ARBM Update and Forum

Hi everyone,

Its now April and we have no publication. What gives?

I apologise to everyone but life got in the way, as is its habit. That said the project is moving forward again. I hope to have the book ready in early July 2017.

We have also been fortunate to have a page on the Very British Civil War Forum. A big thank you to Pete Barfield and the VBCW team.

The direct link to our forum is:

http://vbcf.freeforums.org/a-right-bloody-mess-f80.html

A Right Bloody Mess sent to the Printer.

Finally, after much effort and gnashing of teeth, I have finally sent the book to the printers.

So when do I get my copy?
The printer is sending me a proof so I can check things, mainly colour reproduction of photos. Once I get it back it should be a week or so to confirm the copy, last proof-read, etc. and then I will order a quantity.

They should be available at Eureka Miniatures by the start of September, hopefully earlier. If you are located outside Australia then you can order copies direct from me, and the printer will ship then directly. The delays are now about printing schedules and shipping, the book is finished.

It is a 266 page cloth bound hardcover, 6x9 inches, covering the first year of the conflict, with plenty of historical detail on every faction plus all the things a wargamer may want to know.

Having finally sent the book, I am back to the painting table and enjoying the break.

Matt

Lead Adventure Forum

There is a very interesting discussion going on Lead Adventure about ARBM. It is well worth a look.

http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=79914.0

While playing on the net, have a look at the Abyssinian Crisis. These guys have done a tremendous job. Their  figures are inspirational and most of them are perfect for re-purposing to ARBM.

https://abyssiniancrisis.wordpress.com/

These borrowed images from their site could be straight out of ARBM.




Matt

A Right Bloody Mess Publication

It has been a while since I updated the Blog, but things have been far from quiet.

The Good News:

We should publish in time for Little Wars Melbourne. It will probably be a 96 page A4 Hardcover

 "Wargamers Guide to the Australian Civil War - 1933" 

Now for the story.

I completed the edited draft of the manuscript in early December 2015, and gave it to someone for review and sought opinion from numerous people. It was running to 70,000 words (a 400 page novel is 80,000)  and I had not completed the appendices. It included everything people had said they wanted to see, or at least my interpretation of it.

The general consensus was that it was a complete guide to the lead up to, and beginning of the conflict. People were startled at some of the detail I had found and learnt a lot about the period in Australia, but, there is always a but.

But it read as a piece of non-fiction, a history book. It was to detailed, too much information. Wargamers wanted a more quick reference guide they could  turn to the various factions and understand its place, allies and enemies, potential uniforms, military capability and organisation. I admit I had set out to be as close to historically accurate as events would allow, and not prescribe where possible.

So, with a draft faction approved by all, it has been a rewrite and restructure. I hope to complete it by the end of January and get it into editor and reviewers hands. Writing and maps are going well, so here's to publication.

The information is not lost, I still intend to publish the history book as I now call it. It will probably be a PDF available through Wargames Vault, and will have about 50% new material.

Matt

Australian Labour Army

David was kind enough to reply to my post on armbands with a reference to the Australian Labor Army and their patch.


Rather than rely to him personally I thought everyone may be interested.

The Australian Labor Army, Unemployed Workers Movement and Worker’s’ Defence Corps were all creations of the Communist Party of Australia (CPA). Information on them is thin on the ground, but they occasionally appearing in newspaper articles and CPA files. 

They were all militant creations of the CPA, most responding to the New Guard and keeping Lang in power, or to the eviction of families who due to unemployment were unable to pay the rent. Indeed this last factor was a national problem and on occasion lead to barricades and conflict.

As I keep saying, dig and you will find gems for inspiration on creating forces and scenarios for ARBM.

Matthew