Lone Wolves

My Favourite Figure

2012-02-10T20:00:00.000Z

In response to Elliot's last post here is my best figure so far; my Dreadlord for my Dark Elves army. My first and only go at NMM
http://coolminiornot.com/239889

Proudest moment

2012-02-08T15:16:00.002Z

After flicking though the cool mini or not website it got me thinking what is the mini i am most proud of?!

I think this is it....so far:

I'm not entirely sure why, i am just very pleased with how it came out. Tried a few different colour mixes and like the way his flesh turned out (always struggled with flesh)

So i pass this question to rest of the wolves....out of the hundred (or in some cases thousands) of minis you have painted have you got a favourite?

2 Go in, 1 comes out!

2012-02-07T21:27:00.005Z

Late with a poll again!

Time for another "which is better"!
GW have 2 special release marines this year, both nice however I think its one marine too far! Anyway.......

Which is the best:

Warhamer 40K 25th Anniversary marine:

Games Day 2012 Marine:

Vote ahoy!
Results are in, Crimson boy storms it!

And the results from last week:
A lot of hatred for the infernal puppet! I think a quick note of "one use only" would fix this beast!

Binx's Book Review Episode 1

2012-02-07T18:07:00.000Z

I've just finished reading 'Deliverance Lost' the 18th book in the Horus Heresey series.

Written by Gav Thorpe, it tells the tale of the Raven Guard as they attempt to rebuild their numbers after almost being wiped out at the massacre at Isstvan V.

I really enjoyed the story, and although it doesn't contain the really detailed descriptive background of, say a Dan Abnett novel, it flows really well and keeps you interested in the story from start to the 469th and final page.

This book is 95% about the Space Marines of mainly the Raven Guard and doesn't drag you off into a tangent with tales of remembrancer's and other side characters. There are flash backs to when Corax, the Raven Guard Primarch, was first discovered on what is now called Deliverance, these give you some insight into his growing up and link nicely to characters mentioned in the main story.

Overall a good read, with plenty of hidden surprises, and a worthy addition to the Horus Heresy series.

I give this book 15 Primarch's out of 18.

Say hello to Elliot

2012-02-06T21:41:00.001Z

Thanks to Zed's reminder, here is the 2nd in our series of interviews. This time its the newest Lone Wolf.

1: How and when did you start war gaming?

It was just over three years ago when i got into war gaming, and basically i wanted a hobby. I was a new dad and had this fear that i wouldn't have any time to do anything...because would be so busy looking after the little one. I used to walk past a GW store in Bath every lunch and used to look at the models and used to be amazed about how cool they were and how well painted they were and somehow i took it up as a hobby, for the first 9 months it was just painting as i didn't know anyone who played, then i met the wolves!

2: What was your 1st war gaming purchase?

My first purchase was a Warhammer 40k starter set. 5 marines, 1 paintbrush and 8 paints. Just to get me on way. About two weeks later...i got assault on black reach, the starter paint set a painting station.......i was hooked!

3: You're the newest member of the Lone Wolves, how did you get involved and what was your 1st impressions of the club?

I heard about the club though Lordyblokes wife (to be) she put me in touch with Lordybloke and hey presto, i came along one week was welcomed warmly and haven't really looked back since!

1st impressions were "wow!" look at all this stuff! from the tables, to the scenery and the amazing models in the cabinet! It was pretty scary being put in front of a load of veteran gamers as the new guy...nothing like being thrown in at the deep end! ;-)

4: You haven't been playing that long compared to the other Wolves, how did you find taking on such experienced wargamers, and how do you think you've done in such a short space of time?

I don't really know how i have done, i suppose you better ask the guys...i would say i have done well, built a few armies and painting wise have come on well over the last few years!

Playing the guys can be tough, half the time they all know what i am going to bring in my army even before i do! Having played for such a long time they know all the units strengths and weaknesses, how they are best used etc so winning can be tough! I often wonder " am i just very bad at this game?!" but when i do win it feels great! (except when i beat Simon!)

5: What’s favourite games system?

Hands down Warhammer Fantasy! Magic...dragons....monsters...what's not to love!

I also like that there is no "almighty" army....like 40k you have the marines....i feel Fantasy is more balanced!

6: Any war gaming regrets/ things you would have done differently with hindsight?

1. Buying a stompa...never used it....and the money could have been better put to something else. Although i just love the big stuff!

2. Not listening to Zed the first time he met me when he said, "don't buy anything until you have painted what you have got" i've now got £100 of Tau still in its box, loads of elves unpainted, blood angels unpainted....the list goes on!

7: Whats your proudest moment in your wargaming life so far?

good question.....probably sticking with it!!

I have had so many hobbies in my life that last for 5 minutes...but three years in i am still going strong and about to start army number 6! This is in no small part down to the club, without them who knows if i would have carried on!

Thank god i did though!

8: What do you see happening to you wargaming wise over the next 5 years?

Hopefully getting better at painting...creating my own campaigns, trying my hand at conversions etc.

Most importantly still enjoying it!

9: Having integrated with all the wolves very well in the short space of time, how would you sell the Lone Wolves to anyone else who wanted to join?
Well if they can handle the banter, and enjoying getting home at 1.30am on a Thursday morning not being able to sleep because you are thinking...."what i should have done was...." or "next time i will try this..." then join. A great bunch of guys who make you feel welcome straight away!

Also if you are new that would be great because then i might have a chance as winning!

10: Any final thoughts?

Finecast is shit....greenstuff is alright.

Apart from that, i hope the guys have enjoyed having a chubby manc in there midst every Wednesday talking rubbish and asking questions about the rules!

Fallschirmjäger changed my life...

2012-02-04T18:11:00.000Z

No not really but they changed the way I approach my chosen hobby.

I have always painted my own figures. Over the years I have painted figures for others, friends and sometimes for eBay. I never thought I would pay someone else to paint them for me because painting and modelling are as important to me as actually gaming it is part of the holy trinity of the hobby. I was excited when I took the plunge starting Flames of War after more than a decade of GW games my enthusiasm was rekindled as I discovered a new seam of hobby gold.

What I wasn't ready for was my impatience; I no longer have the free time I once did and I had given myself double the trouble by purchasing both axis and allies armies so that I could encourage one of my pals to play with zero investment.

While I was painting my Panzergrenadiers and all the problems of moving from 28mm to 15mm started to reveal themselves, I started to look round for someone to help me out with the painting.

There are plenty of choices on the Internet and the prices vary a fair amount; after a lot consideration I went cheap and had my British Airborne Paratroopers painted by an online commission painter. What I got in return was ok but definitely gaming standard. I wasn't unhappy but it wasn't as good as I hoped. So I persevered with my own work and I improved by the time I was finishing my Panzergrenadiers. Infantry are definitely more of a chore than a pleasure and some of this is because I didn't know what I am painting, or what colour it should be.

So now we get to the Fallschirmjäger in question. I bought the company box set because they were nearly 50% off, did I need them? No. Had I planned to build a Fallschirmjäger company? No, in standard gamer mode I bought them because they were cool and cheap. Pretty much at the same time a Fallschirmjäger company was selling on eBay, I contacted the seller, Matt @ Tarnowski's Table, and discussed commissions, timescales prices (double what I had previously paid) and committed myself to paying once again. To fund this project I cleared some of my lead mountain and very quickly covered the costs

The results are excellent and this is an area where you truly get what you pay for.

If you have the money or can fund it out of the surplus of never to be started/finished projects you should give it some thought.

Tis the Season

2012-02-02T17:59:00.000Z

Blood Bowl is back after the Christmas break, as the last of the games for this season are played out.

This week saw Th1rt3en narrowly beat the Dragon 'Ead Destoyers 2-1 taking them to the top of the league for the first time this year. This was followed by the surprise 4-0 win by Black Moon Rising over the Orcland Raiderz.

Below is the league standings with one game left for four out of the five teams. (still awaiting casualty confirmation from last nights game) Even though the participants for the final have been known for some time there is still plenty to play for, with top and bottom positions in the league still up for grabs.

