Hors de Combat!

I have been for another cortisone injection in my right hip area as walking has become increasingly both painful and difficult these last few weeks, not to mention a couple of minor falls along the way. As Sue and I are off on a small ship cruise along the Dalmatian Coast at the start of June it's really important to me that I'm in as good a knick as possible! To that end I've also been following a weight reduction programme and have shed 1 stone 5 1/4 lbs so far. Keeping busy has helped a lot there, especially in the painting department! Which brings me nicely to today's offering: a Dixon Miniatures ACW Reb unit, the 10th Georgia, and the French Command group from Redoubt Enterprises for my F&IW Sharp Practice project ~

When Duncan was editing Wargames Illustrated he used to tease me good naturedly about being the High Priest of Dixon Miniatures but I really do think them the most characterful, animated and comprehensive range for the period in 28mm. I also know they are like Marmite to wargamers with others unable to comprehend my judgement! Each to their own of course, but for me the wonderful faces make each one a unique personality, not to mention that the hair is just right also!

Redoubt Enterprises too are another company who from time to time enjoy a mixed reputation amongst gamers, mainly when the issue of worn molds and miscasting issues arise. I have myself suffered slightly from the odd figure which simply wasn't up to snuff, but I have always found Trevor and Sue willing and able to put things right straight away. The joy for me of their F&IW figures is that I can clearly see the details and that the figures seem to love the paint job, just like Pulp Figures do for example. Given my problem with arthritis in my right hand and the occasional uncooperative eye these are important considerations to the 'geriatric gamer in waiting'!

Now, back to the next batch of ACW ragged Rebs from Dixon Miniatures. Its such a pleasure for a change after all these years to paint just what takes my fancy...