Just My Luck

I guess timing is everything, so it should come as no surprise that I discover Maelstrom Games right when Battlefront ends their relationship.

You see, there have been some supply issues at The Last Square - specifically on the MIG Dark Wash.  So that had me looking for other stores - with the approval of Bev and Karl (owners and wonderful people).  It did feel weird.  Anyway, I ordered the washes direct from MIG USA, so I am still in a holding pattern at the wash step while I await delivery.

But in checking out the blog ring, I saw the story on Maelstrom.  When I discovered free shipping anywhere in the work AND 25% Flames of War, well in I went.  Plus it seems that the exchange rate causes the models to be a little cheaper than the American Dollar price, so that even added to the discount.

So guess what showed up in the mail yesterday?!?!  My order from Maelstrom.  Unfortunately, I was a good boy and did not go crazy on the order.  I think I should have just gone out to the website, found the Flames of War American page and simply stated "Yes Please!!!".  But I just ordered 2 M10s to finish off the Tank Destroyer Artillery option in Dogs and Devils, 1 M18 Hellcat to finish off the two sections and I grabbed two colors from Coat d'Arms - Olive Drab and Faded Olive.

After bringing the package into the house, I changed into comfortable clothes, kissed my wife and headed into the painting area.  I resurfaced for dinner, hung out for about 11 minutes, then went back.  The net result is this:

• M1 90mm Anti-Air Arty is based and awaiting flocking.  In a pinch, I could put it on the table today.
• M18 Hellcats - Three are basically finished - simply awaiting wash and "detail" decals.  Stars are on the models, but not the numbers and other decals that I place on the model.  The newest model is ready for decals, details and washes.  Like above, I could put them on the table if I had too.
• M10 - The two new models are also ready for decals, details and washes.
• DUKW - poor guy.  He is just sitting there in his base coat wondering why everyone else is getting the attention.

So that is where we stand today.  I think I might get some details painted, but that will be it.  I spent my time yesterday, so today will be all the other things that I neglected.

Making Progress!

Since my son is gearing up for Adepticon (he is in the 40k Team Tournament), I have some company to paint with!  I always seem to paint more and better when he is at the table.  Seriously - I enjoy the bonding time!  Plus we can talk about a wide variety of topics.

I am finished with the "base" work on the Hellcats.  It has been a while since I painted an AFV and I must admit I like painting vehicles a lot more than infantry.  I remember a posting at flamesofwar.com, were someone started a topic with "I hate painting infantry!" - Right there with you man!

Back to the Hellcats -

I primed, basecoated and applied the lighter "highlight color" in the raised areas, followed by another basecoat (very thin).  I like how they have turned out.  Now I am finishing up the detail work on the tanks and I will glosscoat prior to decals and washes.  I am really simply delaying the wash step because I am waiting for delivery on the MIG Dark Wash.  I love the Brown wash and use it on infantry.  Now I want to test the dark.  While I get ok results from my "magic wash" concoction, I really want to test the MIG.

My DUKW is primed and basecoated.  I am trying something new for the DUKW, as I will use it as an objective marker.

My 90mm guns (2) are primed, based and highlighted.  The infantry have been primed, based and fully painted.  They are awaiting the boots getting a paint job, followed by a wash and basing.

So I should get these off the table soon. (Very famous last words)

I also signed up for the 900 point Mid War Intro Tournament at Adepticon.  I have some friends that are playing and I will be there anyway with my son.  Should be fun.  So now I am trying to figure a 900 point army list for Americans.  I am going armor again (duh!), but 900 is tough.  So we will see how my list turns out.  I hope to test my list with Mike tonight, who in turn is testing his MW Nationals army list.

I also purchased some items from Maelstrom Games in the UK.  Saw the "drama" going on there with them and Battlefront.  To be honest, I cannot believe free shipping anywhere in the world.  Crazy.  So I placed a small order (had to be more than 10 pounds).  I am going to test the Coat d'Arms paints.  I got their Olive Drab and Faded Olive for a highlight.  We will see!  Also picked up 1 more Hellcat and 2 M10s to round out my Tank Destroyers (25% off).  Now I can field both the M10 and the M18, as well as use 6 M10s on the Dogs and Devils list as artillery.  But then I listened to Battlefront's podcast on Task Force A.  A fast moving, armored column?!?!?!  Sounds like me!!!

I also have a small order with The Last Square.  Love them!!  We are really lucky to have a great store in the area.  That is where the MIG wash is coming from, as well as some large bases and Das Book (if we can get it).  Nice in that it is not too much $!

Finally, thank you to everyone that has posted about my upcoming trip to the Netherlands.  Keep the suggestions coming!!

Good luck!!