Some Birthday Gifts

A quick post to highlight some of the birthday gifts I received this year. An Army Painter Wet Palette, some terrain foliage and a box of Silver Bayonet Goblins.

Thank you for these and my WHSmiths voucher.

Tony

The Machinists Tool Chest - A very special gift

Yesterday I was given this very special gift - a second hand Machinists Chest with tools! I've been looking for a similar tool chest for years and have seen many second hand boxes for sale but you either have to pay a fortune or they are in a terrible state. This one is an ideal 'fixer-upper' and has this selection of 1930's or 1940's engineers tools.

The chest needs some work and a new front, but I think that is part of the appeal. But that's not all..... Just check out what came with this tool box.

The drawer front and rear have the M&W or Moore & Wright, Sheffield England marks, but the tools are also marked E. Evans an engineer from Oxford. Expect more posts detailing the tools and others giving facts and backstory for Mr. Evans but for now the question is.....

Should I do a full restoration back to bare wood or a more subtle restoration keeping the oily patina?

Thank you Mal and Holly for this very spacial gift.

Tony

Latest Article for Miniature Wargames - Tool Box

It has been well over three years since I first started writing a 'short series of articles' or tutorials for Miniature Wargames showing how I build and paint wargame terrain from scratch. This months article is a little different as it shows some of my favourite tools and materials and as such is a little more encompassing.

For more information pick up the latest issue (480 - April 2023) or see this link.

Tony

Alumwell Wargames or WMMS

Yesterday I drove up to Wolverhampton and to the West Midlands Military Show at the Aldersley Village Sports Centre. This is the first time in some years that I have attended - what with Covid and cancellations. I had a pocket full of spending money and was particularly looking for something to rekindle my MOJO as I've not really done that much modelling or figure painting since before Christmas.

As usual the show was a great success and I really enjoyed the thrill of my first wargame show in over two or is that three years! For anyone not familiar with this show, it is a modelling and wargaming and reenactment show - so something for everyone - I even spotted a couple of railway themed displays.

I came away with a single blister of miniatures, lots of much needed paints and a MDF building (more on this is future updates). In addition, I picked up some second hand magazines which I have already started to read and enjoy.

Below I have posted a selection of images taken at the show - I didn't take as many as usual and I was not there for long and the time I was there was mainly spent catching up with old friends.

A great day out and I can confirm that my MOJO is back.

Tony

THUD by Terry Pratchett

Some time ago my son gave me a CD recording of THUD by Terry Pratchett. I have started listening to it while driving in and back from work. I had mistakenly thought that I had read this Discworld book when it first came out but now know that this was wrong and the tale has been a pleasant surprise as the story is new to me and I'm very much enjoying the experience of listening to a new-to-me story. In fact it has been one of my favourite audio books for some time.

I really must get back in to the habit of reading and re-reading Pratchett's Discworld books.

Tony

Stanley Surform

I picked up this vintage Stanley Surform (model number  21-122) in a second hand/antique shop in Tewkesbury earlier today. It was in the 'everything for 50p' box and although it needed a good service and clean it came out great. I can remember my Grandfather having a similar tool and for 50p plus some cleaning up time it is now in my toolbox ready for action.

The most difficult part of the service was wire brushing the blade, but with a good clean and a spray of WD40 it is now serviceable and ready for another lifetime of work. The more modern version has a yellow handle and aluminium body but you can also get an all plastic version, which I don't think is as good.

50p very well spent.

Tony

Alumwell Wargames - WMMS Sunday 12th March

Next Sunday - Sunday 12th March 2023 will be the West Midlands Military Show - now in it's 47th year and held at Aldersley Leisure Village, Wolverhampton for more details see this link.

It's been a couple of years since I last attended (as an exhibitor) but I am planing on being there, this time as a paying guest and am hoping that I will be able to pick up some bargains at the Bring and Buy stall.

Maybe I'll see you there?

Tony