Just a quick update. Hope everyone is prepared for 2024; it's approaching, whether we're ready for it or not!
Apology
I apologize for the slight delay in processing your orders recently. Over the past month, I faced health challenges, exacerbated by the harsh cold in the unheated workshop. Managing a substantial wholesale order to Germany added to the workload, but I'm pleased to report that it has been successfully fulfilled.
In addition to these challenges, I've been dedicating time to studying and completing online courses, further limiting my availability. The ongoing sale this month has led to a surge in orders, surpassing our usual volume. Despite these demanding circumstances, I am committed to ensuring that all orders are fulfilled promptly. Your understanding and patience during this busy period are greatly appreciated.
I shall have to work the weekend!
I'm currently immersed in research for an upcoming project, and there's something exciting in the works. While I can't reveal the specifics just yet, I promise you'll be in the know soon.
Considering a return to my previous industry to enhance my earnings, I find myself at a juncture that feels almost like retirement, despite being only 40. If I were in the early stages of retirement, seeking a part-time venture to supplement my pension, this opportunity would be ideal.
Contemplating whether to utilize a casting service for miniatures while handling the pick-and-pack aspect, or possibly selling the business altogether, remains a decision I'm mulling over. Time will tell, and if you find this prospect intriguing, feel free to reach out. Serious inquiries are welcome.
Thanks!
The dust has settled from the Hereford Show in Peterborough. it was nice to see returning customers and new ones too. Thank you to those who made purchases and helped support the war effort! One loyal eagle eyed customer pointed out to me that G05 wasn't available, possibly due to a technical error, either the release of or the re-release of G05 fallschrimjaeger signals strip. Image to follow later.
New Releases:
A couple more Normandy buildings for you to help give some variation to your French villages and towns.
Normandy 04
Normandy 05
Whats new? Whats next? Well, I and my sculptors are hard at work to bring a few more WW2 goodies that should arrive towards the end of the year and Emu War 2: Electric Bugaloo will also not be too far off. So Stay tuned, get some stuff painted and get some orders in!
]]>I believe, with the British Paras, American Airborne, the Normans and the WW2 Normandy buildings and the Rhodesian bush war range you have all been very well catered for this year! So extraneous was the output that the week before joy of 6, 2D6 Wargaming actually went bankrupt! However it managed to hold its breath to cross the finish line and the Jo6 saved the day. The big gambles of the past 9 months payed off and the enterprise can keep going, for now. So please keep up your support I really do appreciate it.
Orders in the workshop are back on their usual schedule after recovering from the huge effort in the build up to the Jo6. The next show I plan on attending is Peterborough at the beginning of September. Details of that are at the end of this news letter.
Normans
The Normans are now officially released. They are available in packs of 12 strips or as an army pack.
N-MS (Norman Mounted Standard)
Click here to see the new Norman range!
Normandy
These fine buildings are finally available. They are true 285th scale versions of ones found in Normandy, great for WW1 to the end of the cold war and maybe beyond.
Normandy Church
Click here to see the new Normandy buildings!
Rhodesian Bush War
Following on with this epic set of releases is Rhodesian Bush war.
Grey Scouts
If anyone has any ideas what pack sizes this range should be produced in, please let me know as Im a little lost for ideas. If sales are successful, I shall produce more strips and vehicles to compliment. it is nice to finally be moving into the cold war era proper.
The new codes are;
Click here to see the full range of Bush War figures!
Lastly I will be at the Hereward show, so if you are within strike range you might want to come, details below:
Hereward Wargames Show
Sunday 3rd September 2023
The Cresset
Bretton Centre
Peterborough
PE3 8DX
10am - 4pm
Admission:
Attention, ladies and gentlemen! Prepare yourselves for the most highly anticipated 6mm wargaming event of the year, it is fast approaching! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity and remember to secure your pre-orders before this Sunday, the 25th, at midnight.
When you visit the 2D6 Wargaming stand, be sure to keep your eyes open for our exclusive early bird deals. These exceptional offers come with not one, but two price stickers! The second sticker represents an unbeatable price, tailored for your ultimate gaming pleasure. So don't hesitate to dive into these incredible deals.
Introducing the latest addition to our collection, the awe-inspiring Norman figures! These highly sought-after miniatures, capturing the essence of 1066 AD, will be available in limited quantities. Seize the chance to own these meticulously crafted masterpieces and bring history to life on your gaming table. Additionally, we'll be offering tantalizing sneak peeks of our upcoming products, providing you with a glimpse of the exciting future ahead.
We understand that many of you wish to support our mission but already have an extensive lead pile. That's where our brilliant solution comes in: why not start a porcelain pile instead? Our specially designed mugs will be available, allowing you to contribute to our cause without drawing the attention of the commanding officer at home. Use these mugs to savor your favorite beverage or conveniently clean your brushes during your painting sessions.
To ensure your gaming experience surpasses all expectations, we've expanded our stock twofold compared to last year. From Anglo-Saxons to Vikings, Normans to Feudal Japan, and World War 2, we've got it all! Our dedicated staff will be there to provide you with exceptional service if you can see us behind the pile of gaming treasures!
Don't miss out on this remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of 6mm wargaming. Mark your calendars, rally your friends, and join us at the upcoming event for an unforgettable experience. We can't wait to share this extraordinary journey with you!
]]>If you happen to venture to either the UK Games Expo or the Joy of Six, you'll have the exclusive opportunity to acquire a pre-release army pack of Normans—a treasure that only a select few will possess. For those unable to attend, fret not, as the wait will be just a little longer.
The Normans bring to life the captivating era of the 2D6 Dark Ages and are available in various strips, each serving a unique purpose:
An army pack consists of approximately one-third infantry, one-third missile units, and one-third cavalry, totaling an impressive 101 strips per pack. Additionally, each strip can be acquired individually in packs of 12.
Take a glimpse at a couple of pictures to whet your appetite:
[N-M picture]
[N-MS picture]
Important Updates: Please note that pre-orders for the UK Games Expo Show are no longer available. However, I will have stock available in packs only! The show opens its doors to eager enthusiasts from Friday the 2nd of June and runs until Sunday the 4th of June at the NEC Birmingham. The tickets are priced at £44 for all three days, and while I'm unsure if there's a single-day pass, it's worth exploring.
A month later, on Sunday, the 2nd of July, I'll be at the Joy of Six in Sheffield, eagerly awaiting the presence of numerous passionate individuals. This event boasts excellent rail links for those who prefer not to drive, and the entrance fee is significantly more affordable!
Please be aware that these shows may cause a slight delay in processing web store orders, especially those from the Games Expo!
Price Adjustments: As much as I hesitate to deliver this news, it is inevitable that prices must rise. Our economic model demands perpetual growth, leaving us with no choice but to increase prices. A couple of years ago(?), when I began casting the range myself, I actually reduced prices by introducing packs. Unfortunately, this time around, the prices must be adjusted in the opposite direction. However, I assure you the increase will be modest, and the packs will continue to offer significant discounts.
These changes will not come into effect until after the Joy of Six. Why, you ask? It's simply because I've already priced a substantial amount of stock for these shows, and I wish to avoid repricing it all. Moreover, updating the website prices will require several evenings' worth of work. So, seize the opportunity to acquire your desired items now before the change takes effect!
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I will have oodles of the new stuff such as the US Airborne and the British Paras and of course tonnes of emu wars... I will also have lots of packs of miniatures and terrain and rule books too... So please come and visit us.
But wait, there s more! I wont be alone... Oh no! Its a 3 day wrestle-fest with, Alan Hankin from Grumbler Miniatures, as he relaunches his foray into the world of 6!
You can find out more here:
https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/
A03 - Command Strip
This product, the United States Airborne Infantry Company pack, is a must-have for wargaming enthusiasts and collectors alike. It offers a unique and historically accurate representation of the US airborne infantry company, complete with all the necessary components to recreate a 12-man squads that are armed to the teeth.
A03 - Signals
The pack includes strips for the command, signals, rifle, light machine gun, bazooka, and mortar teams, providing you with everything you need to represent a company at a practically 1:1 representation. With four command strips, one signal strip, twelve rifle strips, six light machine gun strips, four bazooka strips, and three mortar strips, you can easily recreate the intense and immersive gameplay of the US airborne infantry.
A12 - Rifle
One of the major advantages of this pack is its historically accurate representation of the US airborne infantry company's organization and armament. Due to the high likelihood of disorganization and separation during insertion, the US opted to place their support firepower into their platoons, rather than at higher levels. This means that American airborne squads were large 12-man squads armed to the teeth, with each company having its support integrated. This pack reflects that organization, providing a truly authentic representation of the US airborne infantry company.
A32 - LMG
Moreover, the pack is versatile enough to cater to both pre- and post-December 1944 squads. The pack contains enough weapons to make either order of battle, with the 1944 squad using only browning LMG and the post-December 1944 squad containing both BAR and browning LMG.
A43 - 50mm Mortar
With its versatility, this pack is perfect for wargaming enthusiasts and collectors who want to add a touch of authenticity to their collection.
A55 - Bazooka
Click here to see them in store!
Click here to see them in store!
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We are all feeling the economic factors at play I am sure. War in the Ukraine has all the countries joining forces to embargo each other in a game of financial brinkmanship that cant be good for anyone... But here we are, the simple commoners, manufacturer and hobbyist alike caught in the middle.
The royal mail has been cyber attacked either by organized criminals which may or may not have state funded by one of the opposition countries mentioned earlier. I cant help but feel that good persons abroad from England consider that nothing is getting through so there is no point in ordering from the global wargaming capital. Well nothing could be further from the truth! Some manufacturers with much bigger work loads may be grumbling about sending things abroad because they cant be arsed to go through the manual process of using the online service which is unaffected but I can! Cos I need every customer and every order just to survive, let alone to bring you new stuff!
I am having a bit of a crisis. I've ran out of orders to process! There are no live orders in the shop. Null, zero, nada! So come on down and pick yourself up some goodies and help support the war effort! (wargaming effort, not an actual war).
