A long time coming ....

I suppose with hindsight, I really should have typed this blog earlier. Instead, I've let time drift on until tonight. I don't know why tonight, but for some reason I decided now was the time. I didn't want to slowly slip into the night but actually say a 'see ya later guys'.

You see, I've kinda fallen out of love with 40k. There's actually a whole host of reasons why, ranging from the sheer amount of resources in time, money and space it takes to play 40k, to how the game has changed from the 40k I fell in love with all those years ago, to the ever increasing commercialisation of the game. I don't want to sound like I'm bitching as I'm not, 40k has given me years of great fun and it's something that I'm very grateful for.

I'd also like to thank all of you for supporting me through the years as I've explored the 40k hobby, I've really felt like I've belonged to a community and that's something that I'm also very grateful for. So, thanks guys, I really mean it, you've be great. I hope that you all continue to enjoy the hobby as much as I have and keep blogging guys, there's many more like me who just love seeing what you do with the world of 40k.

Finally, I should say, I'm not leaving the hobby, I'm just changing my focus to something that isn't so demanding. I'm not going to say that I'll never come back to 40k, as little man grows up, who knows if the Corbanian 1st will once again grace the battlefield under the command of a young general and if so, this blog might come back to life.

In the meantime, any of you who fancy following me on my new adventures into dungeon delving can follow my new blog on HeroQuest here ....

http://dungeonsanddice.blogspot.com

So gents, thanks for all your support, your inspiration, the laughs and so much more.

See you on the flip side.

Mel aka Col Corbane

My list for BlogWars

So, the deadline passed eleven hours ago and I've spent the morning wondering if the list I'd submitted was the right one. With this being my first tournament, I wasn't sure whether to go with a competitive list or with a more hobby one. I even asked Jay from the Gamers Lounge his thoughts. In the end I decided to pic my favourite models and then try to convert them into some soft of competitive force ...... I think I failed .........

Corbanian 1st - Maelstrom Campaign

HQ: Company Command Squad 217 Pts

Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Close Combat Weapon (x5); Krak Grenades; Plasmagun (x4); Refractor Field; Melta Bombs; Bolt Pistol; Master of Ordnance;

Chimera: Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Heavy Bolter; Pintle Heavy Stubber

Elite: 10 Storm Trooper Squad 210 Pts

Carapace Armour; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Close Combat Weapon (x9); Hot-shot Lasgun (x7); Hot-shot Laspistol (x9); Meltagun (x1); Plasmagun (x1); Plasma Pistol; Power Weapon; Special Operations

Elite: 6 Ratling Squad 60 Pts

Flak Armour; Laspistol (x6); Sniper Rifle (x6); Infiltrate; Stealth

Elite: Guardsman Marbo 65 Pts

Demolition Charge; Envenomed Blade; Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Melta Bombs; Ripper Pistol; Fearless; Fleet; Hit & Run; Move Through Cover; Stealth

Troops: Veteran Squad 200 Pts

Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Close Combat Weapon (x8); Lasgun (x5); Vox Caster; Meltagun (x1); Plasmagun (x2); Lascannon; Chimera

Chimera : Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Turret Heavy Bolter; Hunter Killer Missile

Troops: Veteran Squad 215 Pts

Gunner Sgt Harker; Heavy Bolter; Flak Armour; Frag Grenades; Krak Grenades; Close Combat Weapon (x9); Lasgun (x7); Missile Launcher; Demolition Charge; Melta Bombs; Heavy Flamer; Meltagun (x1); Plasmagun (x1); Demolitions

Fast Attack: 3 Scout Sentinel : Lascannons 150 Pts

Heavy Support: Leman Russ Demolisher 210 Pts

Demolisher Siege Cannon; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon; Heavy Bolter Sponsons (x2); Pintle Heavy Stubber

Heavy Support: Leman Russ Squadron 230 Pts

Executioner Plasma Cannon; Heavy Bolter; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Plasma Cannon Sponsons (x2)

Heavy Support: Leman Russ Vanquisher 190 Pts

Vanquisher Battle Cannon; Searchlight; Smoke Launchers; Lascannon; Heavy Bolter Sponsons (x2)

Total Roster Cost: 1747

So, there you have it, how I'll do, well who knows but at least I get to show off my toys. I'm planning on going just to have a laugh, so I'm not really worried where I'll place, although I don't really want to come last.

I must admit, I've had a few reservations about going, firstly, my mate Mike has had to drop out which means I'm heading out alone. Also, I'm not completely up to speed with the rules, it's been ages since I've played, so I sincerely apologise to the other players in advance.

