Victoria's Boys in Red

Today, in 1879...

2012-01-21T22:50:00.000-06:00

Her Majesty's troops were routed by the ferocious warriors of the Zulu kingdom on the slopes of Isandlwana.

A moment, please, for these fallen sons of Her Majesty.

OwlCon XXXI: Coming up fast!

2011-12-31T18:01:00.002-06:00

OwlCon is an annual convention held on the campus of Rice University in downtown Houston, Texas. My sons and I have gone for the last three (or is it four?) years in a row.

I totally forgot about it coming up. I was planning on running a 6mm demo of When the Navy Walked. The "deadline" for registering a game was November 4th! Have to see if I can still get a table! Since I finally got the figures I needed to be able to play (grumble grumble) Now, to paint them and base them and...

Anyway, the convention is February 3-5, 2012. If you are in the area, come on by!

Oh, and Happy New Year!

Can't take a vacation around here...

2011-12-30T17:39:00.003-06:00

Good ladies and gentlemen, I aopologize for hte lack of news about the place. For some reason, the article which I had planned on (and thought I had scheduled to do so!) for last week never printed. Gadzooks! A man can't take any time away from his work around here!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas Day. My family and I did, thank you.

Today, whilst perusing many a catalouge of interest, I found a few items to inspire you, I hope. These are from Reaper (horrid name, yes, but they're Americans).

Some sort of terrible beast. It has no eyes - how does it hunt? To be honest, I am afraid to find out.

This young lady, while dressed impeccably, has a sort of un-ladylike fascination with science and technology.

As proven by her wonking big Gatling pistol.

This gentleman is clearly best confined to Bethlehem Hospital.

I've no idea what the deuce he is holding, but it looks unwholesome.

A pair of automatons, the wonder of our Modern Age.

Typical American. Big hat, big gun. But can he hit the target at which he shoots?

Primitives. Possibly of Cytherean provenance, but unknown.

[Editor's Note: It may seem strange that the editor persona harbors misgivings against Americans, since the author actually is American. And Texan, to top it off. Mark it down to late 1800s resentment against the upstart cousins across the sea. Images from Reaper's website - no challenge to copyright, just hoping to inspire others.]

New Landship Sighted!

2011-12-11T18:25:00.001-06:00

As the pre-eminent news source for Her Majesty's subjects here on Mars, we are constantly on the watch for developments which may affect the Empire and its subjects. As such, guardians of the Rights of Englishmen that we are, we feel it needful to point out that Her Majesty's forces have produced a new sort of armoured landship.

Fitted with a set of rotating tracks upon which it easily and swiftly traverses the rough sands of Mars, the 50' long armoured leviathan also mounts an array of artillery and reciprocating cannon that are sure to daunt even the hardiest opponents of Her Majesty's rightful claims.

The Colour Sergeant agrees: "Right, you lot, now we follow those lads in the big tin can, and next thing, we're at it with the Hun. They won't like it up 'em!"

[Editor's Note: The model at the top is newly released by a new (?) company that has just started making 10mm VSF. The company is Troublemaker Games, and the models come at 6 to the pack. Each is 55mm long, according to the description here. I'm considering using them in my 6mm VSF project as even bigger landships.]

WTNW Artwork Teaser

2011-12-09T08:40:00.000-06:00

A teaser of the artwork for the upcoming When the Navy Walked supplement, WTNW: Airships and Skypirates. Thanks to the Armchair General for putting it out there, because I think it is a great piece of art. And I am not just saying that because I am editor and part-author of this book.

Some Interesting Mechanickal bits

2011-12-01T23:11:00.001-06:00

While perusing a certain auctioneer's location, I came across these interesting mechanickal pieces. They appear to be some sort of prosthetic devices for missing legs.

They appear to be of some unknown Eastern European manufacture, perhaps one of those small Balkan states, somewhere in the Hapsburg dominions? Although they appear rather crudely made to our British sensibilities, they have a certain rugged appearance that makes it seem they might still be serviceable.

Those interested in such things might look here for additional information.

[Editor's Note: I sort of wish I had a real use for these. Just $7.49 a set. Might get them to use in 15mm vehicular manufacture rahter than 28mm leg swaps, as I believe they are originally intended.]

Fortress in the Desert

2011-11-21T19:58:00.000-06:00

For some, the news of a quick and relatively inexpensive method of erecting fortifications in the desert sands of Mars comes as quite a nasty shock.

"Now any flea-scratching, tuppence-a-dozen Martian warchief can build his own fortress in the sands, throwing defiance into the face of the British Empire and our efforts to civilise this planet," said Captain Harold Bigotton, late of Her Majesty's Army, now attached to Government House here in Victoria's Landing.

The fort in question...

For others, it is a more fortunate thing.

"Thank the ancestors! Now, when the kraal come on raids, we shall have a place to defend ourselves from them! It will probably be nice in sandstorm season, too. Much more comfortable than dhurga hide tents," responded Senil Phul, a local nomad elder.

[Editor's Note: The fortress in question is about $40.00 from Amazon.]

Colonel Thorne's Aeromobile Forces

2011-11-20T14:22:00.003-06:00

I believe the redoubtable Colonel Thorne has been mentioned previously in this journal. If not, I have been sadly remiss in my duty towards pointing my fellows towards great works accomplished in our field of endeavours.

At any case, the latest work from the good Colonel is a new aerocraft with an array of interchangeable payloads for mission specific tasks.

I especially like that the pilot has a silk scarf to avoid chafing as he scans the skies and the ground below for the dastardly Hun!

Find more information here.

More Victoria Lamb Previews

2011-11-19T14:18:00.001-06:00

This is becoming embarassing, I think.

But this lady's figures are just... excellent. I want them.

Victorian Energy Weapons

2011-11-18T14:18:00.000-06:00

These were first seen as a preview on Colonel Gravis' Praetorian blog. I find them incredibly awesome. To the point I am considering re-doing my VSF Special Weapons British Unit, the Research Platoon. From the ground up, as it were, using other parts from Victoria Lamb and the good Colonel to make it all work.

Follow Victoria's Facebook page here. And if you use Praetorians for your 28mm British VSF forces, you really should know about Colonel Gravis (4th Praetoria) and Colonel Thorne (22nd Praetoria).

Victoria Lamb is my Heroine

2011-11-17T23:46:00.000-06:00

As much as I like Colonel Gravis' Praetorian Rough Riders... these are just superb. They are done by Victoria Lamb, out of Australia, and are available here. Obviously, these lads are part of the Research Platoon's Mounted Troop.

Ms. Lamb also has a steampunk lasgun available, and kilted legs for infantry to go with the torso here. Just wonderful stuff, really.

Bonfire Night!

2011-11-05T00:08:00.001-05:00

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

The Powder, the Treason, the Plot!

I know of no Reason

The Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be Forgot!

Today is Guy Fawkes' Day, or Bonfire Night, if you prefer. In celebration of the survival of His Majesty King James I against a plot to assassinate him by blowing up the House of Lords, light a bonfire tonight!

Official celebrations shall, as is customary, be held in Government House Square here in Victoria's Landing. The Viceroy shall give a speech at sundown, to be followed by fireworks and a torchlight parade through the streets, and culminating in the lighting of the bonfire in front of Government House.

Returning with More Mechanickal Insects!

2011-09-19T17:50:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, I know there has been an extended lack of new content from this journal. For that, I do most humbly apologize. I hope this new missive finds you well. As for the delays, sadly, personal issues have been in the way of good journalism. Well, perhaps 'good journalism', in regards to this journal, is stretching the bounds of credulity a bit. Would you accept the use of the term 'interestingly diverting' in its place?

At any rate, I have found something of interest for those of you who find mechanickal monsters interesting. It seems that some mad genius has built flying clockwork-powered wasps!

The spinning rotor and clockwork power system reminds one of the German Fliegerjagers, with their clockwork powered packs that enable limited flight. They were, of course, developed by Doktor Maton. This device is newer, and more powerful. Her Majesty's Government suspects that it is a development of the older flieger technology, perhaps fabricated by one of Maton's subordinates.

[Editor's Note: Okay, I have got to get a unit of these. And here I thought I was done with the Automatons. Available from Fiendish Fabrications in Australia for AU$8.00. I'll be checking into US distributors, and may contact the manufacturers directly to order the number I need minus the fancy (but not fitting for my plans) clockwork base. It is a nice base. But I want the sands of Mars below mine.]

Apologies

2011-09-05T18:02:00.000-05:00

Apologies for the lack of posting lately. Things have been a bit hectic on the personal side. The words school and hospital are involved.

However, work has continued on When the Navy Walked supplements. Keep an eye out on the Armchair General's website for more on that.

Also, I have been given an article for the next Aethergraph. Anyone else that would like to contribute, please let me know! More contributors means a faster turn around on the next issue!

A few newly finished figures

2011-08-09T15:06:00.000-05:00

I have finally finished Her Majesty (God Bless Her!), Victoria I, Empress of India, Queen of the United Kingdoms of Great Britain, etc., etc. The figure came from Eureka.

She is not amused.

Next up is Khana Reeyah, the Exalted One. The figure is a Parroom Stations miniature that has been languishing in the bin for a few years, and on the table for a year or so. Finished him up finally. His white robes are a mark of his ritual purity. The blue and gold signify his royal status and House. The golden mask is worn at all times in public.

Khana Reeyah, the Exalted One

Last, I finished the last touches on a unit of Aetherbattalion in 6mm. I used Baccus British colonials and paint converted them. I mean, really, in 6mm scale, can you tell the difference?

II. Battalion, AR. 1

More Ramshackle Miniatures

2011-08-08T18:14:00.000-05:00

Let me reiterate that I get no money from any of the companies that I endorse, except for The Armchair General. This is by way of full disclosure of any financial interest so no one thinks I have a financial stake in sales for any particular line of miniatures. (This notice in response to an email I received. You know who you are. You know where you can go and what you can do upon arrival.)

I just like to go internet window shopping, and pass along any neat finds via this blog. Today I am looking at some minis from Ramshackle, in the UK.

The first model I saw that loked interesting for VSF use was Archibald Trumpton. I like the tracked wheelchair. I'm not sure why, but it seems far more industrial and VSF than a traditional one would. It says, "I may not be able to walk, but your guts are going to grease my treads!" Attitude. We like it. Metal, just over $4 (US).

This next one is a must if you are going to have Russians. It might require a headswap for the proper feel, but other than that, I think it is awesome. Resin, it goes for about $7. It's called the Armour Bear with Ursa Major.

Another resin figure, good for anyone fielding automatons or battle suited infantry is the Ironstrike. My son thinks it would be great for a Papal States army - it looks kinda "Crusader" to him, and I have to agree.

Last (for now), is Mathilda Grey. Another resin figure, she seems like she would be an excellent female mad scientist, or an assistant to an established mad scientist, like Herr Doktor Professor Otto Maton!

Aethergraph Vol 2, Issue 1 is Done!

2011-08-07T23:14:00.004-05:00

You can find it here, or by accessing the link in the left hand column.

Enjoy!

Oh, and many thanks to the folks who helped me with submissions, especially Eli Arndt, of I See Lead People fame, who provided me with the final piece of art - a dead cool parrotman on the attack!

Procuring Equipment for Vessels

2011-08-04T16:35:00.001-05:00

While waiting in queue at the Government office in charge of registration of vehicle operators for my nephew's, I took the opportunity to peruse the telephonic differencing network via my mobile aetheric communications device. At a favorite location of mine, I noticed a posting regarding a new manufacturer of weapons and equipment for Her Majesty's naval and aeronaval forces: Grand Manner.

They have on offer a variety of pieces, and they look quite well made. These include:

3pdr (37mm) Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon on Naval Mount (WWI-28-38)
6 pdr (47mm) Hotchkiss QF Gun on Naval Mount (WWI-28-39)
Gardner Gun on Pedestal (WWI-28-41)
Controls (SM31) suitable for large vessels
Ventilator Funnels, Cleats, and Life Bouys (SM30)
and more...

Grand Manner also apparently has a shipyard I was unaware of, and are creating several ships (look in their network catalog in the "Sudan" section). They look quite nice, if pricey. If they come pre-painted and assembled, they seem like good value for the money.

The Entire Gun Collection (to Date)

More Vehicles from Proxie

2011-08-03T09:25:00.002-05:00

Additional models of armoured vehicles have been sighted at the Proxie Engineworks grounds. These join the previously mentioned Proxie-Trencher Armoured Military Tractor.

