Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => Weird Wars => Topic started by: Bowiefan on March 22, 2019, 10:28:27 AM

Title: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on March 22, 2019, 10:28:27 AM
Hi all,

A little context to start, so grab a cup of tea and some biscuits. The last time I played a wargame was during the 2009 Secrets of the Third Reich tournament, at (google search) Derby World Wargames. Yep, 2009. Not too long after that I moved 200 miles from the Midlands to Brighton (UK). Limited space meant leaving all my toy soldiers behind, and sadly, yet invariably, the hobby drifted from my mind. Skip to early this year I visited my parent's house and was rummaging around, which turned up all my miniatures. Deciding that a decade was long enough out of the hobby, I resolved to bring back what I could manage to haul in one bag on the train. This gave me a handful of brushes and paints (I had to throw so many dead pots away!), and rulebooks/miniatures for the last games I could recall being into: Infinity and Secrets of the Third Reich. In playing catch-up, it's been quite interesting to see the changes that have occurred in the hobby over the last 10 years (youtube, social media groups, miniatures ranges coming and going etc). Trying to track down resources and paint schemes I could vaguely remember, I also found that wow, forums are still a thing, but many have vanished. The lead adventure remains however, and though my post hstory was limited and didn't provide me with help from 2009 me, I thought I'd make a home here for my current hobby endeavours. That cup of tea will be cold now.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on March 22, 2019, 10:39:45 AM
Anyhow, preamble over, lets talk toy soldiers. I've resolved to paint my SoTR miniatures (I have both Soviet and German forces). Aware that the world has moved on even if I hadn't, I intend to initially paint up things to play a few small games. The idea is I might be able to run some introductionary games if I can find some interested players, but mostly have enough fun returning to the Weird War setting to hopefully just enjoy the painting. Given I hadn't picked up a paintbrush for a decade, my first choice was something that would hopefully be quite forgiving: Zombies! Here's a pic (my photography skills are as bad as they were 10 years ago):

Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on March 22, 2019, 10:47:37 AM
Next up was what I think might have been the first SoTR miniature I'd purchased, a Jaegerhund. Think Nazi science Werewolf. Given the miniature sculpt, and that I'd grown up with Rottweiler's in the family, I knew how I wanted to paint it. Think it turned out sort of how I imagined it when I first bought the mini. A pic:
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on March 22, 2019, 10:54:04 AM
Switching my attention to my Soviet miniatures, and with a view to playing the Sniper! mission from the SoTR rulebook, a Sniper Team was my next choice. A lot of online reading had encouraged me to pick up some of the Citadel shades. This was my first time using Agrax Earthshade, and frankly I didn't do well. Went on the minis all glossy, and left them wet looking. Since I took the photo below, I've added some matt varnish, but it still hasn't toned the sheen down much. Apparently I didn't shake the bottle well enough. Anyhow, the Snipers:
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on March 22, 2019, 11:00:59 AM
Final update today as you're up to speed with my progress. I knew I wanted to offer a choice to anyone that might want to play a game...well a choice between German or Soviet forces initially at least. This guided my next choice, so I painted a German alternative to the Soviet Sniper Team. After that I'll get a couple of infantry squads done, one for each force. Anyhow, Mech Grenadier Snipers:
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on March 22, 2019, 01:42:37 PM
Welcome back to the hobby.
They look very good.
Keep up with the painting and posting.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Michi on March 22, 2019, 02:17:09 PM
Yes, welcome back! Good, that you are still in the same subject - old love never dies! Keep on painting and good luck to find a gamer near you.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Storm Wolf on March 22, 2019, 04:57:52 PM
Hi Mr Bowiefan,

Yes welcome back to the hobby, and good luck with SOTR. I have the rules , but alas have never played them ::), so  please let us know how it goes?

