I've always loved the look of the Age Of Reason, more specifically the Marlburian era. I think it goes back to the Wednesday night down at Sheffield Wargames Society, when the scholarly, gentleman wargamer John Armatys, invited me to play a game using his wonderful Marlburian English and 7YW Prussians, using his fast play rules (Musket, Fife & Drum' I seem to recall). John's English army was I think, made up from the Stratagem range, and was painted in a wonderful traditional style, with intricate renditions of the Grenadier's mitre cap front plates, meticulously researched. This is one of my favourite armies of all time, and I would happily pay Mr Armatys a very tidy sum for that army, I can tell you... (If he ever offers me the opportunity, you'll read of it here) Anyway, despite painting many for other folk, I've never owned a 25mm army for this period, thus, I decided to rectify that and I've ordered two armies from Ebor Miniatures, with the...

This Wednesday past, I had the joy of receiving my latest layout from the talented Steve Hornsey of Lincolnshire. I cannot sing his praises highly enough, as once again Steve has turned my sketches and disjointed email rantings into everything I envisaged and more.  I am a painter of miniature figures in my day job, but when it gets to the end of the week, I really don't want to paint wargames figures (my 35 year hobby) for myself. So, I thought a model railroad in N scale, was a great way to 'keep the hand and eye in'. However, I am useless with electrics and the thought of track laying for me, is a horror scenario. Therefore I had the trackwork and basic groundwork done for me. I will then add the buildings, scenery, trees and things of that ilk. I am aiming for 'sometime in the 80s' and the two layouts are set just either side of the U.S/Canadian border, in a fictional 'Amalgam U.S.A' tradition, derived from growing up here in the UK on...

Now, here is an example of superb customer service and relations, which is always something to be praised. Ebor Miniatures had quoted me a price for a large 28mmSpanish WSS army comprised of 12 regiments of foot, 8 of horse and 6 guns. So, upon reflecting on this, I said I'd double my order and then some, and add a Savoyard army, for a total of 15 horse, 26 foot and 16 guns Today I was sent the bill, which seemed a little high by 3 figures, and so, I questioned it and just got a reply that the amount was indeed correct, but Nick at Ebor had realised that he had transposed the figures on one of the prices in the original quote, which made that considerable difference.  But he said, it was his error and the price would be honoured. So, he can bet his bottom dollar that I will be a returning customer in the future, and I'll more than make up for his goodwill, I am sure. http://www.eborminiatures.com TTFN

So, I'm asleep, enjoying my holiday when, at 7:20AM the first delivery of static grass arrived from the manufacturers.  But, because I love you all so much, I dragged myself downstairs without the aid of a coffee and dug out one bag of each colour to show you. It's worth noting that because 'S.N.A.F.U'  know modellers and wargamers are an appreciative bunch, we had all but one made in matte format and the other (white) in a semi-dull finish. The quality has really impressed us. Remember, I use static grass every day in my other guise of a full time figure painter. I have always used Mininatur/Silflor, but I can confirm that I will be switching to my own brand as each new project begins for my account clients. In short it's top quality with none of the supply issues which I've had with Mininatur in the last 12 months or so. And of course it also means that I can supply direct to the cust...

Greetings all, I just thought I’d share the latest news regarding the initial release of flocks from Conflict In Colour, branded as ’S.N.A.F.U’  ( Situation Normal All Flocked Up ). We have decided on 15 initial products which in brief are: 0.5mm - 3 colours, chosen for adding a ‘ground cover’ effect when blended in with other colours. In the case of white it can be used as snow or mixed with other shades to create a slightly frosted grass effect. 2mm - 10 colours including two ready mixed grasses for those who want to just ‘flock and go’ and 8 ‘solid’ colours which can be used for a more uniform look or blended. In particular there 5 green tones which we suggest are great for creating tonal blends when mixed together with other shades. 4mm - 2 colours which will work either on their own or blended to represent grassland which has started to 'grow out’. We aim to add more colours and custom mixes over time, as well as longer fibres. We also aim to be pri...

