cry of “those marines are illegal – that’s not a Space Marine!”. He was referring to one of my ‘beaky’ marines (in Mark VI armour from the original Space Marine boxed set from the early 90s!. Young ‘uns these days!
The model was older than he was…
Taking multiple vehicles worked well. Incoming fire was spread around more, and I didn’t lose any to shooting. Hand to hand combat against the vehicles was nasty. Not only did I eventually lose the Predator, Rhino and Dreadnought to ‘stealers, but the tanks both exploded, killing the units attacking them! Revenge is sweet!
With only the Land Speeder and the Tactical squad left against a Carnifex, a few stealers and the squad of Tyranid warriors (?) I decided to concede and let someone else have a go.
A good game, even though.
I think the army list wasn’t too badly organised. Perhaps a couple of Marines fewer in the Devastators, and a couple more Assault troops.
I’ll soon be ready with this, as the close combat bits and extra Lascannon are on order from Battlewagon Bits and should be here soon.
Well, here's the roster used:
HQ
Master of Sanctity (136 points)
Croziuz Arcanum (Power weapon)
Rosarius (4+ invulnerable save)
Bolt pistol
Jump pack
Elites
Dreadnought "Old Faithful" (135 points)
Twin linked Lascannon
Missile launcher
Troops
Tactical Squad Caecilius (200)
Sergeant Caecilius - Bolter (not power sword)
9 marines - Bolter
Rhino transport
Devastator Squad Sheriden (185 points)
Sergeant Sheriden - Bolter
1 Marine - Lascannon
1 Marine - Missile launcher
1 Marine - Missile launcher
6 Marines - Bolter
Fast Attack
Assault Squad Morden (120 points)
Sergeant Morden - Plasma pistol, chain sword, Krak grenades 120
4 Marines - Bolt pistols, chain swords, krak grenades
Landspeeder (80 points)
Assault cannon, Heavy Bolter
Heavy Support
Predator (138 points)
Autocannon (turret mounted)
2 Lascannon (one in each side sponson)
Pintle-mounted storm bolter
And, finally, some photos (Click for a larger version):
The 1,000 point army as described above.
Old Faithful
Ravenwing Land Speeder
Predator
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Opulence
Fellow Hobblings will appreciate how exciting it is to meet a favourite author and talk about his/her work, and will understand why I was thrilled when I learnt that Joy Kirton-Smith, the artist whose work I love, was going to be at the local gallery to meet people.
It turned out that, in addition, it was also a chance to see the new range of her work including the original pieces!
I arrived and wandered around looking at Joy’s latest work whilst the staff frantically finished off setting everything up, and then the gallery manager brought Joy over and introduced us. The gallery provides headed paper for dedications (it’s a little harder to bring the paintings along than books!) that can be added to the pocket on the back of the painting.
We then talked for something like 30-40 minutes, about where she gets her inspiration from, to how she manages to get such dynamic figures in her painting, to Renaissance history.
It was funny that Joy was nearly as nervous as I was, finding it strange that people would want to come and meet her when it is the paintings that they ‘know’.
Eventually Joy was dragged away to talk to some of the other people, and I had a second look at the paintings. What was interesting to note was that even when side-by-side it is very hard to tell the original from the print, unless you look at the price tag!
It turned out that, in addition, it was also a chance to see the new range of her work including the original pieces!
I arrived and wandered around looking at Joy’s latest work whilst the staff frantically finished off setting everything up, and then the gallery manager brought Joy over and introduced us. The gallery provides headed paper for dedications (it’s a little harder to bring the paintings along than books!) that can be added to the pocket on the back of the painting.
We then talked for something like 30-40 minutes, about where she gets her inspiration from, to how she manages to get such dynamic figures in her painting, to Renaissance history.
It was funny that Joy was nearly as nervous as I was, finding it strange that people would want to come and meet her when it is the paintings that they ‘know’.
Eventually Joy was dragged away to talk to some of the other people, and I had a second look at the paintings. What was interesting to note was that even when side-by-side it is very hard to tell the original from the print, unless you look at the price tag!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
From the front line
(Note : I'll be using this heading for all gaming stuff from now on, so those who aren't interested don't have to read it!)