Finally, I think I might have some problems modelling wise, my heavy weapons teams are on separate bases rather than large ones and my character are all on 60mm bases. I'm not sure if that's modelling for advantage but we'll have to see how the other players take it.

Anyway, excuses aside, this is my first tournament and I'm going for a laugh, so I'm just going to have to see what happens, now, it's time to get Harkers squad finished. 

One big step ....

I've finally finished the first of my StarStreak Hydra's ......

It's been over a year since I last painted a model (time really does fly), so this one's a biggy for me. I'll be honest, I don't feel it's as good as my other models, mainly because I was relearning how to paint as I was painting it. Anyhow, I'm chuffed nonetheless, time to see how it fares in this afternoon's game, although I'm actually thinking of fielding it as a manticore.

Now all I've got to do is finish Harker's squad before Blog Wars.

It appears that I'm stylish!

Well, it appears according to Tristan and Drax that I'm a stylish blogger (thanks gents!).

The Stylish Blogger Award given from one blogger to another one might say, is like a pat on the back for a good job. It's definitely a viral, zombie-like spread of good will so it's too good to pass up. There are four rules;

• Thank and link back to the person giving you the award
• Share seven things about yourself
• Select 10-15 blogs who you think deserve this award
• Contact these bloggers and let them know about the award

So, that's rule one sorted, now onto rule two, seven things about me .....

1. I've been playing GW games for over two decades (ok, now I'm feeling old).
2. Many years ago, I was the youngest college lecturer in the country.
3. I don't play nearly enough games considering the effort I put into painting models to play with.
4. I'm married to a tattooist that keeps eyeing up my masses of uninked skin.
5. For every project I get done, there's twenty projects that don't.
6. I have an undying passion for dungeon delving and Heroquest.
7. I don't believe that I'll ever finish my guard army.

Now, onto those who I think are stylish bloggers (in no particular order) ....

• Admiral Drax (http://admiraldrax.blogspot.com) - not only for being the original guard blogger, but for his excellent conversions!
• Dave Taylor (http://davetaylorminiatures.blogspot.com) - simply for his outstanding contributions to painting, modelling and conversions!
• Dverning (http://40kmaunderings.blogspot.com) - I've learned more from his green stuff tutorials than anywhere else on the web!
• FTW Ron (http://fromthewarp.blogspot.com) - It's Ron, the glue that holds us all together, 'nuff said ;-)
• Klaus (http://fischers-design-shop.blogspot.com) - The nets premier plasticard converter!
• Mike (http://tolcrothlogan.blogspot.com) - He doesn't post often but when he does, wow!
• Col. Gravis (http://colgravis.blogspot.com) - The home of outstanding Praetorian's and excellent sculpting.
• John (http://johnstoysoldiers.blogspot.com) - John's blog is like the bits box of the net, you never know what you've going to find but you know you're going to like it.
• Rich (http://chicagoterrainfactory.wordpress.com) - The home of outstanding terrain, and I mean outstanding!
• Fetts (http://www.hotchickswithstormtroopers.com) - OK, it's not a 40k blog but Fetts posts always make me smile.

In all honesty, there's loads of blogs that I could nominate, check my profile for the rest. Right, I'm off to complete rule number 4, better start digging out those emails.

Just a quick one

I was just looking at my blog and I thought that I really should get a picture of my painting progress posted, so here's a quick snap of the Starstreak Hydra on my painting station ...

Just need to get them finished in time for Blog Wars! I'm off camping for the long weekend, I'm planning on taking the travelling painting kit, so I'll be painting in the sun by the lake.  Hopefully, I'll get quite a bit done :-)

Have fun guys!

Back in the Saddle

Well, it's been a fantastic week so far, I've had a well deserved week off from work which has been jam packed with a long weekend away with the nearest and dearest, various family days out and even some hobbying.

So, you could say I'm back in the saddle. Painting is coming along nicely with Harkers squad and one of the Starstreaks getting attention. I'm finding that I've got to relearn to paint again, I suppose I should expect it considering I haven't picked up a paintbrush in almost a year. What skills I had are slowly coming back to me although I have a feeling that these guys aren't going to be my best. Hopefully, it won't be long before I'm painting as well and as fast as I was before.

I've also managed to get a game in against my mate Mike, the Corbanian 1st were victorious against his Space Wolves, so I'm taking it as an good omen. What I did realise is that I've also forgotten quite a lot of the rules for 40k and my Guard, so I think it's time I dugout my MES (multiple edition syndrome) treatment book.

So, I'm definitely back in the saddle now, hopefully I'll be up to speed for Blog Wars in June.