Category: Musings

Welcome to this weeks Miniatures & Musings!

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Hasslefree Miniatures have produced three figures of “Ray” the character played by Simon Pegg in the now classic movie “Shaun of the Dead”.  This version is listed by Hasslefree as “Dynamic Ray”.  I did “Ray” several months ago and he featured in Miniatures & Musings No: 39.

https://theimperfectmodeller.wordpress.com/2020/03/04/tims-miniatures-musings-no-39/

The third version is “Zombie Ray”.  I have him on on order and at some point in the future I will get him done too.

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Well It Made Me Laugh …

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OCD and Figures and Bases

When it comes to my hobby I think I have OCD.  In fact I’m sure I do.  I actually think as modellers we probably all have OCD in some form or another even if we don’t relise it.  For me it takes two forms, figures and bases.

At the very start I had two aims.  The first was to collect every figure by a certain manufacturer and the other was to have uniformity in how they are based.   Both have been compromised but I still continue to mentally insist on maintaining these aims to a level that sits comfortably.  Let me try to explain both a little further.

I could pick a number of manufactures but it it is easier for me to explain my figure OCD if I use Knuckleduster and their Gunfighters Ball figures as an example.  When I first discovered this site and its figure range my immediate reaction was to buy, paint and collect every figure.  I reckon I have approximately 70 of them now.  All was going well but as things in life do it then went tits up.  Firstly, Knuckleduster started expanding the range, producing more and more figures to the point where I couldn’t keep up.  Secondly, they started producing some figures I didn’t like the look of and then thirdly, as if the other two weren’t enough, they included some figures which would need larger bases!  I had to rethink my approach to Knuckleduster and so I broke things down.

Firstly I decided I would only do figures on foot.  Then I decided I would only do certain figures, then I decided if figures made little sets I would collect these.  So, for example, I wouldn’t just have Wyatt Earp, I would have Virgil, Morgan and Doc Holliday (both versions of him) as well.  Thus far this is all working out well and similar mental rules exist in my mind with other manufactures too.

Basing has presented a similar problem.  When I first started modelling my bases were quite random because I struggled to find a supplier.  Then I found one and got some uniformity going.  All was fine until my supplier went out of business and then things went tits up again.  Then my modelling diversified and different scales and single figures versus vignettes and dioramas meant identical basing had to be ditched.  What could be done?  Well, as with collecting the figures, basing had to be done in sets.  Certain bases for different types of figures and models.

Single figures which I do not want to place in a vignette or diorama and which I think are good but not exceptional get fixed to 25mm MDF round bases (see this weeks Miniature above).   Everything else gets based on solid oak bases (cubes or flat bases) as appropriate which I source from a couple of Ebay suppliers.  The only exception being whatever my next door neighbours produces for me on his wood turning lathe.

Despite my OCD I still currently have a great many figures and models on random bases.  Years ago I would have got rid of these but I have managed to stop myself from doing this even though whenever I look at them they don’t look right and drive me mad.  Those that bug me the most are now all boxed up and stored!

Does this all make any sense?  No of course it doesn’t.  It’s completely fucking mental but in my head and in the world of TIM it all works a treat … for now!

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Coronavirus – Self Isolation Week 9

Day 57 – I know newspapers need to fill column inches but if anything has annoyed me during this crisis so far it is them and the media at large.  Once upon a time reporting was largely confined to what had factually happened locally or in the world at large.  These days more than ever it is all speculation based on little more than gossip and it can be damaging.  I’m all for free speach but I have no desire to listen to people who speak out of their arse.  Here’s an idea.  Instead of trying to guess all week what you think Boris will say in his press briefing at the weekend why not wait until the weekend when he will fucking tell us!  Journalists should take up modelling to gain some patience.

Day 58 – I like “To do Lists” but they have to be manageable.  So far I’m over achieving but then again the list is relatively small.

