weeknd DDR work.

I wasn't able to get much hobby work done this weekend. But I am still being more productive hobby wise then I have been in along time so no complaint.
So here is a Warlord Games Wrecked House. I believe it was originally a 1/72 kit from Italeri, but seems to work just fine with 28mm.

Now its time to prime it and put it in line to be painted.

DDR testing paint jobs.

Well for painting I am currently at using Vallejo Green Grey for the uniform with GW Agrex wash for a table top quality look. Also using VA bronze Green for uncovered helmet and web gear. I tried to do the rain pattern lines and it was ether to light to be seen, or just turned into blotches, so applying KISS to it.
These are all test photos, They still need a lot of work and I believe the last 2 were painted up with German Beige instead of Green Grey. Derp!

Starting a DDR NVA project.

As the title and photo above show, I am doing a DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) project.

I think I am off to a good start kit wise.

Finally going to use these BTR60s, got 3 of them to build.

Some close Air Support.

And some UnderFire miniatures 28mm German Infantry.

Even made a small one min long video where I interduce the project. Fist video that I have uploaded online.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-7QRzLndLI&lc=z23gfze4snvdzhj1nacdp435ka4oci1z4pzjl5m4fdlw03c010c.1588374497155990

Cascadia and big life update.

First off life changes.
I have been with my Girl Friend for almost 4 years now. We have been good friends sense the spring of 2002 where we met on a church group spring break trip to Greece.(both are parents worked for the US military in some capacity and we lived in Germany so its not as extravagant a trip as it may sound.)
I was a boy scout raised in a close modern approximation to Mayberry in eastern Washington state. While she was a punk with a purple Mohawk and smoked from Arizona. So we became fast friends, While ditching bible study to hang on the beach and eat seafood.
We stayed in touch over the years with a few e-mails, letters, a phone call or two and the odd visit. Tell Finally I got over the distance thing and we started dating. And I have been hard pressed to find a better time in my adult life, so last year I popped the question in a very unromantic way over dinner. She asked if I was sure, and then we both said yes.
So as of Tuesday April 17th we will both be shackled in the chains of marriage. And I couldn't be happier.

Now onto my Cascadia modern Imagination thing.

(This is a banner from a real radio show, and is not mine. So please don't sue me for my flight of fancy)


After a recent meeting with the Cascadian Military Department, learned that a earlier report on the structure of are Defense forces needs to be updated.
California decided not to fallow threw on the sale of the Zumwalt class destroy and Ticonderoga class cruiser do to increased activities of the Chinese Navy in the Taiwan straits. (See..PLA Navy Maneuvers off Penghu islands)
The littoral combat ship's are known as Frigates. And their are feelers out for more to increase the fleet from 4 to 10 ships. In the mean time the 3 Arleigh Burke destroyers in dock are being fitted and manned to join the two already in active service.
The rest of the Submarine fleet, Coast Guard and surface fleet remains as previously reported.
The Maritime Defense force land component consists of 2 Marine Commandos, a Navy Arms Men Brigade, (ship and station security) and a Navy Special warfare Diver Squadron.

The Cascadian Air Defense Corp corrections are this. There are only 2 C-17 Wings and 2 Kc-135 wings. But both c-17 and Kc-135 are losing a wing to be sold or used as parts for the remaining Wings. Bringing them down to once Wing each.
And the F-18 Hornet Fighter wing is being sold to Canada. To be replaced with modern Air Drones.

The Cascadian Defense Forces ground components have been restructured to 4 wings. The Reserve Division is made of comprised of all the One Independent infantry Battalion, One Independent Reserve Artillery Regiment, and three Reserve Battalions who are the 3rd battalion of the Active Defense Brigades.

Active Division is comprised of Defense Brigades and its support assists. The First Brigade is a Heavy Brigade comprised of 2 Heavy combined Battalions and a reserve Stryker battalion. the 2nd is a Mechanized Brigade comprised of one combined heavy Battalion. One active and one reserve Stryker Battalion. And the 3rd Mounted Rifle Brigade (Stryker) comprised of 2 active and one reserve battalion.