Proxie-"Roller"

Proxie built this unusual design hoping to increase the speed and mobility of an armoured vehicle. The two large wheels spin independently, making the vehicle incredibly agile. However, rumour has it that the system is 'delicate' and therefore still requires more development before an acceptable model will be purchased by Government.

Proxie-Stalker

The Proxie-Stalker model vehicle is a simpler prototype. The lack of a turret makes for faster and simpler construction, thus making it less expensive. The heavily sloped armour is expected to make enemy artillery shells glance off as well, leaving the crew unharmed. The Proxie company offers this design with two different cannons: a short barreled 9 pdr. and a long barreled 6 pdr.

Bit of Housekeeping

2011-08-02T12:47:00.000-05:00

Just been doing a bit of cleanup around here. Deleting old links, adding a few nifty features, that sort of thing. I'll be trying to post something new every other day or so for the next few weeks, at least on average.

Things that have me busy right now:

Editing Airpirates!
Finishing Aethergraph Vol. 2, Issue 1. Send me submissions for the next issue so I can get it out sooner!
Writing paper for grad school admission.
Getting ready for new school year.
Playing Victoria II and Hearts of Iron.
Painting minis.
Blogging.
Taxi service for the kids.

So not so bad, after all.

Cavalry with Odd Lances Reported

2011-08-02T03:34:00.002-05:00

Mrs. Gertrude Hillingbotham, 89, of Lower West Whinging, Surrey, has told the Times that Saturday last she was nearly trampled by young men ahorse. While such things may not be uncommon during a rousing foxhunt, these young men were in the uniform of Her Majesty's cavalry. And armed with, of all things, a heavy lance!

"What struck me as odd was the device at the end of the lance," complained Mrs. Hillingbotham. "Mister Hillingbotham was in the cavalry, you know, under the old King. You know, the German one, against the Corsican Ogre. And he certainly never carried any such nonsense when he was in service! My goodness, the very idea!"

We immediately dispatched a reporter to obtain more information, but were pulled up short by the Horse Guards and a quote of the State Secrets and Treasons Act. More information about these men can probably be found here.

[Editor's Note: Colonel Gravis has made his Praetorian Rough Riders conversions available for sale. He does not have too many sets ready at the moment, so you may want to jump on it. I can foresee a purchase, but not at the moment. I'll be taking ten, eventually, to make up the cavalry portion of the Research Platoon. Heck, I already have the walkers!]

Colonel O'Truth's Miniature Issues: Rivets and bolts can drive you nuts!

2011-08-01T15:17:00.006-05:00

In case you don't already follow this gentleman's efforts in walker construction, you should jump over to Colonel O'Truth's electrostatic journal and catch up on the developpment of HMSW Gargantua. This, my friends, is the standard to which we should all aspire.

Colonel O'Truth's Miniature Issues: Rivets and bolts can drive you nuts!: "Hi, All. So here I am again, after another fortnight of tiny rivets and glue fumes... HMSW Gargantua is really taking shape now, alt..."

AAR: Battle of Simla Valley

2011-07-23T12:41:00.002-05:00

News has reached Victoria's Landing of a clash between civilised Europeans and the mechanickal hordes of Doctor Maton. The battle took place yesterdayin the fertile Simla Valley. For those of you new to Mars, the Simla Valley is one of the few really fertile areas on our Red Planet, situated between two major mountain ranges, and the source of the Simla Grand Canal. It is also the site of a major German colonisation attempt, with the frontier village of Simlaburg.

Apparently, Maton and his human and Martian followers have grown hungry in their mountain hideaways. A raid was planned, to take the food and livestock of the Simla Valley for themselves. To this end, Maton's diabolical boring machine, the Iron Mole, erupted from a rock outcropping in the valley floor, very near the village. Subterranean navigation being what it is (which is quite difficult, actually), Maton failed to erupt through the center of the village as desired.

Maton's Minions, and two of his Female "Assistants" emerge.

The Iron Mole is in the background, near the exit to the tunnel.

Luckily for the inhabitants of Simlaburg, German and British troops were engaged in 'training exercises' just outside the village on the eastern side of the valley. Also, a large piece of German 'agricultural equipment', the Bauerwerk, was in the forest just outside the western palisade of the village, clearing more land with its immense powered saw and flamethrower. Slash and burn agriculture indeed!

The Bauerwerk clearing land near Simlaburg.

Just as the Anglo-German 'exercises' were about to commence in earnest, a sharp-eyed, clean-limbed Tommy spotted the Mad Genius's men emerging from the tunnel. According to reports in the German colony, one of the Kaiser's men also managed to spot them, although this journalist believes that to be Hun propaganda. Both European forces immediately turned against the mechanickal menace to attempt to stop the oncoming brazen hordes.

Germans and British about to begin their 'exercises.'

The European forces swung to face the western edge of the valley, from whence the threat came. Before long, even the Bauerwerk noticed the oncoming hordes, and moved from the woods to defend the village and its precious food.

One of Maton's objectives: the swine of Simlaburg.

More and more automatons emerged from the tunnel: steam-powered spiders, piloted half-jacks, hoverbots built from stolen unobtainite, scuttling steam turtles, and finally, the dreaded Destroyer, with its twin Galvanic Accelerator Cannons! The multitude of mechanickal menaces kept Maton and his assistants running about, ensuring all was in ordnung. Slowly, they advanced. Slowly, except for the speedy hoverbots, which made directly for one platoon of our redcoated heroes! For a few minutes, our men fought the swooping villains to a standstill, but their valour was no match for the armour and snapping talons of the foe, and they were forced to retreat. Just as destruction seemed inevitable, the flying machines suddenly malfunctioned and froze in place for a critical moment. Our men escaped their peril, leaving too many fellows on the ground behind them, but allowing the second platoon a clear shot at the hoverbots. The ensuing fusilade of fury brought down all but two of the tormentors.

Meanwhile, on the left wing of the battle, the Bauerwerk fired off its industrial flamethrower, sending some of Maton's human henchmen to their eternal rewards. ASA #27 also brought its flamethrower into action. Though designed only for anti-material use, it worked admirably against Maton's henchmen, and even caught his Oriental assistant in its spray, killing the misguided woman in a mercifully short blast of heat. The second assault group, however, managed to close on the Bauerwerk and attach Galvanic-Magneto Bombs to its sturdy legs. In the process, the Bauerwerk's powered saw shredded a pair of them, but they made good their escape. However, the minions botched the job of placement, and the explosions failed to penetrate the tough metal of the Bauerwerk's legs.

Maton's human Minions assault the Bauerwerk

With the HMLS Prince Charles (affectionately known as Bonnie Prince Charlie by its Scots crew) approaching the battlezone, the minions gathered for a second assault, rightly fearing the searing flame that gouted forth from the landships armoured flanks. The Bauerwerk charged into the steam turtles, destroying one and causing confusion in the mechanickal minds of the others, which froze in place for a considerable length of time, which the Bauerwerk put to excellent use, disposing of three more before they began to react. Maton's troops began to recoil from the strong armoured left flank and the approach of the German rifles on that end of the line. The village was saved!

Back on the right, Maton's fortunes were also going awry. The dreaded Destroyer must have miscalculated the fall of shot with its shrapnel shell, as it failed to explode, and only killed one member of the platoon on which it fired. Rifle and cannon fire from German troops whittled away at the scuttling steam spiders.

It was at this point that Maton's nerve failed, and he ordered his remaining forces back into the tunnel, with the Destroyer in the rear, bringing the tunnel mouth down behind the retreating mastermind. Having made good his escape, I am sure we shall be hearing from the Mad Belgian again.

[Editor's Note: A G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T. game played yesterday afternoon with my sons. Dane played the Automatons. Greyson had the Brits, and I ran the Germans. Anglo-German cooperation was not good (English troops twice masked the foe from the German artillery, for instance). Really, the minions were wiped out by some lucky dice rolls, and the automatons were paralysed by malfunctions. Still need to tweak their stats - too many malfunctions. No units were totally wiped out before time ran out, but things did indeed look dark for the Mad Belgian Genius, Herr Doktor Professor Otto Maton!]

Popular Mechanicks, Issue #6

2011-07-18T14:18:00.001-05:00

Proxie-Trencher Landship

Engine parts removed for Security Purposes

Photos from Proxie Models Website

The latest thing in modern mechanickal warfare is the armoured fighting vehicle. These take many forms, from aerial gunboats to ostrich-like walkers. But the heaviest armour and guns are fitted to the landships operated by the Royal Navy. And the Navy's newest landship is being unveiled here and now: the Proxie "Trencher"-class Landship.

The Trencher is fitted with a new propulsion system so secret that no photostats may be taken of it, on pain of violation of the State Secrets and Treasonous Activities Act. However, we can divulge that the vehicle is armed with a main gun in a 360-degree powered traverse turret, and sponson-mounted guns to either side, as well as a heavy reciprocator in the forward hull. With a crew of ten protected behind armour nearly as thick as a light cruiser's, it can still travel at speeds rivaling the fastest of cavalry (under ideal conditions).

The first squadron of these formidable vessels has already been purchased for training purposes on Earth. Additional squadrons are expected to be purchased for use throughout the British Solar Empire in the near future.

[Editor's Note: I just found out about these about 10 minutes ago, from a post on The Orky 15mm Sci Fi blog. The owner of that blog is making a Praetorian army for 40K in 15mm. Nice work going on there, and then I saw the tanks! I'll be buying a box of them (3 for $10!!!) today. The photo, by the way, comes from their website, and is used without permission, but I have a feeling they won't mind as long as it sends customers their way. Which I hope it does. These are awesome.]

Report: Historicon 2011, Day 3

2011-07-12T15:11:00.001-05:00

I know it has been a few days, but I am just now fully recovered from my relaxing stay in lovely Pennsylvania. Not that I saw a whole lot of it, because I spent most of the time indoors. But you don't want to hear about all that - you want to know about the games!

Beautiful terrain from Miniature Building Authority.

So by now it is Saturday, the last real day of games for Historicon. I have a game at 0900, a WWII game using a rules system new to me called NUTS! It's from Two Hour Wargames. The scenario was pretty simple: D-Day, American Airborne forces approach a village held by the Wehrmacht. Wehrmacht must hold village. Didn't enjoy the game. One of the main opponents was a 'psychic.' Always knew what my troops were doing even if there was no way for the troops to have such information. I didn't like the rules either. One of my troops dropped a hand grenade into a room full of Amis, rolled the best result possible, and the result was that two of the GIs charged up the stairs and killed not one but three Germans at the top. One of the Germans was my second best guy, and a 'Hero', unloaded his SMG at the GIs, while waiting at the top for them to approach, and missed totally. An unbalanced scenario maybe, and a bad opponent for sure, but any result that leaves a group of people in an enclosed area in which a grenade has gone off totally unharmed - not stunned, not anything? Needs work.

Amis appear in the woods and ambush a Wehrmacht patrol

My next game wasn't to be until 1900, so I thought I'd hit the vendor's area and Wally's Basement (the flea market). the boys, on the other hand, were headed to their game at 1300; a game of Car Wars. I've been playing the game off and on since about 1983. Even been planning on getting a Matchbox scale game set up. So the boys take off; about 1305, I get a call from Greyson and they need another player since there's only the two of them there to play. Had a pretty good time. Killed Greyson's car, got rear-ended by a ramplate but survived (barely!), got revenge on the rammer by virtually eliminating him. Time was just about up so we called it, and I won (only 'kill').

My car. Twin MGs and a bumper trigger.

Dane in red, Greyson in green, myself in the rear.

My last game was one of the ones I most anticipated since registering: a G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T. fleet battle. Simple scenario was that a new German aircraft carrier was damaged by a storm, and the British are trying to capture it while the Germans seek to prevent that.

Patrol boat HMS Courageous (fore) and cruiser HMS Essex

I liked the game. It was very similar to Battles by G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T., and so it was familiar, with a few changes which had to be made in order to accomodate the third dimension. It seemed impossible to get to the carrier (the Valkyrie) before she made it off the table, and it proved so. Highlights of the game include the performance of HMS Cossack, one of my patrol boats absorbing fire from two German patrol boats and a German cruiser. After several turns, she was a wreck, and had three commanding officers killed aboard her. Finally, she settled to the surface, with no guns, no engine, and no officers left! Things looked very bad for the British side until the battleship finally got within range. Three German capital ships were crippled or destroyed, and three escorts, to the loss of three escorts on the British side. The Valkyrie did manage to escape, however.