1. Get Up
2. Survive
3. Go back to bed

Day 59 – Tonight we logged into Zoom and participated in a village quiz run by Andy our vicar.  It was great fun and we will do it again.  It’s  been a while since I have seen quite so many people pissed.

Day 60 – Some would argue that what is happening right now is the direct result of devine interventon.  I think I am of that view.  Today I found this which struck a cord.

Day 61 – While the world is closed for renovation I’m sure I am not alone in contemplating how things might look after we get through this.  The image I have is a positive one of a greatly changed world.  I just have this feeling that between the politicians, the do gooders and the “you can’t do that brigade” they are going to screw up the grand reopening.

Day 62 – It dawned on me to day that all those times when I said to the wife and kids “I don’t have the time” I was lying.  I just didn’t want to do it.

Day 63 – Another week over.  At the outset the most vulnerable were told 12 weeks of isolation.  To be fare they had no idea what lay ahead and were dealing with the unknown.  Right now it is looking like being a lot longer than envisaged.  Still, chin up and all that.  Week 10 beckons.

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This week TIM has been listening to …

“Young Girl” by Gary Pucket and the Union Gap.

A YouTube random play list chucked this out at me.   I was 10 I think when this came out and going on a week long school trip to a place called St Mary’s Bay.  We all sang along as the battered old bus took us away.  Happy days.  Not sure about the lyrics in today’s world though!

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This week TIM has been watching…

“Gladiator” starring Russel Crowe.  Thought I’d unleash hell and watch this again.

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Remember…

If you eat cake quick enough your FitBit will think you’re walking.

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TIM

Welcome to this weeks Miniatures & Musings!

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This weeks miniature is yet another 28mm Hasslefree figure, this one based on the Simon Pegg character from the film Hott Fuzz.  A great film if it passed you by without seeing it.

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Well It Made Me Laugh …

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Coronavirus – Self Isolation Week 8

Day 50 –  It occurred to me that at some point in the future a film will be made about the great Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020.  As things currentiy stand it will make for a very boring film.  I doubt this will be a difficult problem to overcome as Hollywood has a tradition of rewriting history.  I’m anticipating Zombie Bats and a vacination invented by the US president who with only seconds remaining saves the world.

Day 51 – Having once again spent far to long in bed I finally decided to get up, get dressed and go lay on the sofa.

Day 52 – My only outstanding order remains outstanding.  Fortunately it is not a large order, just a few paints and a new brush from Wayland Games.  The company is a good one and is doing its best to still trade but they seem to be running out of the things I am particularly interested in, specifically certain brushes and paints.  Whilst the web site allows you to pre-order it is far from clear when they expect to get stock in.  If you use this site or are thinking of doing so you might want to bare this in mind.

Day 53 – As my hair continues to grow so I get the feeling I am returning to the 1970’s.  I’m looking forward to once again wearing double denim.

Day 54 – It’s Hay Fever season and both She Who Must Be Obeyed and I suffer from it.  To be fare SWMBO suffers far worse than I do.  In any event we decided to play a new game, we’ve called it “Plague or Pollen?”.

Day 55 – A busy day than I had originally planned.   Decided to rearrange the icons on my Samsung Tablet.  Tomorrow I will look at doing the same to my phone.

Day 56 – On balance I think so far I have handled 8 weeks of isolation remarkably well.  I wondered why that might be and then it dawned on me.  This is what I have been training for.  All those days and nights spent over weeks, months and years doing modelling and painting had a purpose.

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This week TIM has been listening to …

“Day Dream Believer” by The Monkeys.  A made up group to rival the Beatles as I recall but I did enjoy their manic TV show and several of their songs are true classics for sure.  None more so than this one.

She Who Must Be Obeyed asked me to stop singing this because she found it annoying.  At first I thought she was joking … and then I saw her face …

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This week TIM has been watching…

“Normal People” – A BBC TV series in 12 parts (although there may well be a second series).

