Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The Workbench


Well, I wish I had my regular camera... I have two things on the workbench, but only one photo came out!

First up, above, are two Austrian artillery crews. I am VERY much looking forward to painting these guys... there are very identifiable, and it will be nice to be able to back up my Austrian infantry with some artillery!

I also have a new unit of Austrian infantry who are basically done, but my damn camera is sucking it up, so I am going to avoid doing a real unit showcase until tomorrow when my other camera is working... but for now, at least you get a peak!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Some of my favorite wargames rooms

Hey all!

While things are still awful slow here at the House of War, I thought I would take a few minutes and post something.

A while back on TMP, I began a thread for pictures of the nicest wargames rooms around. I always figured there must be some truly fantastic rooms out there that many people had never seen, that might even serve as inspiration for those people who are working on their own rooms!

Now, of course I love my own room, so I thought I would start with that... but MAN there are some great, great rooms out there!

So; I thought I'd post up a few pictures of some of the ones I have found!

First up, of course, is my favorite; from Echoes of Glory. This room is half Ultimate Wargames Room, featuring a huge 25mm AWI collection, a huge 25mm WWII collection, a pretty good sized 15mm WWII collection, a huge Warhammer collection, and the big daddy of them all, maybe the largest 25mm ACW collection any one single person owns. The other half is Ultimate Museum, as it is full of original uniforms, weapons, equipment, surgical supplies, and no fewer than six handstitched flags. For more, please head over to Echoes of Glory!

Next up is a room that anyone with even a drop of wargaming love in their heart would KILL to game in... namely, that of the Perry twins! Apparently they have quite the collection of antiques, as befits the premier historical miniatures sculptors in the world! Of course, like any true miniature stal... er... lover, I couldn't help but notice the fantastic samurai fortress in the background and what looks to be an original shako in the cabinet there... if there are more photos out there I'd love to see them! Of course, if you want to see some great miniatures, head on over to the Perry Twins own website.. you can see the room in the shots of the battle of Mafeking.

Next up? I think we'll head to maybe the ultimate man-cave, which combines a love of wargaming with a love of booze and the ability to actually drive your car right into the wargames room! Jay White (I believe that is his name) has a pretty well-stocked bar in his place, and some beautiful hard wood that really gives it a nice pub feel. The fact that it is actually a large garage is actually hidden until you notice the door, which can be opening on nice days so you can play in sunlight! Great, great stuff; to see more, check out these photos... and if anyone has a website for Jay White, please let me know and I will add it!

Next up... The Dungeon! While this room is definitely fantasy in feel (note the two-tailed comet on the table top and the sword straight from Conan the Barbarian) the sheer craftsmanship and showmanship is the tops! Reminiscent of a viking drinking hall, the room is full of awesome touches, such as the door disguised as a fireplace and the wargames table that can be covered up and used as a drinking table! Maybe the coolest and most unique wargaming room out there... check out all the photos, and the WIP shots, here!

For those whose interest tends more towards the colonial days and cool drinks brought to you by dusky-skinned serving ladies, The Bengal Club is for you! These chaps play primarily colonial games (although it seems they will play almost anything) and their wargames space reflects it! Of course, one of the best parts of their website is the EXHAUSTIVE guide to drink making... I do wonder how many of their games actually get FINISHED. For more great shots (and a few good booze recipes) please check out The Bengal Club!

One of the nicest tables I have ever seen is found in another great wargames room; namely, at the Rat Palace! The table itself is made using dozens and dozens of prefab tiles, and can be quickly laid out thanks to a fantastic set of "planning tiles" and a pretty nicely made storage system. It doesn't hurt that the walls are positively PACKED with miniatures standing in front of mirrors... and they even have a swimming poll! If I am ever down in Texas I know where to head for a game! For more great photos and a fantastic walk-through of one of the most inspirational tables ever, please do check out The Rat Palace... be sure to check out the pages on the table!

Now, when you see something that says (Joe's Pictures) you know two things; first, you must click, and second, you will be sick with envy when you do. These chaps put on some of the nicest wargames around; tables groaning under insane amounts of beautifully painted lead, and some of the nicest scenery around. They generally play at Ron Ringrose's house, where not only the wargames room is crazy, but the workroom is HUGE... no WONDER they can make custom boards for almost every game! For some pictures, check them out here!

So! Hope this has led you to check out some rooms you never knew existed, and if anyone has any links to truly amazing rooms, or more photos of the rooms I highlighted here, please feel free to share!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Slllllooowww times at the House of War!

Hey all!

So sorry for the insane lack of posts... I think this has been the longest gap ever!

I recently started work again, and that, along with construction in the house that has cost me my toy soldier room and a four day weekend in CA for a wedding has sort of killed my free time.

However, I'll get posting again soon!

Thanks for coming by!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

The Workbench

Howdy folks!

First off, lemme say I am sorry that The House of War has been awful quiet this last month... I am hard at work on my first XBOX video game with some buddies from Microsoft, and that has taken up a LOT of my free time.

However, there is still some work going on!

So, hot on the heels of my last ACW batch, here is the next batch of guys, some 28mm Napoleonic Austrians.

Now, for now I've been alternating back and forth, back and forth, between Austrians and ACW. However, I think I might take a break from that... I think maybe next I'll do two Austrian artillery pieces and a commander, and then go into ACW for a while... I need to get some Federals and Confederates done!

Anyway, these guys are done except for dipping, basing, and flags... I should have them done by Tuesday, when I start work again!

Thanks for coming by!