This is admittedly one of my sadder, more telling posts.  Two months ago, I started this post about how I was considering, but would reject the idea of entering a new gaming period.  Then I updated it ten days later, with my sad inject about how I had rather predictably broken down…

Now the first units are done…

I’m working through the initial stages of analysis for the typical get myself into trouble by starting a new period process….

This time the subject is the Pacific War 1879-1884.  Chile vs Peru and Bolivia.  Why you ask, so here are my reasons – first and foremost a terribly inspiring series of project updates and battle reports from this site – Wargaming for Grown Ups… http://wargaming4grownups.blogspot.com/search/label/Pacific%20War%201879-1884

Nice exposition on sources, period outline and a general sense of the conflict.

The other reasons I’m pondering this:

1. The number of forces is relatively low throughout – no 1000 figure collections for this one.
2. The nature of the conflict was unsophisticated late 19thC application of weapons and tactics – the experience levels and the variety of units is appealing
3. I think I have some suitable figures across the lead inventory – primarily considering ACW, Maximilian, MexAmWar 15mm piles.  Most armies wore Kepis, some taller shakos like the French in Crimea, and Gatling guns.
4. The terrain varies (Desert and jungle/ littoral?)
5. Common terrain and some unit overlap with my Paraguayan Wars 15mm project (which is a fancy way of describing a pile of books and research and a big bag of suitable unapainted figures). Hmmmm – perhaps there is a lesson there about starting new projects…. oh never mind – it’s a hobby.

Update:

I resisted temptation successfully for one whole ten day period….  last night I posted a note to Outpost exploring an order and spent an hour digging through the storage room looking for ACW, MAW, Maximilian, and French FFL bins.   You know you have a problem when….  I also ran across a very kind gentleman on TLP who was looking to unload his unpainted guilt as well.

First units came off the line then:  Bolivian Infantry

Chilean line infantry:

The Chilean cavalry.

About 35 figures down perhaps 400 to go.

Do you think I could ever do the right thing.