The Valkyrie.

The Valkyrie is a total scratch-built job, except for the mast and the flight stand. Absolutely beautiful piece of work. I especially like the raised hangar on the flight deck.

Despatches from Pennsylvania, Day 2

2011-07-08T23:45:00.001-05:00

The major disappointment of the day was the fact that the Sky Galleons of Mars game that I was most looking forward to had a no-show. GM was at the con, and picked up his badge, but simply did not appear to run his game. It disappointed about 12 players who waited a half an hour to see if he was just running a bit late. This kind of thing should result in him paying for his entry, rather than receiving a free GM pass, barring some extenuating circumstances. For example, two years ago I had a game canceled at the last minute because the GM's wife got very ill and he had to take her to the hospital. Legitimate excuse. But this kind of thing happens a little too often to be an emergency situation (not this particular GM, just an observation in general).

In other news, a strange rabbit-man was spotted in the Valley Forge area. If you see this man, simply back away slowly and keep your hand upon your wallet. He has a variety of devilish methods of separating innocent passersby from their heard earned money.

Nic Robson of Eureka Miniatures

Bunnyman and All-Around Good Guy

One More Gaming Project: New Pulp Robot for German Army

2011-07-06T22:24:00.001-05:00

Another interesting thing I found, while checking the backlog of blogs I follow. I shall be stealing this idea, and am actually writing down the figure as I type this. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

One More Gaming Project: New Pulp Robot for German Army: "I started collecting Monsterpocalypse when it first came out and was struck by the conversion potential of many of the miniatures. I finally..."

Highlander Studios, Inc.: Space: 1889 15mm update

2011-07-06T22:19:00.001-05:00

Some excellent news that you should definitely check out!

Highlander Studios, Inc.: Space: 1889 15mm update: " The latest Space: 1889 figures will be delivered to Frank Chadwick for review. I'll have some photos of painted examples on the blog in..."

Historicon 2011, Day 0 (Wednesday)

2011-07-06T22:16:00.002-05:00

Up at 0300, arrive at airport security at 0440. Minis in carryon and my Crocs test positive for RDX, a military grade explosive. Needless to say, it took a while to clear that up, but we still made our plane with some time to spare. Get to Atlanta, change planes to Allentown, PA. The little jet can't take our carryons, so we have to check them anyway. Naturally, some of the minis got messed up by the bag smashers as a result. The same minis that caused all the trouble at Houston security. I should have just packed them in the check baggage in the first place, I guess. Oh well.

That was the only real problem with the travel, though, so not too bad. Hotel was right, rental car fine, etc. Registration at the convention went pretty smoothly, and our badges are right. Free swag in the registration bag (x3, 1 for each of us):

1 sprue of Perry plastic Mahdists (2 figs ea.)
1 sprue of Warlord plastic Celtic Warriors (10 figs ea.)
1 CD-ROM for MMO game World of Tanks, with free M3 Stuart upgrade
Flyer to redeem for free issue of Strategy & Tactics

Not as much swag as in previous years, but still not bad. Already run into a few familiar faces, too. This is my 4th Historicon in 5 years now. I won't be able to make next year, but should be back for 2013, wherever it ends up being held. That's it for now, I guess. The boys and I have figured out our games for tomorrow and Friday, if we can get them. I'll be taking lots of pictures, and hope to get some uploaded as the convention progresses.

EDIT July 7, 2011, 0653: After posting, I turned out lights and headed for bed. Immediately smashed left knee into coffee table, producing much cursing, the removal of some flesh, and a great deal of pain and swelling. Ice and Tylenol seem to have pretty much taken care of the damage, thank God.

Reginald's Regiments of Renown, Issue #11

2011-07-05T00:58:00.000-05:00

1st Velocipede Dragoon Regiment

The invention of the steam-driven bicycle, more accurately described as the velocipede, led quickly to a military development. Faster than horses, and able to carry more equipment than a man on foot, the velocipede and its flankcar provide mobility and firepower to the Kaiser's forces. Already trained in mobility tactics and prepared to fight dismounted, the dragoons were a natural fit for the velocipede regiments.

The uniform of the Velocipede Dragoon is very similar to that of the standard dragoons. The light blue jacket is worn, along with dark trousers and riding boots. Black infantry helmet is standard, but omits the spike of the traditional pickelhaube for safety reasons.

Each dragoon is armed with a carbine, but one out of three of the velocipedes is provided with a flank car and a second rider. This flankcar carries a pintle-mounted machinegun that can also be detached and fitted to a tripod. This massively increases the firepower of the Velocipede Dragoons.

The regiment itself is so new that it has yet to see combat. However, the combination of firepower and mobility ensure that the Velocipede Dragoons will certainly have a major impact on the future of warfare.

American Independence Celebration

2011-07-04T16:31:00.000-05:00

As many of you are no doubt aware, the Americans celebrate the anniversary of the signing of their Declaration of Independence today. While we rather enjoy the traiditional pyrotechnic celebrations, it is still a bit surprising to Her Majesty's loyal subjects that the Americans have managed so well in the years since their departure from the fold. Mean to say, I know old George III was a bit, well, peculiar, but fighting a war of rebellion over a few eccentricities? Well, water under the bridge now, as they say. Just so long as they remember they are the junior partner in the English-speaking nations of the world, well, I suppose all will be well.

See you at the American Legation celebration. I hear they are having some of those odd German style sausages on a bun, cooked over an open flame, of all things. And washing it down with beer that has been chilled. Dashed odd, Cousin Jonathan.

Popular Mechanicks, Issue #5: Ramshackle "Brass Coffin"

2011-07-01T22:03:00.000-05:00

This ramshackle vehicle is popularly known as the Brass Coffin by our intrepid forces. It has been used by insurgent forces who can produce no better armored vehicle. Powered by steam, the engine drives a single external piston geared to the rear axle for propulsion. The two large front wheels are independently mounted on a transverse axle, and serve little mechanical purpose other than giving the vehicle some trench-crossing ability.

The forward armour is enhanced with a thick glacis plate, angled to help shed the impact of shell and bullet. The side armour is not so thick, but has proven to be proof against smallarms fire. While the metalwork looks similar to brass, it is in fact a very advanced alloy, rustproof and lightweight, yet tough as armourplate.

While quite well-armoured, the Brass Coffin carries no heavy armaments. It relies on troops firing from within it through the slits you see there. Also, many of its gears are externally mounted, which makes its propulsion system vulnerable to the overwhelming firepower of disciplined Regulars.

[Editor's Note: This is the Brass Coffin from Ramshackle Games. They are almost sold out, according to their blog. So if you want one... now would be the time to get after it! Photos taken from Lead Bones Blog, the Ramshackle Games company blog.]

Available Again - 28mm Hardsuits

2011-06-28T22:20:00.001-05:00

Available from Recreational Conflicts. All metal, $10 each or 5 for $45. Screaming VSF Powersuit, Aetherarmor, or even diabolical automaton. REally giant for use with 15mm, too.

I think I will be checking into these after Historicon - once I see how much of my stash is left.

6mm When the Navy Walked Project Update

2011-06-22T04:33:00.003-05:00

Well, I have gotten all of the foot painted to date rebased. I like the new, smaller bases much better. As it now stands, each base represents a company of infantry, with four stands to the battalion. For the Prussians, this means that it will take twelve stands per regiment. I figure I want at least a brigade, preferably an entire division of troops. A division would be best because that brings in attached cavalry regiments.

Prussian Infantry Regiment

I and II Battalions in line, Fusilier Battalion in column between.

Speaking of cavalry regiments, I decided that the fellows riding in the boring machines would be dragoons. So I'll be painting up some infantry as dragoons, but just four bases.

I'm also going to use some Baccus colonial British to emulate Aetherbattalion. I think I will only do one battalion's worth, though. I might do a full regiment, but that would be the limit. In 6mm, the only details you notice are the helmets anyway. Color will do for the rest.

And the walkers are officially Kurrassieren. And the FT-17s will be Hussars, as will the motorcycle- (excuse me, velocipede-) mounted troops. Still have the regiment of Uhlans, too. Need to put together my regiment of Jagers. And get more artillery. A division would have 12 batteries of field artillery. I only have four! I also need another pair of FT-17s.

Two Renault FT-17s, doing service in a Prussian Hussars Regiment

As for the British, I haven't gotten much. I have enough to do three battalions of Highlanders. I will probably do one for Mars and two for Earth/Venus/Earthin. I need to get additional troops, preferably marching ones. I like those poses a lot for stand based gaming. One more thing to add to the Historicon shopping list, I suppose.

Last thought for now: in future, I am going to be adding a rare earth magnet into the base of the figures. That way I can put them on small metal movement trays to speed up play.

Emerald Racing Team Ready for Historicon Race Day

2011-06-21T04:26:00.004-05:00

With only a few weeks to go before Race Day, the Emerald Racing team has finished work on their first scudder. You can see photostats of the racer being put through time trials below.

[Editor's Note: This is the Skyrunners racing game craft I bought at Historicon last year. I plan on using it as a light airship in wargaming as well. It is made by Parroom Station, and can be had via Brigade Games. I came in third last year using one of Bob Charrette's scudders. I hope that my own racer will move a bit faster, turn a bit tighter, and avoid doing quite so much swooping up and down, thus earning the nickname "Vomit Comet."]

New Khaki Uniform Approved for Cytherean Use

2011-06-20T16:26:00.001-05:00

The Horse Guards has approved issue of a new uniform for British troops bound for the tropical jungle climate of Venus. Officially designated as the Cytherean Pattern uniform, the color is not the traditional redcoat for Tommy Atkins. Instead, the cloth is specially treated cotton, which refuses to take further dyeing, and remains a drab khaki color. However, the special treatment of the fabric does enabloe it to withstand the rigors of the Cytherean jungle, and it is estimated that the uniforms will last a full three times longer than current issue on Venus. The savings in shipping costs alone will pay for the new issue.

Below, you can see a few examples of the new uniform as it is being tried out in the field for the first time.

Officer's Kit

NCO and Other Ranks

As you can see, the uniform seems to be wearing well. Troops have also appreciated the cooler aspect of the light cotton cloth as compared to the usual tunic. Officers have commented that the khaki color actually is better suited to aiding in concealment on the Veiled Planet, though why any of our stout boys need to conceal themselves is quite beyond this journalist!

[Editor's Note: These are some Old Glory (I think) 25s that I bought, already painted, along with some other items from eBay. They have been sitting collecting dust for over a year until I decided that they might work on Venus, if not on Earth or Mars, where the redcoat still identifies one as a British soldier of the Queen. All I have done is add some stuff to the bases to match my other Cytherean troops of the German, Lizardman and Varduvian varieties.]

Progress on the HMSW Gargantua

2011-06-19T14:15:00.001-05:00

Colonel O'Truth has been a very busy man, working on a second - and much larger - walker. The engine is complete now, and he's posted photos of his progress. You can see one here, but for the rest, you'll need to go to his blog

Calling all Submitters...

2011-06-19T00:25:00.003-05:00

The Aethergraph needs you!

I need about three more pages worth of material to finish the next issue. If you have anything, please, let me know!

Email me at aethergraph@gmail.com.

WTNW - The Emperor's Siege Pogoda

2011-06-16T09:56:00.000-05:00

The ArmChair General: WTNW - The Emperor's Siege Pogoda

Highlander Studios Previews Space 1889 15mm

2011-06-13T15:31:00.001-05:00

If you were not aware, Highlander Studios is working with Frank Chadwick to provide a new line of Space 1889 figures in 15mm. This is HUGE news for me and the VSF community in general. Roderick Campbell is sculpting them, and has put a few preview photos up on his blog, which you, dear reader, can access by clicking here.

Having looked them over, I thought I would share a few thoughts. The opinions are my own, and worth what you paid for them.

The minis are a nice clean sculpt. That's a BIG plus.
I'm not a fan of the gasmask for troops on Mars, especially in the Space 1889 setting.
I do like the Martini-Simmons Quickfiring rifle.
I don't 'get' the second figure pictured. Big, armored, full mask, with a pistol and some sort of backpack-powered weapon. Not feeling it.
I really like the adventurer types in the last photo. And the ideas of adding more.

