Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Parts of William's WWII collection

I want to share a few pictures with you of some of William's WWII collection. He's our second grandson, you've probably seen him in the occasional picture in GHQ over the last 11 years. He's always enjoyed being in the gaming room and playing with grandad's toy soldiers, but in the last year or so he's moved on to making and painting aircraft, tanks and troops under the Bolt Action umbrella. I'd like to show you some of his work, remember he's only 11 so don't judge the odd error too harshly, our wonderful hobby needs the next generation of wargamers ~

British Paras using Warlord Games Bolt Action figures. 
Two Russian infantrymen in a bleak winter setting. I liked the understated white on their helmets.
German FallskrimjƤgers, the "bad guys" as a younger William would have said.
Sherman Firefly tank.
German Panther. A very decent go at the camouflaged I thought.
A Sherman Easy Eight, like the others from Warlord Games Bolt Action stable.
Airfix Spitfire with D Day markings. I think he has nine different marks of Spitfire altogether!
Airfix Stuka dive bomber!
Airfix ME109. I hope you can find something you have liked and can say a few encouraging words for William. He was fully immersed in yesterday's WWII game in GHQ and is already looking forward to a game at Phil's next week. In the meantime he and his two friends are playing another game today. 


23 comments:

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    1. We all thank you for that Christopher!

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  2. Most splendid and encouraging stuff, I don't even recall painting my model tanks, planes and toy soldiers at that age.

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    1. William was pleased you liked his efforts when you saw them for real yesterday.

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  3. Well I can certainly say William has a lot of talent and cracking work from one so (relatively) young:). It obviously runs in the family! I think he certainly deserves a pat on the back and a lot of praise for his efforts.

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    1. Very warm and generous SteveJ, I knew somehow you would be so positive.

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  4. Really nice early work. We all start somewhere. If you are enjoying it, you are doing it right. I'm always glad to see multiple family generations finding common ground to share. Now, go play in granddad's game and win.

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    1. I concur with your important point about enjoyment! It's the key to persevering with any hobby. William really enjoys it and it shows. The game ended in a draw mind, as you'll see in the next blog later in the week.

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  5. Well done William. It's a landmark moment when you first realise you can do this and own something you've painted and are content with it. Next, it's seeing them on the table in action. I started with painting Airfix too over 50 years ago and it's given me a lifetime's pleasure. I hope William too has many happy hours building a collection and enjoying games.
    Happy Easter to you and yours.
    Stephen

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    1. Thank you Stephen, I too hope William will go on to enjoy many years of fun and pleasure in our wonderful hobby! Happy Easter to you and yours too.

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  6. If only I could still show you my efforts aged 11 ….. William would be well chuffed with his accomplishments by comparison :-)

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    1. Thanks Norm! He's pleased I'm sure by all the positive encouragement!

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  7. Great work from William I’m sure you’ll pass on our recognition of his work David, I hope he continues to enjoy this wonderful hobby he has a lifetime in front of him šŸ‘

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    1. He sees the blog himself on his phone and I know how chuffed he is by all the encouraging responses. I too hope he sticks with the hobby and brings him as much joy as it does we older folk.

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  8. Great stuff from William, nice to see some of his WW2 collection, a rising talent I should say!!

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    1. Much appreciated support for William's work, thanks Donnie!

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  9. Well done that man! Very nice indeed.

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    1. Graham, thanks for your positive encouragement of William.

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  10. Excellent work, Wiliam's obviously inherited the "wargames gene" from Dad and Grandad.
    Very well done indeed.

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    1. Thank you Andy! William will be pleased!

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  11. Cracking stuff there from young William….
    I was a similar age when I was building my first Spitfire kits…
    William is really lucky to have an encouraging grandfather at his side and a world that is filled with so many excellent figures and kits…
    Definitely a chip off the old block…

    All the best. Aly

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