Back to the future

Sorry about the posting gap, but in the last few weeks I’ve deliberately spent less time looking at screens and more time on painting. For any bloggers whose recent posts I’ve failed to comment on, apologies are in order…I still love you…it’s me not you…etc etc.

Anywhoo apart from a few progress piccies below I have two items of gaming related news. Firstly my expected AWI order never turned up, so I can only assume they’ve deserted the kings colours. Leon at Pendraken has been very good at organising a replacement so hopefully I will be able to get started on that project…before I lose interest and start something else. 

Second bit of news was that I took part in my very first zoom game just before Christmas, and jolly good it was too. Apart from playing against my two lads when they were growing up it’s the first time I’ve played against another real life opponent since 1988. I know. As a wargaming hermit and general technophobe this has been a big old step for me. Potentially on the strength of that game I have now been invited round to nundanket’s house to play, so I think I’ll wear my PJ’s for that one in case there’s a sleepover. 

Work on the 10mm Elizabethan pike and shot stuff has recommenced and here’s where I’m up to at the moment:

English pike and shot company circa 1590. Note the bowmen still included in its order of battle. 

Another English company of foot though this lot are sporting the latest « muskets » to complement the more numerous but shorter ranged arquebus blokes.

Demi lancers. Partially armoured cavalry relying on the shock of impact. English forces of this period suffered from a general lack of cavalry, through Elizabethan parsimony (they cost a lot to raise and maintain) and the rise of pike heavy infantry formations that initially made them less effective in their direct combat role.

Petronels. Mounted infantry who predated the later dragoons and harquebusiers. From what I have read they were not intended to dismount and fight but shot a mix of pistols and carbines from the saddle. Another troop type not really available in large numbers since the individuals asked to raise them were frequently also funding foot units as well.

One of my command stands. Difficult to see in the picture but this bloke is sporting a pair of red and yellow striped puff ball loon pants. Right on brother.

I’m now working on artillery before branching out into some Irish opponents for them. Despite creating my own set of rules I’m probably going to use the excellent C&C ECW ones available at the brilliant Prometheus in Aspic blog, jiggered around a bit to allow for unit facing and new unit types. 

Righto I suppose I’d better sling my hook and break those ruddy brushes out again.

Toodleooh.