Good luck

Glen
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ballardian on March 22, 2019, 06:08:02 PM

 As others have already said, welcome back to the hobby,  SoTR is still an enjoyable game & I hope you find some opponents :)
 With regard to your glossy snipers, I'd recommend Windsor & Newtons Professional matt varnish (rattlecan) - it'll certainly be able to take the annoying shine off & help protect your paintjob (& is available in most art supply shops).
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Glenn on March 23, 2019, 10:28:57 AM
Welcome back  :)

I'm in some respects in a similr position. SOTR was the game that I bought into more than any other other miniatures wargame I've played (with the possible exceptions of WH and FOW...I'd have to check the bank statements  ;)) and absolutely loved its storyline and miniatures and the fact that Westwind/Grindhouse semed more than happy for players to develop things in their own style and image. Haven't played it much for a long time although I do keep adding WWW2 minis and related stuff to the hoard I've already got. Whats kind of cool is that a few people recently seem to have started taking an interest is SOTR again and that means my own little gamer group (for example) are up for it as well...so hope to see batle reports and updates in future.

Enjoy and indulge

Glenn

 :)
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: streetkern on March 23, 2019, 04:47:47 PM
Welcome back to the hobby!

I think weird wars is the perfect way to jump back in with a mix of historical WWII, pulp, fantasy and sci-fi elements.

Looking forward to seeing your progress
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on March 24, 2019, 11:49:51 AM
Thanks for the replies and welcome back messages folks.

@Ballardian: I've tried Vallejo brush on matt varnish so far on those shiny snipers, and it did very little to reduce the shine. Will keep an eye out for your suggestion, though spray varnish does make me nervous.

@Glenn: Yes, think SoTR was one of the games I really latched onto when it was released. As much as my hazy memory recalls, I was moving away from Games Workshop related interests at the time and SoTR did a great job of filling the void. Hope your personal revival gathers steam.

@Streetkern: Yep, weird wars certainly ticks my interest boxes. I do sometimes wonder though if it works against itself in a general sense. By that, I mean I've spoken to a few people, and if they like sci-fi, it is pure sci-fi or future stuff, historical has to be textbook only etc. Jack of all trades, master of none maybe?

Just taking a painting break now, but should hopefully have a squad of German infantry finished today.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on March 24, 2019, 05:40:23 PM
I use Humbrol brush varnish to flatten any gloss areas that should be matt.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on March 24, 2019, 08:30:07 PM
Last day of a week off work, but got a squad of German infantry done. These are from West Wind's Berlin Or Bust range. Fairly generic given their intended use for intro games, but good practise to work out some of the paint choices. In all their washed out photo glory:
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on March 29, 2019, 11:46:39 AM
Does anyone have a copy or remember the details for a SoTR mission called 'Jaegerhund'? It's one of the many things that I know used to be on the now vanished SoTR forum. I believe it was a variant of the SNIPER! Mission Dossier, pitting a squad or maybe 2 snipers against a pack of Jaegerhunds.

Getting closer to having all the necessary forces painted to play a few of the smaller intro games (including the Jaegerhund mission). Last night I finished something a little more 'weird' than my previous infantry, the Jaegerhund Alsatian miniature. Taking the Übermensch concept and applying it to the SWD experiments with lycanthropy, it seemed inevitable that there would be a blonde hair/fur werewolf. Took some trial and error to get a contrast between the flesh and hair/fur, but hopefully it works.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on April 02, 2019, 01:50:58 PM
A little update in the way of a Soviet Survivor squad. Slightly cheating, as much of the painting for these was done back in 2009. Finishing them took little more than some washes, re-painting some areas that had been chipped and correcting mistakes. The bases are new however, and this was my first time using snow flock. The miniature on the right of the last picture was my original test-mini, that I first posted here (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=12469.0) 10 years ago.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on April 02, 2019, 02:51:47 PM
Nice.

What sort of snow flock did you use?
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on April 02, 2019, 04:26:50 PM
What sort of snow flock did you use?