In all, I would probably not buy the British soldier shown, because of the gasmask. Other than that, it is a very nice figure, and I would be interested in non-masked versions. Go ahead and mark me down for the adventurer pack. Still looking forward (eagerly!) to the Kraag Martians.

So, if Frank or Roderick are out there, listening, here are my requests, in order of preference:

Kraag Martians
Gashants and rumeet breehr
Lizardmen armed with guns, and possibly in some form of uniform pieces (fez?)
Steppe Nomad Martians / Hill Martians

The Research Platoon Finished at last!

2011-06-12T17:55:00.001-05:00

Well, virtually finished. All that is left is some touch-up work on the flame-projectionist. For those of you that haven't been following this blog for years, the Research Platoon is attached to the Research and Development Department of the Royal Artillery. They are the brave chaps who actually carry the sometimes temperamental devices invented by the boffins in the labs out for actual field service. All in Her Majesty's Service, of course. And the extra hazardous duty pay doesn't hurt recruitment, either.

At any rate, the establishment is ten men, including one officer, an NCO, and eight other ranks. The men are primarily armed with a Photon Emission Rifle, though you will often find someone armed with more exotic fare: a portable Congreve Launcher, a Flame Projector, and a Caloric Ray Emitter.

More New Victoriana from Foundry

2011-06-10T13:55:00.001-05:00

I really like Foundry's models, in general. I really do. I just think they tend to be a bit too pricey. However, there are a few new packs that I am extremely tempted to purchase for my VSF games.

[Photos from Foundry website. Used w/o permission. If you own the rights and wish me to remove, just let me know.]

These figures just shout to be used as character models, armed civilians, that sort of thing. The other new packs (some have been out for a bit, but still...) also include constables, merchants, gentlemen and ladies, street urchins, ne'er-do-wells and "women of negotiable virtue." Most of them are equally useful, and I am considering the armed constables especially. Mix in some of the VSF types from Lead Adventure, and they would make a good unit for defending Her Majesty's property.

Artwork Unveiled!

2011-06-03T12:47:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Rob over at The Armchair General, publishers of When the Navy Walked, I have the world premiere exclusive peek at some new artwork included in the new printing of the When the Navy Walked Core Rules. I think it looks great!

Americans at the Charge!

The Kaiser's Dread Tod Kontraptions: Mechanickal Terrors!

New content, here first.

For Fans of Aerial Warfare

2011-06-01T00:56:00.001-05:00

Here is an interesting telephonic connection location to peruse: Dirigibles and Dreadnoughts. While it is sadly not a very active sort of place, there are some lovely things to see there. For example, this German torpedo cruiser, built by the owner of the site:

Odd sort of cloud cover below that cruiser, what?

Sights from Comicpalooza

2011-05-31T00:35:00.001-05:00

To be honest, these were only a few of the many excellent steampunk costumes at the Comicpalooza convention held in Houston over the Memorial Day weekend. I was there primarily to take part in my first (and last) Field of Glory Ancients tournament. Even so, I thought these few photos I managed to snap were worth the sharing.

There were literally dozens of others in fine costumes - I just had very little time to take photos.

Airship Project, stage 1

2011-05-30T23:35:00.000-05:00

I am currently working on about a dozen projects, as usual. This one has stalled temporarily as I try to figure out how to make a few details work the way I want them. However, I thought I would throw out one tantalizing photo.

As you can probably tell, the basic gasbag enclosure and rudder vanes come from the Denny's shipyards. Obviously there is a good deal of painting to be done, the weapons systems (including the massive spinal mount Tesla cannon!), engines, and gondolas need attachment as well. But it is at least started.

I also finished another vehicle recently, a steam picket boat, with a quick firing 4-inch gun in the bow. She was laid down by Peter Pigg, and purchased second hand through connections in the telephonic differencing interchange. I think she'll look good on either the canals of Mars or on one of the myriad waterways of Venus. Gadzooks, she'd even be at home back on Old Earth.

Interchangeable flag - easy swap from British to German to French. An otherwise very neutral paintjob.

Conflict on Mars!

2011-05-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

The first supplement to When the Navy Walked is now available as a PDF from Wargames Vault. Entitled When the Navy Walked: Conflict on Mars!, the new book adds details on the setting, some new rules for aerial combat and weather, two new unit types (Creatures and Behemoths), additional races, new scenarios, more armies and new Edges and Flaws that can be used in any game of When the Navy Walked... That's an awful lot of stuff to pack into one book!

I am the editor for this product (as well as the second edition of the Core Rules), and honestly, I think we did an even better job with this first supplement than the Core Rules. Not that there was anything really wrong with the Core Rules! But, I keep noticing minor imperfections that just make my editor's soul cringe. I haven't gotten my copy of the final product of Conflict on Mars!, with art and everything in it yet, but I have seen a few peeks and previews of it, and it should be a great product.

Under the weather

2011-05-10T20:51:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the lack of posting for the last several days. The truth is, Yours Truly has been a bit under the weather, as they say. Still not feeling top shape, but I think that reports of my impending demise are an exaggeration at this point.

A bit of interesting stuff has arrived in the post over the last few days.

First of all, I received three additional 40K Epic Termites. These models include three parts: a large carrier vehicle, a mounted Termite, and an emerging Termite. The termites themselves are burrowing vessels. I plan to use them for my 6mm When the Navy Walked project. With four of them now, I can assign one per base of infantry and have a full battalion of subterranean capacity. They paint up fairly quick, but I am back logged at the moment, trying to work off a few 15mm Thirty Years War figures.

Second, I got a good deal on some MageKnight figures. Nine each of the Iron Lungs and the Soaring Gunner mechanical dragonflies. If I remember correctly, that means I have enough to do both units. What units? Well, the Iron Lungs are going to be aether-ready boarding parties. Equipped with air tanks and protective armor, they are ready to issue forth. They will also be quite useful against the dreaded Black Gas Projector used by Professor Maton's diabolical forces, as they are immune to the poisonous vapours. The mechanical dragonflies will need new riders. I am not sure which nation to put them with yet. If Parroom Station had some Masked Minion cavalrymen, I'd try to special order a squad of them. As it is, I may have to go with one of the more conventional colonial 28mm figures and put them on. Perhaps one of the RAFM figures - I believe they are sold seperately. Sure of it, in fact!

Finally, I got a pair of Privateer Press's Grundback Gunner Warjacks. These are for the Warmachine game. I am thinking they will do duty as either really big 6mm or rather large 15mm self-propelled guns on bipedal walker chassis. Again, not sure of the faction. Currently they are green. I will certainly do some repainting, but I kind of like the scheme. I could certainly add them to the German forces on Venus or Earth without much bother. Just need a bit of trim, and national ensigns.

See what I mean about being a little too plain?

Popular Mechanicks, Issue #4

2011-05-03T03:47:00.004-05:00

We have recently been provided evidence of the existence, description and photostatic evidence of a new terror weapon. It has apparently been developed secretly in the American West by a German ex-patriate. This German, a Doktor Schleissbaum, seems to have done little more than use the infernal device to terrorize the town of Leadwood briefly, and engage in some knavish behavior. A peeping Tom, of all things!

Our information was provided by Colonel O'Truth. You may learn more of his endeavours here.

New Space: 1889 Minis Coming Soon

2011-05-02T15:40:00.000-05:00

According to Frank Chadwick, the creator of the iconic Victorian Science Fiction setting Space: 1889, a new line of miniatures will be produced for the game.

Actually, two lines. One, in 15mm (HOORAY!), for adventurers, and another, in 1:1200, for cloudships, etc. I certainly hope that we will finally see 15mm High Martians on the market as part of this new line. I need them. I need them or I will explode. That happens to me sometimes.

Here's the link to the straight dope.

I May Blush.

2011-05-01T20:50:00.003-05:00

I am extremely proud to announce that Victoria's Boys in Red has been nominated twice for the "Stylish Blogger" Nominations. I am sure there are blogs out there that will collect more (in fact, I believe one of my nominators has garnered three nominations so far!), but for me this is most gratifying. I've always treated my blog as a fun little add-on to my gaming, and a way to share ideas with my fellow VSF nuts out there, but really, I am honored to be chosen for an award. Especially since I have felt that my blog entries of late have lacked a lot of panache.

The Stylish Blogger Award is given from one blogger to another. A sort of "attaboy" from your fellow enthusiasts, I suppose. It's definitely a viral, zombie-like spread of goodwill so it's too good to pass up. I was awarded mine last week, and have been thinking a little on who to nominate myself. There are four rules:

Thank and link back to the person giving you the award
Share seven things about yourself
Select 10-15 blogs who you think deserve this award
Contact these bloggers and let them know about the award

1. In response to my nominators:

The two bloggers that nominated me for the award are Eli from I See Lead People and Ruardih from The Ooh Shiny Complex. I See Lead People has over 200 followers now, and is a great place to cadge a few ideas. I even have posting privileges there! The Ooh Shiny Complex is also full of a variety of topics, as, like me, the owner seems totally incapable of focus in his efforts. But his wanderings are brilliant, so I suppose we can forgive him that small foible (as if we weren't all like that).

2. Seven Things About Me:

I teach US History in an economically disadvantaged middle school.
I am a recent (2 years now) convert to the Catholic Church.
I love Doctor Who (Baker and Tennant), zombies and Star Wars. Han. Shot. First.
I have a semi-rare skin condition and therefore do not go out in the sun without SPF 1 Million - it burns us, my precious!
I have been gaming in one form or another for over 25 years.
I am teaching my sons to drive (15-year-old) and paint (12-year-old).
I think a neat desk is a sign of too little to do.

3. 10-15 blogs to choose:

Wow, this one is hard. I follow a lot of really good blogs, and I would have nominated I See lead People first of them all, and Ooh Shiny Complex as well! But a few of my other choices would have to be (in, mind you, no particular order):

Armored Ink - Run by Sir Alfrik, a man I think is a virtual genius in the terrain and conversion field. Especially for VSF. He has a great ability to see new troops from old minis. Definitely check it out.

Yours In a White Wine Sauce - Possibly the central blog for the VSF genre. As Eli put it, "A great news site for new products, pieces of media or just that cheeky bit of pluck, this is a great blog for steampunks everywhere." Couldn't say it better myself. And the blog title is worthy of a style award all by itself.

Khurasan Miniatures - Yes, it is primarily a commercial for their products. I don't care - I love the blog. Loads of good fluff material for the excellent minis that Khurasan produces. I have probably a hundred of their minis awaiting a turn on the paint table.

Dampf's Modelling Page - Loads of great wargaming material here, especially if you like stuff that is just a half a bubble off from history. Tony, the Dampfpanzerwagon himself (it means steamtank, by the way), has some good stuff, and he tends to back his projects with some storyline. Which is what I like!

VSF and 15mm Wargaming - Are you noticing a trend, here, folks? I follow a lot of VSF-themed blogs.

Dropship Horizon - What Yours In a White Wine Sauce is for VSF, I think Dropship Horizon does for 15mm Sci-fi. This is the starting point for any 15mm Sci-Fi, with gobs of photos and reviews of products. There are other good 15mm sci-fi blogs; for my vote, this one is the best.

The Armchair General - This one I was slightly conflicted on nominating. Not because it isn't a dashed good blog, because it is! No, I was conflicted because I am connected to this blog by way of working on When the Navy Walks. So, I opted for full disclosure and a nomination.

Steampunk Scholar - Run by a Canadian university English professor, this blog details his work and passion for defining steampunk as a literary genre. You can get gobs of good book ideas from it. And books lead to new ideas, I find, so it spurs a lot of creativity.

One More Gaming Project - This blog is produced by Chris Palmer, one of the creators of one of my favorite gaming rulessets, GASLIGHT. Lots of neat stuff here, as well. I especially like his Aeronef landing zones.

Rule 4: I will be notifying the recipients of my nominations tonight and tomorrow.

For the record, this is what Eli said about this blog. It darned near made me blush. Thanks buddy!

Victoria's Boys in Red - Another blog brought to you by a buddy of mine, VBIR is a great blog that shows off one man's brilliant vision of his VSF universe. Mr. Womack presents to you bits and pieces collected from all corners of the miniatures market recruited into his own world. But it's not just about miniatures at VBIR. There are great bits of background material detailing the troops, creatures, equipment and background of Mr. Womack's universe.