Team	Pld	W	D	L	Pts	TD+	TD-	Cas+	Cas-

Th1rt3en	7	5	1	1	16	17	8	6	13
Dragon 'Ead Destroyers	7	5	0	2	15	15	7	12	6
Sinful Bliss	7	3	0	4	9	9	12	4	8
Black Moon Rising	8	2	1	5	7	14	19	4	8
Orcland Raiderz	7	2	0	5	6	4	13	11	2

Tuesday Poll

2012-01-31T20:05:00.003Z

Missed the Monday poll due to a game of Bloodbowl that I narrowly lost (1, re-roll, 1! Laces out, Dan, laces out!!!) so here is the belated blurb.
We've all played a game and been struck how ridiculous/gamey or outright wrong a rule is, right?
But which is the worst of the lot?
Vote on!

Last weeks results below.
WW2 was an expected leader though moderns showed stronger than I was expecting.

Tanks!!! Mr & Mrs Zed

2012-01-30T21:50:00.000Z

Just a quick and simple post this.

Tanks to Mr and Mrs Zed I got a nice little present for looking after smallest Zed when they had to take small Zed to hospital. When I came home from work on Friday evening there was the box from Maelstrom Games, there was me thinking the wife had brought me my wedding anniversary present early but then remembered she knows nothing about where to buy models, so opened the box to find a box of five Sherman tanks from Plastic Soldier. A quick call to Zed and a thank you later and out came the clippers, knife and glue.Now after a couple of hours work the below are ready for paint.

Now I know they may not have the right guns or kit but who cares when they are on the table, which ever way you look at it they are spot on. All I can say is yet again TANKS Mr & Mrs Zed.

Flames of War V3 Changes

2012-01-30T19:45:00.000Z

I copied this from the WWPD forum

MOVEMENT*Wheeled bumped to 12" off road, 18" on road.
*Jeep bumped to 16" off road, 24" on road.
*Light Guns move 6" off road.
*Medium Guns move 4" off road.
*Terrain is classified much better
*Can Dig in while Gone to Ground
*You may mount up and THEN move transport teams in the same turn
*Transports sent to the rear may return later

SHOOTING
*Guns that are GTG get a 3+ save.
*MG Teams are ROF 2 while pinned
*Most weapon systems get half (rounded down) their ROF on the move. HMGs get 3 shots, US LMGs get 2.
*Bunker Buster weapons that moved cannot shoot at moving vehicles
*Goliaths can auto hit 1 team- that is either bailed/bogged or dug in (else requires a skill check to hit)
*Flame Throwers only bail an AFV on a firepower check. Otherwise, AFVs hit cannot defensive fire
*Turret Facing now comes into play. When turrets are rotated it's a 4+ to hit the different armor ratings
*Weapons with FP 2+ generally have Heavy Breakthrough Gun
*Guns that unlimber can fire at full ROF

ASSAULTING
*All teams within 8" of an assaulting team participate in the assault. And no one else.
*Cavalry can still ride down their opponents unless they get into a building, behind a wall, or other Very Difficult Terrain

MORALE
*Transports do not count against morale

ARTILLERY
*Smoke now only blocks LOS outside of 16" rather than 6"
*Batteries with a staff team can combine for bombardments (Need rules for how to determine AT/FP)
*Batteries with 6+ guns can choose to fire a double width or re-roll misses on a single.

RECON
*No more forced to disengage
*Skill check by team to lift gtg
*Unarmored recce vehicles save on a 3+

AIRPLANES
*Auto range in on targets in the open
*Template can't be placed even partially over a building
*Must have room to place the stand
*AA adds 8" to range for shooting planes

NATIONAL RULES
*GERMAN Kampfgruppe is now by team

MISSIONS AND SCORING
*9+ platoons means you can ignore the first lost one for VPs
*Fortified companies may not start with any armored platoons on the board in missions with reserves
*Infantry companies can only start with one
*Mech 2
*Tank 3
*New missions in general

Plastic Soldier Company Half Track Assembly

2012-01-29T12:48:00.001Z

The box

The sprue

I built the halftrack as sub-assemblies. Remove surplus sprue and flash at each stage.

Start with the main chassis, sub assembly; test the fit of the stowage bins before gluing (poly cement) in place to ensure the correct orientation.

The tracks are designed to fit on the correct side so there should be little problem in fixing in place correctly
The front axle lines up easily but flip over once you have put the wheels on to ensure that they are the same level as the tracks. You may need to pull down slightly to ensure they touch the ground. Also ensure the wheels are vertical at this stage and leave to set.

The next sub assembly is the crew/passenger compartment and seats.

Glue the bench seats in position before inserting the vehicle floor into the chassis sub assembly above

Glue the floor into place and when set, glue the seat backs in place. The driver and co-driver drop into place.

I felt it would be easier to fix the gun shield in place but I doubt it makes much difference if you do it later after the armour is fixed in place.

I wanted to be able to remove the passengers when the teams are dismounted so I cut strip of clear plastic from a blister and with a smear of blu tac to fix temporarily in position whilst I glue the passengers to the plastic. Take care to not use to much blu tac so as not to raise the floor. Use a small dab of the poly-cement on the feet of the passengers. When dry you can remove the passengers and add a touch more glue if you are concerned about a secure bond.

Finished with passengers removed

Finished with passengers on board

Rumoured release poll

2012-01-23T21:52:00.003Z

Results are in!
Really quite surprised by these given the current relative interest in FOW and 40K in the garage. I thought FOW would storm it! Well, at least be on par.
Guess we're all more excited about new 40k than we let on!?

Scenary WIP

2012-01-23T11:39:00.000Z

Hello one and all, it's been a while since I have put anything on here so sorry if it doesn't work out right.

I've always wanted the club to start playing Mordhiem again for a few simple reasons: 1 only a few models to convert and paint (even I can do that), 2 it's an easy game to play from what I remember.

So with this in mind and the fact that some of the guys are play DH with fantasy scenery I thought it would be a good idea to look at getting a town built for multi use.

Having played Mordhiem in the past I still had the old cardboard buildings and put them to good use as templates for extra buildings.

All 3 of these houses are on the same sized base but as it's a town I thought a larger building would be needed for the local pub and thus building 4 was constructed.

So as a start for the clubs town it's going well, looking at getting about another 6 houses and a church with graveyard sorted. As and when this happens the blog will be updated.

Tales from the paint station part 1

2012-01-22T11:23:00.000Z

My 2012 resolution is to finish all the armies I have before looking into starting a new one. First on my list was my Necrons. I already had a very large Necron force, but with a new codex came new units and so I invested in purchasing some new models as well as converting some units to save some cash.


Doomsday Ark

Annihilation Barge, with Necron Overlord

Catacomb Command Barge (Necron Overlord is magnetised to either go on a round base or the barge)

Second unit of converted Immortals

Converted Deathmarks

Converted Triarch Praetorians

Converted Crypteks

I also repainted one of my three Monoliths to fit in with the red scheme of my new vehicles

White Dwarf Poll Results

2012-01-16T21:32:00.002Z

Adding results here for posterity, you never know it may come in handy?

I'll Besieging You

2012-01-14T11:21:00.003Z

Weds night saw Binx and I duke it out on the tabletop with revamped (no, that's not a pun he was his using savage orcs!) siege rules from Blood in Badlands.

So I wanted to drop some thoughts on the new rules.
Note this is not a review, I wouldn't dare cross into Ballboy's official territory!

Lots has changed in the rules, firstly the speed of the game. Siege used to be quite ponderous. We were able to read the rules and play a game (including multiple rules checking and referencing rules for the other tables) in about 3 hours.
3 of the wall sections are noted as objectives and if the attacker controls at least 2 by the 5th turn he wins. Simple!

Once you've decided who will attack and defend (roll a dice!) the defender sets up in the castle with as much of your army left off as a relief force.
The castle force has to make starvation rolls - each model loses a wound on a 5+.
My Elves had clearly not stocked up their supplies as I lost a LOT this way!
The relief force comes on when a 2D6 roll + turn number = 10+ rolled at the start of the turn.
If a unit from the relief force is able to walk through the gate the defenders win automatically.
I think choosing what goes in the relief force will be quite key. Too much in the castle and you could lose out to starvation, too much in the relief force and the walls could be undermanned.