What's more, as everyone is skint (broke) there is 10% off all orders to help ease the pain! Discount applied automatically at checkout. Free postage on orders over £40 in the UK and on orders over £69 world wide! So what are you waiting for!
Ends Sunday 26th Feb 23.
(also Ive stuck R62 soviet gun crew in the shop but theres no photo yet)
The great cold winter struggle has arrived. Its typically 4c in the workshop lately but temperatures have plunged to 0! So it has not been fun. The lead time has increased a little due to this. I do apologise but I didn't get out of one job affected by the elements as an exchange. Your orders are being processed, just bare with me.
Royal mail has been hacked and are not accepting international packages but i think this will be resolved shortly. This means some international orders are delayed. Some of these have been marked dispatch! If it takes much longer I shall seek alternative passage for your reinforcements.
There is a load of new stuff coming this year and I'm hoping to bring a lot more than last year. I still have lots of stuff that's 90% done but sitting around that need to be released as well as new projects being commissioned. The decks will be cleared! So this year you should check up on this site for some great releases!
So, with not much to tell you... Here's the;
BRITISH AIRBORNE
B03 - Click here!
Command with a mix of head gear and weapons. Customary pointy and binocular poses!
Signals with R/T, wireless and carrier pigeon with wicker basket.
Messengers on the folding bike and the motorised welbike.
Rifle groups in the airborne contained a marksmen which is quite interesting.
Bren gun group as well as a 2" Mortar man.
PIAT and flamethrower.
British Drop Canisters
All available very conveniently as a company pack, fully researched and put together for you.
https://www.2d6wargaming.com/products/copy-of-british-empire-infantry-company-mme-pack
Do not forget! There is free shipping on all international orders over £69 - that is $78.10 in freedom units!
How long will this last? Forever or a week? I have no idea.
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It was great to see so many of you and to put faces to names I have seen in the order queue. Some of you told me what you had been doing with 2D6 stuff and I was impressed. Well done and keep it up.
Packs
Packs, love them or hate them, most companies do them. While I appreciate that for every wargamer there is a choice of 10 rule sets with their own basing mandates. Somehow as a manufacturer I have to bundle things and offer an incentive to you, the customer. These packs will never suit everyone. Hopefully they suit most people.
Being myself a 6mm wargamer, I know the grumbles from the trenches about certain pack sizes. I have tried to reinvent the wheel! So obviously, I'm now going to open up a new set of grumbles from the trenches. You are damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Firstly there is cost. Boxes, bags and labels all cost and don't forget labour. Hence the bigger the package, the more its worthy of a discount. So just bear that in mind. This is why, if you order from the web shop and purchase packs you usually do not get them packaged as a pack. This is to cut down on postage costs that I pass directly to customers. If you really want them packaged as a gift for some one I can accommodate.
Packs allow me to take stock to shows in a manner that customers can piece together armies with little or no research and feel confident they are not making huge mistakes and wasting their money. They also allow me to do more talking and less order picking and counting than if I had taken drawers on drawers of single items.
So here is what I have envisaged and what I am intending to do;
(All prices correct as of 14/07/2022)
This period will follow one of two veins, historical or non-historical.
A reinforcement pack will contain 6 tanks or vehicles and will be a non-historical in content and come in bags. Price per vehicle shall be discounted to £1 each piece. A saving of 16%.
A Platoon Pack will contain less than 6, typically 4 vehicles. I have done these vehicles out of sympathy that you might want to field these as platoons rather than buy 6. This is a compromises on the six pack but is still discounted the same.
A company pack will contain the correct number as would a company of that type. In the case of infantry these are 8 man sections (squads) as nearly all sections during would be under strength anyway. If you wish to purchase extra riflemen to get them to paper strength you are welcome. Company packs price strips at 45 pence each and tanks at a pound each, which is 10% saving on infantry and a 20% saving on tanks!
Currently this means dark ages and feudal Japan. Something a little different needed to be done here as the quantities required are different from WW2. Reinforcement style 12 pack contains 12 of the same strip priced at 45 pence each. A 10% saving on buying individual strips.
Command packs contain lots of pieces that you would need for command and control and a good pick if you don't like the composition of my army packs. Which by the way if you do purchase an army pack and email me and let me know that you want any strip changing for any strip, is perfectly fine and I can accommodate this.
Army packs are 100 or 101 strips priced at 40 pence each! Which is a 20% saving!
New Packs Out Now
I am acting on ideas and requests some of you mentioned. I am really sorry I could not bring more products especially the samurai stuff. Basically to kit out all the products I have with a suitable label would have cost several thousand, as the labels need to be purchased in sufficient quantities. I shall endeavour to get more products labelled up and retail ready for you all as time goes on. In fact I created, ordered and purchased 5 more product labels the day after the show and 3/5ths of them were for samurai. Hopefully I can get a few more each month.
As requested and which really should have been done before, I have organised the new British Empire troops into a company pack, also the Fallschirmjäger and the Soviet Naval Infantry. I plan to do a late war company pack for the Fallschirmjäger too. So please feel free to check them out and see if I've made any mistakes.
