Before gaming there was comics, LEGO, Airfix plastic soldiers, model kits and trains. Well, there was for me at least, but I suspect that those of us in this hobby of around shall we say 'mid century' in age pretty much followed similar if not identical roots. The supply of comics was the domain of Dad and maternal Grandad, who between them pretty much filled my week with at least comic every day, including from memory; Whizzer & Chips, The Beano, The Dandy, The Eagle, Battle, Action, Starlord, 2000AD, Warlord and the Commando, War Picture Library / Battle Picture Library and Starblazer full length mini-comics. Generally, Dad was the supplier of model kits with a simple system of calculation based on ' number of weeks without pocket money = kit purchase of higher value than the amount racked up between 1 and 3 weeks'. Dad also picked up the tab for my White Dwarf magazines from 1981, which was rather splendid and even got the local newsagent to source...

Last weekend after a personally harrowing week, I needed to really kick back and so, attended the 'Out Of This World' event in Sheffield, wearing my Death Eater (Harry Potter) costume. It was great to see families and kids in particular meeting their favourite heroes and villians and being able to interact with them. The highlight for me, was when this young lady (see below) playing Ginny Weasley, saw me walking towards her across Sheffield Peace Gardens, detached herself from her puzzled Dad, surged down the steps they were descending and shouted 'EXPELLIARMUS!' before I could even draw my wand from my belt. A Death Eater was taken down by a Hogwarts First Year. Oh the Ignominy... Her Dad took the following photo and apparently, she was talking about the encounter for the rest of the day. Mission accomplished, I'd say.

Screaming Mob Miniatures aims to bring fun, varied and affordable miniatures in traditional metal, to those of you who want to not just be able to play a skirmish game, but also field armies of 28mm warriors, thugs and ne'er-do-wells without selling a vital organ or making dark pacts with nameless gods. (Although, we would never discourage you from the latter!) Screaming Mob may be new, but is built upon the firm foundations of it's sister businesses  Conflict In Colour  and  S.N.A.F.U Scenics. I am a veteran gamer of almost 4 decades at the time of writing and I'm also the author of the well received gaming memoir  'Real Life's A Bu**er - A Tale Of Sex, Dragons And Rock 'N' Roll' . In the 1990s I also ran the Sheffield branch of the  Dungeons & Starships  chain of stores, so I have 'seen the elephant' as it were. I harken back to a time before blister packs and slotta bases, where  the models mattered more than the pac...

Yesterday was a busy day.... I took delivery of two shipments of Dwarven Forge scenery. The first was all older stuff from those fine people at Spirit Games whilst the larger shipment was from Dwarven Forge Europe comprising 9 large sets including 7 limited edition sets, and a single smaller set. Alas, as previously none of the 5 limited edition sets contained their numbered certificates, so I've had to get in touch with Dwarven Forge in the U.S to ask them to remedy this situation. I am now at the 41 large set mark and about 20 of the small peripheral extras, so I am most certainly at the level where I can get the display game up and running. I couldn't get time to open them as straight after a hard day of painting 1/1200th aircraft, I had to get on a train in the afternoon to go to Leeds where I was to be entertained by one Mnsr. J M Jarre in person. Now I have always loved Leeds. It used to have a branch of 'Games Of Li...

I've just ordered some more Dwarven Forge dungeon sets, bringing my set total to 39. I really believe that this is indeed an addiction, and I need to slow down. Lord only knows how large a layout I can build, but it must be over 40 square feet of 28mm dungeon. And what's worse, I can still think of stuff to add.

Ok, here's hoping that someone reading this blog, can help me in finding the old Grenadier Miniatures 'Solid Gold Line' of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons miniatures. I will pay £25 - £60 depending on whether I'm buying a small or large box. I'll pay via Paypal and will cover shipping from anywhere in the world to the U.K These are the sets I am seeking: