Balaclavas On The Line

The following is an exert from former Brigadier 'Mad Jock' McCoist's Autobiography, published in 2002:

<i>'I moved down to the town of Sunderland with my Da in 1965, settling in the poverty stricken East End, very close to the River Wear (the river that runs straight through the town). Rarely did I attend school, choosing instead to get up to all sorts of petty crime and mischief, ya know how it is: vandalism, street scraps, setting small fires, stealing sweets and crisps from the corner shop.

When I turned eighteen, I signed up for Her Majesty's Armed Forces as a mechanic, spending some time in West Germany, close to the city of Hamburg. The town I returned to, however, was not the friendly County Durham town that I had left. There was a clear divide within the once jovial community. In 1978 Da was diagnosed with lung cancer, having been a life long smoker, and died just before Christmas of that year. He'd always told me not to take sides, to always turn the other cheek, but I just couldn't let it lie, if and when I had kids, I would want them to know a place of peace. Ultimately, I joined the East End Brigade of the SDF, becoming one of their top guys.

By 1980 our campaign was in full swing, a patrol group, vigilant group would be a better word, frequently watched the East End day and night. </i>

Mural in the East End (taken in 2000)

Oy Vey!

So I'm finally in a good position physically, mentally, and spiritually, to finally get back into the swing of things. As I've previously said (about a year ago) Mark from Winterof79 kindly sent me a shed load of 20mm miniatures and for that I am forever in his debt. I will be working in both 20 and 28mm, mostly 28 due to being partially blind in my right eye so it's quite hard to see what I'm painting!

I've got a number of colourful characters in the pipeline, including a Republican Indian Sikh, named simply Tiger Singh. He's a no nonsense commander with a fiery passion for fighting, and his brother Sanvir who is a little more reluctant to fight but is a valuable member of the movement nonetheless.

Until next time,
Sean.

Update: An Apology

Hi guys, long time since I've posted here. Please accept my apology! I've been having problems with my mental health recently and I've been evaluating my future. This blog has always been at the back of my mind, however, and because of the release of the Winter of '79 rules, I've had a peak in interest! I'm currently looking at applying to university to study film. Fingers crossed.

Until then, Godspeed!

Ramblings of a (Borderline) Mad Man

Hi guys, just a quick update here.

I've got 20mm miniatures in my queue and I plan on doing some 28mm ones, too. I've been eyeing up Geezers Shut It! And might invest in all 64(!) miniatures coming in at a whopping £120 or somewhere near that.

I was thinking of the two security guards and the masked gunmen in particular. These could be Rebels, Loyalists, Miners etc. the police may also be useful.

As for scenery, I was thinking about the VBCW buildings from (I think) warbases. These are 28mm and can be used for three eras (well two) the inter war period with A Very British Civil War and the Anglo-Irish War, and Crisis Up North.

This will save me considerable amounts of money, thankfully, but I'll also have to buy scenery for my 20mm collection.

Until next time,

Cheers,

Sean.

Intel: 'Mac' McKeith

Name: Unknown

Alias: Mac, McKeith

Age: 32

Occupation: Armed Robber

Notes: Intelligence has no record of his actual name, but recordings of conversations have revealed an Alias (see above), may be high ranking member of the Sunderland Republican Movement (SRM). No photos have been taken that were suitable for the portfolio, to be updated.

Bloody Hell

Frankie looked down the road before him. It was soaked with rain, and soggy newspapers. Right at the end of the road stood a straight line of bobbies, riot shields at the ready.

So far, he'd distanced himself from the violence that had plagued the city, however, now he'd had enough of the excessive force used by Her Majesty's Police Force. He reached into his pocket and produced a small lighter. With it, he lit the oily rag that was stuck into the bottle and chucked it down the road towards the police. People scattered as the ignited liquid spread out before the policemen. 

One brave soul, standing around five foot nine, wearing a leather jacket and light jeans, kicked out at the riot shield closest to him. The policeman braced himself against the kick but still took a step back. He was shaken by the violence and pushed against the extended leg of the lad.