It was The Army Painter Battlefields Snow. I got it from ebay, so not sure if it is still a current range product.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ballardian on April 02, 2019, 06:00:52 PM

 Nice work :)
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: streetkern on April 02, 2019, 08:33:26 PM
Looks good!
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on April 22, 2019, 02:12:03 PM
A Gestapo Agent and SWD Scientist painted, likely to serve as objective markers. The Gestapo mini would make a great Arnold Toht, if anyone is planning on opening the Ark of the Covenant.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on April 24, 2019, 05:05:03 PM
Finished off my Jaegerhund Doberman miniature, which also rounded out my first Werewolf pack (have 2 in my planned army list). Went with a chocolate brown scheme as it differs from the black and tan I'd already done with the Rottweiler.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on April 24, 2019, 05:32:57 PM
In other news, my local gaming shop is putting on a demo day on 11th May, showcasing various miniature, card, and tabletop games. I put myself forward to run some demos for Secrets of the Third Reich, and have been given a place. Looking back at my earlier posts, that was indeed my motivation for painting. I've never actually ran a demo game, so will be doing what I can to get myself ready and organised over the next couple of weeks.

https://www.dicesaloon.com/events/secrets-of-the-third-reich-free-demo-day?fbclid=IwAR1gc0_9r6mEXiXjG6msxMaz6RaCfIVtQpROa5KCH26KQEE_JFptxxzkKlA (https://www.dicesaloon.com/events/secrets-of-the-third-reich-free-demo-day?fbclid=IwAR1gc0_9r6mEXiXjG6msxMaz6RaCfIVtQpROa5KCH26KQEE_JFptxxzkKlA)
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ballardian on April 25, 2019, 12:35:52 PM

 Good luck with running the demo, good to see someone getting one of my favourite games out there :)
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on May 05, 2019, 09:06:45 AM
Thanks Ballardian. Here's hoping it gets a few people interested.

Painted 5 Soviet Zombies. Means I can field a full horde of 25 zombies for a Brainwurst! demo, and adds a little variety.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Wyrmalla on May 09, 2019, 02:10:50 AM
I am a bit fond of those West Wind Soviet Zombies. A bit less generic than the German zombies a few companies do. I'd picked up 20 or so myself for a game a while back and they do add a bit more variety (though you can get away with painting more camoflage on German ones if there's a lack of sculpts out there). At least these West Wind ones have swappable heads to mix things up too. :)

Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on May 09, 2019, 05:11:00 PM
@Wyrmalla: Yeah, I'm a fan of the West Wind zombies. There are perhaps better sculpts technically, but I find them really characterful and fairly easy to paint. That's pretty true of most of the SoTR minis I've finished so far.

Switching nations in an attempt to offer a few more choices for my impending demo day. Managed to finish a British Rifle Squad. Currently working on a British Sniper Team for the same reason.

Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on May 09, 2019, 06:16:48 PM
Nice painting.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on May 11, 2019, 11:10:43 PM
Thanks Ultravanillasmurf. Also managed to get a British Sniper Team finished in time for the demo day (update on that to follow).
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years (Demo Day Update)
Post by: Bowiefan on May 12, 2019, 11:54:34 AM
Didn't take too many pictures during my demo day, but hope these give you a little insight. Only managed 2 games unfortunately, but both seemed to go well. If I'm honest, that number is slightly disappointing, but I can understand why. The games being played near me were Moonstone, Red Alert, Malifaux, and A Song of Ice and Fire, which I think were all a little newer and shinier. I was also (due to working in the morning) putting on the demo from mid-afternoon onwards, and I believe there was more footfall earlier. In hindsight, perhaps I could have also painted some more varied eye catching stuff beyond just infantry. Possibly tanks, mechs or more weird stuff. However, I think I did ok for a one-man effort. Painted pretty steadily for 2-3 months, which resulted in 65 painted minis on the table and ready to use.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: wolivant on May 12, 2019, 10:30:35 PM
Thanks for sharing the AAR and figure painting progress so far....

Looking forward to seeing more.

I have the SoTR rules but not played them yet, do they lean more toward roleplaying, wargaming or a mix?

Regards

Wolt
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on May 13, 2019, 02:19:23 PM
I have the SoTR rules but not played them yet, do they lean more toward roleplaying, wargaming or a mix?