First up, a couple of links. This one, to a series of WH40K-inspired comics, Turn Signals on a Land Raider. I've had a look last night, and there are some great ones in there. The other place worth a look is Battlewagon Bits. These were recommended - essentially you can by individual components through a US company instead of the entire sprue/kit. Useful for conversions, or for my troop modifications that are planned (more later).
My baptism of fire into the new edition of the rules for the game went relatively well. 500 points against a 15 year old munchkin, where I was able to prove that youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery (plus some lucky dice rolls). A city fight which, after the commanders and retinues had duked it out in hand to hand, ended in a scene close to the Block War from Judge Dread. Luckily, my Lascannon was more accurate than Munchkin's missile launcher, and I was able to pick his troops off one at a time.
Next up was 1,000 points of my Dark Angels (but treated as Space Marines as I only have that Codex) against Eldar. I started off well, with the Tactical squads all in cover, allowing the assault squad and Deathwing to advance into the enemy territory. The two Falcons proved troublesome, first dropping off a squad of Banshees in front of my assault troops, then providing a scary amount of covering fire. Fortunately, the Deathwing, led by their Commander, were able to hold their own easily, and the remaining Banshees were mopped up by the assault marines. I was losing men to the fire from the Warp Spiders, who kept ducking back into cover after firing, making them impossible to kill.
The dreadnaught "Old Faithful" did manage to draw an awful lot of fire away from everyone else, mostly as it was the only thing I had that posed a threat to the Falcon tanks. He has been renamed "Fire Magnet".
The assault troops were wiped out in a salvo from the Falcon, caught out in the open after wiping out the Banshees. The Terminators decided that Honour and Valour were things for other people that day and ducked into the nearest cover to join the remaining troops. They were wiped out, at which point the commander coughbrokeandrancough and since the table edge was close, the bugger managed to rout from the field leaving the two remaining troops to attempt a last ditch break for the objective. "Butch" and "Sundance" will be honoured appropriately, whereas the commander has been summarily executed for being a pansy.
On the plus side, I did cause some embarrassing casualties to the Eldar and learnt some useful lessons:
(1) The game is much faster paced than 2nd Ed.
(2) Eldar are still evil little pointy-eared gits.
(3) Commanders are of limited use in the new rules. Better to go for a Chaplain as the HQ choice, put him with an assault squad and let them get on with it. He's got some useful traits that can help close combat troops.
(4) Terminators are not good at walking into combat. I already knew this, but don't have any transport for them and didn't like the sound of the Deep Strike rules on teleporting into combat (which was my usual tactic). A drop pod would solve this as the cheapest option, but a Land Raider Crusader is now on the Christmas list...
(5) The Marine option for carrying a heavy anti-tank weapon is even more pointless now than before. Far better to place them all in a single Devastator squad with a few standard marines to act as cannon fodder.
(6) Dreadnoughts still rock, but are not good when fielded with no other tank support (my Land Speeder was on the other side of the table)
(7) Land Speeders still rock, but are more vulnerable to incoming fire than I am used to. A second one to support it would help, as well as making better use of cover.
(8) Eldar are going to become even more evil pointy-eared gits when the new Codex is issued.
(9) Tank-Shock can be effective. More troops need Krak-grenades.
(10) Close combat is nasty. The weapon options on marines are limited now, so tactical troops do not carry bolt pistols etc. Also, power weapons and plasma pistols are not standard Assault Marine upgrades, so some modifications to my models will be needed.
(11) Marines need to be kept as squads of 10, not broken into smaller groups of 5. They need to be able to bring more bolters to bear on the enemy. This also applies to Assault squads, who I think need at least 8 men.
(12) Weapons have changed! Several weapons are no longer used, or have been modified. The Warp Spiders web spinner things are just a rapid fire weapon (although that is about to change) They will be lethal if they get the template weapon back! Imperial Guard can no longer have assault cannon (making my sentinels redundant). Assault cannons are just as effective as ever against light vehicles and troops. They seem to be less effective than I remember against vehicles.