Despite the obvious macho image I portray (cough) I do have a sensitive side and whilst this might be considered a bit girlie I found myself loving this from the off and binged all six hours in one go.

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Remember…

During the Covid- 19 pandemic Sweet Caroline has been banned.  There will be no touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you.

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TIM

Welcome to this weeks Miniatures & Musings!

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This weeks 28mm figure is from Hasslefree and goes by the name of “Wolsey” and is based on the Scooby Doo cartoon series.  There are two verions of the figure, this is the Apocolypse version and the figure was one sent to me for free on account of the fact that I had placed an order over and above a certain value apparently.  Not a figure I would have chosen to buy but as it turned out it was one I really enjoyed painting.  I may now have to get the other figures which make up this little set.

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Well It Made Me Laugh …

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Coronavirus – Self Isolation Week 7

Day 43 – If this is the apocalypse then I must say I am rather disappointed in it so far.  The current situation is a long way from taking on hordes of zombies with a cricket bat whilst trying to reach the Winchester Arms.

Day 44 – The coronavirus has resulted in being able to claim all manner of refunds for things being cancelled.  With this year rapidly going nowhere I’m wondering if I can get my money back on the 2020 wall planner I bought?

Day 45 – In the “Game of Life: Covid-19” addition we have reached the 1st May or as I prefer to call it Level 5.

Day 46 – Now left to go natural She Who Must Be Obeyed’s hair would be completely grey.  As things currently stand she has adopted the appearance of a rabid badger.  Obviously  I have said to her that she looks fine, I’m not completely mental.  Does make me wonder though how many blonds there will be once we are let lose into the wild again.

Day 47 – Although I am not a gamer I found myself once again thinking about the apocalypse.  Now that we know it wont be played out by bat weilding humans breaking skulls I am curious how the figure designers for future games will depict Covid-19.  Any thoughts?

Day 48 – I’m not much of a Facebook user, more a Facebook stalker.  One thing I have noticed though is how few people have updated their profile pictures.  I assume the inability to update ones wardrobe, acquire cosmetics and complete a make over has had a baring on this.

Day 49 – I’m not sure further proof was required that women can be fickle creatures but today I spent a little time contemplating the hypothetical question “Who do I think is the more desirable women between Jennifer Lawrence and Jenna Coleman?” posed by She Who Must Be Obeyed.  

Without a moments hesitation I said Jenna Coleman (possibly the most beautiful women in the world as far as I am concerned but I wouldn’t say no to Jennifer either).   I then simply asked her what she thought of Micala who lives up the road and all hell broke lose!

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This week TIM has been listening to …

“Simply Irresistible” by Robert Palmer.  I love this guy’s music and although I can’t quite work out why I love his video’s too.

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This week TIM has been watching…

“The Irishman” starring Robert De Niro et al.  Very disappointing and three hours of my life that I wont get back.

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Remember…

If all the psychics you know are either depressed or angry then try and find a happy medium.

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TIM

 

Welcome to this weeks Miniatures & Musings!

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As I have been doing a bit of batch painting on some Knuckleduster figures this weeks offering is another Gunfighters Ball figure – “Charlie Bowdre”.   I’ll move on to something else next week but haven’t decided what just yet.  There is plenty of figures in the pile that’s for sure.

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Well It Made Me Laugh …

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Site Reviews

Thanks to the glorious UK weather I have more or less reached the stage where I have either completed or given up on all the houshold jobs that needed doing.  This will leave me with even more time to “paint, model and blog” (for some reason the words “Shake, Rattle and Roll” just entered my head!) during the many weeks of self isolation which still lay ahead.  Contemplating what to do I hit upon the idea of a new temporary blog feature.  I have decided it might be a nice idea to run a series of site review articles.  I am no expert but I do feel qualified to at least comment on the things I have bought and tried out and to share my thoughts for better or worse.

