Next project and a diet update.

First of all the great weigh in was done this morning after exactly one week on the diet. The result is I have lost five pounds! Really pleased with that, just another thirty to go. I realise I probably won't lose that amount every week, but it really has given me a lot of encouragement to continue on.

Now for the next project which is a whittling down of my stash. I have quite a few boxes of 1/72nd scale figures, some of which are for the Hundred Years War. A few figures had been painted a few years ago and then boxed and forgotten. So I have dug them all out to paint up.

First up will be...

A dozen or so English Longbow men that need completing.

Two boxes of French knights, still in their shrink wrap.

Contents of each box.

One command sprue.

Three common sprues. Two boxes equals 38 mounted knights.

It also contained the instruction sheet.

And rules for the long defunct 'Age of Battles' rules that Zvezda used to produce.

A resurrected project.

When I first got back into the model soldier painting and wargaming hobby after close to 50 years away from it. I didn't realise how much the hobby had changed. My initial purchases when returning of course were the 1/72nd scale of my youth. A lot more pricey now! I used to get them for two shillings a box (10p).

I hadn't really considered wargaming at that time and was really just wanting to paint up some troops for fun and relaxation. One of the periods that has always interested me greatly was the Hundred Years War, though to be honest all Medieval periods float my boat. With access to the internet, I was able to browse the now huge range of 1/72nd scale figures, it seemed any era was now possible, even obscure conflicts I had barely heard of.

I ordered a number of boxes with the HYW in mind and at the same time bought a Miniart Castle and Fortress, the idea being to combine the kits to make a bespoke castle. Along with them were a battering ram and other siege equipment, though I was unable to get my hands on a Zvezda siege tower for this period. I must look again for one of them.

I had been painting up some Napoleonic's in the same scale and fancied a change was the main reason. I already had some Crusaders and Saracens painted up, and some Greeks and Persians, this project would fill a gap in my armies.

I did paint up a few English archers, foot soldiers and mounted knights, but then I was attracted to new shiny things, not only that, but a new scale too. I discovered 28mm and was immediately hooked and a new journey began. The HYW project shelved for future times and the whole lot boxed up and forgotten.

My goal this year is not to buy any new shiny soldiers, but to complete everything that I have already. Part of that of course is my stash of 1/72nd scale figures. I am currently coming to the end of my current project, 28mm Wars of the Roses, the last box of figures are currently on the painting board. I was going to return to completing my 28mm English Civil War armies, as I have the Irish and Scottish contingents still to assemble and paint. However, I have also been playing with two sets of rules that I am thoroughly enjoying, namely Lion Rampant and Sword and Spear, both perfect in their own way for the games I want to play.

So of the numerous boxes of 1/72 I have selected the ones relating to the HYW as of course I can use those two rule sets with them. A change of scale will also make a pleasant change too. So here are some photographs of the next project.

Two boxes each of Zvezda knights for either side. Miniart French knights and Burgundians.

Some boxes of infantry for both sides.

With the castle in mind, I had also bought some specialists.

A stand of English mounted knights.

Some close to completion, archers. (must sort out those mould lines)

Finally, some foot knights and men at arms.

So the next armies for the two rule sets are already in stock and awaiting a splash of paint. Add to that the building of the castle and I am in business for a few months to come.