The Grand Duchy of Stollen

What's this ?  A company of O'Malley's Irish Grenzers has occupied Schpeckbova Farm, located just beneath a wooded ridge. A fair amount has been going on here the last couple of weeks, including, of course, a flurry of painting on the final 18 (yes, 18!) Holger Eriksson dragoons.  But more on those in just a moment. First, a copy of  Hans Bleckween's Reiter, Husaren, und Grenadiere arrived in the mail about two weeks ago after a circuitous journey from Germany.  This is an interesting little book all about the Reichsarmee of circa 1734.  Not exactly mid-18th Century, but pretty close and chock-a-block full of fascinating period illustrations of soldiers from the ten districts responsible for contributing troops and money to the formation and upkeep of the Reichsarmee. . .  The 'army' of the Holy Roman Empire.  If you are at all interested in the subject, track down a copy.  Even if you don't read German well (and mine is very rusty), there are ...

Another great cover illustration by Phil, which so far have been based on those that grace the pages of Charge! Or, How to Play War Games. A fair amount has been going on here in Stollen Central during the past week as things have settled down following the month of Christmas and New Year's celebrations in which we indulge here in the Grand Duchy. First, the second issue of volume one of The Classic Wargamer's Journal was published and sent out to subscribers in the last few days from what I undestand. Among other articles, it features an opinionated piece by yours truly along with a challenge to readers. Now, I don't want to give away anything, so you'll just have to wait and read the article yourself. . . or contact Phil Olley via his Classic Wargaming blog about a subscription if you have not done so already. Suffice to say, I identify a very real problem facing lots of wargamers today and offer suggestions about how to cope with it productively. You be the...

Here they are, sans their two coats of Future/Klear acrylic floor finish, which is coming this evening after supper, the first dozen of a 30-strong regiment of Holger Eriksson dragoons, painted, more or less, as the Voluntaires de Prusse. Just another 18 to go! Things have been slower than normal since just before Christmas and the new year here at Stollen Central, thanks to family, friends, good food, delightful socializing, and etc. I have, however, managed to finish the first dozen Holger Eriksson dragoons and wrap up the painting on some houses and assorted buildings that I put together this time last year. But first, let's talk figures and painting. The HE figures that I started in early December have been fun and fast to paint. I've used a mix of media, including Humbrol undercoats on the horses with thin washes of oils on top along with Humbrol British Rifle Green and Games Workshop acrylic hobby paints for the troopers and officers. Overall, I am reasonably pleased ...

The Grand Duke Irwin-Amadeus II, his faithful manservant Hives, and the flamboyant General von Tschatschke, along with Colonel von Adalnowski and Major von Topfsange, would like to wish each one of you peace, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year. The start of a new year sees many of us taking stock of things. Where we are in life, where we want to be, the previous twelve months, the next dozen, and so forth. For wargamers, early January is an ideal time to review hobby-related activities like painting, gaming, reading, historical research, and the like. Initially, as I let my thoughts drift back over the last twelve months, I felt like I had not really done very much given the requirements of professional and personal life. However, as I paged through old blog entries earlier this afternoon, I notice that rather more has occurred here at Stollen Central than I suspected. So, let's revisit a few highlights from 2010. Last year opened with a bang when I managed to finish ...