Over the years I have discovered a great many modelling sites dealing with figures, accessories and tools and have, either through buying items or simply looking at the site, informed opinions on them all.  If nothing else it will either selfishly serve as a reminder to me or at best be of interest in some form or another to someone new to the hobby.  That obviously excludes most of you dear readers but you’re stuck with it until such times as I give up on the idea!

I’m not going to over think the concept, layout or format, I’ll just go with how the mood takes me.  I might deal with a specific genre, several sites at once or just one site at a time.  I’m not planning a regular posting date either.  I will simply publish as and when.  Might be one a week, might be two a week, might be none.

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Coronavirus – Self Isolation Week 6

Day 36 – Today the postman delivered one of my outstanding orders, this one from Haslefree.  Understandably it has taken a while to arrive.  Not complaining given the circumstances but just wish I had put more in the order.  Think I will have to place another in the next day or two if it is going to take that long to be fulfilled.

Day 37 – Before the Covid-19 outbreak I had two trips to London planned one of which was for Salute 2020.  In addition I also had trips planned to holiday in France and Norway.  The London trips got cancelled and the other two will almost certainly follow suit.  In search of the positive it occurs to me I have a nice pot of refunded money to spend on modelling.  I suspect She Who Must Be Obeyed might have other ideas which is why I have told her we weren’t eligible for refunds.

Day 38 – It has only taken 38 days for the penny to drop that I cannot get to the post office.  The significance of this is only that in the unlikely event of someone buying anything I have listed on Ebay (this is a slow time of the year at the best of times without Covid-19 to worry about) I wouldn’t be able to post it for at least another 6 weeks, probably longer.  Nothing to do but unlist all items and see how things look later in the year, although I cannot imagine buying painted figures being high on anyone’s list once this is over.  Still at least time is on my side to build up some stock.

Day 39 – This morning I was woken early by a noise outside.  I say early although I should point out that under normal circumstances I would have been up 2 hours earlier.  Looking outside there was a white van bearing the logo “Kingfisher, Delivering Brixham’s Finest Sea Food To Your Door”.  I love sea food and immediately anticipated a nice load of cockles, winkles and whelks (I don’t like jellied eels) coming my way until I realised no orders had been placed by us for such goodies.  On speaking to the delivery chap it turns out the company had been employed by the government to deliver food parcels to the vulnerable.  It turns out it was a great big box of food for my son and he would now be getting a similar one every week!

Day 40 – Today was spent trying to see how we could stop yesterdays parcel from being delivered every week, a near impossible task it would seem.  Don’t get me wrong we are not ungrateful but we feel extremely guilty knowing we can pay our way and there are others out there with a greater need.  To steal a line from the film Legend where Tom Hardy plays Reggie Kray “I’m a giver not a receiver”.  It looks like the best we can do is accept the deliveries for the time being and drop the parcels off to the local charity food bank.

Day 41 – Another model order arrived today.  Vallejo Model Color paints ordered from a company I had not used before – eModels.  Looks like my day is set, not with painting but reorganizing my Hobby Zone paint racks.  These things have to be placed in order!

Day 42 – Half way there!  Six weeks down and in theory only six weeks to go.  I suspect the reality for those with underlying conditions will be much, much longer but we will continue to take one step at a time as the new world continues to emerge.

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This week TIM has been listening to …

Bachman-Turner Overdive You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.

With time to spare during lockdown I thought I would trawl through my youth over the coming weeks and months and pick out a few songs from yesteryear that I still like today.  This one is from 1975.

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This week TIM has been watching…

“Only Fools and Horses”.  The perfect backdrop while painting.  So many classic lines from this awesome sitcom which ran and ran for years.  Thought I would go with this image that I found to bring things up to date!

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Remember…

“Exiled for the good of the realm” sounds so much better than “Social Distancing”.

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TIM

 

Welcome to this weeks Miniatures & Musings!