The Logistics Corp which hold all the medical, training, supply..etc.

And finally there is Reaction Force (Airborne/Air Assault).
Is comprised of the Ranger Corp.
Ranger Corp HQ company
Comprised of the Ranger Reconnaissance Operation Commando or RROC (Tier One operator types)
Ranger Support Battalion (LRRS company, MI company, Sapper company, Rigger company, Training company)
Ranger helicopter transportation Regiment
Ranger Artillery Battalion (2 ADA companies, 1 Heavy mortars company, 2 m114 Howitzer batteries)
Ranger transpiration ground battalion (trunks, light ground vehicles and Stryker's.
And the Ranger Regiment (2 battalions active 1 reserve, 4 Ranger companies and one Ranger weapons company each)

And if your still here I have a question. I will be getting some of the 28mm Infantry components soon and was wondering how I should paint them? I should I do them up in Muliti-cam? Or should I paint my Cascadian's up differently? If so what would you suggest?

First Bearcat almost done.

Working hard on the Bearcats, but I have hit a snag. Do I finish them with the Landing struts down? Do I do it with the Struts up? Or come up with some way to put them down or up depending on what role they are playing?

I plane on getting some telescoping magnets so that I can use them for terrain on the table and as actively fly units in the games.

One done for now, time to work on number two and the AN-2.

Hobbying.

Ah yes my long neglected indo-china project. How long has it been since I first bought the Paras?
To long is the answer.
Well the wait is no more. I have convinced a few of the locals in the gaming group to take the plunge into late 40s/early 50's war gaming. Even got one of them who is in love with the French-Algerian conflict so that might be next on the agenda.

So this is the TO&E that I will be working with for my Paras.
I have one platoon of European Paras and a half platoon of Viet Paras. Which I hope to even out next time I get paid.

(which I stole from this old blog post)
http://dienbienphuredstarminiatures.blogspot.com/2013/05/to-for-1953-1954-french-para-company.html

I have one platoon of European Paras and a half platoon of Viet Paras. Which I hope to even out next time I get paid.
So in my digging in storage I found out that sadly one of the M1 carbine armed French Paras was missing a barrel. So a quick fix with a Sten Gun from a bolt-action plastic weapons set and here you go.

StenGun armed Para.

Ok one thing that has held me back a bit is a lack of a good space to work on my models. For some reason the loving and supportive lady in my life doesn't want me leaveing paint and models all over the kitchen table. So she decided to gift me this lovely kit From IKEA. a slightly late Christmas gift.

Construction starts tomorrow.

A Short History of Zubrowka

Zubrowka history going back to classical history With Uzzo being a greek, then Roman, and then Zubrowka territory. (They are a mixed Slav and Germanic people) Who were a farming and herding tribe with their wagons pulled by forest buffalo. :D

