Club Trip to the American Heritage Museum

Earl from our club organized a group trip to the Collings Foundation American Heritage Museum yesterday. Eleven of us gathered at the museum to enjoy a visit. The museum is doing a 'soft open' and is still putting the finishing touches on many things. That said they're definitely ready for the public. There is an introductory movie, a WWI trench scene with multi-media displays, and ample knowledgeable docents that provided even wargamer geeks with plenty of helpful extra detailed information. The highlight of the trip for me was being able to hear Ralph and Ed talk about the the tank they commanded while they were in the army. It was extra special having them be able to point to parts of the tank and tell detailed stories about how it impacted their use of the weapon.

The collection is extensive, but primarily consists of armor from WWII with a few notable exceptions, an American FT-17 from WWII, and a decent amount of post-WWII vehicles and armor. Most of the vehicles are running, moving examples. Many have hatches and ports open. Access around, below and above the exhibits is exceptional and taking photos inside is not discouraged.

I took a large amount of photos, too many to post here on the blog. I've included a sample below of some of my favorites. All of my photos can be viewed by accessing my Google Photos gallery here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y9J12hjiMB8ygVWH8

I'm VERY happy I went and will return for many visits I'm sure. I had a few nits to pick with the introductory movie, but that's a common occurrence with such offerings intended for the general public. Also the lighting could be better for photography in some places. The lighting is something they're continuing to work on as they find final locations for some of the exhibits. All in all an exceptional museum, worthy of an excursion to.  

Nothern Conspiracy November 2018 Game Night

Tonight was the Northern Conspiracy's November game night. I played in some Saga games hosted by Mike C. We paired up new players with experienced players. I played two games with Kevin, and in the second game he took me to the wire with me edging him out for a narrow 3-point victory. We played two games with Kevin pushing Crusaders against my Eastern Princes army. In the second game I even got to try out the fortified wagon. It was a fun piece, but certainly not overpowered. Kevin took it out with a couple of shots from his crossbows and a charge from his warriors. Fun games. We had six players across three tables and I think each table played two games.

 

Peter ran a pony wars game of US cavalry vs. plains Indians.

Michael ran a pirate skirmish game with his huge fleet of pirate boats.

Saga Eastern Princes - Lithuanian Archers

These are another point of figures for my Saga Eastern Princes force. They are the last of the unpainted figures I had from the Gripping Beast starter army boxed set. Russians can have crossbows, but Lithuanians can only have regular bows. That's why I'm calling these Lithuanian archers. In reality I may also use them with my Russian crossbows when I want two missile units in my warband.

Looking at the photographs and the video below, I can see that they still need another coat of matte lacquer to give them a true flat finish. There's still a bit of gloss showing through. Next up on the painting table is another unit of warriors made by converting some Pagan Rus figures.