New Year Message, 2014

So it's that time of year again?
The blog continues to feature prominently in my wargaming life, and although post numbers are slightly down on 2012 (278 as against 299), as I was aiming to post four per week I shall continue to do so.  Thank you to all who read the thing, and especially to those of you who leave comments.  They are much appreciated.

Funny Little Wars
A very active year for the 1/32 scale chaps, starting off in February with the game played by David Pinder and Julian Spilsbury which they kindly invited me to umpire.  A classic case of the partially sighted leading the blind!  Several. More tabletop games followed during the year,  but for me the real high points were the lawn games at Sandhurst.  The Little Wars Centenary event in April was a delight, and a great opportunity to meet other devotees.  The Nordic amphibious actions were fun but I really loved the Gettysburg game in July.  There will be more big games, and outline plans are afoot for a Tannenberg inspired extravaganza in 2014.
On the painting front, I completed the large but as yet unblooded Tratvian Army (think Russian) and a few ACW units and odds and ends.  Plenty more still to come.

Megablitz
For the second year running I ran a game at Shrivenham (facilitated as usual by Tom Mouat).  We used loads of toys and the players are still speaking to me, so I think I can consider it a success.  A few new toys were added.  I must give some thought to a game for 2014!

NATO Brigade Commander
A few games, mostly run by Martin using his 2mm (no really!) toys.  I don't think I have added any new (6mm) toys, but I do have some scenario ideas.  Mind you, I said that last year.....

Command & Colours - Ancient
We played a few games and I added some 'new' toys.  We continue to be very keen on this series of games and they provide consistent entertainment.  The additional toys have mostly been sourced from eBay and bring and buys at shows.  They include Egyptians, Assyrians and an assortment of hairy barbarians.  I'm sure 2014 will see regular appearances of this game.

Command & Colours - Napoleonic
A continuing favourite.  2013 saw my Spaniards, Russians and Austrians in action and no doubt we'll see them all again over the course of 2014.

Fletcher Pratt Naval Wargame
Ships from my 1/1200 fleet have seen action several times during the past year, including a rather successful game played on the lawn at Knuston in July.  Several additional ships have joined the fleet, so expect plenty more of this.

President Fred

The latest appearance of President Fred saw his alleged death (and about time too!) but I already have ideas for what may happen next in the unfortunate state of Ph'tang.

Sheffield Wargames Society
I continue in post as Chairman of SWS and am pleased to be able to report that paid up member numbers are up on last year.  New members are always welcome - see the SWS website for location details.  Triples is on 17th and 18th May 2014.

Cars
Not strictly wargaming I know, but the toys and I have to get about!

The Saab is gone - long live the er, Saab!

The 9-5 HOT Aero has made way for a 9-3 TTiD Aero. Power down from 250bhp to 180 (though much of the time you'd never know it) but turbochargers up from one to two and fuel consumption down from 35mpg to 48mpg.  And I can fit more toys in it!