Hi Wolt,

Will try to answer your question as best I can. The core design of SoTR is as a platoon level wargame. It scales quite well, so it is easy enough to play smaller squad based skirmish games or larger battles (though that is more demanding time-wise). Like most wargames, it really benefits when games are played with a strong narrative driving them. The original rules only have 3 'story' missions, with extras added via the supplement book 'Doomsday'. There are also a couple of campaign PDFs available for free via the West Wind Productions website. The onus is very much on the players to tell their own stories, but the setting really offers a rich playground to explore. There are dedicated D20 based RPG books out there that share the same 'weird war' setting, and I have a couple as sources of inspiration. However, roleplaying isn't anything I've dabbled in, so I can't discuss the merits of SoTR to that end. I do feel confident in saying that between SoTR and a RPG sourcebook, you'd probably be set to play any game you fancy with a 'weird' World War II vibe. Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Glenn on May 19, 2019, 11:36:09 AM
An observation if I may?

I think SOTR lends itself brilliantly to a roleplaying storyline, whether you run individual skirmishes as stories on their own or within a campaign narrative the special rules and background lend themselves perfectly well to adding rpg elements and personalising the game. Form my experience it's also a bloody good background to set an actual RPG in and the chance for a party of characters to play a British Mi13 commando cell (for example) sets up all sorts of special forces/behind the enemy lines types games and of course with everything from vampires and zombies to space tech and mechs , shadowy occult organisations on all sides and a change in the status from the allies being alongside the soviets to them becoming an enemy means you'll never run out of baddies ....or alternatively......there's always a chance for the youth of mother russia or the fatherland to fight against each other or the decadent west etc.

Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Corporal Chaos on May 21, 2019, 02:15:29 AM
@Bowiefan is there any place that has an example of play? I’m curious about SOTR but have never seen the rules.

@Glenn and Bowiefan, is there an experience mechanic or advancement rule for units in the campaign....

I have no experience with the rules and would enjoy seeing(reading) how they work. Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on May 24, 2019, 09:04:16 PM
@Corporal Chaos

The game being essentially a decade old limited what I could find online. There was a single battle report I came across on youtube (though it isn't ideal in terms of showing you the game at its best): Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BkCqjELQ8Y)

Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Corporal Chaos on May 31, 2019, 01:29:21 AM
Thank you.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ballardian on May 31, 2019, 04:37:23 PM

 Yes, since Westwind shut their own forum down there's not out there, though you might find the odd bit on forums like DakkaDakka (if I'm remembering correctly). It's a pity the video is of an infantry only game, without any of the 'weird'.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on May 31, 2019, 06:58:03 PM
Indeed Ballardian, it was difficult to find much beyond the odd topic on forums or blogs (though there is a facebook group). Another example, where the SoTR rules are compared to Bolt Action...well linking doesn't seem to work, so google Delta Vector Bolt Action vs Secrets of the Third Reich.

In terms of my own activity, had to switch gears slightly and I'm currently painting up a Necromunda gang for a local campaign starting next soon. Gone with Escher, which was certainly a colour explosion compared to WW2 uniforms! Still assembling and underdcoating stuff for SoTR though including some British Temple forces, more Germans and a couple of Soviet light mechs.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Glenn on June 16, 2019, 06:40:03 PM
My tabletop group is about to start a Godlike rpg campaign...and then I bought the westwind templar aquisitors at Phalanx in St.Helens yesterday and immediately I was thinking we need to play SOTR again. too many games, too little time!  ;D
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on June 19, 2019, 07:28:47 PM
too many games, too little time!  ;D

The bane of us all. I'm currently building/painting minis for and/or reading rules for the following:

SoTR
Bolt Action/Konflikt
Infinity
Necromunda
The Walking Dead: All Out War/Project Z