(13) The mission options are pretty slick, adding a more interesting twist to the games. The second game was aiming to capture table quarters, for instance.
More later.
First up, a couple of links. This one, to a series of WH40K-inspired comics, Turn Signals on a Land Raider. I've had a look last night, and there are some great ones in there. The other place worth a look is Battlewagon Bits. These were recommended - essentially you can by individual components through a US company instead of the entire sprue/kit. Useful for conversions, or for my troop modifications that are planned (more later).
My baptism of fire into the new edition of the rules for the game went relatively well. 500 points against a 15 year old munchkin, where I was able to prove that youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery (plus some lucky dice rolls). A city fight which, after the commanders and retinues had duked it out in hand to hand, ended in a scene close to the Block War from Judge Dread. Luckily, my Lascannon was more accurate than Munchkin's missile launcher, and I was able to pick his troops off one at a time.
Next up was 1,000 points of my Dark Angels (but treated as Space Marines as I only have that Codex) against Eldar. I started off well, with the Tactical squads all in cover, allowing the assault squad and Deathwing to advance into the enemy territory. The two Falcons proved troublesome, first dropping off a squad of Banshees in front of my assault troops, then providing a scary amount of covering fire. Fortunately, the Deathwing, led by their Commander, were able to hold their own easily, and the remaining Banshees were mopped up by the assault marines. I was losing men to the fire from the Warp Spiders, who kept ducking back into cover after firing, making them impossible to kill.
The dreadnaught "Old Faithful" did manage to draw an awful lot of fire away from everyone else, mostly as it was the only thing I had that posed a threat to the Falcon tanks. He has been renamed "Fire Magnet".
The assault troops were wiped out in a salvo from the Falcon, caught out in the open after wiping out the Banshees. The Terminators decided that Honour and Valour were things for other people that day and ducked into the nearest cover to join the remaining troops. They were wiped out, at which point the commander coughbrokeandrancough and since the table edge was close, the bugger managed to rout from the field leaving the two remaining troops to attempt a last ditch break for the objective. "Butch" and "Sundance" will be honoured appropriately, whereas the commander has been summarily executed for being a pansy.
On the plus side, I did cause some embarrassing casualties to the Eldar and learnt some useful lessons:
(1) The game is much faster paced than 2nd Ed.
(2) Eldar are still evil little pointy-eared gits.
(3) Commanders are of limited use in the new rules. Better to go for a Chaplain as the HQ choice, put him with an assault squad and let them get on with it. He's got some useful traits that can help close combat troops.
(4) Terminators are not good at walking into combat. I already knew this, but don't have any transport for them and didn't like the sound of the Deep Strike rules on teleporting into combat (which was my usual tactic). A drop pod would solve this as the cheapest option, but a Land Raider Crusader is now on the Christmas list...
(5) The Marine option for carrying a heavy anti-tank weapon is even more pointless now than before. Far better to place them all in a single Devastator squad with a few standard marines to act as cannon fodder.
(6) Dreadnoughts still rock, but are not good when fielded with no other tank support (my Land Speeder was on the other side of the table)
(7) Land Speeders still rock, but are more vulnerable to incoming fire than I am used to. A second one to support it would help, as well as making better use of cover.
(8) Eldar are going to become even more evil pointy-eared gits when the new Codex is issued.
(9) Tank-Shock can be effective. More troops need Krak-grenades.
(10) Close combat is nasty. The weapon options on marines are limited now, so tactical troops do not carry bolt pistols etc. Also, power weapons and plasma pistols are not standard Assault Marine upgrades, so some modifications to my models will be needed.
(11) Marines need to be kept as squads of 10, not broken into smaller groups of 5. They need to be able to bring more bolters to bear on the enemy. This also applies to Assault squads, who I think need at least 8 men.
(12) Weapons have changed! Several weapons are no longer used, or have been modified. The Warp Spiders web spinner things are just a rapid fire weapon (although that is about to change) They will be lethal if they get the template weapon back! Imperial Guard can no longer have assault cannon (making my sentinels redundant). Assault cannons are just as effective as ever against light vehicles and troops. They seem to be less effective than I remember against vehicles.