Deployment for the attackers has them setting up over 8" away from the walls which pretty much means a first turn charge, this is tempered by the fact the defenders get 2 free turns of shooting before the game begins proper.

Both attackers and defenders get a list of items to choose from to help in their roles such as boiling oil and siege towers.
All defenders come with rocks and all attackers are equipped with grapples/ladders.

As the defender it really does feel like you're under the cosh from the start and there is no way to win. That is until you realise you can stand and shoot with rocks each time the charge comes in and the attacker halves their WS and I.

Overall I enjoyed the game and thought the rules worked well. A few bits had to be discussed as they seemed "odd" but we came to amicable conclusions and carried on!

On the night it looked as though the Elf castle was about to be overrun as a tower was taken but a gallant defence by the (wiped out in the end!) phoenix guard and white lions kept the orcs from consolidating their position.
The savage orc shaman getting sucked off sped the result to a win for the brave High Elves!

Siege - give it a go! Especially before the campaign starts later in the year and things get serious!

Mo(re) Hawk

2012-01-13T16:55:00.000Z

There is a third mohawkee

Soap McTavish RiP

No-hawk

2012-01-13T10:20:00.003Z

After Wednesdays reveal of me trying to "rock" a Mohawk...i have been thinking that really only two people can get away with this particular hair cut......neither being me!

"I pity the fool who dares to copy my hairstyle"

Wreck and Ruin

2012-01-12T15:55:00.000Z

I know it's not much, but I thought I'd show some evidence that I'm still painting stuff in 2012.

This is a cheap die-cast toy car that I've taken the wheels off and painted as a wreck for my first zombie apocalypse game of 2012 (it's going to be set in a junkyard, but I also think this piece will be useful as part of a barricade in a city game). I think that realistically, the spoiler would have been made of plastic, and so wouldn't rust, but I didn't think it would look as good.

I notice that the car looks like it has a smiley face in this picture, so here's a more serious side-on view (The base looks a bit odd in these pics, a side-effect of using cork floor tile as a basing material):

And a couple of zombies that I finished last year, just to add something a little more interesting...

Tanks to the Left of me.....

2012-01-08T18:14:00.004Z

Its been a while since I've posted any finished painted stuff, largely because I've had less time to do any painting and also because the camera keeps roaming around the house!
Having managed to lay my hands on it I thought I'd best drop a picture of one unit I did manage to finish over Christmas.

Soviet T70 light tanks.

I got these from Gamodls, $4 (£3ish) each for any vehicle seemed worth the risk.
I'm pleased with the models but you do get what you pay for.
The resin is slightly pitted in places and they're not massively detailed. However when placed on the tabletop from 3 foot away they'll look pretty good and do the job perfectly well (same goes for the paint job!).
One slight error (my fault) was I asked for the tanks to be unpainted (they normally come with a basic paint job). This meant that the mold release etc hadn't been cleaned from the models and despite a warm soapy bath the paint didn't really take to the models well.
Several layers of varnish above and below the paint will hopefully fix any future issues though.
If I were to order again (and I would!) I would stick with the basic paint scheme and just re undercoat when I got them.

Yes, they are patrolling the Bathroom sink. It seemed appropriate as my first FOW attempts were photoed there and it really is the best light in the house this time of day.

Artillery units next in the queue......

2012 Gaming League

2012-01-05T20:33:00.000Z

Its started as just a bit of interesting research into how many games members of the club actually win during the year, but its slowly turning into a contest....

Anyway, the league is over there on the right, and will be updated for every game played between club members

Finecast Review

2012-01-04T17:54:00.002Z

Evening all, some of you may remember my comprehensive Liquid GreenStuff review last year, I feel it was received very well by you all so I have decided that my contribution to the blog in the future (among other things) will be more reviews of other war gaming related stuff!

Well the first review of 2012 is: Finecast

To be honest, its shit.....its covered in bubbles, doesn't join right and the flash on it is ridiculous!

Im putting it out there in word form....i wish metal was back....ok FC is light, and easier to convert and no need to pin (hurrah) but you have to use half a pot of Green stuff to make it look normal!

Look at my Sabertusk i got it out of the box like that......shit!

So to conclude......Finecast is shit!

Keep you eye on the blog for more reviews from BallBoy!

Ogres Thundertusk

2012-01-03T20:00:00.002Z

Here are some pics of my finished Ogre Thundertusk.....and the other bits in my kitchen!

Didn't like the finished product so covered the ogres in blood! Its how they would have liked it!
There he is in all its glory.....
I've decided with this Ogre army to stop trying to make them look like they came straight out of WD and just make sure they were good table top quality, hopefully you will agree.

2012 Wargaming resolutions!

2012-01-03T13:13:00.004Z

Happy new year to you all!!

Just thinking of some Wargame based resolutions for 2012.

2011 was the year of sporting play which i think went very well!

Do any of you have any specific resolutions for 2012?

I am going to try to stop asking questions...and figure things out for myself....which in turn will help me learn!

And more importantly win with my ogres!

Ring Pirate

2012-01-02T17:41:00.000Z

Wanted for Smuggling

Contraband? - unknown; where? We have our suspicions but don't want to look!

And the Winner is??

2012-01-02T11:58:00.003Z

So 2012 is upon us (Happy New Year!!!) and Binx will be collating all results across Wednesday games to find out who has the best win rate etc.
This seems like too good an opportunity to miss out on awarding a Mug (a la royal gaming day) for 2012 champion.

How should the Champion be decided?

Also note the second poll with potential extra awards.

Don't forget to add comments!

Vote Ahoy!

Frenzied finish to 2011

2012-01-01T12:16:00.000Z

They're done; finally finished; the Savage Orcs are complete ( well until I decided to add some forest goblin stuff later in the year)

2400pts in all their glory


My Warboss, with duel spears, leaping over a scared Empire soldier

A badly focused chariot, err just because I did.

Next on the painting table is the handful of converted Necrons I have been dabbling with since the release of the new codex.

Say hello to Zed

2012-01-01T09:00:00.001Z

Happy new year! ( I'm writing this on the 26th of December, so if the world has ended or WW3 has broken out then drop the happy part)

In the 1st of a new collection of posts I present below a few questions I posed to Zed about the hobby we all love. Over the coming year I'll be posing questions to all of the Lone Wolves so get thinking of your answers, although not all the questions will be the same.

1: How and when did you start wargaming?

A: It was about 1990 and I was the Night Orderly Sergeant. A knock at the door and a trooper said "you are the dwarf" my immediate thought was, you're getting dropped! Turns out they were playing advanced heroquest and the NOS always played the dwarf.

2: What was your 1st wargaming purchase?

A: My first purchase was Space Hulk, quickly followed by Rogue Trader

3: Do you remember you 1st painted models? How bad/good were they and do you still have any examples?

A: My first figures were the Terminators from Space Hulk; I didn't like the bone white on the box so painted them green. A lot of dry brushing; I had read a few issues of White Dwarf and some of the painting articles. I don't have them any more, they weren't that bad though. My first marines were worse, layering and highlighting took a long while for me to get. I have a couple of them somewhere.

4: How long have you known the other Lonewolves/how did you meet?

A: I have known Matt the longest, over 18 years. He used to work for me. I think it was Chris next, a couple or three years later, due to my high level of visiting the Games Workshop Bristol and Cribbs stores, Simon the same year I think by association with Chris. Then Jon about 12 ish years ago; again he used to work for me. Neil I think was a little before Jon brought along by Chris and Si. Tom about 10 years ago he sent an email when we used to have our contact details on the Clubs section of Games Workshop Site. Lastly Elliot who was a couple of years ago vouched safe by Neil. Somewhere in there is Dave who I knew through Fred and was more involved with the pre Wolves RPG days.

5: Do you have a game that sticks in your memory (for good or bad reasons) that you'd like to recall?

