Hydra Miniatures is Awesome. [ooc]

Okay, I am obviously very happy with Hydra Miniatures (http://www.hydraminiatures.com/), right?

I ordered a batch of minis on Friday, paid on Saturday, and received today. So far, so good, but about what you would expect.

Matt, the fella running the joint, bent over backwards to help me out. I needed 20 Vardu sprouts (http://shop.hydraminiatures.com/product_info.php?cPath=3_30&products_id=39), but they came in packs of 8. I asked Matt if he could package up twenty and charge me the difference for more than 2 packs. He did, no problem. Then I asked him to help me out with some of the minibots (http://shop.hydraminiatures.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_31&products_id=65), as I wanted 10, and again, they were in a pack of 8. Again, no problem. Finally, I ordered two packs of the hoverbots (5 each) (http://shop.hydraminiatures.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_31&products_id=33) and needed no additional help with those.

Matt figured out the per mini cost and just emailed me telling me my total, which I then Paypal-ed to him. Easy transaction.

And I really like the minis. the Vardu sprouts are just about the same height as a 15mm German Aetherbattalion trooper, and the minibot and the hoverbot scale up well against them too.

Left to right: Minibot, 15mm German (OG), Hoverbot, German, Vardu sprout

About the only thing I have found to complain about - and its not much of a complaint! - is that it took me about a minute to clean some flash off of the hoverbot using my craft knife. The minibot took less time than that, and I've done nothing to the Vardu sprout.

Last but not least, I think they also all scale well against 25mm VSF figures, though obviously as smaller than man-sized. Scale neutrality is a big plus in my book, as you get twice the bang for your buck.

All in all, I am very happy with my purchase. Matt hinted to me about some future Vardu products that I am waiting for in eager anticipation. I have my Plantmen of Venus! And Doktor Maton's mechanical horde keeps growing!

All for now. I have painting to do! I'll try to get some shots up this weekend, but no promises.

-J

Remembering the Alamo

Fallen Soldiers Remembered

Today, at every Texican Army outpost, and aboard every Texican vessel, a toast will be held, followed by a 13-gun salute - one gun for every day that the defenders of the Alamo mission held out against overwhelming numbers of Mexican soldiers led by that bloodthirsty tyrant, Santa Anna.

We provide the good citizens of Victoria Landing with this information so as to prevent them being startled when the local Texican forces fire their salutes this evening, just as the sun sets.

Mad Scientist Found?

The notorious mad Belgian inventor, Herr Doktor Professor Otto Maton has, as we all know, been the most diligently sought after fugitive from justice the Earth has ever known. His fiendish devices almost toppled the Belgian monarchy back in '79, and his associate Professor Fassenbender's sinister scientific experiments have warped humanity itself!

Recent investigations by a Mister Sherman Homes, of Kensington, London, indicate that the mad doctor and his nefarious associate may have smuggled themselves and some of their diabolical creations to Mars. There is even some hint of agents of the Kaiser being behind his escape to the Red Planet. All citizens of the Empire are encouraged to keep a steady watch for these dangerous foreigners. If you see any giant mechanical men, or small metallic spiders in your neighborhood, please alert the authorities immediately!

Happy Birthday Texas! You too, Sam!

Texas Independence Day

Celebrations for the anniversary of the declaration of independence for the Republic of Texas have begun here in Victoria Landing at the Texican Delegation. Forty-five years ago today, the Republic declared it's independence from the tyranny of the Mexican dictator, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Fireworks, a rodeo, music and dancing are all planned for the festivities.

In addition, the Texican Consul, Mister Andrew Jackson Houston, son of the late first president of the Republic, has provided a traditional Texas barbecue for the prominent citizens of Victoria Landing. Texicans of all stations are invited as well. Two entire sides of beef were brought from Texas for the event. This barbecue is in celebration both of the birth of Mr. Houston's father, who would have been eighty-eight years old today, and Mr. Houston's newborn son, Samuel Andrew Houston, who was delivered of Mrs. Houston here in Victoria Landing two weeks ago.

[Editor's Notes: Today actually is both Sam Houston's birthday and Texas Independence Day. Me, I plan on celebrating with a cold beer or two and a big juicy steak. Have a great day!]

End of Month Progress Report [ooc]

So, here's the progress on projects this month.

Deathray cavalry: Have received all figures. Three additional lancers, a musician and the unit leader are painted and assembled, just waiting to be mounted on the rays. After these, I have five more to finish, and the units will be done. I say units because I have two. One is the Prince himself, with standard, musician and four guards. I am considering adding three more gun-armed men to this unit to round it out to a full ten. The other unit consists of a captain, musician and eight lancers.

Martian Personalities: I have painted the Incomparable Dejah Thoris, John Carter, a Martian priest, and a Martian king/hero. The butler/assassin is primed, but hardly painted.

Martian swordsmen: Little progress.

Bombardment Sentinel: Purchased Whirlwind for conversion of rockets to Sentinel. Awaiting arrival.

Gunship, 28mm: Received guns, assembled and primed. Currently on painting table. Trying to decide on magnetic attachment option or permanent fixture.

Gunship, 15mm: Main deck cut out. Primary lower hull section built. Mast section assembled but not cut to final length yet. Re-working cabin section design. Forward lower hull needs final desing and assembly. Guns not ordered; considering ERM fittings. Help with 15mm guns would be appreciated.

Parrotman Huts: Prototype finished. Adjustments still to be made for remaining three huts. Back-burner project.

15mm Papal Troops: Two 90% painted as prototypes.

Mordian/German Special Weapons: About 70% painted on lieutenant, sergeant, grenadier, and three riflemen, plus two mortarmen and melta-gunner.

Gex/Gaters: Decided to send to be painted, as I am never going to get around to them. Looking for painting service in US.

That's pretty much everything that's even remotely active for right now. I am hoping to get some projects finished in March, letting me get back to some older projects that have been on hold for a while.

Birthday Celebrations

Esteemed Editor of This Journal

Marks 37th Solar Orbit

Yes, good friends and readers, today marks the 37th complete (Earthly) orbit of the Sun for your humble correspondent. Days such as this make you think back at what you ahve accomplished to date in your life.

I've married a beautiful woman, who has provided me with two fine sons. I own a comfortable though small estate in the Republic of Texas, and a second abode here in Victoria Landing. I have a job I enjoy, and a hobby or two that interest me and occupy my mind in continuous learning.

All in all, not bad.

Tonight, we dine at Chabucca's, the finest Argentine churrascaria on Mars. Which is not necessarily a great compliment, it being the only restaurant of its sort on the Red Planet. However, I enjoy it, as does the rest of the family.

Tomorrow I'll mention a bit about some progress on a few small projects. Until then, good friends and readers.