Taking to the Air

Just a brief post to keep anyone interested in our doings here in GHQ up to speed. Later this week we are playing a Rapid Fire! WWII game here in GHQ. Its a rule set I keep returning to as it does the business for me in providing the kind of scale of game I like without making my brain melt and dribble down my nose with unnecessary details. The table is already laid out for the coming battle ~

Pop back after next week for an update on how the game went. Sorry you have to wait that long, by the by, but Sue and I are down in Devon for a few days. Continuing on the WWII theme: well, encompassing our VBCW and 1940 Zeelowe/Blandings games as well as pukka WWII gaming I've added two aeroplanes to the collection via eBay auctions. They are both 1/72 scale, which I prefer for use in both 20mm and 28mm gaming. The first is a Hawker Hart bomber from 1938 ~

While the second is a plane I've been after for ages for the VBCW, a Bolton Paul Defiant ~

The Boulton Paul Defiant was made just up the hill from where we live. Indeed, until quite recently there was a museum there and a restoration group who held quite frequent open days. I believe they have relocated to Cosford Aerospace Museum following the host factory's closure and move to the i54 development. I really did n't want the night fighter variant, but I got it so cheaply I think I can swallow my pride. I may repaint it at some stage or I may take advantage of its black colour scheme and rebrand it for the BUF {provided in our games by Phil at the moment.} I'll have to sleep on it for a while and see where the muse takes me.
Continuing the WWII theme, I've also started making two 3' x 2' terrain tiles to double as either a landing beach or a wide river ~ I can use it then in all sorts of games! I have reused my old beach mat I bought ten years ago when we moved into GHQ, the original. The mat has stored really well and I hope to complete the basic cutting and gluing of the second tile tomorrow. I will need to take the tiles over to Phil's then, as he has our stock of green towelling and teddy bear fur, to make a blend of the join between beach/bank and the rolling landscape of wherever! That will most likely be in July I think.
Finally, two items of news from GHQ: firstly, I'm painting three new units for my 28mm Late Roman armies, using the cheap and cheerful "it'll do from 3 feet away" approach, and they will feature next month in a game I hope. Ive almost finished the second Roman unit, leaving just a Saxon unit to paint. Secondly, I've gone back on a decision not to attend Claymore in August. Sue and I have booked three nights in South Queensferry at the Hawes Inn for a short break and a chance for me to see my Scottish chums and admire their wonderful games. If you have never been to Claymore then do make the effort, its well worth the journey in my experience. In the meantime, back to Late Roman medium infantry!Oh Joy.....