The Founder of Zubrowka know as Grandfather Zubrowk founded the capital city of Lutz after prophecy said that they would know their homeland when they saw a black Eagle snare a white dove on a red field and when he spied a Eagle chase down a dove in a field of red poppies he know this was his peoples homeland. A Roman town market town, with baths, and plunder might have helped with that decision.
He then united/conquered the forest and mountain villages, which then allowed him to set his sites on the coastal Greco-Roman towns. When he was an tribute raid he spied a very pretty young Roman noblewomen. And he desired her. She would hear nothing of mirroring a pagan and So he converted and had a rushed wedding and road off with his new wife.
So over a few generations the Zubrowka people converted to slowly stop worshiping their Buffalos and to except Christianity.
So Grandfather Zubrowk not only carved out the territory but also brought them into the greater European and Christian world.
Fast forward a bit, and Zubrowka is pulled into the Holy Roman Empire where their history is dominated by the whims of this greater body until it regains independence in the treaty of Westphalia.
This era is known as the Grand Duchy of Lutz-Zubrowka, where they fought continuously or were in treaty with the old German states, the Austrians and there eastern neighbor Redforea.
And with themselves in the First of many short lived Dynastic conflicts with the notably intertwined Zubrowka noble families.
Dearing this time the newly created Zubrowka Merchant-Navy where able to acquire the caribbean island chain of Atlántico, giving Zubrowka its first steady stream of coco, coffee and sugar.
A quick war with Arab-African Pirates gave Zubrowka it's first African holdings when they took their home ports and slowly though trade and conquest where able to convince the local Sultans to toss in their lot in with the Zubrowkan budding Empire.
Zubrowk-Bongolese eventual provided them with trade from the interior of Africa, a secure sea route to Asia and then slowly as time went on Demands and oil was discovered, past the coastal mountains.
The ocean routs secured, Zubrowka was able to acquire treaty ports from the Spice producing Island peoples which would eventually form into the Zubrowka spice Islands.
But these ports would wait as a seed to Empire, First there was Napoleonic wars and the First short lived Zubrowka republic, after the French Grand Armee arrived and "Liberated" them. A Zubrowkan infantry Brigade and the Famed Zig-Zag cavalary fought for Napoleon in Russian and just as swiftly joined the forces against him after his defeat and exile.

This lead to return of the Grand Duke, who while famously "active" never produced a child. The Grand Duke died in 1834 and this lead to the "Cousins War" With the Noble Taxis of Greater Zubrowka and Royal Zero family of Lesser Zubrowka fighting every summer until 1842. When the people finally tired of the now national game and declared for the First Lutz commune and formed and the 2nd republic.

The nobles finally distracted from their family feud rushed though a Marriage between the two factions, who then surrounded the city with their professional army. After three long months the siege was over. There was still "bandit" activity in the hills but the Royal family was firmly in control for now.
The rebellion slowly changed Zubrowka from a Small Duchy into an Empire. There where too many able bodied peasants to just kill them all, so many of them and there families where given the option to start over in the colonies.
This also helped to bring industrialization to Zubrowka with the lose of cheap labor. With more industry, money, and more activity in the colonies created more government and for the first time, the burger or middle class had an active say and stake in government.

Nationalism was taking hold and Empire was a great drama to read about in the papers. And so campaigns where launched to extend Zubrowk-Bongolese past the coastal planes and mountains to the Bongolese plateau and the head waters of the Bongolese river. With a never ending string of mad Mullahs, rebel Sultans, and savage tribes. There was no end to actions for the newly formed Colonial Police-Militia corp.

Dearing this time by treaty, conversion and clever use of the New Marine regiment Zubrowka was able to secure complete control of the now Zubrowka Spice Islands.

With all this excitement the papers mostly ignored Atlántico. With the abolition of slavery in the 1830s and the huge influx of settlers along with no taboo against ethnic mixing in the Zubrowkain Church meant that soon Atlánticoins where a people unto themselves. Whos children soon become the public face Zubrowkain colonial administration.

By the after the 1840s the trend of noble dynastic struggles gave way to accumulating wealth, going on adventures, and to get a foreign spouse. This brought not only new ideas, styles, and accents. It also made Zubrowka into a parliamentary monarchy, who wants to be bothered with running a country when you get money for just being alive and spend it all trying to out do the other nobs and the new rich.

Every thing was bright for Zubrowka, who even avoided getting dragged into the Great War with their official neutrality respected. With many a Central and Allied powers officer sharing a cigar and brandy on the Zubrowka Riviera.

After the Great War, Zubrowka was enjoy the economic boom of supplying the rebuilding of Europe and even fought a quick successful land grab against the now weakened Redforea.
They even experiment with this new Fascist thing from Italy. New Modern Zig-Zag uniforms become the height of fashion.

This was all well and good, until the 3rd Reich Decided to help out their Italian and Redforea allies in attacking and taking over Zubrowka.