Royal Nuptials

2011-04-29T14:45:00.002-05:00

Anyone who follows this blog has probably figured out that I am an unapologetic Anglophile. Perhaps it should be a Britophile, as I do not reserve my affection solely for the English, but include Irish, Scots and Welsh as well.

However, as a latter-day Loyalist, I wish to express my happiness at the wedding of HRH Prince William and HRH Princess Catherine. May they share many years of wedded bliss.

Beware the Zyklops!

2011-04-25T06:31:00.000-05:00

Fresh from the Kaiser's favorite fabrikwerks, the massive Zyklops class trundles forth to crush any resistance to his Imperial will!

The Zyklops is the first capital unit in production for the When the Navy Walked game. Technically scaled for 15mm, I am thinking it would still work as a truly massive land dreadnought for my 6mm project. ther is very little I like better than the ability to cut across scales, saving me time, money and paint!

It is available for sale through JTFM Enterprises, for C$35, a little more in USD.

Last of the Warmachine Thoughts

2011-04-25T01:11:00.003-05:00

At least for now.

A few years ago, Privateer Press and Gale Force Nine worked together to produce some impressive prepainted and ready out-of-the-box terrain pieces for the Warmachine game. I don't know what happened, but they have stopped working together and the pieces are no longer in production. However, you can get them from the secondary market.

The Storm Research Station seems to be a good choice for anyone fielding a mad science or automaton force. That was always what I wanted it for, at any rate.

For the most part, I don't like the Cryx faction. But this piece screams to me for use as the 'handwavium'-fueled power reactor for an entire settlement or fort. An awesome objective piece of terrain. "The generators will be down momentarily. You may commence your assault."

The last piece here is a massive cannon. Really big. Good for a Verne Cannon in VSF. Again, primarily a piece of objective terrain. I have a different version made by JR Miniatures, if I remember correctly. Much less expensive, if not as nice.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T01:43:00.002-05:00

Christ is risen!

Family, friends, food, fun... I hope your Easter includes these all. but always remember the reason for the joy: our Lord and Savior has conquered death and sin for us.

We'll see you tomorrow!

More Privateer Ideas

2011-04-23T21:56:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I mentioned looking through Privateer Press's Warmachine minis online. Well, I wanted to bring a particular piece to your attention: the Cygnar faction's massive "battle engine", the Storm Strider.

Photo from Privateer Press Website (used w/o permission)

By 'massive,' I mean you should consider that the base is 120mm in diameter. The size of a CD. BIG. the pricetag is commensuratingly big: $89.99. But this is one big hunk of lead, and sure to dominate any battlefield.

The other factions also have battle engines, but the Khador one is the only other one that just seems very VSF to me. It is known as the "Gun Carriage".

Now, some of you out there may be put off by the horse-drawn nature of the vehicle. But, you could perhaps swap these horses for the steam-horses made by Mage Knight and mentioned elsewhere. Then you would have a mechanickal and steam-powered motive force.

VSF and Horror?

2011-04-22T09:37:00.001-05:00

I was perusing the Privateer Press website, looking at some of their Warmachine models, and considering their usefulness for my VSF games. There are some nice things there, if a bit pricey. I took a peek at the Cryx faction, which I generally don't care for, as a matter of personal taste. But I saw the figures below (picture from the website) and it got me thinking about a horror aspect to VSF gaming.

I originally was looking at the Cryx for possible experimentl subjects for Doctor Vardu, the mad scientist operating secretly out of Venusstaadt IMVSF. Thinking something like Frankenstein's monster or Reanimator - life from death, that sort of thing. I saw these "Drudge Mind Slaves", and thought they looked more like a horrifying mechanical zombie experiment sort of thing. Beyond mere mad science and into true horror, you see.

While it is not an aspect that I think I will be pursuing, I though it an idea worth mentioning here.

Battle of San Jacinto

2011-04-21T01:38:00.009-05:00

Texicans Celebrate

Today is the 49th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, in which the valiant Texican army, outnumbered and ill-equipped, surprised and defeated the invading Mexican Army, led by the despot Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. In a mere eighteen minutes, spurred by their anger over the massacres at Goliad and the Alamo, the Texicans swept the Mexicans from the field.

Later that day, General Santa Anna was captured and signed the Treaties of Velasco, recognizing (in his capacity as President of Mexico) the independence of the Republic of Texas.

Expect a large crowd outside the Texas Legation here in Victoria Landing, enjoying a feast of traditional Texican foods, such as barbecued beef, beans, chilis, and of course, large quantities of beer, whiskey and cider. Fireworks will follow after sunset.

Current Progress

2011-04-17T21:44:00.001-05:00

Just a few quick photos of a few things that I finally got finished.

6mm Walkers

15mm Khurasan Reptilian Hunters

Bluestone Spear, a reptilian hunter

Charges to Glory, a reptilian hunter

This is a head swap I have been working on. I have never done one before, so this is an interesting project. The head comes from Black Pyramid's Tea Wars line. I have about ten more, quite nice. The body is a Mordian. Much cheaper on eBay than Praetorians.

Inspirational Aerial Vehicle Designs

2011-04-14T19:02:00.000-05:00

Just a few shots from the Sky Galleons of Mars Yahoo Group, for inspiration and utter cool factor. If you like VSF airships, aeronefs, or Space 1889, you'll like this.

An Aphid Skin for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Fort Courage, an American Airfort

The Cavalry X-Disk, an Aerial Conveyance

One More Gaming Project: New G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T. Compendium 30 Second TV Spot

2011-04-09T12:46:00.006-05:00

Just something I thought was really neat!

One More Gaming Project: New G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T. Compendium 30 Second TV Spot: "Here is the new 30 second TV spot for the upcoming G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T. Compendium. Sit back and enjoy! Thanks for watching!"

The Gaal, Savage Birdmen of Mars

2011-04-08T17:46:00.000-05:00

The Gaal are a fierce race of bird-like humanoids inhabiting the Red Planet of the universe of When the Navy Walked. Look for them to appear in the upcoming supplement for the game: Conflict on Mars. The artwork is by another friend, Eli Arndt.

Speaking of Old Things...

2011-04-07T13:53:00.001-05:00

well, we weren't but now we are.

My grandmother is 100 years old today.

Weird.

The Colonel Commands Attention

2011-04-02T01:41:00.001-05:00

If you are into VSF, you probably have some British troops. And most of you are making special characters at least from Games Workshop's Warhammer 40K Imperial Guard Praetorians. I know you are, because you are driving the cost of the things up on eBay, curse you all!

Anyway, now that sanity has returned (thank God for modern pharmaceuticals, right?), le tme point you in the direction of a fellow over in the UK that does some absolutely marvelous work with Praetorians. I mean, it's really great stuff. I am planning on ripping off his ideas left, right and center as I get around to certain projects.

That man is Colonel Gravis, commander of the 4th Praetorian Foot. You can find his work here.

As an example, please see the photo I lifted (without asking - sorry, Colonel!) from his journals:

A Praetorian Rocket Trough

Shutting Down the Blog

2011-04-01T10:31:00.003-05:00

Well, folks, it's been fun, but as of today, I will no longer be supporting this blog. Only 37 followers after what, three and a half years? Time to call it quits. I'll leave it open for those that care to check out the archives.

See you on TMP and I See Lead People.

Have a good First of April...

Beautiful Ship Model!

2011-03-31T17:18:00.000-05:00

Oh, you have to check this out!

This is a test model of the new Leviathan for Catlayst Games's airship game. they plan to sell the ships "lightly pre-painted," which apparently means easy to change if you want to do so. I like to think of it as "pre-primered." The ship is nominally in 1:1200 scale, and to quote from their own website:

"this miniature is approximately 13cm in length, 4cm in width (bulging Telsa Trim Tank to bulging Tesla Trim Tank; fins on the back are hair wider than that) and 3.5 cm from keel to the top of the funnels (slightly higher to the top of the antennae"

RUN to their site for more. This looks really sweet, and truely 'leviathan.' I bet that if I flattened the bottom, it would make a truly sweet landship for my 6mm WtNW project, too...

An Interesting Find for Steampunk Clergy

2011-03-31T13:21:00.001-05:00

Thanks to a news item on TMP, I discovered some new minis that might be of interest to VSF and pulp gamers. They are from Germany, and a bit pricey, but look nice. The company is Masquerade Miniatures. Look in the Pillbug City line. Scale is 30mm, nominally. I can't tell how they compare to other lines.

Electro-priest, anyone?

Good one for a Preacher, but not very Catholic

Catholic. But a bit less VSF-y.

This fellow is a candidate for a monstrosity, a la Doctor Moreau.

I hope this small selection is helpful in getting the old creative juices flowing. I still need a good warrior priest for my Papal States. Of course, they are mostly in 15mm at this point, but I could do a 25/28mm set. But these guys are 30mm. Oh, decisions, decisions...

SNIFF I love that new toy smell...

2011-03-28T18:20:00.000-05:00

I arrived home from work this afternoon, after a long and exhausting day, to find not one, but two (joy!) packages awaiting me at home.

The first came from Ironclad Miniatures in the UK. A new steam tank, some Prussians I think will be used as aethermarines, and a couple of officers. One British officer and one Prussian. Well, actually, i got two of the same British officer.

Steam Tank, disassembled.

Prussian aethermarines

Officers: Prussian, left, and British, right

The other package came via a purchase on TMP. The entire boxed set of Sky Galleons of Mars by GDW, complete with ships and a surprise extra! I only paid $50 for this and am extremely happy.

Sky Galleons of Mars!

The Extra

A complete set of RAFM's Space 1889 Victorian Adventurers! I took this photo from RAFM's site; the minis I got were not as nicely painted and show a lot of wear. But they are in good condition, just need new paint! These go for $10/set on RAFM's site, so I got the SGoM for an equivalent $40. And I have always wanted to get some of these figs, so real bonus result!

Nations of Earth: A Listing, circa 1880

2011-03-27T13:49:00.000-05:00

Republic of Texas (The old 1836 republic, plus the fomrer Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua, and Baja California)
British Empire (Pretty much as history, with Canada messed up)
United States of America (much smaller than our history, devastated by the Civil War)
Vancouver Free State (Oregon, Washington and parts of British Columbia)
Quebec (French speaking Canada, politically seperate from the remainign portions of Canada)
Imperial Mexico (Maximillian proved to be popular, as was his adopted Mexican son and heir)
Brazilian Empire (Brazil, an expansionist power in South America)
Empire of California (California, Nevada, Arizona, part of New Mexico)
Papal States (Confed. of Italian States; Rome is capital of Papal States and the Confederation)
Kingdom of Two Sicilies (Confed. of Italian States)
Austro-Hungarian Empire
Republic of Venice (Confed. of Italian States)
Knights of Malta (Confed. of Iitalian States)
Kingdom of Spain
Second Empire of France
German Empire
Kingdom of Piedmont-Savoy (part of Confederation of Italian States)
Kingdom of Hawaii (a close friend of the British, some would say a protectorate)
Russian Empire (Mostly historical, retaining Alaska)
Empire of Japan
Confederacy of Bolivar (a loose confederation of several South American states to resist Brazil)
Ottoman Empire
Union of Kalmar (Sweden, Norway and Denmark; ruler alternates between the three kings)
Theocratic Republic of Deseret (Most of Utha, parts of Idaho and Montana)
New Eire (the Fenian Republic, was once Nova Scotia)

Jayne's Small Arms Review: Pirate Netgun

2011-03-19T12:37:00.018-05:00

Airpirate Netgun

Although non-lethal, this weapon is in widespread use amongst airpirates these days. This is due to the lucrative market in captured Earth females on Mars. Most are sold off to other airpirates for their iniquitous dens. Notihng more than hives of scum and villainy, those places. However, women of quality are most commonly ransomed back to their families, spared the 'fate worse than death' of their maids.

As you can see in the full motion photostat, the range of the insidious device is not great. However, it has proven quite effective at ensnaring young ladies as they flee in their properly modest clothing, which is sadly detrimental to a hasty escape.

Jayne's Small Arms Review: Underslung Gatling

2011-03-18T12:30:00.005-05:00

The PUGG

(Petite Underslung Gatling Gun)

In Full Motion Photostat!