On topic, been in touch with one of the chaps who played a demo game I put on. They are keen to play again, so working on some potential 15-20 RP forces just to give a better idea of the game. Although they are also equally distracted by Kill Team, 40K, Dark Souls, Fallout...you get the idea.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on June 24, 2019, 04:16:14 PM
MI 13 Report: Recent activity has been limited, likely due to the nefarious actions of agents of the Temple. Rumoured sighting of a Templar Assault Squad by PVT. Gordon hard to verify. PVT. Gordon now believed MIA.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on June 25, 2019, 04:43:35 PM
To oversee Temple scheming, a Mr. Smythe was essential. Enjoyed painting this one, probably because I'd forgotten that single minis feel speedy in comparison to whole squads. My first use of a citadel contrast paint (snakebite leather) on the coat as well, though I only used it as a base. Once the mini was finished, but clean, I couldn't decide if I should add blood splatters as he appears in Andy Cooper's Doomsday artwork (shared to explain the point only). After worrying I'd ruin it, I just went for it. Am I happy with the result? No idea. It's done now though and ready to game with.

(Note, the 'clean' picture was a rare one with decent lighting. It didn't last).
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: wolivant on June 30, 2019, 10:49:48 PM
I have been resisting buying the Smythe pack from West Wind for ages..... thought I had gotten over it...

I think you just relighted the fire.. <Boy band playing in background> Aghhh.......

I feel a purchase coming on... must resist... but I know its futile...

Wolt
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Glenn on July 01, 2019, 06:08:02 PM
I have been resisting buying the Smythe pack from West Wind for ages..... thought I had gotten over it...

I think you just relighted the fire.. <Boy band playing in background> Aghhh.......

I feel a purchase coming on... must resist... but I know its futile...

Wolt

Yup

I know that feeling...hadn't bought any for ages then HAD to buy the templar aquisitors pack and am about to buy the Smyth and red claw and flesh golem set....
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Skullhamma on July 02, 2019, 03:17:21 PM
A lot of wonderful eye candy here! Very nice.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on July 03, 2019, 04:58:22 PM
@Wolt: Ah go on, just buy them. No harm ever came from buying a few miniatures...

@Glen: Got a couple of miniatures I'm considering for an alternative Flesh Golem. I quite like the idea of using an old Marauder/GW Treeman, or maybe a robot as some sort of Alan Turing prototype (one of the better ideas I found in Konflikt 47 that I didn't feel was lifted straight from SoTR).

@Skullhamma: Thanks, glad to hear you found something of interest.

Jumped back into my Soviet force to paint something from the 'weird' spectrum. A squad of Siberian Sub-Humans certainly fit that bill, and I'm now at the point I can do 15-20RP forces with Soviet/British/German forces.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: streetkern on July 04, 2019, 10:02:09 AM
Look great and like the marauder Freeman / golem idea. Keep it coming!
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ballardian on July 04, 2019, 03:52:59 PM
 Nice :) For alternate flesh golem-style creatures, Privateer Press's Cephalyx faction in Warmachine have a few interesing options, like:

Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Corporal Chaos on July 07, 2019, 06:19:34 AM
@Bowiefan I have found a rule set called Achtung Thulu do you know if this is similar or way off the mark?
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on July 07, 2019, 09:55:00 AM
@Ballardian: Cool mini. Think I'm trying to avoid the overtly evil look though, with my Temple forces falling into the shades of grey area. The reason I'm drawn to a Treeman is based on having an idea of The Temple exploring the Green Man concept, and perhaps finding and capturing the creature behind it, maybe in the woodlands of the UK, or in Germany's Black Forest.

@Bowiefan I have found a rule set called Achtung Thulu do you know if this is similar or way off the mark?

Achtung Cthulu? That came out during my hobby break. I know it's an RPG game, and the setting will share some themes as far as pulpy WWII goes, although obviously it leans more on the Lovecraft aspect. That's about as much as I know though sorry, roleplaying games are not anything I've ever really engaged with. Anyone else able to chime in? Glenn?
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ballardian on July 08, 2019, 05:00:03 PM
Corporal Chaos might be referring to the tabletop skirmish spin-off from the AC rpg, quite a decent game in it's own right. Modiphius do some excellent looking minis for it, though they are on the small side compared to WW or WG figures.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Corporal Chaos on July 09, 2019, 11:34:17 PM
Thanks for the replies guys. Yes it is the tt rules set.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Skullhamma on July 11, 2019, 09:11:05 AM
Those blue skins tones and the injection tubes are really great!
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on July 11, 2019, 08:38:31 PM
Thanks for clarifying Ballardian. I realise I'd seen some of the Achtung! Cthulhu miniatures previously, but never realised there was a ruleset to go with them. We're all learning!