(13) The mission options are pretty slick, adding a more interesting twist to the games. The second game was aiming to capture table quarters, for instance.
More later.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Gardening...of a different sort
I spent the afternoon tending to trees.
Very small trees.
For those who are interested...it's the pack of tree from GW. Each is mounted on a piece of plastic cut from an ice cream tub lid, and the larger area (to represent the extent of the wooded area inthe game) is a double-thickness piece of ice cream tub lid.
To paint...base coats of Goblin Green for the fronds and Snakebite Leather for the trunks. Then a wash of 1:2:6 Dark Angle Green:Scorched Brown:Water over the greenery and 1:2 Scorched Brown:water for the trunks.
Finally, a coat of Goblin Green on all the plastic bases, and a coast of flock (remembering not to sneeze over it, this time!)
Easy. Total cost, £3. Time, 3 hours. Result, 2 woods!
During a battle, woods give cover to troops within the area of the base, and are harder to see.
Below, a Vindicare Assassin makes use of the cover of the trees to pick his next target.
Very small trees.
For those who are interested...it's the pack of tree from GW. Each is mounted on a piece of plastic cut from an ice cream tub lid, and the larger area (to represent the extent of the wooded area inthe game) is a double-thickness piece of ice cream tub lid.
To paint...base coats of Goblin Green for the fronds and Snakebite Leather for the trunks. Then a wash of 1:2:6 Dark Angle Green:Scorched Brown:Water over the greenery and 1:2 Scorched Brown:water for the trunks.
Finally, a coat of Goblin Green on all the plastic bases, and a coast of flock (remembering not to sneeze over it, this time!)
Easy. Total cost, £3. Time, 3 hours. Result, 2 woods!
During a battle, woods give cover to troops within the area of the base, and are harder to see.
Below, a Vindicare Assassin makes use of the cover of the trees to pick his next target.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Is it just me, or...
...the more I blog here the less the rest of you seem to?
If I fail to post for a week or so, everyone goes on blogfrenzy. This week, when I've posted several times, it's dead elsewhere.
Weird.
If I fail to post for a week or so, everyone goes on blogfrenzy. This week, when I've posted several times, it's dead elsewhere.
Weird.
Monday, September 11, 2006
New planter and roses
The new planter, that I made out of a couple of old pallets and log edging strips. All it needs now is a plastic bag for a liner, and some compost. And plants, obviously.
As you can see, it neatly covers one of the drains in the gravel.
More shots of the current minitaure roses:
Not as productive as Dr. H's garden, perhaps, but coming together nicely!
As you can see, it neatly covers one of the drains in the gravel.
More shots of the current minitaure roses:
Not as productive as Dr. H's garden, perhaps, but coming together nicely!
News Story of the Day...
From www.aero-news.net
Captain Kirk Decides To Boldly Stay On Ground
Contrary To Song, Shatner Is No Rocketman
We admit this next story has only the thinnest ties to the aerospace community... but it was simply too ironic to pass up.
William Shatner, the 75-year-old actor best known for portraying Captain James T. Kirk on the evergreen "Star Trek" television series, has turned down an offer to fly onboard Virgin Galactic's first suborbital passenger flight in 2008.
Why? He is too scared.
"I'm interested in man's march into the unknown but to vomit in space is not my idea of a good time," said Shatner to the Daily Mail. "Neither is a fiery crash with the vomit hovering over me."
(Note: There are few ways to guarantee your words will be selected for ANN's Quote of the Day feature -- but combining the words "fiery" and "vomit" in the same sentence certainly improves your odds -- Ed.)
"I do want to go up but I need guarantees I'll definitely come back," Shatner added.
That's perfectly understandable... although for a free ticket into space (valued at $215,000), we'd expect the man best known for uttering the phrase "to seek out new life and new civilizations... to boldly go where no one has gone before" to, well, suck it up.