I'll try one of each. The bad; Playing at Dark Stars against a boy who appeared to be about 18 but had the high pitched voice of someone of about 10 and unfortunately the social agility of someone much younger, he had an awful space marine army of badly painted silver, which is saying something. He had named a lot of his figures including " this one is called Kenny as he always dies first" I lost the game because rules were just an inconvenience to him moving figures and rolling dice. It was all I had in me not to abuse those less fortunate than myself. Good; there have been a lot of good games over the years, more than is easy to recall which is nice. One that stands out is an early game with my Dark Elves following the Tale of some Gamers. I was struggling to understand how to make them work against the other armies I was facing. Neil suggested that I use a hydra. I'm not one for buying my way out of trouble (at least not any more) I had the model from the army box and it was built. So I painted it and added it to my army. The irony was that I think I was supposed to be playing Simon or Tom and they dropped out so I played Neil and the Hydra just rampaged through his High Elves. The irony was not lost on either of us.

6: What’s your all time favourite games system?

A: Tricky. All time I would have to say 40k I have played it the most, have the most armies for it but with version 5 I felt its star fading. The new version is out in 2012 maybe that will help.

7: Any wargaming regrets/ things you would have done differently with hindsight?

A: Being bad tempered for so long, I can still have a moment but I am much improved. I think a lot of my 'blow outs' were more to do with other stuff going on that wasn't hobby related. My life is less stressful and I am better at separating the two.

8: Any wargaming experience/ army/ model/ story that you are most proud of/ like to brag about?

A: There are a number of things that I am proud of, mostly it is trying new things; whether they are new games, new techniques such as dipping or airbrushing etc. My Scottish blood bowl team and my Dark Elf Army as a cohesive whole. As for bragging, I think it will have to be the Royal Round Robin, zero losses.

9: What do you see happening to your wargaming wise over the next 5 years?

A: I think there will be more branching out into historical games. I am sure there are some other good sci-fi and fantasy games to play but I think they would just be another flavour of 40k and WFB. Historical gives plenty of scope for modelling, converting, collecting and painting against a back drop every bit as fantastic as the GW'verse.

10: Any final thoughts?

A: I've made and have some great friends through gaming and can only see that continuing. Who would have thought that Wednesday would be one of the highlights of the week?

Ze Germans are coming!

2011-12-31T12:39:00.000Z

With 2012 almost upon us, here is a sneak peek of what will be on my painting table in the new year.

This is approx 750pts of Disposable Heroes late war German Grenadiers, consisting of 3 squads of 9 men all including LMGs, a two man sniper team, four man mortar and four man HMG teams and a six man command unit which includes a radio man and a two man LMG team.

Hopefully playing with real Germans instead of Imperial Guard stand ins will increase my chances of actually hitting a barn door, and even more improved once they are painted.

See you on the front line in 2012.

Christmas Blog Watch VII

2011-12-29T17:35:00.001Z

I had my best time on the end of a brush since the holiday started and finished No.1 Section for my Parachute platoon.

I used a mixture of GW and Vallejo paints all helped out by a wash mid way through the process. I am quite happy with the way they have turned out but decided that today was not a day for eyes.

I am also quite happy with the Airborne wings badge.

Christmas Blog Watch VI

2011-12-27T14:40:00.000Z

The first couple of figures have been done for a while and with Chris very keen to play Disposable Heroes: Point Blank I will to try and get a section (it's what a squad is called in the British Army) finished to try out the rules in the New Year. Hopefully there will be a post showing them completed in a few days time.

Hobby Presence?

2011-12-24T18:40:00.003Z

Get this poll in early......
So, roughly, how much of your presents received (its all about giving, right!) were hobby related.
Tell us what you got in the comments!

Merry Christmas!!

New Year Resolutions

2011-12-23T13:52:00.001Z

It's getting to that time of year when we start thinking about what we have achieved this year and what we may aspire to in the next 12 months. In the past we had the year of more sporting play, this was mostly successful and seems to have now become part of our normal behaviour on Wednesday games night. Which is a good thing. Bickering and outright blow outs have become a rarity, Talisman excepted. We have also had a year of trying new games, some of us <cough> <cough> brought this forward by about 9 months and this has refreshed some of us, me especially, immeasurably.

What have I achieved this year? Less than I set out to that's for sure but my goal of not buying any more armies was modified to anymore Games Workshop armies which I did achieve. I did however buy three Flames of War armies largely due to the 25% temper tantrum discount on FoW products by Maelstrom. I painted one of them had the other two painted for me. I also purchased rules for Waterloo and Kampfgruppe Normandy and Disposable Heroes. I then bought some 28mm WWII figures to try the DH rules, love it but only 4.5 figures are finished.

We also combined Binx's stag do with the annual Blood Bowl Tournament which was a first for some and a boozy spectator sport for others. This year we attended our first historical convention at Colours and enjoyed ourselves to the point of purchasing.

So what should 2012 be flavoured with?

If you know put it in the comments and we can look back next year and see how well we did or not

Beer!

2011-12-21T19:30:00.000Z

Well it is nearly Christmas...

Games and Beer, it's what Jesus would have wanted...

Christmas Blog Watch V

2011-12-21T15:33:00.002Z

I have finished the Sea Drake from the Dreadfleet box set, I can't say that I enjoyed it much; and I think it shows. There are some untidy bits and I'm not going back to fix them a third time. You can't make me. Yes the sails are on on the wrong way round on the first two masts but I didn't build it...

What next? Maybe a dwarf hero or two? Perhaps some work on my Warriors of Chaos army. Dip for the Dip God!!

Schools out!!!

2011-12-19T20:28:00.003Z

Just like the end of term at school its the end of the Gaming year (well, maybe next week for a few people!) so its time to bring out some random games for a bit of fun!

Or is it?

Poll to the right!

Christmas Blog Watch IV

2011-12-19T13:54:00.000Z

Dwarf Warriors are done. The banner will have to wait until I can find some decals

What next? Another Dwarf unit or the Sea Drake from Dreadfleet. “Well, me hearties, let’s see what crawled out of the bung hole.”

Ginger Bread House

2011-12-18T15:30:00.001Z

Now we just need to wait until the Ginger Bread Soldiers are out of the oven and they can storm the house and free Hansel and Gretal

Scenario designed and built by Archie

Christmas Blog Watch III

2011-12-18T15:18:00.001Z

Just need some static grass and this unit of Dwarf Warriors are done. Hmmm must think about a decal for the banner...

Holiday Hobby

2011-12-18T14:12:00.000Z

I dont have as long a holiday for Christmas and New Year as Zed, but this weekend I have been busy and have much planned for whatever hobby time I can find...

Here's a few updates...


The Heldenhammer and cog, finished at last

Savage Orc Shamen


My FoW Yanks ready for painting.

Key for FoW:
1 = Two armoured infantry platoons
2 = Sherman's
3 = Armoured HMGs
4 = Tank Hunters
5 = HQ
6 = Artillery

Christmas Blog Watch II

2011-12-18T13:10:00.000Z

Church finished

And now to finish the bases on the Lone Wolves Dwarf Army, these little blighters have been finished less the bases for years, no exageration, there has always been something more pressing or intersting to do. We only have about 240 figures; how long can it take?

Christmas Blog Watch

2011-12-18T10:11:00.000Z

A bit of a longer holiday than usual and I'm going to use some of the time to finish off some projects that have sat idle and incomplete for longer than they should.

First on the paint station is the 15mm Church for Flames of War. Only a bit of dry brushing and some static grass etc to add

Rest of the big game pics

2011-12-17T19:17:00.000Z

Well seeing as Warseer keeps timing out when I try to upload the rest of the pictures, here they are...

The Savage Orcs over run after destroying the Hydra and Ogres

Bloodthirster vs Savage Orcs - The Daemon killed them in 3 rounds

Battle lines ready for action

Giant attack! Everything except the marauders would be gone after 1 round of combat

The whirly fulcrum moves to block the Black Orcs

Depleted Warriors and Marauders just before they defeat the Gobbers and Orcs

Beset on all sides the Chaos Lord and retinue destroy the spears, two champions and rout the trolls. A lucky spin on the wheel of magical death gave them flaming attacks and re-roll wounds. Chance had dictated the Sorcerer Lord being in this unit.

