Osprey Men at arms 466

Armies of the Balkan Wars 1912-13, The priming charge for the Great war to give it it's full title. Arrived on my doorstep this morning. I've only had a chance to give it a quick look over but my first thoughts are positive. It is a basic introduction to the Balkan wars with some really nice photos that I hadn't seen before. The colour plates are also very well done and atmospheric. You could probably go ahead and paint any Balkan army using these alone. Which I suppose is the main strength of Osprey books that they are a one stop shop giving just enough info for those that just want that. I was however struck at how thin the book is. At 48 pages it is more a pamphlet than a book. A bargain price of £6.99 from Amazon though means that it is a must.

Bulgarian Krupp armoured field gun

A chap in Athens who I had been chatting with on another forum kindly took this snap for me. That was some time ago and unfortunately I lost his details. A big thanks to him though as I had lost all the pictures I took on my last visit. I approached Nic with the idea of producing these in resin and lead. But the cost was a bit much even for me. To be honest I don't think it would be a big seller. I must get over to Athens again sometime.

Minifigs Vs Peter Pig

As you know last month I ordered figures from both Peter Pig and Minifigs. Both orders arrived on the Saturday before I left for work. So I didn't get a chance to more than glance at them. Service from both companies was both good and quick. Although Minifigs delivery was slightly quicker being ordered a few days after and arriving on the same day as the Peter Pig. Both companies sent mails to confirm the orders and to tell me they had been despatched. The Peter Pig figures were as usual very well packed as were the Minfigs. The minifigs surprised me though as they come in little paper bags like a quarter of sweeties. They are still listed in packs on the website but I am guessing you can buy them individually. As well as the figs I ordered some other bits and pieces including field guns from both companies. Both were a bit of a dissapointment. From Peter Pig one gun had a miscast barrel while the other had only one wheel. Giving me one gun from two packs, Not good. Unfortunately the Minifigs gun has so much flash on it I haven't been bothered to put it together. I also ordered Maxim gins from Minifigs. These look ideal as they are supplied with a seperate shield which I can leave off. Lovely clean casting of bot gun and crew apart from one glaring problem. The firer has no face! I don't just mean a poorly sculpted face I mean a completely flat plug of metal where a face should be. I'm thinking a headswap may be in order so will have an ambulance on standby.

God save the King

Our Commander in Chief King Constantine.

Back

I got back from my latest trip offshore this afternoon. I had hoped to keep up the blog while away. But unfortunately the wireless was pretty limited so wasn't able to post any updates. So to make up for it here are some pics of my Greek air support. Its a Corgi Bleriot XI in near enough 15mm.

Interesting thread on Evzones

http://http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?106055-The-Greek-Presidential-Guard

Peter Pig Bulgarian Battalion

I finally finished the bases on the first Peter Pig Russian Battalion. The battalion consists of 3 companies with 12 figs each. Plus a MG company and Battalion command. I have another 2 companies waiting on undercoat and have also ordered enough figures to complete an infantry regiment.