Union Command for the Lard Workshop. The points value reflects the poorly led and poorly trained nature of the Union army at the outset of hostilities in 1861. Some ambiguity in the uniforms here particularly Marston’s 2nd New Hampshire’s. 😬🫣 Several characters here didn’t survive the actual day.

Confederate Command labelled up for “Lincoln’s life or a Tiger’s death!” that I’m presenting at the Lard Workshop next weekend. Historically correct names and ranks including the colourful filibuster Major Wheat, looking rather conspicuous on his horse…. Some Midgard inspired ideas here.

That’s my little baby dried, cleaned and put away for the next adventure. The Hilleberg AKTO - the world’s greatest tent. #Hilleberg #Stcuthbertsway

Border crossing 340m on St. Cuthbert’s Way. The signs say Welcome to England & Scotland respectively. most of us only get to see the crossing from England to Scotland and visa versa on the M6, A1, A7, or A68. Not many get to see this one and another just like it on the Pennine Way just a mile away.

Beer shot. Past the half-way marker on the St. Cuthbert’s Way. Starting to feel very spiritual so I’ll force myself to drink this beer just for you.

As they make their foray down to the West Midlands Lard day tomorrow, under the light of a gibbous moon the redcoats quietly depart via the watergate, leaving the sanctuary of Fort Detroit behind them. Unknown to them Pontiac has spies all around and his boys will be waiting for them…

I’m super impressed with this campaign collection of plaid cloaks from Weave of War. I need figures to represent the armies of Alba and Strathclyde who fought at Brunanburh for my Midgard scenario at Ebor Lard. These existing Steve Barber models get a nice face lift. #Midgardheroicbattles

Tinkering with ideas for my Midgard scenario for Ebor Lard. “Never greater slaughter!” Brunanburh 937AD. Michael Livingston’s book by the same title is proving to be tremendously helpful. #Midgardheroicbattles @michaellivingston.com

For Sale; Bruce Quarrie’s “Tank Battles in Miniature” A wargamers' guide to the Russian Campaign 1941-1945 £8.00+ £3.50 p&p in UK.

For Sale; Donald Featherstone’s “Tank in Miniature” A wargamer’s guide to the n Desert Campaign 1910-1942 £8.00+ £3.50 p&p in UK.

For Sale; Rapid Fire “Unit Organisations for the 1944-45 Campaign in North West Europe”. Original, out of print publication. £7.00+ £3.50 p&p in UK.

For Sale; Rapid Fire “Scenarios for NW Europe 45-45”. Original, out of print publication. £8.00 + £3.50 p&p in UK.

For Sale; Rapid Fire “D-Day 6th June 1944”. Original, out of print publication. £8.00 + £3.50 p&p in UK.

For Sale; Rapid Fire “Scenarios for the Russian Front 41-45”. The very first scenario supplement, long out of print publication. £8.00 + £3.50 p&p in UK.

For Sale; Rapid Fire “Battle of the Bulge”. Original, long out of print publication. £9.00 + £3.50 p&p in UK.

Based this morning and waiting for a bit of sun to shine to get the W&N varnish spray out. These are Foundry Viking spearmen. I’m really smitten with Midgard at the minute. The game is helping me to understand a period of history I knew little about. Athelstan is fast becoming a hero of mine.

Painting dark ages figures is definitely a process. I don’t know about you but I’m discovering highlighting as I go along is sensible. Once a wash goes on it is difficult for my old brain to remember what original base colours I put down because the wash distorts them.

Two more Saxon Fyrd groups backed up by a group of Hearthguard based up. These are Renegade Miniatures, sadly no longer in production. They’ll be defending the Germany Beck, Fulford during Steel Lard in November. It is 1066 so Haley’s comet is around. The omens are ominous… #Midguardheroicbattles

For Sale: Ironclad Miniature’s original and popular 28mm trench system. Hand cast in high quality resin and painted to a reasonable tabletop standard. Very versatile. Examples of possible configurations in the images. 13 pieces in set. DM me for nomenclature. £97.00 includes postage within UK.

Tickets are still available for the inaugural West Midlands Lard Day on Saturday 4th July in Bedworth Warwickshire. I’ll be there with my scenario from Pontiac’s Rebellion “A Bloody Lardy Run” based on the infamous battle that took place at Fort Detroit in 1763.

My boys are making their way down to Bristol to Where the River Bends in order to scalp many palefaces…

Isle of Mull - Never ceases to amaze.

For sale - “Samurai Blades” by Standard Games. Fully intact with all playing pieces and boards. £29.00 + £5.00 p&p in UK.

My Danes are now on the move over the hills to Derby to do battle with the Christians at the Moot. #spreadthelard

All dry and cleaned and ready for the next adventure. My trusty Hilleberg Akto. Bomb proof. The world’s best tent. Ten years old now and still looks as good as new🏕️ #hilleberg #AffricKintailWay

Just finished a tough 45 mile 3.5 day trek along the Affric Kintail Way from Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness to Morvich in Kintail with my buddy Peter Harris. I should know better that to put my 68 year old bones through this. Freezing cold conditions all the way but mostly stayed dry.

Battle of the Three Oaks - a Midgard Hold the High Ground scenario played with my son Rory who commanded the Saxons. On turn 2 I freakishly lost my Army Commander to missile fire. From then on my Danes couldn’t make any headway and it was all done and dusted before his reinforcements even appeared.

Three groups of Saxon archers ready for Midgard. I’ve pondered long over this but group basing as inspired by Mathew Slade and Michael Johnson is the way forward for me. Just looks so much better.

The red banner of Wessex with its golden dragon rises in East Cheshire. Three heroes completed and ready to do battle with the heathen horde over Easter. Foundry Miniatures. Flags courtesy of Mogsymakes