Big game pictures pt 2

2011-12-15T21:38:00.000Z

Well, we played turn 2 and 3 of the big WFB SoM game and its all over.

After wiping out the Orc spell casters it became virtually impossible for the green skins to win, so after 3 bloody turns the game was called as a Chaos and Ogre victory. The carnage on the battlefield reflected how well the Orcs had done in the fight, but with no fulcrum's secured it didnt matter.

Here's a few in game shots, some more can be found over at Warseer via the link in the previous big game post.

To 30K or not 30K?

2011-12-12T21:01:00.003Z

Lots of fan conversions and fluff around the internet and now even models from Forgeworld.
The question is:
Would you be interested in a supplement dealing with battles in the Horus Heresy?

Vote on!

Results:

Big game pictures

2011-12-11T11:44:00.004Z

Ive already posted some pictures and commentary over here, but here are some other snaps taken by Zed of deployment and the 1st turn

Spreading the Word

2011-12-11T09:36:00.001Z

SKYTREX 2 DAY SALE 25% OFF 10TH AND 11TH DECEMBER 2011 DISCOUNT TAKEN OFF AT BASKET.
ONLY FOR ORDERS PLACED ONLINE
www.skytrex.com

Whats your Favourite Game?

2011-12-05T19:54:00.003Z

New Monday Poll.
Nice and simple, Title says it all!
I'll drop this in every 4-6 months and see if anything changes.
I can draw up Pie Charts and Venn diagrams over time.....!

Why not add some words to your vote in the comments section?

Results:-

KR Case Review

2011-12-02T14:55:00.001Z

We purchased Games Workshops Dreadfleet game and a lot of fun it is, especially if you give every command and read every card in a nautical accent. Unfortunately some aren't good at accents and it all sounds more like farmer Jim than Captain Jack Sparrow.

We decided to buy a case to store the game as the ships are quite delicate and they were just resting in the orginal box. After a bit of research we opted to try the KR Multicase product specifically for the game.

As we do not expect to transport the game very often we chose the cardboard case; it is pretty sturdy and will be perfect for storage. The trays are very nicely cut and the standard of finishing is excellent. No strands of hot glue for example.

There were some delivery issues but contact with the company was good and eventually it appeared at the local sorting office. The offer of a replacement product was not required.

Value for money 9/10
Quality 9/10
Service 10/10

I will be getting some more cases for my Flames of War figures and for both my Games Workshop 40k and WFB armies

EDIT the case fits inside the original Dreadfleet box, which I like

The top layers before the inserts are removed

The remaining layers ready to use

The case is half filled.

Motostrelkovy Batalon v Panzergrenadiers - 1500

2011-12-01T21:23:00.011Z

Lordybloke and I had a second go at the Withdrawal mission, this time he and his Soviets were the attacker and my hardy Panzergrenadiers were defending. In our previous engagement I conceded and left the field to the Russians; I may have been to hasty but that is another story.

I meant to take plenty of pictures and create a great visual spectacle but I got heavily absorbed by the fighting and forgot. So here are a few snaps and a summary of our game.

The German deployment included both Infantry platoons and left the Pioneers in half tracks and the unemployable AA trucks in reserve.

The Soviets had their T70's (8), T34-85s (5) and Infantry batalon (19 stands inc attachments) in reserve.

The Infantry Platoon deployed far forward give up the possibility of an assault on the Soviet guns on turn 1 and proceed to lead the HMG and Infantry Batalon on a merry chase through the woods

This is the small infantry Batalon

Relocated to a commanding position the German infantry and the Nebelwerfer observer they find amongst the pine harass the Soviets in the valley below.

The large Soviet infantry batalon arrive from reserve and are met by the remaining tiger (other destroyed by 122mm barrage) the Panzergrenadiers and 2 out of the 3 pioneer half tracks (the other bailed by the same barrage). The Russians fire and assault but are thrown back and destroyed in a costly counter attack

Summary: Lordybloke need a reserve roll on turn 6 or lose the game. Both tank units arrived and overwhelmed the remaining defenders. It was close but the initial German counter attack had cost too much and despite destroying and bailing a few of the T70's it wasn't enough. And it was 00:20 so another victory to the reds

Challenge Cup 2011 Update

2011-11-29T18:33:00.001Z

With all the Bloodbowl games for 2011 done and dusted, I thought I would give you all an update on the league standings.

There are two more rounds to be played in January and February before the grand final in March

Remaining fixtures:

January:
Black Moon Rising vs Orcland Raiderz
Dragon 'Ead Destroyers vs Th1rt3en

February:
Th1rt3en vs Sinful Bliss
Orcland Raiderz vs Dragon 'Ead Destroyers

Beasts, Beasts, Beasts - The Return

2011-11-28T20:00:00.002Z

Following the last "which is better" I thought we'd best find out which is better out of the GW Cygor

And The Maelstrom Banebeasts Cyclops stone wielder, Kermorannac

Poll, usual place. Vote on!

GW wins again with 62% of the vote!

Beasts, beasts, beasts

2011-11-21T20:40:00.007Z

Which is better?

The upcoming GW Ghorgon?

or the Maelstrom BaneBeasts Oxgore?

There's only one way to find out!

Figh.....errr....a Poll!

The results came in with 70% in favour of the Ghorgon!
Skulls are obviously bang on trend!

Sea of Blood

2011-10-23T11:42:00.000+01:00

We have a club copy of Dreadfleet, and thus we have started painting the contents of the box. Here's my first set of contributions...

Schtoooooogg!

2011-10-17T20:03:00.004+01:00

And here they are finished...I like them; it is my first go at late war German vehicles so I think there is a bit of room for improvement. These are the Stug's from the Open Fire box and they are a single piece cast (barrel excepted) which at first glance is a good thing. The problem is that the Schurtzen are too thin and I broke 3 of them whilst painting.

They just will not last the rigors of game play. I am tempted to put them on eBay and buy some plastics from the 'Plastic Soldier Co' but I am not sure they will even survive a single trip in the post.

All Ahead Slow...

2011-10-09T18:04:00.003+01:00

I have read Dave Taylor's advice for getting plenty of hobby in when confronted with other more important demands on your time, family and work really, it's not as easy as it sounds

Despite a busy weekend I have got the Stug's to the shiny stage; using thinned oil paint to bring out the definition. When the decals are applied I will spray it with Matt, the varnish.

It has also taken me all day to build an AA truck. 3.7cm, never mind the quality feel the width! My youngest, Dougal, can move the steps and climb to my paint station despite being only 18 months. We've had two games of hunt the tracks today. Two more to go.

In other news I have undercoated the 15mm Church but it's not worth looking at yet.

Monster Mash

2011-10-08T14:52:00.000+01:00

This pair of giants were finished last week, but this has been the first chance I've had to post some pics.

The remaining 50 Savage Orcs have arrived and construction has begun, should be ready for the big Storm of Magic game in nine Wednesdays time...

The Man At The Back Said Everyone Attack...!

2011-10-06T19:45:00.012+01:00

It was the Lordybloke's Soviet hoard against Binx's US Armoured rifles in their first battle but as they are completely unpainted there are hardly any pictures of them...

It was a tactics free zone with both players trying to get to grips with the rules and just jumping right in with shooting, bombardments and assaults.

In the end the USA failed a Company morale check and it was over

Smokin'

2011-10-04T21:01:00.001+01:00

Ready for some exploding vehicles tomorrow night!

Down on the Farm

2011-10-02T19:26:00.002+01:00

I finished this a couple of weeks ago and decided I would put it on here for completeness

Farm WiP

2011-09-11T18:19:00.000+01:00

On the back of a trip to Colours I have started a farm; a bit more paint and some flock etc and it should be fine

God Bless America

2011-09-11T14:26:00.000+01:00

You go to a war gaming show, see lots of toy soldiers, come home and build an entire Armored Rifle Platoon ( American spelling intentional)

Sculpted bases work a treat, shame there isn't a small base with two larger holes for the right hand bazooka team, just need a little bit of sand to fill the gaps.

