Preparing the next batch of Imagination .

 

Whilst doing a Spring clean (of which more later) I found these 40mm semi flat cavalry I once got from eBay .

So they all got a Dettol bath to remove their paint .

Cleaning off the gunge using an old toothbrush and disposable gloves .

First batch cleaned and based ready for an undercoat.

Next batch, I was short one figure so I cast one up , and mysteriously he is slightly bigger , Think it might be a homemade mould hence the size difference ? , hopefully not to noticable when they are painted and on the tabletop. I have no idea which armies they will be joining yet .

If only I could have bought these .......

 

Found these on Facebook , the hours I spent looking at them as a youngster (1960's) they were in Superman comics etc passed on to me by our neighbour - a quiet bald moustached Postman who you wouldn't think would read that sort of thing. 

I especially wanted these, but I didn't even know what a Zip code was let alone sending a postal order to the USA . I now know they where cheap plastic semi-flats but they were exotic unobtainable treasures to me then.

We go Hi-tec !

 

So I have been painting up some 2D Ancient / Hyperborean flats - and finding it hard going ! . By and large I have quite good eyesight (for my age) I think, but the flat 2D Zinnfiguren have very slight definition - being only 1mm thick I suppose doesn't help . So I purchased the above magnifier and light and am trying it out .

I have tried magnifying devices before but they where free standing glasses on plinths and didn't like them , this head mounted one seems easier to manage - and makes you look like a minor Super Hero !

Here is the first figure I have manage with this devise . I won't be painting the rank and file to the same level . I'm quite happy with the results but think his trousers could have done with a bit more shading .People that paint Flats as a hobby tend to use Oil paints so they can blend them better , but I will stick to my acrylics and practise a bit more.

The Meteor of Doom - the Finale .

 

The opponents close for action !

The Hyborean Light Camelry shoot at the enemy but with poor results 

They are charged by the Hyrkanian Light horse and after a brutal melee are forced to flee - both sides being unarmoured was responcible for the heavy losses.. The Stygian mercenary archers move to open fire on the Heavy cavalry .

They cause heavy casualties and killing both Officers results in the cavalry retreating - luckily Gayomar was handy to rally them.

Unfortunately the Imperial Archers move up and unlease a barrage of arrow and the Stygians being unarmoured  suffer great losses.

They break and flee !, Count Valenso was able to hold the Thurn Infantry from joining them , but with only this unit left he was forced to retire leaving the field to the Hyrkanians . The Hyrkanians hold the Meteor - for the time being anyway ! . A short game but it was bound to be with so few units on the table, but it was nice to get these troops back into action again and I hope to use them more often .

The Meteor of Doom - the story continues.......

 

The scene of the action , on the right the Hyrkanian force arrives and on the left the Hyborean , the Meteor of Doom is the objective (centre of the board) and the game will last eight moves.

But first the 'Favours of the Gods,' dice are rolled , Blue for Hyboria , Red for Hyrkania , the Gods favour Hyborea slightly .

These dice can be used to reroll and add to dice scores during the battle .

The Hyrkanian dice - ready for the battle.

The Hyrkanian force - The Fort Ghori Cavalry nearest the camera with the 2nd Imperial Light Horse in the centre and in the distance the 2nd Imperial Archers .

They are commanded by Gayomar 'First of Men' 

The Hyborian Force - The Thurn Infantry left , some Stygian mercanery archers and in distance the 2nd Hyperborean Mounted Archers .

They are commanded by the gallant Count Valenso ! - let battle commence !

The Meteor of Doom !

 

High over the ancient world of Hyborea the night sky is lit up by a bright meteor streaking across firmament !!!!

Across the world astrologers try to calculate where it might of landed and it's significance in the fortunes of Hyborea .

However the meteor is discovered by a patrol of Hyborean soldiers , who approach the still smoking rock with great caution .

A swift horseman is dispatched with word of their find and they beat an uneasy retreat away from the site of impact.

However other eyes are watching !

And so night falls onto the quite plains - for now ...............

PS 

I have just realised it is over three years since I lasted visited the Hyborea and my collection of 30mm flats . (.: Finally done !)

Storming the Senti Gefyra ( part 3 )

 

The Helenyk Heavy Cavalry crash into the disordered enemy column and cut it to pieces riding down the fleeing troops ( a rare successful cavalry charge which doesn't happen often under these rules)

Another Sublime Porte column drives the Helenyk Irregulars from the ridge ! 

The third Sublime Porte column is driven back by rifle fire from the Bavarian Volunteers , things are looking a bit confused for the Sublime Porte in the centre .

The Helenyk forces had held out for the alloted number of turns, so a win for them . Their reinforcements arriving promptly was the key to their success as I think the Sublime Porte infantry assaults would have won against the motely opponents . Another enjoyable game with plenty of tension .