Focus Dave, Focus!

So many Periods so little time. That's my motto and I'm sticking to it. I know somwhere it's said that to really do miniatures right you have to focus on one or two periods and concentrate your time and resources on them and not get distracted by the trap of pursuing too many periods. I've rarely met a gamer who can faithfully stick to that rule except for the notable and fantastically talented few...like Phil at the magnificent Pils-Holstein Campaign. My garage is full of half finished projects that speak to my inability to concentrate when it comes to little men.

That being said, being careful not to get spread too thin has become a necessary survival skill— if not to save my marriage (because she is a VERY understanding spouse...) then at least to keep my Paypal account from groaning under the weight of all that purchased metal yet to be painted.

I've collected figures at one time or another for nearly every major historical period out there and not a few weird Sci Fi detours as well (let's see AT 43 would be my latest in that category...). Most of these eventually get sold, some never to return, but some that, like the seasons, return because either a new line of figures comes out, or a new scale is introduced, or a new set of rules, or I just happen to have a refreshed interest in the period. 40mm has been that for me and it has brought back English Civil War (...had two collections prior in 15mm and 25mm), and French and Indian War (...had a nice collection in 25mm). I recently let go of a huge collection of 25mm Colonials and I know someday that period will come back because the "narrative" of colonial gaming can be such a blast...(as colonial wargamers know, the sun rises and sets on the the Major Generals site!)

The images of my workbench tell the tale... 25s and 40s sitting side by side...and those 10mm Ancients...well that's another story...

One rule in all this stands supreme....NEVER SELL YOUR TERRAIN ;)! ... because you may always come back to the period... I opened a box in my garage the other day that contained a nice scratchbuilt Pathan village...hmmm...maybe I shouldn't have sold those colonials...