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This week a return to Knuckleduster and another Gunfighters Ball figure – “Dick Brewer”.  There was a time when I could keep up with Knuckledusters new releases but not any more.  It has become a struggle but for now I have the time to work through a new batch I recently purchased.

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Well It Made Me Laugh …

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Basing

I’ve noticed that there appears to be a new trend (well I haven’t noticed it before) to base figures on clear plastic bases.  If there is a reason for this I am guessing the answer might lie within the gaming community.

From the perspective of a painter and modeller rather than a gamer I can see that a clear base makes you focus on the figure itself with no distractions.  A good idea?  Well I guess it is all about opinions and I am not one for sitting on the fence getting splinters up my arse so I will just come right out and say I think clear bases look shit.

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Coronavirus – Self Isolation Week 5

Day 29 – It has become a strange new world.  I have begun to envy people who’s post arrives late in the day.  Ours arrives at roughly 10 in the morning now, it used to be by 9 but I guess a shortage of posties has had an impact.  The point is the anticipation of receiving something in the post, especially if it is modelling related, is a highlight.  Sadly it’s over all to quickly.

Day 30 – A great friend of mine who lives in Galway, Ireland sent me the following web link – http://radio.garden/live – some of you may already be aware of it.  For those who aren’t it is a very cool site which allows you to tune in to radio stations from all over the world using an interactive global map.  Do I have the time to check it out?  Looking at the day I have planned I think I can find a slot between 06:00 and 24:00 to squeeze it in.

Day 31 – Today I am off to Australia.  Yesterday I spent time travelling across the US.  Not sure where I will go after that but further journeys beckon.  Now by tavelling I mean I sat in the garden in the blazing sunshine listening to American radio stations while imagining I was behind the wheel of a little red corvette.  If that wasn’t good enough it got even better.  Did you know that you can even drink an ice cold beer at the same time and its not illegal!

Day 32 – Today I finished my last beer whilst “driving” along Australia’s gold coast.  Apparently beer is not consider an essential item in these days of lockdown.  I disagree but what can you do?  The obvious answer is to turn to the wine rack.  The good news is there is some, the bad news is I prefer red over white and mostly the rack is filled with the latter.  All is not lost however as Charles Stevenson’s Wines of Tavistock will deliver locally.  🤗🍷

Day 33 – Apparently today is Sunday.  I didn’t have a clue until SWMBO served dinner.  We always have a roast dinner on a Sunday and today we had beef.  I am confident of knowing tomorrow will be Monday as there is usually cold meat to be had for dinner after a Sunday roast.  After Monday I will be lost again.

Day 34 – When my world was normal I would generally keep myself busy and occasionally decide I deserved a day of doing nothing.  Such are the times I find myself living in now that this morning I declared I would do something.  In fairness it didn’t amount to more than making a cup of tea but I felt better about myself and besides after so much inactivity I felt it necessary to ease into things.

Day 35 – Think I may have over done it yesterday so declared today would be a day of rest and relaxation and besides the wine delivery is due this afternoon.

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This week TIM has been listening to …

The Troggs and “Wild Thing”.  Every time I hear this I am always reminded of the film Major League with Charlie Sheen.

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This week TIM has been watching…

“Money Ball” starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill.  Sticking with the baseball theme.

Unlike American Football, Baseball is easily understood, not that you need to know too much for watching the film.  Spoiler – If it were me I would have taken the job!

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Remember…

Marriage is all about finding that special person that you want to annoy for the rest of your life.

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TIM

 

Welcome to this weeks Miniatures & Musings!

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A little bit deep and meaningful this week.  “Billie the Hunted” is a Hasslefree figure of a scared girl hugging her rag doll.  In these troubled times when our kids are understandably worried, spare a thought for Billie.

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Well It Made Me Laugh …

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Coronavirus – Self Isolation Week 4

Day 22 – Am I the only one who’s body clock is completely fucked right now?  Pre-Cornonavirus lock down there were occasional times when I didn’t know what day of the week it was.  An age thing.  These days I do not know what day of the week it is, what time of day it is or even if it is morning or night.  My internal intuition is now completely screwed.  Even meal times follow no pattern.  This morning I ate cauliflower cheese.