Halfway House

2011-09-06T20:55:00.000+01:00

Well, we're halfway through the 4th annual challenge cup and here is the league after 4 games

The fixtures for the 2nd half of the season have been published and games are due to get under way any time soon.

Other stats of note (including pre season )

Most TDs Scored: Prazsisk, Gutter Runner, Th1rt3en - 7
Most Casualties Caused: Cnut Ylarson, Ulfwerener, Dragon 'Ead Destroyers - 5

Incubi

2011-09-03T19:14:00.000+01:00

Title says it all, first five Dark Eldar Incubi completed. This leaves only the Archon to do to complete my first 1000pts

All a boar'd

2011-08-14T19:01:00.000+01:00

Another unit completed, this time 12 Savage Orc Boar Boyz, including a Shamen.

Next on the paint station is some Dark Eldar Incubi, and if I'm feeling adventurous, maybe a giant or two.

Which Wych the final instalment

2011-07-24T18:24:00.000+01:00

Well they're finally finished, 15 Dark Eldar Wyches.

Although they are armed with an assortment of weapons upgrades, its the 3 sets of Hydra gauntlet's which will probably see the most action. Packing an impressive 43+3D6 attacks on the charge, they should hopefully perform well on the battlefield.

Next on the painting table are 12 Savage Orc Boarboys which includes a Shamen.

Which Wych part 4

2011-07-10T17:54:00.000+01:00

Another 3 Dark Eldar Wyches, this time with two Razor Flails are complete, just 3 more to go and the squad of 15 are done.

Product Review: Instant Mould

2011-07-06T17:42:00.005+01:00

I've tried a few materials to make the entrenchments out of (greenstuff, milliput, procreate and combinations of) and procreate is coming out on top so far.

Plus: How I made some entrenchment markers for Flames of War.

Instant Mould seems to be a relatively new product on the market for making small casts/pieces.
For further info check out this vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub70AU5RfmI

Having made several greenstuff press moulds before I was most interested in not needing lubricant (quiet at the back!) and the ability to melt it down and make new moulds. So, intrigued I ordered some off of Ebay.

The plan - to cast and make some entrenchment markers for FOW.

Using the Instant mould I made a press cast of some bits I had in a FOW artillery box. When these were cured I added some extras with putty to join the 2 pieces together and create a "master".

In the photo below the greenstuff is the pressmould and the grey "procreate" is the bits added by me.Then I melted my instant mould down again and made copies of these masters. From there I've been stamping out entrenchments like its going out of fashion!

So far I have about 15.

What you can't see in the photo is the back of these have a log "structuring" which has all come out quite nicely.

You can literally stamp out the moulds, remove and repeat. The other putties seem to need to cure in the mould a bit first.
Next on the list to try and master 2 part moulds. I've had a go but they've not gone well so far!

Highly recommend instant mould if you're looking to mass (or limited) produce a piece or pieces, ie shoulder pads.

Some of the forums have threads in its use if I find any of use I'll let you know!

Which Wych part 3

2011-07-01T19:18:00.000+01:00

Three more Dark Eldar Wyches done, this time two of them have Shardnet and Impaler's

Only six more to go and then I can go back to the Cabbage Orcs

That's No Troll

2011-06-28T17:05:00.006+01:00

Bloodbowl season continues and the Dragon Ead Destroyers are doing alright and making cash along the way.
Time to hire another player.
So what's missing from the team? A bit of raw strength thats what.
Time for a Snow Troll!

I've wracking my brain over what to do for a Snow Troll for a while.
There's a few minis out there I like but would either involve a lot of work or too expensive.
Then memory from long ago hit me!

THRUD!

I've had this BB version of Thrud for ageeeesssssss (I think Binx got it for me when he was still at GW) but never finished painting it so a quick re undercoat (or varnish if you're Cortez!) and I painted him to match the Dragon'eads.

Rules wise he probably fits an Ogre better but looks wise I think he fits the Norse so he's in!

For those who are unaware of Thrud see below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrud_the_Barbarian

Which Wych part 2

2011-06-18T19:43:00.000+01:00

Wyches four, five and six are done and dusted. Having bought the parts for two more from Bitsandkits, I now have nine more to do to complete the unit.

Which Wych

2011-06-11T11:50:00.000+01:00

I've painted the 1st three of my 13 Dark Eldar Wyches and thought I'd share them with you.

Challenge Cup 2011

2011-06-09T17:25:00.000+01:00

At the request of Lordybloke, here is the league table after 3 rounds of the 2011 Lonewolves Challenge Cup.

With 7 rounds to go ( 5 games for some 6 for the others) there is still plenty to play for, at present its the Skaven and Norse in position to play in the final.

British Airborne

2011-06-04T11:51:00.000+01:00

In a divergence away from our typical two games I have been putting some time into the WWII era and have purchased some Warlord paratroopers. The figures are excellent and nicely proportioned but if I get another figure with a grenade just leaving the hand I will cry. It's very nice but I don't need 5 in a platoon. Expect to find them on eBay soon.

I have painted a test figure and I'm happy with the result. The Denison smock isn't as accurate as some might like but it works for me.

The plan is to have a full platoon of three sections each with an LMG team and an equal split of rifles and smg's. There will be a 2" mortar and a sniper with the three sections. Along with the Platoon HQ I also have 2 HMG's, 2 PIAT teams, a 3" mortar and a 75mm Pack Howitzer (had to make the minimum order and it seemed a good idea)

We have also plumped for Disposable Heroes as a rules set. There are lots to choose from and it's a minefield (pun intended) to decide which is suitable. As the idea is to play Platoon sized games these seem to fit the bill.

Savage pt1

2011-05-29T16:46:00.000+01:00

And so the 1st unit of my Savage Orc army is complete, 30 boyz done. In game the unit will have a lord/hero included too but they'll be done some time down the road.

Next on the painting table, Dark Eldar Wyches.

This Week I Have Mostly Painted...

2011-05-22T20:18:00.005+01:00

.....some bloodbowl minis and various flames of war units and vehicles.

However the digi camera has been misplaced so I can't take any pictures!

Anyway I'd only moan about the lighting or something if I did.

Clunge

2011-05-15T21:04:00.000+01:00

What a bunch of CLINTS!!

To allow a return visit to a Hilton breakfast room, it has been necessary to hide these men's identities.

A Right Royal Fight!

2011-04-28T19:43:00.007+01:00

The First Lone Wolves 40K tournament sees the Orks topping the spot after one game with a Nid Namlotting but the Blood Angels are right behind and there's still plenty o' games to go!

FIIIIIGHHTTT!!!!

Update:

After a full day of gaming and some very tricky games the top spot remains the same but the Orks have a game in hand!

The Tau have come storming up the table and the beardy new uber codex (grey knights) are propping up the bottom end!

Still all to play for whether its for the tea mug trophy or just pride!

On yer (jet)Bike!

2011-04-26T17:08:00.001+01:00

With mere hours left until the start of the 1st 1k 40k round robin, I have managed to finish 6 Dark Eldar Jetbikes. Sadly my army wont be completely painted, but I am getting rather sick of yellow and thus getting a bit slow.
Only 13 Wyches, 5 Incubi and a Lord to paint, before I can look at starting the 2nd 1000pts...

And before you ask, all 6 bikes are the same colour, its my crazy photography that makes them look differing shades of yellow!

Ork Battlewagon - March!

2011-04-25T11:28:00.000+01:00

In a gross miscalulation in the number of figures I have in my Ork army (I'm sure I had another 12 boyz painted) I have borrowed a few figures for the Royal Round Robin this week. However in an effort to show some kind of progress I have dipped this Battlewagon. I have the gunners to do but they may have to wait for another day

Meanwhile...

Three for all!

2011-04-21T17:50:00.001+01:00

The final game of round 1 of the Lonewolves challenge cup is over and here are the highlights.