To celebrate my birthday today, my wife and I drove up to York to the National Railway Museum. To be honest, with the exception of the Coronation Scot, it was much less inspiring than the last time I went, around 35 years ago. One interesting element was the workshops where the public can watch restoration work being undertaken. I was watching the operation being undertaken on an engine, and it was only when I changed my angle of view that I realised it was the venerable Sir Nigel Gresley, who seemed to be rather thin, compared to when I last saw him. Poor Sir Nigel...

I mentioned, I think in my review of Britcon, that I'd picked up a rather expensive (but fair) copy of the C S Grant classic, 'From Pike To Shot'. Well, I was browsing the net of interconnectivity the other day, when I found that a similar pair of books had been written by Mr Grant essentially bringing 'FPTS' up to date and adding excellent colour plates by Bob Marrion. What was more, there was a second edition which amalgamated the two earlier volumes int a single A4 sized glossy hardback, seductively priced at £35 direct from Caliver Books. As it is my 48th birthday on Thursday, I ordered it, as a birthday present to myself. It was delivered today, and boy dies it have the 'wow!' factor. The book is a really high quality  throughout and it's more than just a re-hashing of 'FPTS'. It seriously expands the  sections on the Spanish, Italian and Portuguese armies with both uniform specifics and the stunning Marrion plates which mak...

Late Summer will see the release of a range of 2mm static grass by Conflict In Colour. 2mm is the ideal length for all wargame scales from 2mm to 28mm and of course for model railroads in N and OO scales. We decided to focus on 2mm as it gives a great finish which does not overpower the figure, covers really nicely and does not require the dreaded static grass applicator. There will be a very wide range of shades to satisfy both historical and fantasy/sci-fi fans, and prices will start at just £1.45 for approximately 20g. Check out http://www.conflictincolour.com in the coming weeks for more details.

Now, I am by nature a cynical, critical and generally flinty-hearted bastard. I do not apologise nor make excuses for this fact. You may recall that last year, I commissioned an 8ft model railroad, which, when it turned up after almost 9 months was frankly a major disappointment. It never ran, looked bloody awful and I think that the control panel was completed by a 6-year old. And then, earlier this year I found Steve Hornsey, and a ray of sunshine burst forth upon the Dark Tower. You will no doubt remember that I spoke very highly of the 6 foot shunting layout which Steve built for me and which, lives in my studio, and over which I fawn regularly, caressing the fine ballasting and stroking the wonderful back drop. Well, I commissioned Steve to take on what I understand is his largest project to date, in the shape of a 12 foot by 2.6 foot North American themed layout in N scale. It was a bastard of a brief: 1. No continuous loop but a lot of room for different...

Rumours circulated today that a new one day show will be run by Sheffield Wargames Society in 'a couple of years'. At this time I cannot substantiate these claims, but two traders mentioned the same thing at Britcon. We shall see... One of those traders opinions, I cannot repeat, and indeed will not. TTFN

In opening, let me say unequivocally that I love Britcon. It's an hour's pleasant motoring over the Woodhead Pass and the views in doing so are great. The show is free to get in and you can get a damned fine breakfast sandwich and hot drink for £2.50. BUT... Sloppiness is creeping in, in a couple of ways. Firstly, the organisers are at risk of' stacking' too many companies who sell pretty much the very same stuff and what's more the manufacturer from whom much of their stock comes also has a large trade stand at the show themselves. How many stockists of Black Powder and Bolt Action do you need? If this stagnation of variety continues the trade show will become pointless... Secondly, the bring and buy was a little bit 'lost' today. By that I mean that several people noted and commented that lots were being bought by, if not those running the stand, someone who was behind it. They were then being broken down, rebooked and sold. OK, it's no...

Just a few more pics of commissions I've undertaken for clients in my work as 'Conflict In Colour' ( http://www.conflictincolour.com ) First up are more 15mm: And now a few 10mm: And to finish, some 28mm: