During our chat yesterday Conrad Kinch asked me what wargaming projects I had planned ... and I had to admit that other than finishing my current toy train set conversion project, I don't have anything in the pipeline.
True, I am still tidying up my simple, fast-play, Morschauser-based, gridded late nineteenth and twentieth century wargame rules, and I have long-term plans to write a book that will contain examples of my gridded wargame rules. I also have a couple of COW sessions that I need to get ready ... but as COW (the Conference of Wargamers) is not until early July, there is no rush.
Other than these projects I don't have anything on my immediate wargaming horizon. This is not to say that I am in the doldrums with regard to wargaming or have had a visit from the Black Dog; it is just that I have yet to decide what I want to do next. So for the first time in a very long time, I am starting a new year without a planned wargaming project or projects.
Surprisingly enough, this 'freedom' from a plan is quite enjoyable ... and feels somewhat empowering. As a result I am just going to sit back and wait to see what emerges over the next few weeks.
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I look forward to hearing you plans and following them.
ReplyDeleteAlan
p.s don't forget the pointy stick chaps...
Tradgardmastare (Alan),
ReplyDeleteI will certainly be writing blog entries about my plans as they arise and evolve.
As to the chaps with the pointy sticks ... well they are sitting in a box on my work table, and I will get around to them in due course.
All the best,
Bob
Yes, it can be fun to see what kind of inspiration strikes us. It may be you find some pieces of "kit" that make you stop and think, or a book or movie that inspires you, or a blog post, or who knows what. Anticipation and serendipity can be the precursors to something fun and imaginative. Good luck! I will also be waiting to see what transpires.
ReplyDeleteFitz-Badger,
ReplyDeleteAll my working life I have had to plan most aspects of my life. Now that I am retired I am gradually trying to plan less and to let things just happen. I am already learning that it makes for a far less stressful life.
Once my toy train set conversions are finished and painted - and that will be done as and when I am in the mood - I can see where chance and opportunity takes me.
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteLet me throw this out there for you. You remember the film North West Frontier with Kenneth More? What about a similar idea based in Zubia but with a slightly larger British train? Essentially a 'conduct the dignitary safely from a to b whilst being chased by shedloads of natives' scenario.
Go on, you know it makes sense...
All the best,
DC
David Crook has a great idea! My response would be to have two game displays: one small scale showing the train on the track, and move items of scenery and pursuing rebels into their positions relative to the train at each turn, rather than moving the train along a long gameboard; the other, a D&D style plan of the interior of the carriages, on which individual figures would show the current position/status of the characters.
ReplyDeleteIt could work as a multiplayer roleplay, film characters versus umpire/single player controlled rebels. Watch out for Herbet Lom!
Or you could relocate the setting to South America - 'Pardom ne, senor, is that the Chaco War choo choo? Track 21, senor gimme a gun!'
Adois amigo,
Arthur
David Crook,
ReplyDeleteThat is a very interesting idea for a scenario ... and I have already filed it away for future use.
I ran a session at COW some years ago which involved a train carrying a VIP, Turkish Infantry and Artillery, a load of Bedouin, and two British armoured cars. It was great fun. (The VIP was the Sultan's favourite barber and the session was called !The Barber of Baghdad).
All the best,
Bob
Arthur1815,
ReplyDeleteIt is a very good idea for a scenario ... and I like your suggestion for having rolling scenery and internal floor plans. It has certainly given me something to think about, and may well end up as the basis of a future COW session. As to a geographical setting ... well I was thinking about early twentieth century revolutionary Mexico.
All the best,
Bob