The Secret Workbench

Just thought I'd share how I've been infiltrating my hobby bench and gear into our home arranging my workbench.

We often have visitors with toddlers, who apparently do not mix well with superglue or razor knives.

*Child heads into my hobby area* *Crash is heard*

Parent smiles. "Oh, are they OK in there?"Sips coffee, making no move to investigate or prevent their toddlers' depredations.

Me. "Oh, are your kids OK with superglue? It's laying beside the box-cutters on the bench they're climbing."

*Parent suddenly jumps up to supervise/restrain child.*

Anyway, I've decided to play nice and try to hide my toys better. 

But why not try hide them inside the house? Where it is nicer than my draughty shed?

I've been infiltrating our house for years. I have a play table (currently set up with zombies) and a display case (see here) - the latter my wife actually approves of. So I reckon it's all about packaging.

An heavy old school science bench (complete with - sadly non functional - Bunsen burners) serves as my outside hobby bench - and I really like the old-school sturdiness. 

This old secretary desk (hello 1970s) was spotted in a charity shop. 

Then a quick zip over with a small roller. I spent about 2 hours on it total with 2 coats: it's more a 'test bed' for future ideas then a long term solution and I intend it to be relegated outside when I get something much bigger more stylish. 

My wife approves of handyman stuff, even when it's hobby related and not inherently useful. She actually found the desk for me when I said I needed one (not sure if I explained my plan to her though...)

Voila! The paints come out and sit on top when I'm working but I'm putting them away nicely here to maximize 'wife approval' ratings....   ....and it's allowed in the lounge room in range of the big TV. Nice!

I didn't bother do anything on the inside, but if I get any heat I will paint the interior navy (to match the lounge cushions - gotta be tactical) and buy myself some breathing room.....

It was $30 for the old cupboard (I think they're called secretary desks/bureaus) and $40 for the paint (outrageously expensive stuff, even by the litre) and new doorhandles. Cheaper than most paint stations, annnd it gets to stay inside permanently!

The blog is a bit neglected but I quit my old webpage-generating job so I may have more enthusiasm to post in future (but less hobby dollars - luckily I have years of unfinished projects! Foresight *taps forehead*)

I have been doing hobby stuff though:

Currently from my New Year's resolutions .....

2. Create the original 5 Mordhiem warbands (+Vermintide-esque co op homebrew rules) 

I've playtested some zombie rules to be the testbed for this and have half painted two dozen rats... also have Frostgrave cultists on standby...

3. Finalize a 2025 version of my post-apocalyptic tank wargame

This is actually looking pretty decent.  It's tank Mordhiem with cinematic location damage and crew skills. It's my favourite project atm and I'll probably post about it soon...

6. Do a 2025 update and playtest of all my ongoing homebrew rules (.... supercavitating submarine fighters,not-Mordhiem, modern pulp, sci fi horror)

My 12-y/o daughter is super interested in submarines at the moment and wishes to be a RAN submariner. We've dusted off Silent Hunter III which is still the GOAT. We've also watched Resident Evil which has inspired some zombie shenanigans...

7. Paint 3 of my 15 unpainted projects - ....15mm Lawrence of Arabia...

We watched The Mummy and Lawrence of Arabia earlier this year which gave the impetus to paint.

8. Find wargaming projects for my kids ....daughter likes anything with female warriors ....

Just got a few dozen female heads 3D printed to allow me to headswap any warbands from current project to female versions... daughter disapproves of usual miniatures with steel bra/bikini armour as it offers 'sub-optimal protection'....

9. Allow myself one new system - Trench Crusade(?)

Assembling them at the moment....