@skullhamma: Thanks. I've been trying something 'new' on most of the minis I've painted, and the injection tubes filled that role on the sub-humans. The gloss varnish probably does most of the work making them look like liquid in tubes.

The most recent 'new' thing I tried was painting with washes over a white undercoat. I had a Reaper Bones Flesh Golem, and the skin seemed like it would be a good chance to try various washes. I didn't really intend to use it in for my SoTR forces, but it came out well enough that I finished it and I'll probably make use of it for my Temple force.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Legion1963 on August 11, 2019, 07:48:34 PM
Indeed. And ... wellcome back to the realm. Interesting and funny to read your story of how you was distracted and what made you stop being lost. A bit like my own story which i have already related here. Enjoy. ;-)
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on August 14, 2019, 07:28:26 PM
You will have to link me Legion. Be interested in the account of another returning addict!
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on October 01, 2019, 08:34:08 PM
Been a few months away occupied with other projects, but always have my SoTR forces in the back of my mind. Returned to my Soviet force for a couple of 'quick wins' and finished a Command Section and a Survivor Squad.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: eilif on October 10, 2019, 08:37:23 PM
Just wanted to say that I found this thread extremely encouraging. I've been mostly out of minis for the past 2 years and the last thing I was working on was a Konflikt47 force.  This is making me want to break them out again and keep painting.

Getting started with a SoTR force was a particularly good choice on your part.  It's perfectly useable in a wide variety of WWW2 games (I notice your mention of Konflikt).    I'd never discourage anyone from using any rules they like, but there always seems to be at least one WWW2 ruleset recently released so if you're flexible with rules there's always the potential of some games.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on October 15, 2019, 12:40:43 PM
Glad you found something in the thread helpful eilif, and thanks for reading it. I have the rulebooks for Konflikt 47, but naturally SoTR is my favourite WWW2 game, just because it was the one I was exposed to first. The prospects of playing either game are slim to none alas. Even regular Bolt Action doesn't seem to have many local players. If it's not Games Workshop, it is an uphill battle. Therefore this is a project that I'm returning to now and then, purely for my own enjoyment.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Glenn on October 27, 2019, 08:14:46 PM
Glad you found something in the thread helpful eilif, and thanks for reading it. I have the rulebooks for Konflikt 47, but naturally SoTR is my favourite WWW2 game, just because it was the one I was exposed to first. The prospects of playing either game are slim to none alas. Even regular Bolt Action doesn't seem to have many local players. If it's not Games Workshop, it is an uphill battle. Therefore this is a project that I'm returning to now and then, purely for my own enjoyment.

i feel your pain fella, my own collection of SOTR and www2 stuff is pretty big (though no doubt dwarfed by soem on these forums) but I just don't get any chance to play with them other than as figures for skirmishes in occasional www2 rpgs based somewhere between SOTR and Godlike!.

Keep the faith mate!

 ;)

Glenn
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on November 06, 2019, 04:23:55 PM
@Glenn: Good job the minis don't have a best before date I guess!

It is frustrating putting in lots of effort for little reward certainly, so I did have to shift my mental approach. Yes I'd ideally like to to play SoTR, but if I have fun just painting minis for the game, so be it. With that in mind, here are my next bunch.

