I’ve always held that historical wargaming is a triad of hobbies: gaming, of course; studying history; and painting little miniatures. Through the years I’ve seen some of the most exquisitely painted figures and have borrowed techniques from some of the best painters in the hobby. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to enter painting competitions; I’ve even won a couple of times.

Painting competitions showcase this aspect of our hobby like nothing else. The array of small armies provides inspiration to budding miniature Michelangelos. It also provides the pleasure of enjoying someone else’s art. Even if you’ll never paint a block of multicolored Landsknecht pikemen, it’s wonderful to “ooh” and “ah” over the work of someone who has.

Enfilade! 2002 will once again host a painting competition so members can show off their work. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just now experiencing the pride of painting your first wargame unit, we want you to bring in your best. You may win, you may not; but any entry will give your fellow gamers in NHMGS the enjoyment of seeing what you can do. Don’t be shy or modest; every effort is appreciated.

This year’s competition will have seven categories:

• Best 15mm Unit This also includes scales like 6mm, 10mm, 12mm. “Unit” is defined as a single functional wargame unit: a regiment, battalion, squad, company, whatever. No armies.
• Best 25mm Unit This also includes 20mm and 28-30mm figures. “Unit” is as described above.
• Best Equipment-Land Equipment like artillery, tanks, caissons, mobile field kitchens, armored trains, siege engines-you get the picture. Any scale.
• Best Equipment-Naval Any scale of naval models from ancient galleys to guided missile frigates.
• Best Equipment-Air Any scale of aircraft from WW1 biplanes to modern jets-even zeppelins count!
• Open This covers what the other categories don’t. You can enter single figures and vignettes. This category also covers non-historical items, so if you’ve got killer mechs, fantastic Space Marines, or space-faring cruisers, enter them here.
• Youth This category is to highlight the efforts of younger gamers. The category is open to anyone 18 years or younger. It is also “open” as described above.

The competition will be on Saturday. Judging will be done by 5:30 PM and the winners awarded their plaques.

Now, unlike Thunderdome, there are rules here-but just a few: (1) entries in all categories except Open and Youth must be historical items; (2) the entry must have been painted by the entrant; (3) no past winning item may be entered; (4) two men enter, one man leaves-no, forget that one.

So step up and put your best effort on show! We’d all like to see what you can do. You may walk away with a nice plaque for your efforts! You will certainly walk away with the appreciation of your fellow hobbyists.