Time to wage war games

Janice Creenaune meets Austinmer’s Chris Hardy and Neil Mudge, two long-time mates who find time to research historical international warfare, create and paint accurate models and scenery, and war-game

Chris and Neil immerse themselves in the world of historical warfare. They recreate world-changing conflicts and war-game appropriate to the period. Their passion is for historical accuracy and depth of skill in painting and model-making. Theirs is a time-consuming and engrossing hobby that delivers local and international friendships.

The “Flames of War” (1:100) miniature gaming system is one such area where both men have chosen to focus. Neil, a retired civil engineer and senior public servant, has a particular interest in 6 June 1944, or D-Day.

“I have read for decades but in retirement the Normandy invasion is a particular interest of mine. Warfare is really high-level project management and Normandy was the largest amphibious invasion in history. The logistics of transporting approximately 500,000 people, together with weaponry etc makes an amazing study.”

Neil and Chris read historical books daily and have weekly surges in model painting, and sometimes discuss strategies. “But we don’t take ourselves all that seriously,” Neil says. However, he does believe that “both adults and children really respect the models and the painting expertise”.

Chris shares Neil’s interest in the Normandy campaign, but his interests diverge into many other warfronts, including ancient historical battles. Chris comes from a military family, so his early life revolved around army bases with full-scale tanks and military weapons. An interest in strategy and warfare has long been part of his psyche.

A carpenter by trade, then a science teacher for 20 years, he often shared his warfare and model-making skills with students during lunch or after school. Chris has returned to carpentry, but he also administers “Flames of War Painting Group”, an international website with over 4500 members.

“There is much discussion on uniforms, tactics, historical accuracy discussion,” he says. “We read widely, we have shared interests and we remain committed to our studies, our model and scenery-making and developing our skills.”

Neil says: “This hobby does need some patience and concentration, but it is relaxing and when focusing, all-absorbing. The time seems to just slip away and we become totally absorbed.”

For further info, contact Chris Hardy via the “Flames of War Painting Group” on Facebook.

Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com or phone 42674880