Under a sweltering heat an almost capacity crowd of 24,000 fans witnessed a classic encounter between the Skaven and Necromantics.
Last time out the Rats demolished the Undead 5-0, and it appeared history might repeat itself as Th1rt3en took a 2-0 lead after only 4 turns. The relentless heat hindered both teams, especially the dead guys as they had their Golem, a Werewolf and Zombie in the dug out suffering from exhaustion as the 2nd score went in.
With a full 4 turns remaining and 3 of the Skaven team off the pitch suffering from the temperature the Undead managed to grab a late score before the end of the 1st half to keep the game respectable. Meanwhile the Rats were the 1st team to suffer an injury of any note as Lineman Rhiak suffered an injured back and will miss the rats next encounter with the Dark Elves.

As the 2nd half began, so the sun went behind a cloud and perfect Blood Bowl weather greeted the teams, with the Necromantics receiving the ball this time, they slowly marched down the field, helped by a good pass from the crowd, to level the tie up 2 a piece.

With still a good number of turns remaining the Skaven knew they could still take the lead, but a dodge too many saw them drop the ball on half way, seeing their chance to come back from 2-0 down the undead attempted to scoop up the ball and run free to an opening game victory, however, a misjudged go for it saw their defences left wide open and the Skaven were soon 3-2 up with 2 turns left to play.

The Necromantics weren't out of it yet and with the Skaven fielding a very defensive set up, sent every skill player deep into their opponents half hoping they all couldnt be marked. And they were right, as the time ticked away on the game, a surge by a ghoul through the centre and a final push from a werewolf saw them level the game 3-3

A cracking game leaves the Norse at the head of the league after one win out of one.

Next round sees the Dark Elves begin their season against the Skaven and the Orcs take on the Necromantics. All games to be played by the end of May.

Get yer rat out!

2011-04-17T12:02:00.000+01:00

With 3 weeks to spare, my Skaven Blood Bowl team is complete, ( I am doing a discarded bell to go on the base but that isn't important right now). And as it is a nice day out today, some photos taken outside in the sun.
1st game of the Lonewolves Challenge Cup proper is this Wednesday too, so nice to get them out of the way in time for that.

Two One? Who Won?

2011-04-16T11:50:00.004+01:00

First match of the BB season proper saw the Dragon Ead Destroyers line up against the Orcland Raiderz.

When they last met in the pre season the orcs kicked the stuffing out of the of the Norse who just about managed to hold it to a draw.

What would the result be this time?

The coin toss was won by the Norse who received and attempted to get the ball moving, very slowly.

The orcs had brought the stuffing knocker outters again and by turn 3 of the first half the Norse were 2 players down on the pitch and remained this way (or much worse!) for the rest of the game.

However a runner managed to break through the orc line and wave frantically at the thrower who mistook the frantic waves for position instructions and promptly threw the ball to where he thought the runner was GOING to be. This ended up right in front of the orc thrower!

Having seen this one of the orc blitzers thought he copy the Norse runner and made a break for it waving randomly at the Orc thrower (who was confused by what skills he had picked up in the last game!) who promptly copied the Norse throwers actions perfectly!

With the ball on the floor in the Norse half Freykell the thrower was able to grab it again, move to a clear line and throw the ball (thank god for the accurate skill!) to the waiting runner who stormed off to the endzone just as the game entered the 2nd quarter.

1-0 Dragon Eads

The Norse kicked off (the KOed bunch staying in their comfy box) and the Orcs came back at them strongly. A spirited defence just managed to keep the orcs out of the end zone for the first half but left the Norse KO box more than a little crowded (at least 6 players!).

The 2nd half kicked off (Norse Ko box down to 3 players!) and again the orcs came on strong.

The lack of bodies on the pitch left the greenskins with plenty of openings to exploit and mid way through the second half they scored.

1-1

The Norse KO box stayed around the same level and orcs booted the ball down field once more.

The Norse had a plan, the old switcheroo!

Moving the ball from one side of the pitch to the other very quickly (and aided by a Troll turnover!) left half the orc team out of position and their greater numbers were unable to help.

Norse players threw themselves at the orcs allowing the runners to make their way up field and run in a winning touchdown in the dying seconds of the match.

Norse win 2-1 with a roller coaster ride of a game!

Waaagh is coming...!

2011-04-10T19:53:00.002+01:00

With only a few weeks until the royal wedding preperations are well under way; and along with it my 1000 point list for the royal gaming round robin.

After a bit of umming and ahhing I have come in at 999 points. I stopped worrying about whether I could beat this army or what i need verus that army and just took what I had and will do the best I can with that.

Six of the Best

2011-03-27T16:15:00.000+01:00

With just over a month to go to the NAF Championship, I have managed to finish 6 out of the 14 Skaven I need.
6 Linerats, 1 Thrower and a Rat Ogre (although not actually in the team) to do.

Ship Shape

2011-03-21T17:11:00.000Z

I've started to accumulate a number of different projects over the last month which has meant a slight delay on painting the Dark Eldar.

So without further a do, here's an update. I have now finished 12 Dark Eldar Warriors, 2 Raiders and a Ravager. All vehicle weapons are magnetised to switch between Dark Lances or Disintergraters

Next on the list, 6 Jet bikes

I know the pictures a little dark but hey what ya gonna do!

Hi Elves!

2011-03-18T19:38:00.005Z

It's been a while since i posted anything, so i thought id show you what i have been working on recently:

10 Phoenix Guard:

My First RBT, it looks very white in this picture, whereas its more cream in real life. I went for an ivory look.

And here is my prince on Griffon, im actually really impressed with this and how it has turned out! the price could have been better, but overall im very pleased!

As always C&C is always welcome!

Spect-Orc-ular!

2011-03-17T19:52:00.003Z

Well last nights game of BB between myself (Cortez) and Lordybloke was not being looked forward to by me.............How wrong I was. Lordybloke's 1st turn came up to my expectations as 3 of my players ended up laying on the ground, then my 1st turn started and it all seemd to go down hill from there for Lordybloke, blocks and armour rolls were made left right and centre. No injury's but a few lying on the floor.
Through out the game the Orc's kept finding that little crack in the Norse armour and at one point there were only 5 Norse players on the pitch, 3 of which were taking a kip. Highlight of the game for the Norse had to be when, with only 6 players on the pitch a gap was left open and the lone runner was able to pluck the ball out of the air (at the 2nd attempt) to run in a TD.
At the end of the match I had 10 players left standing on the pitch, Lordybloke had......2 standing, 4 taking a nap, 4 with headaches (KO), 4 needing some surgery. 2-1 win to me.

Gate was the biggest we had seen so far for the warm ups, 22000.

Season proper starts in April! Watch the death count rise!

Hawaii 5-0

2011-03-10T17:19:00.000Z

Last night was the final warm up game for Th1rt3en and Black Moon Rising, and what a belter it was!

The Necromantic's received the ball at the start of the 1st half and made a swift run down their right flank, this was blocked by a swift covering move by the Rats causing the ball carrying werewolf to double back to the centre of the field. Here he was set upon by a posse of 3 Gutter Runners who nabbed the ball off him and ran away out of reach to the endzone.

A similar thing happened when the Undead received the ball again and at half time it was 2-0 and the Rats hadn't even received the ball.

The 2nd half started with the Rats missing 2 line-men to injury and a Ghoul was on the sidelines for the Necro's.

2 turns later despite some heavy 2 on 1 marking it was 3-0 as the Skaven went the length of the field for the score with a pass and hand-off affair. B.M.R didnt have the ball for long again after the next kick off as two 1 dice smashes got the ball on the floor again and soon enough it was 4-0.

With only a couple of turns left and no re rolls the Undead made an attempt to salvage some pride but a 1 dice skull left a gaping hole in their defences through which the rats swarmed, taking out the ball carrier and scuttling in for a 5th score.

The Necromantic team didn't play badly and didn't do anything wrong but there isn't a lot you can do when you have the ball in your hands for only a few turns out of the 16 and the Skaven have all the luck.

Only one skill to report, a 3rd gutter runner gained Block even though he rolled 11 which gave the potential of agility 5.

One game left in the warm ups and then the season starts proper. The 1st week of the season sees the same match ups as the last games of the warm ups. Will the Necromantic team be able to get their revenge?