British Empire Company
https://www.2d6wargaming.com/products/british-empire-infantry-company-mme?_pos=4&_sid=1ce2c1367&_ss=r
Fallschirmjäger Infantry Company
https://www.2d6wargaming.com/products/fallschirmjager-infantry-company-early?_pos=1&_sid=1ce2c1367&_ss=r
Soviet Naval Infantry
https://www.2d6wargaming.com/products/sov-inf-naval-infantry-company-pack?_pos=8&_sid=7855b7f83&_ss=r
Long ago, before the age of reason... When the first Viking and Anglo-Saxon figures were first laid down in their moulds... A new army was seen wondering the sculpting table... Across the channel of water.
Soon would be there time to adorn many battlefields but then the dark ages range flopped and they were left in a set of padded cases and left on a shelf for years.
Way back when these were made, moulding and casting were done out of house and was costly. So it made no sense to put ££££ into finishing them in light of how the dark ages range was performing.
However, It makes sense to finally spend a tiny bit more and a bit of time and effort to finally finish these. I know a select few people will really be looking forward to this and you really are looking this is getting finished off now. When they will be finished, I'm not sure probably a month or maybe two.
Ladies and Gentlemen... The Normans.
Norman- Mounted
(Code N-M)
Norman- Mounted Standard
(Code N-MS)
I have a card reader and can take cash and cards on the day!
I have a discounted pack for you, both in stock in the store and will also be at the show. One of the first vehicles we did and so this long over due.
The Jagdpanther is now available as a platoon pack (usually 4), which I have incorrectly labelled a reinforcement pack (6 Pack)! But if it be a sin to covet honour, I am the most offending soul alive.
I have also bundled the new volkssturm into a company pack as best I can with what little information can be found.
Finally, 2D6 Wargaming can stand at the tables of heroes and be counted and those that have no stomach to attend, Let him depart; his passport shall be made and money for travel put into his purse.
He that outlives this great show, and comes safe home, will stand a tip-toe when the day is named, and rouse him at the name of six. He that shall live this day, and see old age, will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours, and say ‘To-morrow is the Joy of Six:’ Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars and say ‘These wounds I had on the joy of six last year!’
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot, but he’ll remember with advantages what feats he did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words, 2D6 Wargaming, Heroics and Ros,
Baccus and Scotia, Rapier and Leven, Be in their flowing cups freshly remember’d. This story shall the good man teach his son; And 6mm shall ne’er go by, from this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remember’d;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his money with me shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile, this day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed, shall think themselves accursed they were not here, and hold their man-hoods cheap whiles any speaks that attended with us, the joy of six!
Update 10/06/2022
Hello, it has been too long. I came to write this update and found this unreleased update, so I am releasing it now.
Apologise
Sorry the orders are taking a couple of days longer than usual. I have not been well but fear not, it wasnt covid or monky pox but just gout. Isnt it great getting old... So I have not been able to stand much and workshop activities are all done standing.
However, I am now much better but still sore so will be working this weekend to clear the current orders, which will all be dispatched Monday!
So back to the previously mentioned unreleased news post...
New Shop Front
Welcome to the new shop front, I do hope you like it please let me know if something is not working. A problem with a rare font type has been identified and corrected that stopped all text being displayed.
If you are having problems viewing the new web shop please email me and Ill get the tech wizard on the case. Thank you to those who already have!
You Can Review
On the web shop you can now review products, please feel free to do so! This helps other customers make informed purchasing decisions. So its handy if you do a few, then in turn you all help each other.
You can also do a product review, on YouTube, on your blog, pretty much in any format you want and send it to me and Ill put it up in the reviews section.
Pre-Order for Joy of 6
By selecting pick up in check out you can pre-order and pick your goodies up at the Joy of 6. I shall be taking PACKS ONLY to the show, so if you want specific strips and vehicles, be sure to pre-order! You can order, books, scenics and miniatures.
New releases:
FJ-M2B Mounted Samurai with winged horo
These figures are wearing a winged horo and are based on the personal bodyguard of Oda Nobunaga.This design is not unique to just this bodyguard unit and you can put them in regular cavalry units for variety.
Wealthier samurai could afford horses and they rode them into battle. However, the feudal Japanese horse was short and stumpy and was not suited to the cavalry charges seen in Europe in the same period. Mounted samurai acted more like dragoons, riding then dismounting to fight. Later, foreign horses were bred with Japanese horses to create more suitable cavalry.
Each strip contains 2 mounted figures. Pack contains 12 strips. 24 Cavalry Figures total.
View Mounted Samurai with winged horo
B36 British HMG
British or commonwealth signals strip in dress suitable for the Mediterranean, North Africa and Middle East.
Strip comprises of 3 figures, 2 crewing the weapon and one observer.
Emu War
Just a reminder as there seems to be some confusion. Emu wars is a real product, you can buy it. Plenty of people have and god knows why!?
Although, it was released on the 1st of April it was in fact a double joke... I suppose it worked too well.
You can now buy single strips and an emu reinforcement pack to... well, get more emu.