The boy felt a strong forearm wrap around his neck from behind. Then a hand lock around the wrist and tightened the grip. 'You little shit' a voice said 'think you're big and clever do you? I'll break your neck you little twat.'

Frankie saw this, annoyed, and ran over to the scuffle. He swung at the aggressors head, hitting him at the bad of the skull. Just hard enough for him to release his grip. He fell to one knee, holding the back of his head.

They pounced on him like lions. Punching and kicking at the policeman laying before them. Savages, at best. Once the dust had settled, the protestors disbanded, the officers helped their wounded comrade. Dragging him behind the line of shields.

Milestone: 1000 Views

Thanks guys, much appreciated! I apologise for a lack of posts recently. I've been quite busy.

Great News

Hi everyone, I'm happy to announce that I now have plenty of muniatures to run a game thanks to Mark from Winter of '79!

It was very good of him to do this and I'm hoping to have my first miniature painted soon. He's in a balaclava and is wielding a pistol at arms length. This shall be our main antagonist: McKeith, Mac for short.

I've got plenty of balaclava wearing figures to represent the rebellious Republicans!

Until next time,

Cheers,

Sean.

None Wargaming Stuff

These last few months have been really hectic! I moved house with my mam and sister around 7 weeks ago and it knocked me a little but I am certainly trying to get this blog back on track.

Other good things include a lot of rain and Sunderland escaping from relegation. On the other hand, Rangers didn't get promoted but there's always next season!

I'm also very close to making an order with Liberation Miniatures for some insurgent types to act as my paramilitaries. I'm thinking some balaclava wearing types and some coco clothed types.

Until next time,

Cheers,

Sean.

News: Backlane Bloodshed

'Three men have been charged with aggravated assault following what has been described as an "unapologetic" attack on a group of bystanders who were misidentified as members of a rival group.'

'The group were playing football in the backlane mid-afternoon when the men, described as drunk and aggressive, approached the group hurling abuse and insults their way.'

'One man, identified as Patrick O'Brien, pleaded guilty without incident. He is waiting for a further court appearance.'

Background: The post master himself.

I just thought I'd make a short post about why I decided to do such a blog.

It all started two years ago when I came across winterof79. A blog that I highly recommend! It's background and stories inspired me. That was 2013.

2014 came around and my mental health deteriorated badly and I wound up in a psychiatric hospital for 7 weeks (Feb-April) I was then discharged. 

A few months later I was back in and spent 3 months in there. I have no bad memories of the place. I started a story about the Scottish Republican Army lying in wait for a British Patrol near the border.

This blog, and my other blogs for that matter, have helped me stay on the straight and narrow.

Update: Life

Howdy folks, please accept my apology for not updating this in nearly 2 months. I have had a lot of personal things going on over the course of the last few months and have been distracted from the hobby.

I still plan on buying some Liberation miniatures and some vehicles etc. for the project.

I haven't abandoned ship yet, fingers crossed I never do.

I have, however, been perfecting the arts of novel writing and have started a few crime stories focusing on the criminals themselves.

Until next time,

Cheers,

Sean.

Milestone: 500 Views

Got dang, I've hit 500 views! I would like to thank everyone who has viewed my blog since its beginnings. 

I've had views in China, India, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine (I think), Turkey, the U.S., and, of course, the United Kingdom.

It's because of you guys that I strive to keep this blog as active as possible, what would be the point if I didn't have an audience to share my stories and ideas with?

Thanks so very much for your support.

Cheers,

Sean.

ANZAC Day

I'm a little late, by a day, but I would like to wish those of you in Australia and New Zealand a happy ANZAC Day as we remember those who served during the Great War. As well as those who have served in Vietnam, representing the Commonwealth, and those who are currently in active service.

Lest We Forget.

Update: Apologies

Sorry I haven't been updating this as frequently as I was before. I've got a lot of personal stuff going on right now (including moving house), as well as an African ImagiNation to be president of.

But some updates, I've jotted down what I want from RH models (AKA Liberation) and this will be the basis of my 3 forces. Sadly they don't do any RUC, Military Police, or the like as far as I can tell, which is a shame, and I don't want to mix manufacturers even though Elhiem do some great RUC miniatures.