The Royal family and what's left of the government flea to the Colonies. These groups rally the colonial forces and provide the Allies with a infantry division, Tank Regiment and three air squadrons, one each of fighters, bombers and transport. More troops and navy would have been provided but the Pacific squadron was sunk by the Japanese Imperial Navy with the survivors of the Colonial Militia and Marine Regiment marching away to captive or hiding in the hills leading small guerrilla bands until Allied forces liberate the islands at the end of the war.

Mean while Zubrowka itself is not idle and there is an active resistance movement. With a full blown rising in Lutz once the Red army reaches Redforea, but instead of waiting to see what the Soviets will do, the Western Allies land Zubrowka Marine commandos in Uzzo and drop troops from the Para-Blitzer regiment behind Lutz blocking German garrison troops and saving/arming the home army.


General Henckels.

A former Police inspector Lands with the Zig-Zag armor Regiment and pushes to the Capital, officially liberating the capital and pushing the remaining Germans out of the country. Much to the chagrin of the soviets and the Zubrowka Red army.

The next post will deal with Zubrowka in the cold-war and modern era.

20mm Elhiem Figures Modern US

The model bug has finally caught up with me again. so I am working of mins again. First we have some 20mm (1/72ed scale) Elhiem Figures Modern OITV US Infantry.

This guy is and 8 more of his mates will be painted up in the ACU/UCP pattern uniforms.

I also plane on knocking out at least a team of Empress 28mm also in ACU.

The rest of the platoon of 20mm and 28mm will be in the new multi-cam (scorpion pattern).
Thanks for reading.

Actually geting some hobby stuff done.

It interesting what you can accomplish when you have a girlfriend who enjoys the hobby and encourages you to paint.

Still a little rusty, but the guy in orange was from a past panting period. But now going to stick with the Red and Green this time.










Next is my first model from Warlord Games,"Beyond the Gates" of Antares line.







And finally but not least. Is from the Armies Army SANO line.



Privet First class Lee, of the Peoples Liberation Naval infantry Corp.









And yes Armies Army figs are 15mm.






Oh and music at this late hour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1nbQlSI_H0

Iceland to build First temple to old norse gods in 1000 years.

Apparently this is a thing.
Some folks in Ice land are getting a temple to the old Norse religion built. According to the article there will be no horse sacrifices but it seems that seasonal fests, weddings, funerals, and other such religious events will be held there.

I am not personal religious but if it makes folks happy more power to them.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/02/iceland-temple-norse-gods-1000-years?CMP=share_btn_fb

1933 Army Training Film "A Cavalry Command Crossing An Unfordable Stream...

just some thoughts for when I eventually do the 1930s ACW 2 project that has so far been on halt along with many other projects.

Up Date and chewing over some random ideas.

Howdy all, First off, just to let every one know. I have all of my Lions Rampart miniatures assembled and primed. Even have paint on a few. But sadly Do to my brother leaving, to the Czech Republic,a new niece being born and seemingly never ending social engagements. It is taking me longer to complete this project then I had hoped.
But I am still trucking away and hopefully will have some photos posted up before I head to Maryland for Thanksgiving.


I have also been musing over different post apoc scenarios for my home, here in Southern Nevada. Like what advantages it has along with cons.
Very rich in ores and minerals. But the Southern half is a desert and can only maintain a small population. Where as the northern half is very sparsely populated and mountainous, but they are mostly farmers and ranchers. Even with out a bomb landing on Vegas, most of the population would die or kill it self off. The only saving grace is that the hover dam in Boulder city, if well maintained will still provide power for century's to come.
Also water from the reservoir. Hell Boulder would become the regionally hub with water and farms supplied by the Colorado and power from the dam. Vegas actually gets a lot more rain then most folks gives it credit. Its pretty funny watching the strip flood at least once a year.
With out people In a few 5-10 years the strip would be a stream. and most likely by at least 20-30 years there would most likely be a yearly migratory pattern where the Vegas valley will be populated in the winter by herders, who will drive their animals back up to Mt. Charleston in or Red Rock in the summer months.
leavening only a few die hard making a living in what's left of the hot crumbly swampy mess that is left. Well Swampy in the spring, and winter. Dry and parched in the fall and summer.
the freeways from LA and heading in all directions from the city will be unusable because of all the abandoned cars and trucks on the roads. Great for metal scavengers, but the roads will remain this way until the next great civilization pulls the wreaks off the roads.

