Thursday 20 December 2012

Wargamer in Exile.... happiness is a painting room.

Sadly I bring you tragic news of the recent surrender of my beloved wargames room, also known as 'The Redwood Redoubt', (Regional H.Q, Southern Strategists), to the Evil Army of Occupation otherwise known as my eldest daughter.
After a brief sojourn flatting said daughter has conducted a stealthy and insidious campaign to win over the heart and mind of her dear mother to the need to take up residence in my sanctum sanctorum.
Needless to say I fought doggedly against this dastardly Alliance but the writing was on the wall....resistance is futile, surrender now and full conjugal rights will be restored by she who must be obeyed...it's a no-brainer innit!
My fellow gamers and Comrades in Arms would be reduced to tears if they could see the sorry state The Redoubt has been reduced to...soothing neutral colour scheme, tasteful curtains, plush carpet, feature lighting, heating, a shower!...not a beer or pizza stain to be seen...Horrid!

Fortunately as the major breadwinner I was able to bring to bear the full power of my negotiating skills to the surrender table and I have secured the somewhat under utilized territory of the study as my new painting room....Yes I hear you say.... a piffling consolation prize compared to the splendour to which I was accustomed  but when one is outnumbered three to one it behoves one to be grateful for small mercies. I like to think of it not so much as the new painting room as the 'Wargamer in Exiles Lair'.


Wargamer in Exiles Lair

Wargamer in Exile. Why am I smiling??


Anyway not being one to dwell on past defeats I have vowed to make the best of my somewhat constrained new environment and have even begun work on my first unit of Union troops, Cross's Brigade, 1st Div, 2nd Corps for the upcoming Gettysburg refight next July. The figures are old Dixon figs I bought years ago. I still have enough for another couple of brigades. Compared to the more anatomicly correct Perry or Foundry offerings these figure look somewhat troll-like in appearance but
they have certain charm. Hopefully my painting can bring them to life.
I've quietly been salting away Perry Union figures including my favourite Union commander, Major General Winfield S Hancock. I'll keep you posted on progress.


Preliminary stages of Cross's Brigade



THANK YOU
A big thank you to all those who are kind enough to take the time to peruse my oft times erratic and rambling blogs and even better, comment. Please don't be offended if I dont always respond in kind its just simply that I struggle to do justice to painting, gaming, motorcycling, drinking, blogging and work and life commitments. My New Year's resolution in advance is to give up the work and life commitments and concentrate on the aforementioned five items!

I'd like to wish a Merry Xmas and a peaceful New Year to all members and their families of the modelling/wargaming brother and sisterhood, whoever and wherever you may be and in the words of the great Irish comedien, Dave Allen, may your God go with you.




8 comments:

  1. My condolences. Still, stiff upper lip and all that, old chap. You fought your corner and got some work space, after all. Merry Xmas to you!

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  2. There is no shame in a tactical withdrawal. Besides that study is still better that what I am allowed.

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  3. Though it's a pitty, you gave me a good laugh!
    Buckle up and prepare the defence for your territory earlier this time ;)

    Regards,
    Mojo

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  4. Yeah, fighting this one was ice-skating uphill. New digs look good, though.

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  5. You survived to fight another day! Now get cracking so you can show us new stuff,

    Cheers Sander

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  6. Discretion always the better part of valour, especially when confronted with the unified front of the memsahibs! I think you got off rather well considering! ;-)

    All the best in your new Lair, I look forward to your continued output, however erratic Sir!

    And of course all the best for the New Year!
    Cheers
    Scott

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  7. Sad that the Redoubt is no more. I have pleasant memories of some very enjoyable games in there with you guys.



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  8. Ogilvie, old bean! I'm sure the strategic withdrawal from the Redoubt will only be a temporary sojourn. By the time you reach the heady days of retirement, Kath will be happy to send you back out there to prevent you from getting under her feet in her domain. Looking forward to getting back into gaming in 2013!

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