Painted up some mildly kitbashed pulpy/occult/Wolfenstein inspired weird WW2 Germans. They used West Wind metal heads and Warlord Winter Germans plus some green stuff. They will probably serve as my SWD Platoon Command Squad and a couple of Feldwebels to 'direct' regular troops. (Aplogies, I had no joy getting decent pictures).
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ragsta on November 21, 2019, 08:59:17 PM
I’ve enjoyed all these posts, good painting throughout and nice to see old games getting some love! I haven’t wargamed ‘properly’ for years but I still whittle away at the models I like, rather the models I ‘have to’. Keep up the great stuff, could have sworn I’d posted here before!  o_o
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: 3 fingers on November 22, 2019, 01:08:55 PM
Those Germans are very sinister looking great job &#128077;
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on November 22, 2019, 03:08:53 PM
Very nice.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on November 26, 2019, 11:05:03 PM
Thanks for the comments folks.

@Ragsta: There is certainly some freedom in just painting on a whim rather than having to paint something specific for an army or game.

I've realised since my last post that the pulpy/occult Germans took me to 100 painted minis for SoTR this year. I'll take that as a minor win. I also realised I'd only done infantry, so it seemed a good time to tackle some old AT-43 minis, and turn them into Soviet scout Mechs (with a couple of pilots).
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: wolivant on November 28, 2019, 10:10:33 PM
Very nice... I have some to paint too. Inspirational, cheers.

Wolt
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Easy E on January 10, 2020, 10:46:39 PM
Ahhhhhh, those are some cute looking scout mechs!
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on January 17, 2020, 07:31:30 PM
The scout mechs are real rough and tough thank you!  lol

Another random choice for my next painted mini, Ash the British MI-13 operative:
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Glenn on January 19, 2020, 05:32:13 PM
Excellent figure, there are some of the SOTR heroes and character minis that are a bit hit and miss but I do like Ash a lot. Nice paoint job too, thank you.  ;)
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on January 21, 2020, 07:50:02 AM
Nice painting.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Weird WWII on February 08, 2020, 06:18:23 AM
Love the mash up from other lines which we call Free Range Gaming!  Lots of great Weird WWII choices out there now so why not use them.

Great stuff!
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Glenn on February 13, 2020, 07:38:48 PM
Love the mash up from other lines which we call Free Range Gaming!  Lots of great Weird WWII choices out there now so why not use them.

Great stuff!

I absolutely agree, one of the delights of www2 gaming has always been the opportunity to mix and match figures from so many ranges and companys  ;)
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on March 28, 2020, 08:59:26 PM
I undercoated this British Command Section at the same time as I did Ash. Took me far too long to get around to painting them! The Chaplain is a Warlord mini, with my beginner level green stuff work to make a stole and a ridiculous moustache!
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Poetspmc on March 28, 2020, 09:04:38 PM
Really enjoying this thread so far!
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on March 28, 2020, 09:21:52 PM
Nice work
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: FreakyFenton on March 29, 2020, 12:15:56 AM
Don't downtalk your conversion with greenstuff, I thought the stole was part of the mini beforehand.  :D
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on May 03, 2020, 05:06:02 PM
Hi all. Another intermittent update. If you're British and have ever watched A Bridge Too Far, it is probably impossible to not want to paint some Airborne at some point. My Brit force will be very combined arms, for the sake of variety. Gives me a chance to paint regular infantry, Denison smocks, covert Templars and plenty of other weirdness. Took the opportunity to paint up this mortar team as Paras:
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on May 05, 2020, 06:35:44 PM
Very nice.

WestWind berets are always very jaunty.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on May 08, 2020, 12:07:50 PM
WestWind berets are always very jaunty.

Haha, I'd have to agree. In fact quite a few West Wind minis are fairly chipper despite the setting. Perhaps it's part of the charm.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on May 08, 2020, 06:38:24 PM
Finished a Jaegerhund Werewolf pack today. Honestly, they are rushed as I wanted to complete them whilst having the day off work. They will do the job though, and maybe I can return to them at a later date.

Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ragsta on June 04, 2020, 11:14:25 AM
I love the camo effect on the wulfen trousers! And the Airborne are looking excellent, good jobs.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on August 03, 2020, 04:07:51 PM
I forgot to add my latest SoTR mini, so here's the enigmatic Dr. John Lazarus. Something of a filler, as I had analysis paralysis with what to do next. Have various options lined up. Wolfgang Faust and a squad of Wolf Runners. A T-34 tank and an Urzine. British infantry and maybe a Cromwell. I haven't even started dabbling with US forces yet!:
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on January 24, 2021, 11:31:02 PM
I've not kept this topic up to date! Not much more to add alas. Some German troops painted up. Machine Gun teams and panzerfaust allow me field 2 squads of 10 with decent equipment.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on January 24, 2021, 11:36:22 PM
Also painted up the commander of my German Special Weapons Development Platoon, the albino werewolf Wolfgang Faust. Regressed to my usual poor photography unfortunately.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Ragsta on January 25, 2021, 06:20:28 PM
Nonsense! These latest additions look excellent!

I can see the NCOs now: “Hold it, boys - we’re sending the zombies in again...”
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on January 28, 2021, 07:25:51 PM
I can see the NCOs now: “Hold it, boys - we’re sending the zombies in again...”

You've nailed the sort of reason I went with the West Wind Berlin or Bust line for the basic troops. I liked the starker contrast of those, war weary human troops numbly fighting alongside werewolves and zombies.

British Airborne bazooka team. Small weapon teams certainly paint up quicker than full squads.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on February 01, 2021, 10:08:49 PM
Stubbornly, I'm always trying to find a way to play Secrets of the Third Reich games. Platoon level engagements against other players don't seem possible currently, so I've explored other options. Decided to adapt the setting to the pulpy, miniature agnostic Fistful of Lead rules, by Wiley Games. I've never played it before, but I know plenty on this forum will know it. My first game was a Soviet vs German clash near an abandoned farm. Have to make do with what I have, so a 2x2 mat, played on the floor. The ragtag Soviet survivors were lead by a Siberian subhuman super soldier. The Germans are a Special Weapons Development force. They are a counts as 'necromancer' group, which seemed to allow for a horde of zombies lead by a few scientific/military personnel.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on February 09, 2021, 08:39:14 AM
Forces:
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on March 09, 2021, 10:46:41 PM
A squad of Wolf Runners. That counts as progress I think, even if has taken a few months.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: manic _miner on October 06, 2021, 02:21:02 PM
 This is a great thread with loads of great figures painted up.

 I got into this range Years ago but never got around to painting any of them.I now feel inspired to dig them out.

 Westwind have miniatures for Japan listed with art work but no actual pictures of the figures.Does anyone have any.I do like the Oni they have on the site.The last book released looks like a might buy option too.

 Also got quite a lot of the Actung Cuthulhu miniatures range.Again not painted any of them yet though.Really nice figures.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on October 31, 2021, 04:04:42 PM
This is a great thread with loads of great figures painted up.

Thank you for the kind words. The project has certainly stalled on the painting front, though I have assembled various miniatures. Most recently I've entertained the idea of trying to adapt various ruleset to the setting of SoTR, such as Zona Alfa. I'll get back to it shortly no doubt.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on November 11, 2021, 05:34:27 PM
Also, I'm dabbling with a few 15mm ideas. Possibly trying to play games set in the SoTR/Weird WW2 setting, using Nuts! or Nordic Weasel rulesets. Only painted a few bits out of curiosity so far, but I'll share as a makeshift update:
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on February 04, 2022, 03:09:06 PM
Got a couple of miniatures I'm considering for an alternative Flesh Golem. I quite like the idea of using an old Marauder/GW Treeman

Well it's a few years on, but I always retain ideas in my head. Finally followed up on one, and painted up some Treemen as counts as Flesh Golems for my British Templar Platoon.
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Mr. White on February 04, 2022, 03:37:55 PM
These looks fantastic. Great paint job! Who's the maker?
Title: Re: Returning to SoTR/The Hobby after 10 years.
Post by: Bowiefan on February 04, 2022, 03:42:58 PM
These looks fantastic. Great paint job! Who's the maker?

Thank you. They are Black Tree Design miniatures:

https://eoeorbisuk.com/search?type=product&q=Treeman+ (https://eoeorbisuk.com/search?type=product&q=Treeman+)