Jonathan Freitag’s recent post got me thinking about sources of inspiration for me as a wargamer. One of my top sources is printed matter. I actually commented to Jon’s post that I didn’t really count magazines these days amongst my sources. Gone are the days of MW and WI in what for me was their heyday in the 80s and early 90s. But then I looked at this photo I took of a history magazine in a supermarket in an obscure Spanish town.
The article is about a book on Spanish soldiers in the British Army in WWII. The author gave a talk at the National Army Museum a few months ago (which I attended with David-in-Suffolk). The picture of the volunteers on the truck is similar to ones that got me interested in the SCW 45 years ago. But that is not a wargaming itch that I have scratched yet.
The same magazine also had an article on the Battle of the River Ter (or Torroella) in 1694. I passed on buying the magazine but I’m thinking that was a mistake, even though my Spanish is fledgling to say the least.
As with the previous article, it’s the imagery that captures my imagination. At least at first. What about you? Is it words, pictures (still or moving) or sounds that spark your urge to wargame a conflict?
As for the mad dogs reference: the Margravina (who is most definitely not an Englishman) persuaded me to take a walk in to said town when most sensible locals were indoors behind closed shutters. The supermarket provided a welcome respite from the heat).
!Adiós!
The streets are deserted! How is your Spanish? I have not seen either WI or MW in many years. I still have a digital subscription to WSS since it is really inexpensive.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was siesta time. My Spanish: reading is better than speaking! Which is not a high bar 😁
DeleteChris
PS. I don’t think I’ve really dug into WSS. At least not for a long time.
DeleteI too regret not buying history related magazines in Spain which l saw when in Madrid earlier this year. I sometimes buy Wargames magazines here , often tempted by the free figures if useful, but find them to be style over substance often. Hope you enjoy / enjoyed the rest of your trip.
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
Thanks Alan. I might have to pop back and buy that mag. I’ve run out of reading material.
DeleteChris
Nice looking images of Spain - very inspirational for my 20mm SCW.....!
ReplyDeleteI think my main inspiration comes from pictures, mostly those of figures on various manufacturers site, to be honest!
Ha ha! Yes, it’s dangerous looking at some sites. Best avoid temptation like that Keith!
DeleteChris
"A picture is worth a thousand words" and all that Chris! It can be something so simple that sparks one's imagination, whether it be in a book, on a Blog etc. The town looks nice and warm and very quiet, much needed view of sunshine considering the weather we have here at present!
ReplyDeleteThat was the picturesque side of town. Not all of it was so photogenic.
DeleteChris
Sight is often the first sense to comprehend something. So, it is natural such images can ensnare as wargamers.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I always thought of myself as a bookish, wordy type, but I underestimated the impact of the visual. Obvious really given we’re figures gamers.
DeleteChris
Ahh heat of the day…yeah I remember that. Rain here for days on end at the moment. Nice place you’re at by the looks of things. Internets where I get my inspiration for projects btw.
ReplyDeleteThat’s the ‘pueblo’ 2 km inland from where we’re staying. The pics are of some of the more photogenic parts of town.
DeleteJust got back from another late afternoon walk. Will I ever learn?!
Chris
I remember being in Ferrara wandering around during siesta.....so obviously tourists, everyone tried to direct us to the museum!
ReplyDeleteInspie (as the French call it) equal measure, reading, pictures and my own imagination.....
Neil
Ha ha! Tourist know your place!
DeleteI find I lack the originality of thought to come up with fresh ideas. So I mostly rely on leveraging others’ creativity.
Chris
Photo of a subject can become a project theme . Street scenes can be burnt into memory and live again on the table top.
ReplyDeleteI’m pretty certain that for md at least the visual is to the printed word as 3 is to 1, to coin Napoleon.
DeleteChris
I like a magazine from another country I picked up a French magazine about Francis the first and a few Spanish uniform magazines in Girona from a very suspicious chap who didn't really want to sell them to me!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
How weird that the seller in Girona was reluctant to sell the mags to you. Assuming he was a retailer and not just a random Señor in a park!
DeleteI never did make it back to the shop.
Chris
I think it was more of a military centered shop in a way we don't have over here, I don't think I fitted the profile of the regular customer! Great magazine article on 15th century jinets though!
DeleteBest Iain