Day 23 – Thanks to Amazon two tins of spray matt varnish arrived today leaving only three orders outstanding.  Well not entirely true as I placed an order with Dixon Miniatures for a few ACW figures but as I only did that yesterday it doesn’t really count.

Day 24 – In theory my family and I have 60 more days of self isolation to go.  Government advice may change in that time of course but not for all I suspect and not those who are or have a family member in the high risk group.  Time will tell but for now we have settled into a routine which although it has its low points seems to be working.

Day 25 – Today is my wedding anniversay, thirty eight years and counting.  I can’t see via Google what the right gift is for 38 years of marriage but I’m pretty sure it isn’t Covid-19!  Now I don’t typically plan ahead and buy things like anniversay and birthday cards that far in advance but for once I did and She Who Must Be Obeyed didn’t.  I’m going to enjoy today!

Day 26 – There is a guy in my village who I cannot stand.  He is an idiot and I call him Mad Martin.  We have never seen eye to eye on anything but at times like these I have come to realise that life is to short, it is time to move on and to have no regrets.  I have decided that when we bump into each other once lockdown is over I’m going to tell him to fuck off.

Day 27 – Pension payday today and I feel like the guy who lost a pound and found a penny.  On the down side my share prices have dropped significantly and no dividends are being paid but on the up side I spent almost nothing of my net monthly income as a consequence of having nowhere to go.  If the coronavirus lockdown continues for the next two years (heaven forbid) then I reckon I could be in with half a chance of balancing the books.

Day 28 – Now I have never been to prison and have no plans to do so.  The thought of picking up dropped soap in the communal shower fills me with dread.  However, I reckon the highlight of the average prisoners day is when the food tray is passed through the cell door hatch.  And so it is with us when the home delivery arrives from the baker or the butcher or the grocer. 🤗

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To WIP Post Or Not To WIP Post?

With my diroama OMG! almost complete it is time to start working on a new mini project the working title of which is “Covid 19: Lockdown Breakout”, catchy and rather topical I thought.  I have no idea how long it will take, two or three posts at best I reckon.  The question is do I put out a WIP post(s) before or after completion?

Something for me to mull over but feel free to share your opinion if you have one as I would welcome your thoughts.  I’m also considering adding a little story line narrative.

Decisions, decisions!

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This week TIM has been listening to …

“Teenage Kicks” by The Undertones.

Feeling rebelious so felt like a bit of punk.  Even went out twice for exercise as neither of the kids could be arsed to walk the dog last evening.

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This week TIM has been watching…

“Remember the Titans” starring Denzil Washington.

A few years old now but a great film all the same.  Can’t say I know anything whatsoever about American Football.  Probably the most bazaar game ever invented from what I can make out but fortunatley you don’t need to have any understanding of the game to enjoy the film.

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Remember…

Taking a nap is easy, you can do it with your eyes closed!

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TIM

Welcome to this weeks Miniatures & Musings!

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This week sees another figure by Hasslefree – “Bambi”.  Everytime I look at this figure it reminds me of She Who Must Be Obeyed.  Not so much the flowing hair, thigh high boots and ample cleavage, more the ball and chain!

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Well It Made Me Laugh …

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Coronavirus – Self Isolation Week 3

Day 15 – One of those days where I found myself trying to gain some perspective on the present circumstances and what the potential future will look like.  I suspect I will have more days like this one.   Concluded that the world I knew as of a few weeks ago is now completely fucked.  Promised myself that tomorrow I will wear my positive hat.

Day 16 – Today’s highlight was putting out the rubbish.  Ordinarily I wouldn’t give the matter a second thought but it occurred to me that I now get to go out as much as the rubbish does.  Think I might have to make this my dressing up day from now on.

