Friday, 24 January 2025

The Worcester Conquest Hoard


Earlier today Sue and I visited Worcester Museum to see the Worcester Conquest Hoard - the largest collection of early Roman coins ever found in Britain. Over 1300 coins ranging from the early Roman Republic to the reign of Emperor Nero.

If you are in the area - it is well worth a visit.

For more information, see this link.

Tony

Thursday, 23 January 2025

Where have all the magazines gone?


Sue and I visited Cheltenham yesterday and I popped into W H Smiths to check out the latest magazine offering. 

Is it just me or has W H Smiths cut back on the amount and variety of magazines on offer? There were no military modelling magazines or wargame magazines on display and the amount of shelf space was a fraction of what I remember.

I'm not sure if this is just restricted to the Cheltenham store or if this is a country wide phenomenon.

What do you think? Is your W H Smiths cutting back on the selection?

Tony

Thursday, 9 January 2025

Raised Market Hall - Miniature Wargames issue 502


The latest issue of Miniature Wargames (issue 502 for February 2025) features this raised market hall or store. The model was originally built some time ago and features in my now out-of-print and self published book Dampfpanzerwagon Guide No. 1 - Building Wargame Terrain.

Inspired by a Gary Chalk illustration in the Rackhams magazine Cry Havoc the model was built from plastic card and foam with DAS modelling clay detail.

Parts of the model were also cast in resin and were available from Grand Manner however, I am not sure if they are still available to purchase.

With the construction finished, the model was painted with a wide variety of different acrylic paints then varnished and finally decorated with static grass and tufts.

For more information of the contents of this magazines, see this link or pick up a copy from your local W H Smiths.

Tony

Sunday, 5 January 2025

Writing for Wargame Magazines


Over the Christmas and New Year break I was asked why I'm no longer writing for Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy or Wargames Illustrated. In the part I have written for both magazines as well as Ancible (now no longer produced) and various on-line fanzines including Barking Irons and Ragnarok in addition to a number of articles for various railway magazines but for some time I have been a regular contributor to Miniature Wargames under John  Treadaway (Editor) and I just feel comfortable with his leadership and the way that he allows me the freedom to scratch build models that appeal to me.

I would not rule out writing for other magazines should I be asked, but with a continual and non broken series of over 48 magazine articles for Miniature Wargames I feel that I have found a home and this is something I feel very comfortable with.

I would always welcome suggestions for new subject matter as my own imagination is running a little empty and I do enjoy a challenge!

Once again Happy New Year.

Tony

Thursday, 2 January 2025

New Years resolution 2025


Not so much a firm resolution, more of an aim, but I do plan on painting more figures this year and trying to reduce my Lead Mountain of shame.

Happy New Year.

Tony

Wednesday, 1 January 2025

A new Port wine for New Year


This New Year I opened this bottle of Noval Black Port wine and I have to admit it was spectacular. Thank you Mum. It was a real treat.

Tony