The inventor is believed to be an American. It appears to be in a caliber compatible with common revolver cartridges. The feed system is unknown, and can not be discerned in this full motion photostat. One would imagine that recoil and control would be a serious problem, and that accuracy would be greatly hampered. However, for a close-range deterrent to assault, I believe the PUGG would serve admirably, especially if faced with a small crowd of hostile natives.

What is Victorian Science Fiction?

2011-03-17T01:26:00.000-05:00

My friend Dan asked this question on TMP. I think it an excellent one, bringing a lot of thought, at least on my part. Once upon a time, I used to fuss about with a science fiction roleplaying game called Traveller. One of the things I liked about it was the way everyone who played it had a slightly different version of their universe. They even had - I suppose it still exists, though I haven't had an interest in years - an acronym for the concept: IMTU, or "In My Traveller Universe." I think the same concept can be carried easily across into Victorian Science Fiction as "IMVSF". And so, these are the things that I think define the genre, and my own personal takes on them.

First, the time period. Obviously, the mere name of the genre's inclusion of the term 'Victorian' gives you a range. It's quite a large one: more than sixty years. Personally, I prefer the last half of the era, from the 1860s onward to the turn of the 20th century.

Technologically speaking, I believe that you absolutley must have three things: steam, brass and airships. Add all the rest of it as you like, but these must be included. Of course, I throw in a good many extras. I like steamtanks, for one thing. And large walkers. And automatons. Science runs amok, with mechanickal devices and even a new threat on Venus which I am slowly developing. This may even be an original idea that I have fabricated. However, I have spoken of it elsewhere and am considering using it as a professionally produced setting, so I don't want to elaborate any further upon it at this time.

Geographically, the skies are certainly not the limit. Many of the VSF gamers I know are heavily influenced by the groundbreaking roleplaying game Space 1889. This brings in the idea of the luminiferous aether (a not totally discredited though quite unpopular theory, it turns out), and interplanetary travel with steam powered ships. Colonial imperialism spreads to Mars and Venus. Another strong influence has been Edgar Rice Burroughs's novels, especially regarding Barsoom.

Politically, it seems a very straightforward European-dominated genre. Few players are without British troops, and Germans seem to follow immediately behind. One thing I do find interesting is the profusion of alternate nations. My own Republic of Texas, for example, or Fenian Republics, the Empire of California, and so on. Another common variance to our actual history is in the American Civil War. It is frequently either ongoing or a reversal of outcome. Other real nations are sometimes brought in as well. France, the Ottoman Turks, Russia and even Japan are not uncommonly encountered in many VSF settings. And then there are the Martian native states as well, usually modeled somewhat on the Princely States of the Raj.

Well, those are my thoughts on the matter. As you can see, I have a very broad scope for my ideas IMVSF. Consider that I am also working on four different scales, and the enormity of my VSF projects is dimly glimpsed. Even I am not sure what will eventually be included, but I do know that I have not yet begun to paint all the figures, vehicles and terrain that I need to see it to completion.

Let me know what you think.

New Otto Maton?

2011-03-12T10:49:00.000-06:00

Herr Doktor Maton's Newest Invention

Herr Otto Maton has developed a new suit of power-assisting armor, shown here. We shudder to think what might be the result of this new, devilish equipment's introduction into Maton's mechanickal hordes. He'll certainly be more powerful on the battlefield and faster at repairing any sort of trouble with his large horde of mechanickal minions.

[Editor's Note: This is a March release from Wyrd Miniatures, called Hoffman (as you can see in the photo I swiped from TMP, which was swiped from Wyrd's website). Too cool - he's gonna replace my current Doktor Maton as soon as I can get my hands on him and get him painted up. The current Maton - which is Parroom Station's Automaton Master - will be demoted to chief lieutenant.]

Chronoscope Line Potentials

2011-03-11T01:23:00.002-06:00

I am partial to a lot of the minis that Reaper Miniatures makes. I am especially fond of the Chronoscope line. While checking them out recently, I found the following figures that I just knew would be of interest to my fellow VSF gamers.

The first one is a steam-power armored hero, carrying a big pipe wrench. An excellent servitor for any automaton force in 25mm.

50165: Decker Lugstampf, Steampunk Hero

A classic nightstick-armed Peeler. Useful for RPGs, or scenarios. Probably not much use on a battlefield, but used to conduct the women and children to safety while the troops defend the settlement? I could see that.

50106: British Bobby

While this is ostensibly the ever-loyal companion of Mister Sherlock Holmes, this figure of Doctor Watson would serve well for any armed Victorian (later Victorian) era gentleman.

50060: Doctor John Watson

This is not my favorite clockwork or automaton servitor around. But, it has its own charm, and felt it should be included with the rest of this listing.

50063: Jeeves, Clockwork Robot

I like this little guy. He's quite short, but he looks like something straight out of the old sci-fi pulps. Bubbling beakers? Check! Engorged cranium? Check! Maniacal laugh? Check! And they had a shot of one painted up, so I shared it with you. Painted by Michael Proctor.

50061: Professor L.T. Froschmeister, Scientist

Hope this has been helpful or inspiring to you.

6mm WtNW Project

2011-03-10T09:30:00.001-06:00

Followers of this blog will know that I am involved with the development of the Victorian Science Fiction rules set titled When the Navy Walked. The rules are geared primarily towards 15mm figures, and can be used easily with 25mm figures as well.

One of the many projects on which i am working is adjusting things for 6mm figures. To that end, I have bought some Franco-Prussian War Prussians for Imperial Germans, Mahdists to make Martians, and colonial British for, well, the British. I've also been buying up some 6mm sci-fi and other pieces to make steamtech machinery. I've even posted photos of some of the 6mm Germans and Martians. The British are newly acquired and not yet out of the package even.

One thing I have discovered is that the first bases I put the figures on just does not work for me. I had some FOG bases (40 x 15mm and 40 x 20mm). The bases are too wide. So, I have to rebase them. I think I am going to go with a base half as wide. The good news about that is that I will only use half as many figures per base, so I will double my bases (it's a base-based rather than a figure-based game). I guess I need to get hold of Litko and order some 20x15 and 20x20 bases next.

I will give more progress updates as the project moves forward.

Recently Seen Around the Planets

2011-03-08T21:30:00.001-06:00

Engineers Proudly Unveil New Walker

The peerless science of the Empire has produced a new wonder with which to make the enemies of Her Majesty (God Bless Her!) tremble in their boots. The Cavor-Smythe Three-Legged Steam Walker stalks across the landscape with ease, at a speed no horse can match. Its crew of five are protected from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune by a thick protective layer of armor. Its armament of a steam-powered Gatling gun spray the foe with a hail of lead, wiping them from the field should they be so foolish as to venture forth when this mighty behemoth stalks the battlefield.

Cavor-Smythe Walker

[Black Hat Miniatures, 15mm]

3rd Rhineland Infantry Reg't. No. 29

The 3rd Rhineland Infantry has recently arrived on Venus. They are shown here on field maneuvers just outside the palisade of their camp near Venusstaadt. Herr Kapitan von Gruber wields his sword, encouraging his men forward. I hope that their presence on Venus is merely to suppress the indigenous wildlife and native populations as their foreign ministry has assured the representatives of Her Majesty's Government.

Prussian Infantry

[Black Hat Miniatures, 15mm]

[Editor's Note: There is more stuff on the table right now. If you want to see them, hop on over to The Scattergun Gamer, my other blog. Feels good to be getting a bit of painting accomplished.]

Painting Update, and an Error!

2011-03-07T09:46:00.001-06:00

I made a mistake oh those many years ago when I originally painted the French Legion Extraterrestriale. And it is a dumb one. The trousers should probably be madder red, not white. Which makes even more sense on Mars than it does on Earth. So I probably need to go back and fix that.

Also, look here in the next day or so for photos of the new British tripod walker I finally finished. Finally is an exaggeration - I only got it earlier this month. For me, that's blazingly quick to get to something. I also have a unit of 15mm German line done, with an additional musician. I'm nearly done with the second unit (units of 10). They are easy paint jobs, but I haven't been concentrating my efforts very well.

Alamo Anniversary

2011-03-06T09:46:00.011-06:00

175 years ago, a small group of men defied overwhelming odds in a makeshift fortress outside of San Antonio for thirteen days. In the end, all were killed. Their sacrifice enabled the rest of their army to build, and six weeks later, to win independence for their nation.

Some may call them foolish for not abandoning the Alamo. But no one can doubt their courage.

Work in Progress

2011-02-22T22:36:00.000-06:00

Well, I have finally gotten back to the painting table, at least a bit. Most of what I have to show you today (tonight?) is not finished. Still needs shading, basing, and flat clearcoat, at least.

This is a 15mm Clockwork Trooper by Black Hat Miniatures. I call them Klanktruppen.

They're Prussian. Note the red collar and blue chestplate.

Here are my new 15mm Prussian infantry, also from Black Hat.

I'm pretty happy with them.

This figure is one of a 10-man unit of Martian Archers. From RAFM's Space 1889 Line.

They are done. Finally.

Reginald's Regiments of Renown, Issue #10

2011-02-22T22:05:00.000-06:00

Legion Extraterrestriale

1er Demi-brigade

History

The Legion Etrangèr or Foreign Legion, was created by Louis Philippe, the "King of the French", on 10 March 1831. The direct reason was that foreigners were forbidden to serve in the French Army after the 1830 July Revolution, so the Legion was created to allow the government a way around this restriction. The purpose of the Legion was to remove disruptive elements from society and put them to use fighting the enemies of France. Recruits included failed revolutionaries from the rest of Europe, soldiers from the disbanded foreign regiments, and troublemakers in general, both foreign and French. Algeria was designated as the Legion's home.

In late 1831, the first Legionnaires landed in Algeria, the country that would be the Legion's homeland for 130 years and shape its character. The Legion was primarily used, as part of the Armée d'Afrique, to protect and expand the French colonial empire during the 19th century, but it also fought in almost all French wars including the Franco-Prussian War.

The Legion Extraterrestriale was formed in 1871 from elements of the Foreign Legion for service in the off-world colonies on Mars and Venus. The Legion originally consisted of two demi-brigades of four battalions each, with one DBLE (Demi-brigade Legion Extraterrestriale) assigned to each planet, and a recruiting and training cohort on Earth. In 1875, a third demi-brigade was authorized for service as security in the highport of the three French aetherports and as special aether-equipped boarding parties. 1er DBLE is stationed on Mars, headquartered with the rest of the Armee d'Mars in Nouveau Paris, the capital of the French colony.

Just as the original Legion accepted anyone, regardless of their nationality, religion, color or, shall we say, less-than-lawful past, so does the new Legion Extraterrestriale. Men who are desperate to escape their past may easily be forgotten, taken off-world to march or die in the service of La Belle France.

Combat History

The 1er DBLE has been involved in several border clashes with the colony's neighbors, including the British Crown Colony and German Marskolonie. However, the main antagonist for the French are the desert dwelling natives which raid the colony from time to time. In this, the Legion Extraterrestriale has much in common with the Foreign Legion.

A company of 1er DBLE was involved in the First Battle of Ghola, along with a steam walker for support. The captain of that detachment won the day by personally cutting down the Martian commander of a larger contingent of the famed Emerald Legion and retrieving the priceless antiquities found in the ancient temple at Ghola.

Other portions of the demi-brigade have been involved in patrolling the frontiers and manning small outposts in remote areas along the edges of the Martian desert. One trouble the legionnaires often must contend with in these isolated posts is le cafard, the 'bug.' The intense psychological strain of such isolation for weeks or months causes some men to lose their minds, commiting acts of desperate violence. Legion units in extended garrison always lose more men to le cafard than to combat. The textbook solution for le cafard is a rifle, and plenty of opportunity to use it.

Uniform

The standard uniform of a legionnaire is, in most respects, identical to that of the Foreign Legion, consisting primarily of a white shirt and white fatigue trousers. A blue capote is worn over the shirt, and a light blue sash as well. Cloth or leather gaiters are worn over low black boots.

The most iconic piece of the Legion uniform is the white kepi. The kepi is a type of cap with a flat circular top and short visor and a neckcloth. The history of the white kepi can be traced back to Africa where it was first worn by French soldiers in their Africa posting to protect them from the hot desert sun. It was adopted by the Legion Etrangèr while they served in North Africa, and passed on to the Legion Extraterrestriale.

