Hudson & Allen Studios have produced some of the finest 28mm buildings I have ever seen, and their castles are the benchmark for all others. They are made from a high density foam compound which is very light and very rugged. It holds detail superbly and so you can get some really excellent models out of it. Previously, Old Glory carried the range in the U.K and then they disappeared. I can now exclusively reveal that Conflict In Colour are to begin importing them for the UK and European market with the first stocks due to arrive in late Summer. They will be carrying good stocks but certain products may need to to be back ordered. Drop Conflict In Colour a line via their website at http://www.conflictincolour.com. TTFN

Well, it's been another very busy week for-wise, which is great of course as it pays my mortgage and stuff like that. Allan at Lancashire Games has taken delivery of my first 900 or so Perry Miniatures  and I'll be sending more in the very near future, which, are already paid for of course. It's worth noting that Lancashire have a 15% off everything sale until the end of June, including painting which means I made a considerable saving and explains why I paid in advance for past 2 of my Marston Moor project. I am not a poor man (and I am mindfully grateful to the powers that be) but if I can get more bang for my buck, I'll do so. Allans 25mm painter is a guy I trust, which coming from such a fickle fellow professional with my background, I think it speaks volumes. On Thursday of this week, Dave Bodley at Grand Manner delivered the rather wonderful church from his medieval range, replete with boundary walls, wicket gates, village cross and fully sculpted graveyar...

The great Marston Moor project is going well after 3 days... Even without Roger's input yet, (and he will, oh yes, he will, because he shares the same megalomanic tendencies as I) the plan which came from his Mephistophelean mind is steaming ahead, an like unstoppable buff coated cavalry charge, led by a geezer from the Rhine.  The progress so far: 1. 19KG of Perry metals have been purchased and sent to Lancashire Games, who are my chosen painters. 2. I have commissioned the painting of all of Rupert's horse and foot as well as started on Newcastle's horse for the Royalist side. That's a lot of toys there..; 3. On the Parliament side I have commissioned the entire Eastern Association and all of the Northern Association apart from 1 combined foot regiment. This leaves for the Royalists: The remainder of Newcastle's army  The York Garrison .  For Parliament: The Covenanters  The one outstanding unit of the N.A. Not bad at all, alt...

I originally wrote this almost 4 years ago, but as I was looking at my assorted books on the subject this afternoon, I thought it may be fun to repost it, for my newer readers: I spend my working hours plugged into documentaries and podcasts covering all types of subject, and yesterday I was tuned into a paranormal podcast which was discussing the 'Satanic Panic' of the 80s. which I remember all too well. Now, as well as the worry that heavy rock music was tempting teens into worshipping Satan, some of you will recall that Dungeons & Dragons came clearly into the firing line of the Religious Right spearheaded by the wonderfully named Tipper Gore. Even here in Sheffield, UK, there was a flurry of anti-D&D sentiment with the local press echoing the worries of the Church Of England that sweet teens like me would be drawn into a life in which they became Satan's minions. Of course because I was into Iron Maiden et al, I was doubly doomed. Forget the fac...

You know, it amazes me just how Roger and I, despite being a hundred or so miles apart geographically and no longer living in each other's parents homes for days at a time, or plaguing the late and much respected Terry Wise in his 'Wargamer's Attic', still manage to set each other off with ideas and projects. There I was last night, relaxed and content; safe in the knowledge that 13 KG of figures would be dropping on the doorstep of Lancashire Games today, when the evil genius sends me an email, hinting that he is currently reading an OOB for Marston Moor, no doubt trying to give me a guilt trip for firing his interest in the ECW again, much as I did to him, with the 16th century a while ago. Well, I pulled him up short... I used strong, short sentences to indicate that he should concentrate on the 16th century and that I had the 17th century covered. Words were exchanged, snooks cocked and possibly, kittens sent to heaven, and I sat down and watched my episode...

Well, it's busy here at Fackham Hall as I've ploughed back into 'normality' after the last few weeks. I am not complaining mind you, because if I am busy it means that all is well and I am earning my living and leaving a legacy of gorgeous models in caring and discerning hands. I can say that because frankly I won't work with or for people who don't appreciate the time and effort that a properly painted miniature demands. Last Friday, my wife and our daughter who was burned out after the loss of her grandmother and the day to day pressure of having three young boys who don't understand all the tears and upset, decided that they would go and see the latest Jurassic Park offering. Thus I spent a hard 4 hours after a long day at my desk writing the painting instructions for the Perry Miniatures stuff which I blogged about last week. I dutifully sent it off to the painter and went to bed at 1AM, awaking at 6AM with a start because I realised that I'd for...

It's been a hard few weeks, but yesterday we said a farewell to my Mum. Part of my blog was used at her funeral and my Dad used a few words I had penned for her obituary, which gave me pride and comfort. Today I am picking up where I sort of left off on the day she died, having returned earlier from Partizan with a massive box of Perry ECW. Determined to get myself straightened out, I just finalised this morning over a coffee, my final ECW  list which will be based on the early armies  because they are a bit more interesting. Metal cost £1400.00 Painting Cost £3000.00 This is taking into account the discounts with which I have been kindly bestowed. The approximate forces are: 33 Cavalry troops which will be used as regimental building blocks 6 Dragoon Troops mounted and dismounted 6 guns 6-8 units of commanded shot / Forlorn Hope 18 infantry regiments Command Cavalry troops are 6 figures to allow regiments to be constructed as needed, infantry regiments ...