Saturday, December 7, 2013

Overcome by Temptation

In the old days, attending a gaming convention, reading an interesting book, or group project discussion would be the major means of tempting me to embark upon another period.  Now, I find following many outstanding blogs trumps all of those.  The less resolute can succumb to temptation simply by following another blogger's project builds and exploits.  The blogger makes the period look very appealing with historical background, project plans, product reviews, painted units,...I could go on forever.

My latest capitulation appears to revolve around my burgeoning interest in the Biblical period.  Once you begin looking, it is surprising how many bloggers cover this period quite well.  After an initial order placed with Wargames Foundry chronicled here, I followed up with the purchase of nine pre-built, second-hand Assyrian chariots.
Assyrian King's Chariot
All of these models are Wargames Foundry and all are quite nice.  Although I do not typically buy painted, second-hand figures, I made an exception for these models.  Why?  Well, the price was not much different from the cost of the unpainted lead and I find it difficult to resist a bargain.

When  the package arrived I opened the box to find a second inner box.  All of the models were packaged in this inner container.  After opening this second container, I dug through all of the puffed rice to extract the nine chariots.  Although the models were packed carefully in an inner box, broken bits still surfaced.  What I found was collateral damage among the models.  A few broken wheels, unhooked yokes, and detached chariots were the major casualties.  Nothing a little epoxy and a touch of paint will not fix.
9 Chariots as they arrived
Once I sorted more carefully, two of the chariots were missing yokes altogether.  I sifted through the box contents more than once in search of these missing pieces.  Coming up empty, I contacted the seller in search of the missing bits.  No yokes.  Following that, I contacted Wargames Foundry.  By chance, the Foundry had two surplus yokes for these models and casting replacement parts was not required.  In addition, they packaged and shipped these replacement bits at no cost!  This package is still in transit but what terrific customer support!   

Excuse me while I begin a little rehabilitation project.

19 comments:

  1. Nice haul - save a lot of painting - especially 4-horse chariots! Touch up will be fine. Best, Dean

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    1. I thought so too! A few repairs and touch-ups and I have a nucleus for Assyrians.

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  2. That is a great haul! You leave no historical stone, or period, unturned.

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  3. An excellent score, even with a little rehab needed.

    On Ishtar, on Marduk, on Nergal and Shamash...

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    1. Peter, I should give you full credit for leading me down the path towards this particular project.

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    2. Glad you got the multi-layered allusion, LOL!

      You *did* ask to see the Assyrians after all, now, didn't you. Heh, heh. More to come, of course.

      I shall endeavor to avoid allowing your magnificent Seven Years War troops to do the same to me. Of course there is still the matter of Revolutionary war forces to be considered...

      (Face it, all true wargamers are at least as much Collectors at heart!)

      Peter

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    3. Looking forward to seeing more of your collections!

      As for AWI, of course, I have that in 15mm (both sides) and 28mm (British and Germans)! Reminds me that the 15's haven't seen battle in a long time. I should remedy that.

      Yes, collector and wargamer...

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  4. Those skins are insane, whoever painted those were quite good
    I tried once, yeah not as detailed! I'd say that was an excellent find, but shame on you for delving into another era, I can hear your wallet creaking now! I've updated my blog with photos and wanted to thank you for your kind words. Regards, David

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  5. There is always room for one more era. Perchance did Foundry see fit to include your awol Curassier?

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    1. No, I didn't ask for that AWOL figure. I will in the next order.

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  6. Looking forward to following this project and what nice grab! I fully understand how other blogs can tempt one into new things!

    No question Foundry Assyrians are the best out there and I had quite a few with the intent of doing the project, but had to give it up as I couldn't find any players. However, I'm thinking of doing it again through New Line Designs 20mm Biblical range as it's both nice and cheaper.

    Christopher

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    1. Christopher, it is a sometimes slippery slope leading into the depths of ...

      I look forward to following your 20mm Biblical project.

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    2. Trying to resist at the moment as I already have too many projects on the go!

      Christopher

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  7. Yes, the folks at Foundry were quite nice about replacement parts.

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  8. Wow! I love chariots. Great number.

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    1. It is an impressive sight. Look for the photos of the refurbished chariots. They are even better!

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