Projects: a look ahead

It's time for a little reflection over the past year and a little planning for the coming year.  Yes, I know it's the end of May, but my wargaming year ends with the convention and I begin to think about what to do for the next Enfilade. 

Though I found this convention pretty relaxing, I ran at least one more game than I would like to.  Ideally, next year I'd like to keep my activities at the con to just three games, with the rest of the time an opportunity to play games, photo games, shop, have a quiet meal, etc. I don't think I'm going to plan anything major that's new for next year, which kind of leaves me free to enjoy the painting I'll do and confine it to my existing projects.  Here's what I'm thinking:

1.  Thunderboats were missing from our schedule of games this year.  A couple of guys asked me about them.  They're low stress and fun, and I think I'll probably host a hydroplane racing game on Sunday. Maybe just a fun free for all.  Maybe something like the Gold Cup race a couple of years ago. I think I have three boats left to paint, and I'd like to get those done.

2.  I want to leave one game free for an air or sea project with Dave.  I just like working with Dave.  I learn a lot from him about scenario design, he's a good friend, and really the projects don't take that long or cost that much.  I'm in.

3.  St. Jean is a game I've run before at other gatherings.  It's a big setting up nightmare, but I think it would be fun.  It will also keep me motivated to paint my huge stash of Hundred Years war figures.  Poitiers in 2016, maybe sooner. 

4.  This is a big maybe, but I'm assuming with the War of 1812 bicentennial Mark and Doug are going to want to run Crysler's Farm, which is an 1813 battle. I don't know how much I need to be involved in the planning, because the painting is done.  I may just plan to play in the game, either side is okay, just to be a resource and be a kibbitzer involved in the scenario design.  The battle is definitely fiddly and will require using game elements effectively to make it balanced enough to create a semi-historical result.

So, at least at this point, that's where I am with potential Enfilade games.  Nothing really new, except maybe for an air or sea game.  I'd really just like to have an enjoyable year of painting with little rush, just painting what I feel like.  Here are some things I'd like to pick at:

1.  Hundred Years War--I probably have 500 painted figures for this period, but I also have about 400 more unpainted figures.  Some are intended for my singly mounted stuff, most are intended for my larger scale project that will become Poitiers.

2.  War of 1812--I am committed to hosting the Battle of Bladensburg outside Washington D.C. for Enfilade in 2014.  I am also going to help host Lundy's Lane and Chippewa.  There are lots of militia to paint, and lots of British, including my pile of Victrix figures.  I probably need to buy another box of British elite companies and hunt down some really great Royal Marine figures.

3.  America vs. Spain--I've painted up all the infantry figures I have for this period, but still have fifty mounted that need work.  I'd like to begin to acquire more Spanish foot too, and at least one more pack of Wayne's Legion foot.  Not pressing, but I'd like to at least paint what I have.

4.  Paint those ships--I really enjoy painting ships of all kinds, and, shockingly, I have lots of ships of all kinds to paint. One more 25mm cog, wouldn't mind acquiring a fourth.  ACW ships, batteries and buildings from Thoroughbred and Bay Area Yards live in my drawers of shame and could do with some building and painting. I have given a base coat to all my PT Dockyard vessels for St. Nazaire and would really like to finish them up.