Over time if no greater outside force arrives, Boulder and Laughlin will come to dominate the regions smaller valleys and famer settlements. Mostly because of their locations next to running rivers and tight control of the power from the dam. Because who ever controls that, controls the lower Colorado, they can cut off water at will and then unleash it all in one go flooding the whole region south, simultaneously bring life and death in equal measure.

The Major influences on the reaming societies, will very depending on which of the few reaming communities a person comes from.
Up in Northern eastern Clark county, along with a few of the more water active valley. Ranching and substance farming will be the order of the day. The most powerful individuals will be the Cattle barons, lords, Chefs or whatever you want to call them.
This description honestly describes lots of central and northern Nevada as well.

Then you have Mining, communities. One thing I was surprised to find while driving around was to see whole Mountains of undeveloped red stone and rock. Meaning Iron. Nevada is a very mineral rich state with silver, gold, and a whole list of other ores that will take to long to list.
But that means there will be small towns and prospector communities in locations where it does not make much sense to make a town. Goldfield comes to mind when talking about a prospector town gone bust. Look it up some time.

Nevadans seem to be pretty open and accepting(of course there is an asshole every place you go.) but at the same time we like to be left alone to do are own thing. I am sure this describes most people around the world, but when you leave the cities it really feels like you are back in the old west. Pretty cool for a history nut like me, but sucks if your a teenager stuck in one of those small towns.
But in a post Apoc setting every place will be like that.

The Colorado river and the Hover Dam will be very prominent. They provide the major power and water for the area, so who ever controls the dam, controls southern Nevada and lots of northern Arizona and into California. the Question is, will it be the locals from Bolder? Or a contingent of the old city of Las Vegas. Or will it be some completely new group?

Mormons will also form a very large component. Clark country use to be part of Deseret, and in down town Vegas is the old Mormon Fort. One of the first permanent settlements in the valley. With their community support system and habit of hording supplies. Along with a focuses on marring young and producing lots of children. I can see them becoming a major component of any severing population.
That is if they can organize a defense against the collapse of civil law.

Southern Nevada is also very heavily militarized. At least as far as the Air force is concerned. We even have a light mechanized element with Bradley's and Abrams for the national training center in Irwin.

So to end it.

Cattle Ranchers.
Mineing communities.
Mormon Wards.
The Colorado.
Hover Damn.
Las Vegas.
The Military.



I suppose lots of this has already been covered in Games like Wasteland 2 or Fallout New Vegas, but this is my own thoughts on it.

Seeing as how I have failed again to deliver in a timely manner I must post some thing on here.
And for any that have a problem with it. Check out the song below.

Another restart

Yet again life is lending it self to gaming. Let me tell you being young and single in Vegas is not conducive to a war gamers life style. But a lad can dream. Right? Anyways my first thing up for offer is for all of you who are interested in the Nap wars New Napoleonic French Vivandieres http://www.warlordgames.co.uk/?p=10907 from warlord games, Bolt action range. This is for all of you that want to play some "7 men of Gascony" games. Secondly I have been bitten by the interwar bug again and am busy putting together my Irish National army for the ICW and some IRA for the Irish war of Independence along with British Empire forces. This has also lead to me, getting a few extra figs to do up the 1930s force so that I can use them for some imagination country's/pulp/fictinal South amrican coutnrys inter-war army/Irish pro-gov Irish forces in some ones English civil war games. I will be posting up pics as they come along. And finally I have will be showing some figs from the "Real Dungeon explores line" from soda pop miniatures. i haven't forgot about my older posts and will eventually get back into these things, its just a case of time, and money.