Day 17 – Crooked Dice order arrived today but still no sign of four outstanding orders.  Disappointed but not surprised.  Will have to result to some weird colour combinations if my paint orders don’t arrive soon.  Think I will place another Crooked Dice order too.

Day 18 – In an effort to get me motivated and out of the house She Who Must Be Obeyed pointed out that the weather was ideal for getting on with those outside jobs.  I pointed out that I cannot get the bloody materials for doing any of them!  Hooray! More time for painting and modelling.

Day 19 – Started to wonder how long people will be prepared to stay cooped up for before they say “Fuck this I’ll take my chances”.  Not sure it did me much good but if nothing else my thoughts sparked an idea or two for a couple of apocalypse dioramas.

Day 20 – Despite walking the dog the best part of 5 miles each day I seem to find myself more and more physically drained.  Cannot claim to be ill but equally am a far cry from feeling 100%.  Indicative of the crazy times we now find ourselves living in?  Will go with the answer yes.

Day 21 – Three weeks of isolation under the belt and only nine to go assuming the UK government plan stays on course.  This week hasn’t been a good one.  SWMBO decided to go through her wardrobe.  She proudly announced “Look, after 25 years this still fits!”.  Pointing out that the said garment was a scarf didn’t go down well.

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This week TIM has been listening to …

“Ca Plane Pour Moi” by Plastic Bertrand.

This is what three weeks of isolation has done to me!  Seriously worried where the next nine weeks may lead.

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This week TIM has been watching…

“The Wolf Of Wall Street” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Thought I would remind myself of lifes excesses pre the Coronavirus.  Cannot see anything other than a changed world (hopefully a better one) once this is all over.

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Remember…

When a women says you can stick it where you want that does include her sister.

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TIM

As I cannot claim I do not have the time my response to Bogenwald’s request for views from the window.  The first picture is from our bedroom balcony which faces the front of the house.  The second is from the rear balcony overlooking the garden.

TIM

 

 

Welcome to this weeks Miniatures & Musings!

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This week is a bit of a cheat in that I have posted this 54mm Space Marine figure before.  So why post it again?

Well first time around I had painted the figure but not based it.  Now ordinarily I wouldn’t bother to re-post but on this occasion I thought some of you might be interested in the “pod” which I have added to the right of the figure for any space type bases you might be considering doing.  It reminded me of the pods which appeared in the film Alien.  In reality the pod is a Beech tree nut case (see final image).  I added some thistle and leaves to the inside for a bit more interest.

Maybe it is only me but I definatley think these pods have an outer space vibe.

OK it is only me!

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Well It Made Me Laugh …

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Coronavirus – Self Isolation Week 2

Day 8 – Living in the open countryside it is possible to self isolate by going out with the dog for a long walk and meeting nobody.  Generally I walk him 4 1/2 miles in the morning.  My daughter does the same in the afternoon and my son goes out with him in the evening.  Not sure how long we can keep this up, the dog (Buddy) is knackered!

Day 9 – She Who Must Be Obeyed announced that after 8 days of confinement she had become to appreciate the little things in life.  Apparently that didn’t include my penis.

Day 10 – Ordered a car battery charger when it occurred to me the family cars will have flat batteries by the time we ae able to use them again.

Day 11 – Almost two weeks of self isolation gone and growing concerned my modelling stash wont last the twelve week duration.  Being risk adverse decided to place several orders.  It remains to be seen when they turn up.

Day 12 – Spirits are still high in the TIM houshold.  The fine weather we are having is allowing us all to be outside as well as inside.  For now it is just like being at home on holiday.  Bigger tests are yet to come.

Day 13 – Home delivery services now in full swing.  Today saw the Butcher, Baker and Green Grocer all deliver to our house.  We also managed to secure a supermarket home delivery slot for 3 weeks time!  Thank goodness for the small independents.