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The success has meant the product has gotten its own product label in record time and its even warranted its own collectable card. Emu wars profits will help fund more WW2 stuff.
Now that that has been addressed, we can get back on track.
Volkssturm!
I have wanted to get these done for quite a while. Least not because they are not available from anyone else as far as I know. It is a very basic assortment of strips, that you can mix with strips from other units for a truly rag tag look.
These strips are a mix of obsolete and current military and police uniforms and civilian clothing. With the changing of colours you can produce a myriad of looks from these figures.
(Note that the code on this product is incorrectly suffixed with E instead of G.)
G105 NCO/Auto
G102 Rifles
G108 Anti Tank
G100 HMG
Obviously the imaginative of you will see these figures would suit all sorts of other irregular forces, such as resistance/partisans and the Warsaw uprising.
Its possible these might get added to but for now, this is what you have.
JOY of 6
Lastly, I do intend to stand at the Jo6. If you want to pre-order for the day, you can do so now by selecting "pick up" under delivery.
Thanks you everyone for the continued support. Right now I have to go back to casting emu... until next time.
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The Fallschirmjäger anti tank rifle strip has been out for a while but I don't think I have mentioned it officially, so its worth mentioning here.
G51 Anti tank rifle
Take me to the product page - CLICK HERE!
The Tiger turret received a redux just weeks after launch in November and the new version is much much better. I have finally got round to updated the store photo!
Take me to the product page! - CLICK HERE!
Excited to announce a few new strips that will allow you turn your Fallschirmjäger into later war types. So what do we have?
G29 Light Machinegun 2, which features a FG42 rather than a MG34. These rare machineguns never fully kitted out the Fallschirmjäger in replacement of other machineguns but its a nice historically correct upgrade for a few units as well as giving a few extra poses.
Take me to the product page! - CLICK HERE!
G58 Panzerfaust, essential German kit for late war tank busting. This strip comes with four panzerfaust operators per strip with different poses for each figure. Which can be used in anti-tank teams or just to bulk up and enhance the look of your sections.
Take me to the product page! - CLICK HERE!
G55 Panzerschreck, heavier duty German kit for late war tank busting. This strip comes with two teams per strip with different poses for each figure. Potentially giving you 4 different looking teams if you change the figures about, aren't I nice to you lot!
]]>Tomorrow, I hope to finally dispatch the last few Kickstarter rewards. It has run over a little bit and its been quite a marathon. It was a hell of a lot of product for me and my tiny workshop to produce. I hope people appreciate all the effort. Remember, if you are unhappy tell me, if you are happy then please tell everyone else. I really look forward to seeing some of these armies finished and online.
Due to the bank holidays falling on the weekend, they have been moved to days after. Therefore, Monday and Tuesday have been bank holidays here in England. Therefore, I have not been able to use the post office for 3.5 days. It is just one of those things.
Lastly, I need to order Battalion rule books for US customers. Other customers have had their books sent with their miniatures. The reason for this is that postage to the US is the most expensive and a hard back book weighs about 600 grams!
I have released the British Mediterranean and North Africa Theatre infantry, universal carrier and the Light tank mark VIb. There are some codes in there that were not released yet such as the PIAT.
I shall start adding the Fallschirmjäger, again there are further codes for these but these extra codes do not yet have production moulds. It was not a priority to create these during the kickstarter as they were post 1941 equipment. When I get two minutes spare, I shall make them and release them.
I am currently loosing track of what is to be released and what is released. There's lots more to come but please, do not wait! Get your orders in. 2D6 Wargaming is a very cash strapped business. After nearly 3 years it is about to turn to the corner but like all fledgling businesses its very dependant on sales.
Thank everyone for their support in the past and the present.
Happy new year.
]]>The Viking mould has been remade and is producing, so Dark Ages orders have been and are being tackled.
The Tiger Turret has been re-done. I wasn't happy with the standard of the old one. So if you pre-ordered one or bought one in November or possibly very early December you can have new ones. Simply email me for replacements. The biggest improvements are squarer edges and a much better muzzle break. When I get a minute I shall add an image and post a re-call on facebook.
Other than that, its all hands to the pump!
]]>Kickstarter production has begun!
As of today, all production moulds have been made, cut and run in. During this process a lot of castings suitable for customers have been produced already. Many more will need to be casted.
I hope to send the first KS orders out probably tomorrow!
Christmas sale orders
The influx of new and returning customer orders has been very welcome and the backlog it had built up has been sizably demolished.
There are approximately 2 or 3 customers that ordered Viking armies. There will be a slight delay with these as one of the moulds needs to be re-done. I shall rectify this as quickly as possible.
Standby for further sporadic updates.
]]>Firstly, thank you to everyone who made purchases this year, backed the Crete Kickstarter and filled their goody bags with the Christmas sale! You are contributing to something great and I really want to expand the ranges and create great products for you.
The Crete Kickstarter
Many of you know I am very enthusiastic and can make great gains in what I'm doing. Much like in the Stalingrad board I made and documented on YouTube. One minute I say it will take months, the next minute its finished.