Double Time

2011-03-06T10:25:00.001Z

Due to outside influences it's been a while since I put anthing on here. So here are my Panzergrenadier Company HQ

And here are my Panzer IV's in the wrong colour. I've gone a bit Hollywood rather than historical yellow camo scheme.

Chaos Mah-doo-dah

2011-03-03T20:23:00.001Z

Shamelessly stolen piccy from Dakka Dakka.

New Avatars of War model

Mantic.... What?! I mean Necromantic...

2011-02-27T17:44:00.000Z

So with the Lonewolves Challenge Cup proper only 1 month away and the NAF Championship 2 months away, its that time of year where I build and paint a new team.
So here is a Necromantic team I've painted for Cyrus! Next up are my Rats...

2012 Already!

2011-02-27T14:39:00.005Z

Soooooo, a few of us have been discussing possibly looking into other systems/games and 2012 has been loosely labelled "the year of something new".

The plan was to have a look at something different and see what else is out there beyond GW. Napoleonics and Flames of War were looking likely with Warmachine a few furlongs behind.
Obviously there was going to be no purchasing until the year actually started.

Welcome to 2012 everybody!!
I've been taking a vague interest in Flames of war and finally cracked. I now have a Soviet army on the way.
The first part has arrived - 6 Lend Lease Sherman tanks.
I'm going for a simple paint scheme.
Spray green, fat highlight, loads of Devlan mud and sponge weathering.
Here's the first, 5 more not far behind.

Better in the flesh, blah blah!

Here's looking forward to 2013 - the year of Ebaying stuff you bought for a game before reading the rules!!

Edit:
3 Soviet Sherman patrolling the bathroom sink (best light source I could find!)

Warm Ups Pt2, subsection B

2011-02-13T19:08:00.000Z

The second game of the second month of the pre season warm up games for the Lone Wolf Challenge Cup saw the Norse line up against the Necromantic abominations.
A wave of hysteria was following the Norse after their 4-1 win over the rats in the previous month, could they live up to the hype?

The first half saw the Norse receive and after an unforced and largely pointless "go for it" (classic 1, re roll, 1 situation!) Freykell the star thrower tripped over his ego and left the ball in the open in the Norse half. This was pounced on by the lurking Werewolves (Movement 8, really!?) who ran in an early score.
Necros, 1-0
The re set saw the Norse play a little more conservatively and got involved with a bit of bashing but not to any great damage. Suddenly a tag team of ghoul and werewolf saw the ball carrier knocked over and a ghoul racing for the Norse end zone!
It was looking like another score with only one norse player able to get anywhere near the ghoul.
Not only did he get near but he smashed the undead blighter to the ground spilling the ball into the crowd.
Luckily the Norse fans got a hold of it and threw it back up towards the Necro end zone. With a bit of dodging and help from the team the Norse Berserker, Harald Enoga, was able to grab the ball and race for the line. Several Undead threw themselves at him but with the Runners causing interference Harald made it in as the half came to close, and a riot broke out!
Halftime; Necro 1, Norse 1

Second Half
Both teams had players in the KOed box leaving 10 Undead facing 9 Norse with the Necros receiving.
An early shove saw an Ulfwerenar into the crowd leaving a massive hole on the Norse left flank. This was duly exploited by the ubiquitous ghoul and werewolf combo.
A few turns into the second half and a werewolf was standing, ball in hand 8 squares away from the end zone.
It was at this time that a shout came from the sidelines "give it to the ghoul" as the Necro coach wanted the ghoul to gain all the glory (and SPPs!).
The Werewolf looked at the coach, looked at the clear run to the endzone, then back to coach, confused.
Then the moment was gone as a Norse player barrelled into him freeing the ball.
The rest of the half consisted of a mad scramble from both teams (the Norse reduced to 5 men for most of it) to try and actually hang on to the ball, one brief moment of joy from a short lived breakaway by a Norse Runner and a lot of scattering and fumbling.

Final Score
Necro, 1, Norse 1

A draw and a valuable lesson learnt for the Necromantic coach (score when you can!)

Double Skulls

2011-02-13T18:00:00.000Z

Not only does rolling double skulls mean you have to wear the wizard's hat....

Warm Ups pt2

2011-02-03T21:28:00.001Z

With the arrival of February, came the 2nd round of pre season matches for the 2011 Bloodbowl Challenge cup. Only one game took place after the postponement of the game between the Necromantics and the Norse due to some late team meetings in the crypts of the undead.

Meanwhile the Skaven and Orcs took each other on whilst the head coach of the Norse watched on, taking notes and spouting tactics from the stands.

The Orcs received the opening kick off and after a quick snap managed to batter the front line of the Rats. Being a little too far from the ball the Orcs decided to leave it on the ground and concentrate on the beatings.By turn 2 they had regretted this as the Skaven went 1-0 up.

Despite the Orcs Troll spending most of the game picking his nose the Orcs continued to pile into the Skaven, keeping most of them on their back for the majority of the game.

1-0 soon turned to 2-0 but the Orcs continued to resort to fighting rather than scoring. The Skaven managed a few crazy one dice blocks to knock over the greenskin ball carrier but eventually the Orcs managed to get a score of their own with 2 turns left in the game.

The rats weren't finished and in the final turn of the game they scored their 3rd touchdown, scored by the third different gutter runner that game. It all finished 3-1 in TDs and 3-0 to the Orcs in casualties.

4 skills were granted after the game, 2 gutter runners secured block and an Orc blitzer gained tackle with the troll learning guard.

Warm Ups

2011-01-25T18:37:00.000Z

The Lonewolves Challenge Cup started last Wednesday and with a change to this years format it all began with some warm up games.

This season there will be 3 months of warm up games (1 a month) between myself (Skaven), Cortez (Orcs), Lordybloke (Norse) and Cyrus (Necromantic) with Tomarse (Dark Elves) joining us in April for the league proper.

This Wednesday saw defending champion (and 2 time winner) Lordybloke take on me ( 1 time winner) in what turned out to be a very one sided affair. With Lordybloke rolling almost perfect armour rolls and me rolling more 1's than ever before, the Skaven struggled to hold back the torrent of abuse they were getting and it ended in a 4-1 win for the Norse.
With probably a world record amount of SPPs amassed in one game, the Norse Thrower Freykell learnt how to be more accurate, something that will come in useful next month against the Cyrus's Necromantic team.

In the game between the Orcs and the Necromantics, there wasn't too much between the teams, once the Orcs had realised that if they go too near the edge of the pitch they would get pushed off it by the Werewolves. (2 were beaten up by the crowd this way)
Cyrus took a 1-0 lead into the 2nd half and never lost it as the Orcs struggled to get to grips with the ball, time ran out on them just as they were making progress.

Next months its winners vs winners and losers vs losers, but with only SPP's counting for anything its more about getting in some practiceand those new skills prior to the season proper.

B.B.W.I.P

2011-01-16T16:13:00.005Z

With the 4th Annual Lone Wolves Blood Bowl cup entering the pre-season warm-ups I've been cracking on with my Norse team for this year.

Still very wip, all the models needing something adding or touching up, especially the Ulfs but ready for a game in their current state.

Keep a eye out for the goblin feet!

Berserkers (only have 1 in my starting team)

Ulfwerenar (need some fur added)

Runners

Linemen

More Linemen

I've got a thrower almost done too. Will fill out the rest of the roster in the hope I may get the team developed that far!

First opponent - Binx!

Update:

4-1 thrashing of Binx, who'd have thought it! 'ave it ratty!

Calling Mr Raider

2011-01-03T15:25:00.000Z

Happy New Year to you too, Mr Lordybloke!

Anyway my Xmas painting has been slow, but im happy with the results (although once again the pictures are a bit ropey)

I present Dark Eldar Warriors 4,5 and 6. And a Raider, I have built the 'hangers on' but wont be adding them until a later stage in the paint-a-thon

The Dread of Blight

2011-01-03T14:49:00.004Z

My first post of 2011! Happy New Year!!!

Not a lot of hobby activity over the Festive season from me but did manage to get the Dreadstone Blight tower* done.

*No wizard included!