Day 14 – Found two islands for sale off of the north west coast of Scotland.  One is 36 acres the other 25.  For sale at £175k.  If they are still available when this is all over will give the matter of buying them some serious thought.   SWMBO saying “no way” has pretty much made my mind up!

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Steampunk Railway

I saw this on the BBC, thought it was cool and decided to share it:

The steampunk model railway enthusiast having designs used by Hornby – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-51932009

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This week TIM has been listening to …

The Pulp Fiction Soundtrack.  Specifically “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry.

Classic film, classic track and classic dance sequence.

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This week TIM has been watching…

The Highwaymen starring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson.  A true story.

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Remember…

Beer is so much more than a breakfast drink.

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TIM

 

 

 

 

Welcome to this weeks Miniatures & Musings!

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TIM’s Mid Week Miniature

This week another miniature from Hasslefree one of my very favorite model sites if you weren’t already aware.  This time a pirate from a historic period I like very much but one I have never really embraced in modelling terms.  Might have to put that right at some point.

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Happy Birthday To Me

A few days ago my blog enjoyed it’s third birthday.  Quite where that time has gone is somewhat of a mystery but I have loved every moment so far and long may it continue.

Engaging with like minded people has been great but one of the other things which has given me a surprising pleasure is seeing where my blog has been viewed across the world.  Now I appreciate that in many of the countries people have stumbled across it by pure chance and having seen it once they have not bothered to look at it again.  However, the fact remains it was viewed there all the same.

Three years into my blog it isn’t very often that someone pops up in a new country to view something I have done.  It was therefore quite a surprise to get three new countries all in one week.  Perhaps it was one person on their travels, who knows?  In any event welcome to Nepal, Qatar and Columbia.

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Coronavirus – Self Isolation Week 1

Those who follow this blog will know that I take the current situation seriously.  Despite my personal family circumstances there is a need to remain optimistic, maintain some perspective and above all hang on to a sense of humour.  Failure to do all three of these things will lead to my certain demise.  With 11 of 12 weeks of self isolation to go I thought I would share the highlights of my first week.

Day 1 – Realised I was nearly out of Vallejo Matt Black Model Color.  Placed order for this and some other stuff to take order over £20.00 to get free postage.  Black out of stock.  Modellers stock piling too.  Bugger.

Day 2 – Phoned mum and dad to see how they are getting on in their self isolation.  Spoke to dad.  “I didn’t let the Nazis get me so I’m fucked if I’m gonna let the fucking Chinks get the better or me either!”.  Way you go dad.

Day 3 – Need a haircut.  Just realised I cannot go out to get one for 12 weeks.  Do I shave it all off or grow a pony tail.  Placed an Amazon order for hair clippers.

Day 4 – Tesco Supermarket online order arrived.  Ninety percent of the order missing.  On a positive note they managed to provide toothpaste, dog food and two packs of beer.

Day 5 – Refuse to be beaten by the announcement of the local pub closure.  Have placed a can of beer in every room and am going on a pub crawl.

Day 6 –  She Who Must Be Obeyed insisted on family exercise to Davina McCall keep fit DVD.  Still hung over from yesterday’s pub crawl.  Done back in trying to bend backwards.  Should have done some stretches first.  Bollocks.

Day 7 – Bad back has restricted my movement.  Unable to do much else spent most of the morning picking at a scab on my elbow.  Red cross parcel arrived this afternoon.  More figures, this lot from Reaper.  Happy days!

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Well It Made Me Laugh …

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This week TIM has been listening to …

Bob Dylan and “The Times They Are A Changin'”.

Seemed appropriate for the circumstances we find ourselves in!

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This week TIM has been watching …

“Lawless” starring Tom Hardy.  The title rather than the films content could well be indicative of where we are heading.  Great film with a great cast and based on a true story.  If you have not seen this film then you are missing a treat.

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Remember …

Trying to give up Sexual Innuendos is hard, so very, very hard.

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TIM