I took on the Crete Kickstarter with the same enthusiasm. However, as all wargamers know the old maxim goes; "Plans don't survive first contact with the enemy." Of course, the customers are not the enemy. I've experienced, for one reason or another, things I am not happy with. This has caused significant delays in the Kickstarter. Mostly because each process has bottlenecks. 3D printing and making a master are big bottlenecks, where many pieces are needed to continue economically.
I am passionate about 6mm wargaming and do not ascribe to the 3 foot rule. I strongly believe that 6mm should look good at any distance and I want to provide the best I can.
Crete Kickstarter moulds has taken longer than I thought and I'm disappointed that I'm not yet delivering it. So, although I have used the Star Trek "Scotty Method", of applying 1.5 the amount of time, it seems I am using that time up. Which is a great concern to me. Rest assured I have been working 7 days a week to deliver for you. This has not been easy in the current climate, the workshop is unheated and uninsulated. This needs to be fixed.
However, I shall prevail! Where there is a will there is a way. Here are some pictures of things you didn't see in the Kickstarter. The reason why you didn't see them is because they didn't exist. We had been working on the Crete KS since January 2021.
Drop Canisters and Chutes
Light Tank Mark VIb
I hope these images sate the KS backers thirst for blood and reinforces in you the confidence I shall deliver.
Forthcoming releases
As mentioned above, bottlenecks are part of the nature of casting and developing products. Therefore, in parallel other products have filled the space in these bottlenecks to create other products that were in parallel development.
I have lots of masters that have passed the 1st trial and have been converted to tin but are not a priority right now. These include the Panzer IV H and of course when the Kickstarter is delivered the rest of you can feast upon the goodness of the new "shiney stuff", the Fallschirmjäger and the Mediterranean/Summer dressed British Empire Troops. There is also some Feudal Japan and Normans on the way.
When these will be released is to be determined but when ready I shall update you.
There are also some pieces I want to revisit, for better cast-ability, productivity and customer satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with any pieces you receive, get in contact with me and if you can send photographs for better product delivery in the future.
The Christmas Sale
Thanks to everyone who bought in the Christmas sale. This has helped immensely and despite the discount it allows the business to grow. Especially thank you to those who doubled down on the Kickstarter and showed your belief in me and 2D6 Wargaming. I am trying hard to get all orders out in time for Christmas but I'm not in control of all things. I am doing my best.
Slowey but surely I am able to devote much more time to this and to grow the ranges to a point where I can be a serious contender within the 6mm scene and each and every customer has contributed to this. I thank you all.
So, to the new year which quickly approaches, although I have many obligations outstanding in this year, the future is bright and I look forward to delivering great things in the best scale there is in the new year.
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Kickstarter - 6mm Crete 1941
Despite the best efforts of the team, there were a few pieces I was not entirely happy with. At further time and expense these have been re-done which has caused some delays. Hopefully everything should be finalised for production this week and dispatch should start after that. I have also had to devote some time to working my day job which has cost me a week. Overall, despite set backs, it is still on schedule for December release.
Tiger
The tiger is now available and all pre-orders were dispatched yesterday. Some of you have been waiting quite a while and so every one got some extra depending on how many they had ordered.
Christmas Sale
Its that time of year again! Everyone loves a bargain, so lets have a sale. It will start Friday the 26th and run through to Monday the 29th (to allow those on later time zones who are still on Sunday to not be caught out).
If you have backed a Kickstarter reward you can save on postage by adding your Sale order to it by using the "pick up" feature instead of the postage/shipping button. look out for it at checkout just before you pay.
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This is now fully kitted out with dedicated work stations for each process and will be fully operational over this weekend. This is a tremendous milestone for 2D6 and hopefully sees this adventure becoming my full time work.
New Releases!
The French Foreign legion figures have been well received and plenty of companies have been dispatched to the front.
Kickstarter
The Crete KS has closed and the wheels of my tiny cottage industry are turning to deliver it to customers. Although a December delivery date is advised I think it will actually be sooner. It is still possible to add items from the shop to your KS with free postage for the next 2 weeks.
Forth Coming Releases:
Tiger
Panzer IV E, G and H.
Fallschrimjaeger Infantry
British Infantry for North Africa and Med
German Motorcycle with side car
Soviet Motorcycle with side car
EU Stockist
Orders have re-opened for the EU because it covers not only the EU but also the channel islands. Therefore you can once again order to the EU but expect customs charges if you do.
Alternatively, you can pick up 2D6 Wargaming products from Masters of Military in Germany which if you live inside the EU will not be subject to customs tariffs.
Click Here to register for updates!
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Its been a great past few weeks here at 2D6 HQ. The new tanks have been well recieved and I have launched my Battalion ruleset. Things are picking up and this all bodes very well for more models!
Im in a bit of a catch 22 situation with the forthcoming workshop being prepared and keeping up stock from the casters, which I shall soon take over from. So far only a couple of orders have been affected. So please continue to order with confidence.
Sadley, I have temporarily stopped dipatching orders to the EU. This may change later in the year. However, if you are an EU customer, you can get 2D6 Wargaming products via masters of military in Germany. This is the best solution right now for EU customers and should save you from a price increase. If he doesnt have what you please email him and ask him to stock it!