After all... Shatner never faced situations as frightening as Sigourney Weaver, star of the "Alien" movies, did... but she's already booked her space on the flight.
In the end -- and contrary to his oft-maligned rendition of the classic Elton John song -- William Shatner is no "rocketman" after all. But Captain Kirk's reach will still extend into the stars, even if the actor who portrayed him won't.
That's right... Virgin's first spaceship will be called the "Enterprise."
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Aeroplanes for Dummies
The big tube with windows is the "fuselage". This is where the people sit.
The big tube has a pointy end, and an end with sticky-outy bits.
The pointy end is the "Nose", also called the "Front". This is where the driver or "pilot" sits.
The big sticky-outy bits are the "wings". These are for storing fuel and hanging the engines from. Oh, and keeping everything in the air.
The sticky-uppy bit at the back is the "VTP". The sticky-outy bits at the back is the "HTP". These help keep everything pointing in the right direction.
The wheel things underneath are the "undercarriage". Although it is possible to land without these, they do make it easier to taxi to the terminal building.
Inside the big blobs hangining under the "wings" are the "Engines". These are important. They keep the pilot cool - watch him start to sweat when they stop going round.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
News just in...
I just wanted to update everyone to confirm that nothing whatsoever is happening in Sector 83/9/12.
Nothing at all.
Nothing at all.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Hobbian Shenanigans
Saturday was the Day of the Great Bristol Hobb Meet.
Some argued before the day that it could not possibly be all that Great, as certain Hobblings would be absent. Admittidly we did not have half naked dancing. But we did have ice, drinks, Skits on a sugar rush and dungeons.
After meeting a little earlier than planned, we managed to find somewhere we could eat where we would not scare too many innocent passerbys.
Then, onto the icerink. It didn't take long for us to realise that we were going to need tin foil hats. Luckily I came prepared, as the choc-pot wrappers were soon redesigned...
Skits, on a sugar high depsite not having a choc pot to eat, remained difficult to capture on camera due to her blurring.
Sky, looking bemused.
For those of you who have not seen a choc pot, this is what they look like:
Skits enjoying herself on the ice...
...although Biped was not so sure of herself...
All was going well until the flash from the camera triggered something in Em and she turned into a mindless zombie...
...and tried to attack Sky...
Luckily, there were no casualties.
Retiring from the ice rink (possibly the ugliest building in Bristol) to a nearby pub, we sat and chatted for a bit.
Skits and Biped:
Em taking videos. Or perhaps just photos.
Em and Ash...
And Sky looking bemused...it was noted how Sky and Keppet always seem to pull the same expression when a camera is pointed at them.
After Sky, Ash and Em had run for their train, the remaining Hobblings went off to investigate the ruined church down on the riverside.
The old and the new.
Some argued before the day that it could not possibly be all that Great, as certain Hobblings would be absent. Admittidly we did not have half naked dancing. But we did have ice, drinks, Skits on a sugar rush and dungeons.
After meeting a little earlier than planned, we managed to find somewhere we could eat where we would not scare too many innocent passerbys.
Then, onto the icerink. It didn't take long for us to realise that we were going to need tin foil hats. Luckily I came prepared, as the choc-pot wrappers were soon redesigned...
Skits, on a sugar high depsite not having a choc pot to eat, remained difficult to capture on camera due to her blurring.
Sky, looking bemused.
For those of you who have not seen a choc pot, this is what they look like:
Skits enjoying herself on the ice...
...although Biped was not so sure of herself...
All was going well until the flash from the camera triggered something in Em and she turned into a mindless zombie...
...and tried to attack Sky...
Luckily, there were no casualties.
Retiring from the ice rink (possibly the ugliest building in Bristol) to a nearby pub, we sat and chatted for a bit.
Skits and Biped:
Em taking videos. Or perhaps just photos.
Em and Ash...
And Sky looking bemused...it was noted how Sky and Keppet always seem to pull the same expression when a camera is pointed at them.
After Sky, Ash and Em had run for their train, the remaining Hobblings went off to investigate the ruined church down on the riverside.
The old and the new.
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