Other than regimental distinctions, the primary difference between the two Legions' uniforms is the badge on the kepi. The Foreign Legion wears a grenade badge with five plumes of flame. The Legion Extraterrestriale's cap badge is a three-plumed grenade on a five-pointed star.

Officers wear the same uniform as enlisted men with two major distinctions: a red-topped kepi and gold epaulettes. Also, they are equipped with sword and pistol rather than the enlisted man's rifle and bayonet.

Armament

   Legionnaire infantry carry the French service rifle, 120 rounds, and a bayonet. Until last year, that rifle was the Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 M80, an 11mm caliber bolt-action rifle. In 1886, the Lebel Model 1886 replaced the Gras. The Lebel is an 8mm rifle with an 8-round tubular magazine and bolt-action, firing a new smokeless powder round. Officers carry the MAS 1873 revolver and the Model 1882 Infantry sword, a straight bladed weapon.

   Legion artillery support is provided by the De Bange 90 mm cannon (Mle 1877). At this time, in large part to the mitralleuse debacle in the last war with Prussia, the French Army has not procured a machinegun for service, although it is considering adoption of the Hotchkiss model.

   It is rumored that the Imperial Ordinance Commission is secretly developing weapons similar to the British Tesla rifle, the reciprocating carbine, and the portable mortar. At this time, no reliable information about these developments exists.

Texican Camp on Venus

2011-02-16T16:06:00.001-06:00

Our good friends and allies the Texicans have shared some information on the construction techniques of their Venusian outpost. Due to constant rain and frequent torrential downpours leading to flash flooding, each of the huts being constructed has been raised several feet above the ground on stout wooden pilings.

Typical SET Hut

It has been quite a while since we last heard from our friend Sergeant Cox of the Republic Marines' Engineers, but this fits within the descriptions he has provided on prior occassions.

[Editor's Note: The photo is from Acheson Creations. I am considering buying three or so of these to make the Texican camp on Venus. They also make some nice-looking Meso_american and Egyptian stuff that I would probably use for lizardmen construction. I have a few projects to work on first, though. But I thought they were neat, so I shared. Oh, and the reason we haven't heard much from the ol' Gunny Cox is that his creator, my buddy Jim, has been swamped with schoolwork the last few months.]

Science Gone Mad!

2011-02-15T01:59:00.001-06:00

The photostats below are indications of many future troubles from Science Gone Awry. The first image is of a devilish new device from that mechanickal madman, the master of steam mayhem, the Mad Belgian, herr Doktor Professor Otto Maton. Through some cunning means, Maton has managed to enable an automaton to balance on a single wheel of India rubber. The resulting 'monowheel' device has unprecedented speed and agility - faster than the fleetest Arabian, and as surefooted as a mountain goat! And to top it off, the thing appears to be armed with Tesla rifles, reducing recoil to maintain stability at speed!

This second photostat is of a development even more disturbing than the first: deliberate mutilation of the human frame. The photo was found in the camera of a missing correspondent to this journal, one Mister Kevin O'Doyle. A reward for information leading to his rescue or the apprehension of his abductors and/or murderers is offered. The camera was discovered in a pile of trash behind a ramshackle warehouse in the downport of the Venusstadt Kolonie. We believe that the limb in the hands of the great monster was that of our missing correspondent. Sadly, it appears that the damage the camera took has affected the color and clarity of the image. Still... horrifying.

[Editor's Note: Okay, I got a little clicky crazy here. The monowheel is a BattleTech clicky monocycle. A dash of paint and a rebase and its good to go. Just need a few more to make a full unit. They can be used for any of three scales, being large vehicles in 6mm, full scale automatons in 15mm, and small ones in 25mm. The big fella is a Lucahdor from HorrorClix. He's getting some greenstuff to adjust his tights to a loincloth and primitive boots, and the arm in his hands may get replaced as well. The paint job will convert to a more Frankenstein's monster kind of look. The idea is that he's an experiment by Vardu. The news doesn't know about it because Vardu's evil has yet to be uncovered. Our correspondents keep disappearing when they get close to discovering the truth.]

In Celebration

2011-02-14T10:59:00.002-06:00

of the holiday, no further posting to this blog today.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Prussian Line

2011-02-11T16:15:00.000-06:00

6th East Prussian Regiment Nr. 43:

Deploying to Venus?

Reports have been filtering in via aethrgraphic relay that a new regiment of German Imperial troops is mobilising for departure to the Venusstadt garrison. This regiment, the 6th East Prussian Regiment (Nr. 43) has for years been brigaded with the elite 1st Grenadier Regiment (Kronprinz). The increase in German presence on the Jungle Planet is worrying for Her Majesty's government. Sadly, the militaristic history of the German Empire leads many to believe the worst of them and their motives.

To date, it is known for certain that the regiment has been practicing aethership loading andaether-transport drills. It is the sincere hope of this journal that the Hun is not thinking of reaching his dirty paws out to grab for territory rightly belonging to Her Britannic Majesty (God Bless Her!) on Venus or elsewhere in the System. Though surely he would receive a well-earned thrashing, the expenditure of gold and blood on such a venture would be unfortunate for the Empire.

[Editor's Note: Jingoistic as it may be, I do have some Prussians coming off the painting table soon. A good twenty of them hav ebeen started, and are nearing completion, but the hour got late last night ere I could complete the task. Perhaps tomorrow, as tonight I have other nefarious plans.]

A Competitor for Your Attentions!

2011-02-10T10:12:00.000-06:00

Ladies and gentlemen, I know that I need not warn you to pay no heed to the incoherent ramblings of the banal and barely literate authors of this journal's newest competitor. Who are they? Well, they call themselves "For Queen and Country, or Manifest Larceny." Started by someone callking himself Chad Thorsson. Obviously an attempt to blame his sick rantings on our noble Scandinavian friends.

Surely this flimsy excuse for journalism will fold soon. So you should, if you are one of those inclined to view wreckage, immediately proceed to their telephonic differencing engine location before the authorities shut them down.

[Editor's Note: No good can be said about them. But if you want more VSF-y goodness, I suppose it might be worth venturing over there, briefly, before returning here for news and entertainment of real value. *grin*]

Popular Mechaniks, Issue #3

2011-02-07T10:30:00.001-06:00

August, 1915

Crafty British Build Low Cost Gunship

Due to wartime economies, His Majesty's Government has developed a low-cost alternative to the more traditional but expensive airship. The new Dirigible Gunship, pictured below, is filled with H+, an artificially created lighter-than-air gas which is totally non-flammable. The design will also permit the Empire to extend its supply of unobtainite for heavier craft.

RAF Dirigible Gunship

The new gunship is capable of travelling for extended distances, with an impressive load of bombs and defensive armaments. It also has the advantage of being aethertransportable, and so can be produced here on Earth at the heart of the industrial might of the British Empire, packed and shipped to the offworld colonies on Mars and Venus, to batter the Hun!

[Editor's Note: This model is from Hanger 18 FASA's"Sky Kings" range. There are other impressive models there as well. Designed for a Weird War II setting, it seems, they are still very useful for an earlier period with enough handwaving. The model in question is 70mm long, and retails for $3.75. Since the decals are 1/285 according to their website, I assume the vehicles are supposed to come in about that size as well. I plan to use it for my 6mm WtNW force, and possibly the larger German one as well. Boy, is my pocket book running away from me!]

Snow Day, 2011

2011-02-04T14:21:00.001-06:00

Wow. I have a day off because of 'snow.' In Houston, Texas. Heck, south of Houston. And no snow at all fell around my house. There was some ice overnight and early this morning, so probably a good idea to keep the school buses off the roads. And since I am a school teacher, that meant I have the day off, too! So what to do with an unexpected day off? Well, let's see...

For those of you who are unaware, I am involved in helping to develop When the Navy Walked, a set of rules for VSF games.

50164: XAIRobots (3) ($9.99)

Kevin Williams

I found a pack of these guys in the half-price bin of a dealer at OwlCon. They are from the Chronoscope line produced by Reaper. I thought they looked just perfect for some giant walkers to go with my 6mm forces for When the Navy Walked. I like the rules best for bigger battles, and that's why I am doing a 6mm setup for them.

Anyway, they aren't painted yet because it's too cold to prime them at the moment - I am afraid the spray would freeze before it hit the mini, it being only about 28 degrees in my garage at the moment. Haven't quite decided what kind of paint scheme I am going to go for with them. I thought I might make them for at least two of the different European empires, probably Great Britain and Imperial Germany. But do them in something like national colors, camouflage, or metallic? The really big one might be fun for Russians, but I haven't decided if I am going to try to reproduce them in 6mm. I do want to do them in 25mm, at least partly because of some really inspirirng work by Sterling Moose on the forces of His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Nikolas II, on Lead Adventure Forum.

The Blue Regiment

I'm also trying to get some painting of my own accomplished today. I can't work on the Whirlifliegers remaining to be done, because I can't prime them. I am working on some Empress British figures and trying to finish off the ten RAFM Martian archers.

I also ordered some more minis from Scale Creep, the Black Hat Prussians, mostly. Needed more 15mm Germans. A platoon of Aetherbattalion is nice, but I need some regular Line troops. I've also been on eBay, the black and dirty shame of it all...

I also have to get to work on some editing, and do some work on the Aethergraph. Speaking of which - I NEED SUBMISSIONS! I'll take anything you have VSF related. Even if its just a character description. Or some odd techno-device you use in your VSF universe.

Popular Mechanicks, Issue #2

2011-02-01T09:48:00.002-06:00

New Armored Aethersuits Rumored!

Rumors of a new armoured suit for aetherial exploration are beginning to surface. Originally developed for undersea exploration and salvage operations, the self-contained air-breathing system would also work in the Aether. These suits would allow our brave Royal Aethermarines to more safely board enemy vessels while in transit between Earth, Mars and Venus.

Pictured above is the Iron Lung Mk. I Undersea Exploration suit. Our inside sources at Horse Guards and the Royal Artillery tell us that a second model is being built at this time, optimized for use in the aether. The biggest stumbling block is the development of a suitable propulsion system. Due to limitations of oxygen supply, the power source will most likely have to be handwavium. The scarcity of that strategic mineral will, naturally, limit the number of suits that Her Majesty's forces will be able to construct. Trials are hoped to begin this spring, with the first operational suits perhaps being ready for issue in the summer.

[Editor's Note: I just stumbled upon these Mage Knight figures. My immediate thought was VSF Divers! Then I thought, oh wait, they would be perfect (with the addition of a propulsion pack) for boarding parties in the Aether. So, I have ordered some on eBay. No one else may steal this idea until I have obtained 10 of them, though. Bid against me and suffer my wrath! I think the conversion will be a short and simple one: new base, weapon swap, some sort of propulsion unit on the back. Done. Handwavium powered, of course!]

AAR: 15 January, Gunderbad

2011-01-28T12:29:00.001-06:00

Gunderbad - The sleepy farming hamlet of Gunderbad, in the Jasheen District of the Crown Colony was violently woken last Saturday by the crash of gunfire. A recent eruption of unobtainite just east of the settlement was the object of an attack by that vile fiend, Herr Doctor Professor Otto Maton, the Belgian Mechanickal Maniac. Fortunately, the good townsfolk of Gunderbad had reported the eruption to the appropriate authorities in the Ministry of Strategic Minerals at Government House in Victoria Landing, and troops were already onsite to defend the unobtainite.

Maton led the attack with his usual horde of automated contraptions: steam spiders, hoverbots, and serv-a-tons. But he also unveiled some new horrors in the conflict: steam turtles, piloted armor suits, and a mechanickal giant of fearsome aspect. Thankfully for our gallant boys, the steam-powered menaces were not reliable, and slowed their own advances. [In the first turn, misfortune strikes the Automatons as the hoverbots malfunction right away and tear into the half jacks. The steam spiders retreat instead of advancing.] Our valiant redcoats, stalwart sepoys and a platton of Texican allies bravely held their line against the foe, using artillery to somewhat thin the enemy ranks. [Two shots, one from the Bonnie Prince Charlie and one from a 7-pdr. Both hit their targets, and destroy a few automatons, but the shot on the Giant bounces off harmlessly.]