So whats coming up?
Norman cavalry is under the knife to finish off the range. Hopefully this comes out later this year.
The Tiger, Panzer IV G and H are being rewordked after failing quality control post printing.
Some more samurai additions are in the information gathering stage, this will be Daimyo and a new cavalry type.
A large, (as large as my Samurai Kickstarter), WW2 Kickstarter is coming to a head with the last sculpts being made now
Heres about 25% of the forth coming Kickstarter. There are a few new vehicles for it too and some guns. Also we delve into our first aircraft.
Something for the British!
Something for the Germans and the Russians.
As always, lots more to come. Thank you for your custom, you are all helping to build this company up.
Regards,
Rob.
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The itch
It wouldn't go away. No ointment or balm could soothe it. Found my self-writing emails and messages to people, "Can you do this?", "Would you make this?". A few bits wouldn't hurt, would they? I could always sell them on...
I woke up one morning. I'd done it. I'd commissioned work. Well, it is only a few hundred quid... In the scheme of things. At least I've tried it.
It was a disaster. I choosen a deacon portee, no one else seemd to make one. The fool had scaled the model from the height of the cab instead of the height of the turret on top! It had already been printed and gone off for a master mould and I had samples. The arse wanted more money to fix it. Unbelievable. The dream was over and the nightmare had begun! Even this didnt deter me.
Very luckily, I was soon in touch with a much more reasonable and talented person to help fix the blunder and make new tanks.
I had 6 products! It was 2018(?) The business model was to have made and distributed only to wholesale clients. I wouldn't need a shop or to do too much. I sent samples out to interested parties and they were well recieved. Orders were placed. It was happening. Until it wasn't.
I was the new kid on the block. Untested and new. Customers were wary. None of my stockists had real online shops at the start although some did later. So they only appeared at shows. They were always well recieved but didn't seem to sell well. There was no brand awareness. Something difficult to garner in the wargaming community. News travels slowly and people are brand loyal.
I started releasing new products but the stockists couldn't keep up. They were not shifting enough units to warrant spending more. It is a fair reason. Funds were starting to dwindle. I had no choice. Stagnate or open my shop.
Far from ideal. I now had a lot more work to do and I was also competing against myself through the stockists. There was confusion as to who owned the range and where the official shop and media pages were... It was not a great start and took some time to correct.
Just a few more of these or those... Then it will take off... It never really did. I poured every spare penny in. I worked overtime to get more. Grow the range and it will be ok I told myself.
Another brainwave... Diversify! The dark ages range was born... My World War 2 fans were not impressed. It was a bit of a flop. Fantastic range, great models but people perceive Vikings and Anglo-Saxons as some 28mm affair.
World War 2 continued... It's just so bloody massive. How can I get a full range? It's a recurring comment... Its something Im eager to tackle!
Another diversion, Feudal Japan... I had the ruleset, why not have the figures? The Kickstarter was a hit! Had the stars aligned? It was a great undertaking. I learned a lot but I also made a loss! A loss on the loss of it all so far. Not because I've mispriced things, not because of the services I use. It's because the capital costs eat all the profits, then the beast is still hungry!
What it cost
The capital costs of making models, setting up the production are massive. Hats off to the big boys with colossal ranges. Someones spent a pretty penny to get there. The growth costs are amazing and I've not spared the horses!
The tax year in England is the 6th of April the 5th of April. Yes, it is confusing but my point is, I've just done my tax return... With the current loss, I am running 2D6 Wargaming at, you could buy a brand new car! So if your thinking of following in my footsteps you better damn well have a lot of money to burn! To the rest of you, please pick up a pack of something to help me out!
If you have never had any 2D6 models in your hand, you are missing out! Get some! Having the Joy of Six postponed on me twice has been a massive blow.
In conclusion
So what originally started as a youtube, 6mm exclusive review, channel is now a sole trader company producing models and rules. With around 100 tin moulds and about 40 resin moulds and a great team that all have their part to play.
This is what I've brought together, for you. The 6mm Wargaming community. Happy birthday 2D6 Wargaming!
]]>Even though the world seemed to have come to a standstill last year, 2D6 Wargaming has been blazing full steam ahead. Putting together this post made me realize what a busy year 2020 was and how much we’ve accomplished! In this post I will show what we did in 2020 and what our plans for 2021 are.
Let’s first take a look at 2020...
Finishing the entire WW2 range would take too long so I decided to cover a smaller range first. And what's cooler than Vikings fighting Anglo-Saxons?!
Most 6mm figures are just standing and waiting. I wanted to do something different. That’s why all our figures are in fighting poses. Why? Well, because… they fought! We currently have a complete range of Vikings, Anglo-Saxons and scenics. All our scenics are made to fit our miniatures in true 6mm/1:285 scale.
