When I was assessing my goals for 2024 back in January (see The Road Ahead in 2024), the desire to cut back painting output in the New Year was noted. At that time, I offered up a painting goal of 750 figures with modest shift to seeing more 25mm figures move across the painting desk. Well, it is mid-May and I appear to be surprisingly on track to reach that goal. Painting has slowed down, for sure, but a total of 750 figures painted seems doable. At current counts, the Painting Log shows 303 figures painted, thus far. That works out to an average of about 60 per month. With the number of games played and the increased workload of designing scenarios and hosting games, I figured counts may be even less. Still, I may be on track to reach the 750 goal by year end.Back to today's topic, two Sumerian straddle cars roll out from the painting desk. Not quite sure how I will incorporate these two stands into Basic Impetvs games but I am sure I will put them to work somehow and somewhere. Figures are Newline Designs. Nice models!  |
| Piedmontese light infantry hold the bridge! |
Thursday saw a four-player remote game of the WAS Battle of Bassignana fight out. We lost two players due to illness but the game carried on in fine fashion with the Stalwart Four. Another interesting battle developed with tension at every twist and turn. Who came out the victor? I guess you must wait for the reports to filter in. I hope to see a few more games on this battlefield.
Finally, I received an email from Norm earlier in the week stating that his blog, Battlefields and Warriors was going into hibernation and comments would be turned off. This is not the first time that Norm has drawn a line in the sand on his blog updates so we may see a return at some point. While the reason for abandonment is understandable, I will miss his insightful posts and commentary. In the meantime, Norm still offers diary updates on his goings-on at his Commanders website.
Lovely job!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI've always been intrigued by these straddle carts - great to see them painted as I don't think I've seen a Sumerian army in the flesh here.
ReplyDeleteRichard
Without seeing photos on Newline’s website, I thought I would order two and see what they looked like. I think they are nice models.
DeleteJonathan the straddle cars look great. But is there any evidence that they were built like motorcycles? With a wheel at the front and one at the back. Would look much cooler 😂
ReplyDeleteI look forward to the report on the Bassignana battle. The setup is great.
Sorry to hear about Norm. I hope it comes good for him. I will add his Commanders to my favourites.
Thanks! Bassignana was another enjoyable contest to watch unfold. The fellas kept me hopping during the game and I am not sure I always managed to snap the right photos.
DeleteI do like the look of those straddle carts, and you look well on course to reach your painted figures goal.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Neil! Since I have been averaging about 1,000 painted figures per year for a long time, does reaching a lower goal have the same impact?
DeleteInteresting additions to your Sumerian forces. Good you are on track for your painting goal. Will better weather and cycling slow down the painting?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peter. Better weather and increased cycling does have an effect painting. Summer seems to see a drop in figure output. hopefully, output does not fall to zero!
DeleteThe straddle cars look terrific. Possibly use as a command element on the table top? Lovely to see such arcane transport coming to the table top.
ReplyDeleteI await the battle report with mounting enthusiasm…
Alan Tradgardland
Thanks, Alan! In the catalog, these figures are listed as "Heroes in straddle cars" so maybe there is a place for heroes in the game. I could use them as commanders too.
DeleteLovely and unusual biblical infantry fighting vehicles, Jon!
ReplyDeleteI too am sorry to see Norm taking another break....I might have to try his other site to keep up with his various doings.
Thanks, Keith! Norm's Commanders site is a good way to see what he is up to but, sadly, no commentary.
Deletep.s forgot to ask how do you do your bases?
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
Bases have a mixture of medium, model railway ballast with Tajima1 Miniatures tufts stuck randomly about.
DeleteI see the painting elves in the basement have been busy!
ReplyDeleteWhen I looked at the straddle carts, I thought "scouts", although I know in chariot era armies these are normally a rider sitting way back on the horse/ mule/ donkey's back...
Neil
Yes, but not too busy! There are grumblings about forming a Union to demand better working conditions.
Delete750 figures will be a great result, particularly if the majority are in 28mm. Lovely straddle cars Jonathan. I'll miss Norm's comments so I hope his lay off doesn't last long.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lawrence! We may see Norm return some day.
DeleteLive and learn. This is the first time I've heard of straddle cars, and what a fine sample to introduce them. Your painting production is admirable, as is the brushwork.
ReplyDeleteLive and learn, indeed! I appreciate your encouragement, Ed!
DeleteThe Sumerians are great, nice figures and very well painted. Looking forward to the WAS battle report, my favourite period, like the SYW but more colourful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donnie! Maybe I can sit down on Sunday to hammer out a battle report although the weather is quite good here and the outdoors calls.
DeleteVery nice Jonathan…
ReplyDeleteThese are indeed interesting little vehicles…
All the best. Aly
Thank you, Aly!
DeleteExcellent and unusual looking vehicles. Lovely job on them Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Richard!
DeleteThanks Jonathan. Kind Regards, Norm.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteGreat work on those straddle cars, which look incredibly uncomfortable! I do wonder whether they dismounted to fight, as even shooting a bow, no the most stable platform from which to do it.
ReplyDeleteBassigna looks great as always and looking forward to the first AAR:).
Thanks, Steve! I wonder how effective these cars would be as a stable firing platform. Perhaps for zipping around a battlefield, they were just the ticket.
DeleteBassignana was a real bloodbath. Counting losses this morning, I was shocked at the final tally.
Great as always Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteLovely looking carts and I look forward to the AAR!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain caveadsum1471
Thanks, Iain!
DeleteStraddle carts, that's a new one on me. They don't look the most comfortable mode of military transport. A splendid addition to your superb collection.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Phil! They are an odd looking contraption, are they not?
DeleteGreat job. Seems like a strange half chariot, I’ve never heard of the like. 😀
ReplyDeleteI’m surprised Norm didn’t do a post about it rather than just email you. Hope he enjoys his break.
Thanks! These are odd looking fighting vehicles.
DeleteNice work on the battle carts Jon, I do admire your targets 🤔
ReplyDeleteThanks, Matt! I cannot manage what I don’t measure.
DeleteHmm, learn something every time I come here. I thought it about those pony rides where you were on the mechanical horse for a quarter or two.
ReplyDeleteNice representation of this type of unit. The AAR'S will certainly chronicle great things.
The cars do resemble a kid's pony ride!
Delete