Feel free to follow President Goodwill Hunter over at natonga.blogspot.com as he struggles against rebels with support from their former colonisers, the British.

A break down of the miniatures I'm planning to order:

- a variety of Falklands British in Berets with a variety of weapons (GPMG, Sterlings, SLR).

- a pack of Falkland Argentinians wearing Parkas and wooly hats (for paramilitaries wanting to keep warm).

- a number of their civilian packs, including a camera man and VIP, as well as armed with AK74s and SVDs.

- some of their Urban Meltdown range with a mixture of weapons (Uzis, M16s, AKs, and Brens).

Hopefully I'll have the order sent off soon and, as this is my first time ordering from them, I hope it is a pleasurable experience with both customer service and satisfaction!

Until then,

Cheers,

Sean.

News: Soldiers Injured

'Soldiers have clashed with Republicans today as tensions rise between the two waring sides. Soldiers were sent in to assist the police against both Loyalist and Republican attacks that have increased in the past few days.'

'One particular soldier, Private Capaldi, was struck over the head with a bat, drawing blood. The injury required stitches as no protective headgear was worn. Another soldier, Private Dickenson, was struck by a projectile, possibly a brick or some form of rock, knocking him to the ground.'

'A spokesman said that these attacks will not go unpunished as the lives of soldiers were at risk.'

Person of Interest: Billy Wilks

Name: William 'Billy' Wilks

Age: 55

Occupation: Landlord, Leader of the SLA

Attributes: Grey hair, balding, cross tattooed on right forearm, gold wedding ring. One gold tooth, incisor.

Notes: Wilks is a former soldier, serving in the Black Watch, and is considered dangerous. Unlikely to be armed but keep at arms length just in case. He was accused of murder in 1967 but there was insufficient evidence to convict him. Drives a red Ford Cortina Mk V Saloon. Several assault charges but never incarcerated. Has been an informant for several months. Protect him at all costs.

Update: Miniatures, AGAIN

I've decided to give Liberation a shot, as the waiting time isn't a problem now I have a number of miniatures to paint. I'm also buying from them for my other blog:

bastonia.blogspot.com

Please stop by, I'm starting to update it more often and it should be a fun read. Expect to see French Peacekeepers, armed militia, and Seperatists.

Cheers,

Sean.

What's All This, Then?

They came in swarms, Republicans and Loyalists, wearing balaclavas, stockings, and hoods to hide their identity. They threw bricks and bottles at the police, and each other, and lit fires mere metres away from residential houses.

'Fuck the Queen' on youth said, 'Hang the bastards.'

'Get outta here you rebel bastards.' A young loyalist said, throwing a brick.

The policeman closest to the group of youths swung his truncheon, cracking one of them on the back of the head. 'Get home lads, it's past curfew for you lot.' He said.

'Fuck the curfew,' a young rebel said 'you're just trying to keep us opressed, fuck you mister.' 

'I'll tell your ma, you little brat, get going.'

'My mam thinks your a tosser anyways.'

The loyalist youths mocked the young Rebels as they sauntered off down the road. One of the rebels, about 14, turned and threw a bottle at the policeman. It hit him and he turned around, sticking his fingers up, triumphant.

The crowd dispersed as quickly as it appeared, and that was that. All quiet on the North Eastern front once again.

News: Football Fans Clash

'Today, fans of football rivals Sunderland and Newcastle clashed in the street this afternoon. It was instigated by a one Scott 'Scotty' Johnson Senior. He threw a glass bottle at a group of Newcastle fans walking through the city centre. It struck a fan and all hell broke loose.'

'Boots and fists were flying everywhere as a sea of red and white scarves jumped in, battering the Newcastle fans. The fans fought back, however, and a well-known hooligan pulled a knife on Scotty Senior and slashed his Donkey Jacket open.'

'Police arrived on the scene in no time, carrying truncheons as per usual. This is when the fighting stopped between the fans. The violence was then focused on the policemen, with Newcastle and Sunderland fans fighting together against the men sent to quash the situation.'