We heard some very positive feedback from those that bought our Dark Ages miniatures. We have some Normans planned for 2021 (more about that later in this post) so those who want to play the Battle of Hastings or Stamford Bridge... have a few more months patience. It will be worth it. ;-)
Another new addition was the miniatures and scenics for the Sengoku Jidai, a period I have a personal interest in since I got back to 6mm. Feudal Japan is actually the reason 2D6 Wargaming started: with the release of the Banzai rules!
At the beginning of the year, 2D6 Wargaming bought the old 6mm Samurai walls and buildings from Mura Miniatures. All of these were completely digitally re-mastered and cast in resin with a few more buildings added later in the year.
Much of the year was spent creating sculpts for the figures. I wanted it to be the best and most comprehensive 6mm Samurai range so we kept adding more and more codes. Lacking the funds to put all of these into production at the same time, we decided to run a Kickstarter to help cover the costs of making the moulds.
Armed Peasants
The 6mm Samurai Kickstarter performed beyond our expectations and I’m very grateful for those who supported us. In the end, I managed to break even. The funds from the Kickstarter helps 2D6 Wargaming create more, as all profit goes straight back into making more models. I don’t make a penny!
Despite working on two new ranges, we didn’t forget about our WW2 range! We added a whole bunch of WW2 German infantry to fight the Soviets. These are great little models and I’m very happy with how these turned out. Again we made some poses that haven’t been produced in 6mm: the iconic light machine gun team in firing pose, Panzerbüchse 39 and signals with ‘donkey ears’.
German Light machine gun team in firing pose
For the Soviets we released eight strips of Soviet Naval infantry. The Naval Infantry contributed to the defense of Odessa, Moscow, Leningrad, Sevastopol, Stalingrad, Novorossiysk and Kerch. A great addition for any Soviet army in 6mm!
We also held our first 2D6 Wargaming Painting Competition last year! Some incredible entries were sent in that show the high level of detail on our 6mm miniatures.
That was 2020. What is coming in 2021?
Slowly we will add some more missing bits and pieces to our WW2 German and Soviet infantry ranges. For the Germans, we will release the Panzerfaust 81 and 120mm mortars. The Soviets will see the maxim HMG added for both regular and naval infantry. We expect to release these somewhere in the first half-year.
German 120mm mortar
This year will also see the release of the Panzer IV types E, F1, F2, G and H. Development of these are well underway and we expect to add these to our catalogue in the upcoming six months.
The production moulds for the SU-85, SU-100, SU-122 and T34T models are finished and we expect to add these to the website very very soon.
WW2 Soviet T34T
WW2 Soviet SU-85
WW2 Soviet SU-100
SU-122
But that’s not all! We are also working on the German Tiger tank (both early and late edition), German Kübelwagens, Molotov Line bunkers, and… a Battle for Crete Kickstarter!
The Battle for Crete Kickstarter contains German Fallschirmjäger, British infantry in tropical uniform and some more exciting new items. Our goal is to launch it around the summertime (so don't spend all your vacation money yet!).
The text of the long awaited WW2 rules “Battalion” is finished. We’ll be working on the layout of the rulebook the upcoming months and are aiming for a summer release.
If things go well we might also release some WW2 British infantry in regular uniform at the end of the year...
In 2021 we will further expand our Dark Ages range with the Normans! The sculpts for the Normans have been commissioned a few months ago and are progressing well.
To get the Norman range released as fast and complete as possible we will launch another Kickstarter. We expect to launch the Norman 1066 Kickstarter in the upcoming three months. As with the Samurai Kickstarter, it will include miniatures, scenics and rules.
Expect some unique new (character) poses that have never been made before in 6mm! These miniatures are perfect for anyone who has plans to do Hastings or Stamford Bridge in 6mm this year.
After the incredibly successful 6mm Samurai Kickstarter last November we got enough funds to produce the entire Feudal Japan range. Master moulds are being made as we speak and we hope to receive the first casts in about a month. We’ll first send out the miniatures to those who backed the Kickstarter, before adding them to the website in March. All is progressing as scheduled.
A Daimyo pack will be added to the range later this year. Maybe some more bits, dependent on how well the Feudal Japan range sells. So if you want to see more stuff, then buy lots of 6mm Samurai!
Many of our EU customers have asked me what the impact of Brexit is on their future 2D6 purchases. From January 1, 2021, the rules for ordering something from a British webshop are the same as when you order something outside the EU, like China. This means that there is a chance that EU customers have to pay a customs handling or import duty fee. This depends on the EU country you live in.
All my prices are already without VAT so there will be no difference in price. My yearly turnover is much much less than the £85,000 limit where UK businesses are required to charge VAT. In fact, I've been operating at a loss for 2 years! :-(
Last but not least we further continue improving the website: better pictures, more painted examples, easier product navigation, etc. A lot of people have asked me to sell the miniatures in packs, so we’re slowly creating packed units for each range. These will be at a discounted price compared to the separate strips.
I would like to thank everybody who has helped 2D6 Wargaming in the last year: my fantastic sculptors, Sean for having me on his podcast, and all our customers who made a purchase last year. You help us bring more models to you in the best scale: 6mm!
Let’s make 2021 another great year for 6mm, despite all the lockdowns and other stuff.
Robert Fellows
2D6 Wargaming