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.