With his mechanickal devices malfunctioning, the Mad Genius and his assistant, the mysterious Oriental woman known as Yuki Ono, sprinted about the battlefield trying to reprogram their servants' Babbage engines. The great giant remained steady, and fired it's awesome cannon at the puny humans across the field. Thankfully, it missed! More malfunctioning units again slowed the advance of Science!, and the only reliable troops Maton fielded march forward (the two platoons of minions and the midget-piloted half jacks). Steady in the face of the onslaught, many of our valiant defenders were laughing themselves silly as the dreaded mechanickals continued to malfunction, well beyond effective rifle range. [Yet more malfunctioning automatons, though the original problems were solved. Still out of rifle range, the two human artillery pieces traded fire, and Jack the Giant missed again.]

With his minions finally under control, the advancing metal horde reached rifle range. A series of volleys by platoon rang out, felling some of the diabolical machines. The giant landed a shrapnel round on the Texicans, killing two of the steady lads. At the far right of the British line, a troop of lancers charged into the fray, attacking the remnants of the half jack squad with their armour-piercing explosive lances. In turn, they were hit in the flank by the remaining hoverbots (seriously depleted by rifle and artillery fire). In moments, the last of the half jacks was scrapped, the final hoverbot downed, and the lancers fell to the last man, covered in blood, oil and everlasting glory!

More trouble awaited the Automaton horde. Still confused, the steam spiders halted in the midst of an open plain, sitting ducks for the crew of the 7-pdr field gun. When the smoke cleared, only one remained. The human Minions of Maton finally approached rifle range and fired at the Texicans, killing all but three of them and breaking their spirit momentarily. The Texicans fled the line, but in their panic, wandered into the No Man's Land between the armies, masking a platoon of sepoys! An armour piercing shell from the Giant did for the Bonnie Prince Charlie, and more rifle fire seriously hurt a squad from the 23rd Foot, killing their officer. Finally, on the British left, several automatons were approaching the line, with calculating mayhem clicking through their whirring mechanickal brains.

The last of the steam spiders spat venom on the Texicans, felling two, and causing their final fellow to retire from the field to report to the Republic's emissary. The vicious machine's triumph was short lived, however, as the fire of an entire platoon of Martian sepoys was directed upon it, smashing it into bits. On the left, the serv-a-tons reached the sepoys behind their wall, and red ruin resulted! The great Giant, so deadly before, was in need of adjustment following a telling blow that rang off its armoured hide. It wandered aimlessly for several minutes as the battle wound down. Volleys lashing out from British troops hidden in the buildings of the town scourged the remaining Minions of Maton. At this point, the Doctor and his mysterious assistant from the East took the better part of valour, and departed the field. No doubt, we shall hear from him again!

[Editor's Note: We played using Battles by GASLIGHT. Normally, the club doesn't do non-historicals, but with only a few folks showing up (and me with virtually all the lead!), the few chose to play a light hearted game of mayhem. The after action report was favorable, though it is considered that some adjustments will be needed to the Automatons - every unit succumbed to bugs at one point or another.]

Looking back to 2010

2011-01-13T13:05:00.001-06:00

This time of year, it is common practice to look back over the previous annum, and consider how one could have done a better job at, well, whatever it is you do. For me, that means a few things: Husband, daddy, teacher, gamer. As far as the first three go, I do a great job. In my not so humble opinion.

Regarding gaming, however, it was a very hit-or-miss kind of year. I started off fairly strong with painting, really through until about April or May. Since then, virtually no painting of consequence has been accomplished. For wargaming, I went to Historicon, and got in a good half dozen games or so. One big convention, one small one (OwlCon, here in Houston). Made several monthly games with my local group, though not one VSF game. They lean rather strongly towards historicals, especially Ancients, lately. Writing wise, I did no real writing, but I have made some strong contributions to a new line of wargames rules as editor for The ArmChair General. Plus, I did get out two issues of The Aethergraph. And for the last major category of my gaming hobby, we come to roleplaying. Which we finished off the year fairly strongly, with a new D&D 3.5 campaing underway since September.

So, looking forward for 2011, what are my goals? I think it's important to set goals, as guidelines for a scope of work if nothing else. So, what are they?

Painting (VSF only): Finish Automaton army in both 15 and 25 mm. Finish British infantry in 25mm.
Writing: Write at least one chapter a month in the book, and edit at least three projects with ACG.
Publishing: Get out three issues of The Aethergraph.
Gaming: Make at least one convention, plus 8 monthly meetings.
RPG: Get players to the Isle of Dread so they can get eaten by dinosaurs.
Blog: At least one post per week for each of my two blogs.

I think these are realistic and achieveable goals. Only time will tell. Stick around, and see where we go, or check things out at The Scattergun Gamer.

When The Navy Walked Reviewed

2011-01-12T16:04:00.001-06:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

From time to time, I like to point my readers in the direction of interesting finds regarding things that might affect the good people of the Crown Colony. In this case, it is a cultural connection, a review of a new form of entertainment. This is part one of a multipart review by an independent third party, who has no connection that I am aware of to the development of When the Navy Walked. Find it here, at a gentleman named Porky's electrojournal.

Odd name, Porky. Must be an old school name, such as my good friend Albert "Thumper" Bowlingham. Ah, the Old School Tie...

Full Disclosure: While Messer Porky has no professional connection, your faithful publisher does work as editor for the WtNW line. So I do have a stake in this. But, I thought it was good that some positive reviews have come out.

Armored Ink

2011-01-08T00:22:00.003-06:00

I would humbly suggest that anyone who reads this journal but does not frequently peruse the works of a certain Sir Alfrik, should immediately do so. His work investigating the mysterious Kaptain Kneemo on Venus is quite invigorating.

In case of need, the telephonic web location of his workshop is here. You can find many reports on the construction of Kneemo's forces, AARs regarding various conflicts, and even engineering advice on such topics as road building. Truly a Renaissance man, our good Sir Alfrik.

Greetings in the New Year

2011-01-07T14:44:00.001-06:00

The family and I have returned safely from Old Blighty, thank you kindly. Select photostats of our journey will be available at a later date via something called "Photobucket" for those that are interested.

On another note, work progresses ever so slowly on my portion of When the Navy Walked: Conflict on Mars! Can't really project a release date (its not up to me in the first place, and in the second, I can't disclose such things without permission, as I don't own it!), but I will say it is starting to shape up rather nicely. If you want more information on it, go to The Armchair General website.

On a third note, I think that the arrival of additional troops in the Crown Colony may be imminent. It would be nice if I could get something painted and ready for play, but that hasn't happened. But those minis I was drooling over a few weeks back might just be heading my way sooner rather than later.

Clash in the Sands

2010-12-24T09:30:00.003-06:00

We have recently been given a report by an anonymous source within Government that a minor skirmish between our valiant forces and the nefarious devices of Doctor Maton has taken place along the Victoria Landing - Shastapur road. Although the total number of forces was rather small on both sides, new technology developed by the Royal Artillery was brought to bear in the conflict.

The enemy forces included, it is reported, Doctor Maton's main assistant, a Turk known only as Mister Fez. He led a troop of mechanickals, along with one of the Doctor's fearsome Brass Soldaten warriors. In addition, a troop of Maton's filthy minions, two lightning gun snipers and the crew for an unwholesome weapon that uses poisonous black fumes to slay in a cowardly fashion.

Our valiant troops were led by Captain Norfolk-Ingood, and a platoon of the 23rd Regiment of Foot. The platoon was supported by our newly developed "Automatic Repeating Cannon, Magazine Fed" and two heroes of the Royal Artillery Field Testing Platoon armed with Tesla Rifles. Finally, a flock of High Martian mercenaries acted as scouting forces for the platoon.

Blood was spilt recklessly, and in the aftermath, smashed machinery and lifeless bodies littered the field. The end result was a draw, with only Tesla-armed snipers still in action alongside their officers. Rather than risk the deadly fire of the snipers, both commanders withdrew from the field.

Secession Anniversary

2010-12-20T12:04:00.029-06:00

Today, our Confederate States friends celebrate the anniversary of the secession of South Carolina, the first state of their nation to declare itself independent of the United States. After a difficult, three year long struggle, the Confedrate States earned recognition from Her Majesty's Government. This came about for three primary reasons: British public reaction to the Trent Affair, a devastating blight on the cotton crop in India in 1863, and a promise of "gradual, eventual emancipation" of all slaves in the South from the Confederate Congress.

British mill owners became desperate for a secure cotton supply from the Confederate States and pressured Parliament into recognition of the Confederacy to obtain it. The Trent Affair in November of 1861 and the Emancipation Resolution passed in the Confederate Congress in April of 1863 made the move politically possible, the former for the insult to British neutrality and sovereignty, the latter for lingering public oppostition in Britain regarding the institution of slavery.

If you see any Confederates weaving slightly int eh streets of our fair city, wish them a Happy Secession Day. If you see any Americans, try to avoid them. In the Northern States, the date is commonly referred to as "Traitor's Day."

More Awesome 28mm Minis

2010-12-14T01:48:00.009-06:00

I mentioned yesterday some Foundry figures that I really like for VSF. I thought I would show you which I meant. they also apparently have a sale on right now, so the figures are merely expensive, rather than nearly extortionate.

The Deus Sister. One bad flying femme fatale. I think she would make a great trouble shooter for the Papal States.

Here's Foundry's Sherlock Holmes. I thought they had a Watson as well, but I can't seem to find him...

Some Spiffing Models

2010-12-13T10:34:00.000-06:00

The following models are sold through the Lead Adventure Forum. I received an email about some new releases in the line a few days ago, but I suppose I had ignored the Forum for a while, because the entire line is new to me. They are in the popular 28mm scale, I believe (possibly even 30mm - not entirely sure, but I think 28mm). Notes for each idea I had seeing the following figures.

Clyde is cool, but the standout in this paring is Bonnie. She would make a perfect mysterious femme fatale assistant for Doctor Maton. Clyde could be an assasin, I suppose, or a Champion of Good.

I visualize these fellows as a sort of Constabulary for the Albertport Downstation. Downstations, like any ports, tend to attract hives of scum and villainy. These fellows look prepared to handle any such riff raff.

Again, this is an unequal pairing. I like the top-hatted gentleman, but the better figure is the fellow with the mechanickal prosthetic arm. Another natural for a Maton minion, perhaps a Fenian?

The line has other figures as well, but these are the ones that really grabbed my attention. I'll be looking forward with great anticiaption to new releases. I'll also be adding these to my lead pile when the holidays are through. A bit pricey ( I am figuring them to be about $9 per pack, minus shipping), but just excellent niche figures. I'll probably even work up a unit of ten bobbies. Maybe the tophatted gentlemen could be detectives of Scotland Yard, leading the peelers?

Seeking Lead or Resin

2010-12-08T12:19:00.000-06:00

Specifically, I would be interested in 1/300 - 1/600 waterline ships of the dreadnought era. Steam-powered, definitely. Prefer smaller classes of vessel: corvettes, frigates, maybe even light cruisers.

Die cast toys might also work, if in appropriate scale.

Please let me know if you have suggestions.

Off to see Her Majesty...

2010-12-06T11:09:00.001-06:00

The memsahib, the young sahibs and I shall be off to London this month. We should be arriving on Boxing Day, so if there are massive crowds at the Heathrow Downport, you'll know why now! Just a short trip, only a few days in Old Blighty, but I think we'll all enjoy ourselves.

In case I don't mention it again beforehand, I wish you all the merriest of Christmases. Please take a moment to recall the real meaning and reason for the season.

When The Navy Walked, Core Rules II

2010-12-05T13:40:00.000-06:00

At long last. After a year of everyone putting their hard work into it the When the Navy Walked Core II final edition is done!!! There is a color and a black and white pdf that I will be putting up for download on Wargamevault soon. In addition, BOTH the color and the b&w versions will be available for print on demand thanks to the efforts of our illustrious graphics layout guru! The final version of WTNW Core II features stunning original artwork by Eli Arndt and Arsenale Shipworks, full color photo spreads of VSF games in progress, a full 10 army lists depicting all of the great powers (except Japan), Quick Reference and Command Point Expenditure sheets, alphabetized Edges and Flaws and the History of the When the Navy Walked alternate Earth setting!

Originally posted by ArmchairGeneral.

[Editor's Note: I copied this from Eli's site, since Rob doesn't have posting rights here. Should probably fix that, but any rate, I thought the mention should be made. Full disclosure: I am the editor for this product.]