David Bickley's Wargames Blog

The occasional ramblings of an average gamer, journeyman painter, indifferent modeller, games designer, sometime writer for Wargames Illustrated and host of games in GHQ.



Saturday, 31 May 2025

75 Not Out!

Today is the occasion of my 75th birthday. I'm not one for celebrating these sort of things usually, preferring my late father's approach to life:"I woke up this morning!" I've made an exception in posting this short blog entry because I have received the most marvellous gift from Phil ~

The 11th New York, otherwise Ellsworth's Zouvres, the Fire Zouvres. The figures are of course from Perry Miniatures and were painted, varnished, flagged and based by Phil. I'm sure you will agree with me that they are a splendid supplement to my early war Union forces. The figures I feel fairly sure would have been inspired by this painting by Don Troiani ~
What's even more remarkable though is that I had made out an order to Dixon Miniatures for figures to make up the same regiment, meaning to post it off when we get home from our break down in the South West! I shall have to look again now at a part of the order, perhaps the Confederates might welcome an addition? 
No more waffling on now though, I'm off to cut the cake! I've been spoilt today I'm  feeling, and very nice it is too.

26 comments:

  1. Happy 75th Birthday! Wow! Phil's work is phenomenal! What a great gift!

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    1. Thank you Jonathan! I have to agree with you of course.

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  2. Happy 75th birthday David:)! What a wonderful gift and such superb paint work. Enjoy your day and pondering on what miniatures to change in your order.

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  3. Happy Birthday and a lovely gift to mark the occasion - well done Phil, they are beautiful (of course :-) )

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    1. Thanks Norm! Of course they are, as you say.

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  4. Glad you approve of them. Hope the basing is OK, not that I am trying to encourage you to rebase yours of course😂

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  5. Happy Birthday David! That's a lovely gift indeed! I have the same regiment in my collection as it really stands out.

    Christopher

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    1. Thanks Christopher! A case of great minds thinking alike perhaps?

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  6. Happy Birthday and yes, a magnificent present!

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  7. Happy Birthday. A generous gift bringing joy - what a way to celebrate your youthful anniversary.
    Stephen

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    1. Many thanks Stephen, I especially liked the 'youthful' bit!

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  8. Happy birthday David and for plenty more of them! What a super gift to get, really lovely unit.

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    1. Many thanks Donnie! I shall be doing my best, rest assured!

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  9. Happy birthday old chap…
    What a splendid present from Phil… You lucky chap.

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Thank you Aly! Lucky chap, yes, in so many ways too as you know well.

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  10. What an absolutely splendid present.
    Congratulations and many happy returns.

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    1. It was, wasn't it? Thanks for your good wishes too.

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  11. Happy birthday David, all the best Airhead.

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    1. Many thanks for your good wishes airhead!

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  12. A happy birthday David, and an absolutely lovely looking unit beautiful 👍

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    1. Thank you Matt! It is splendid, isn't it? My very early war Union units now number three, enough for a small Brigade in GHQ terms, and all painted by Phil!

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  13. Fantastic present. Happy Birthday 75th with many more to come.
    Best wishes, James

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    1. Many thanks for your good wishes James.

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