Welcome
to Wargaming from the Balcony! This site is dedicated to the grumblings of a couple of old Grognards on all things related to miniature wargaming. Here you will find posts by a couple of old dudes that have nothing better to do but “comment” on different aspects of the hobby. Between us, we have more than half a century of wargaming experience. So what would be better than letting you hear us wax on about our aches and pains, what you used to be able to buy for a quarter, how old guys know more and of course our real passion… Miniature Wargaming. And so it begins….
About Us
The Gene Phelps I grew up in Virginia USA just outside of Washington DC, still living in nearby Tysons Corner VA. Played for 20+ years at The Game Parlor (thank you Rob Weigend!) but now that they have closed I am splitting time between The Island Games in Chantilly and Huzzah Hobbies in Ashburn. I am currently the Mid-Atlantic representative for the US Masters committee for Fantasy Battles, and a member of the Content team for The 9th Age.
Have been in miniature war gaming for 30+ years.
Fantasy Battles have become my primary game. I got interested in the tournament scene about 5 years ago and have been attending 4-5 grand tournaments a year. I started with Orcs and shorly after added Bretonnians. Those two have always been my primary armies although I also own Tomb Kings, Empire, Orges, Dwarves, and Vampire Counts. When GW dropped Warhammer for Age of Sigmar I looked around for another system, I read a couple sets of rules and played about a dozen games of Kings of War before settling on The 9th Age.
Will play any historical game system and am open to non-historicals as well.
Manteuffel I began my wargaming obsession back when guys had long hair and disco was king. I was an avid model builder and loved playing army men with my cousin. Over time, this lead me to playing Panzer Leader/Blitz and Squad Leader. Not long after I bought my first GHQ micro armor (a pack of sdkfz 250/9 halftracks). That set me on the path to my wargaming passion that I have spent many hours (and dollars) feeding since. 30+ years later and here I am till going strong!
I’m a strong proponent of the theory that “he who dies with the most toys wins”. At least that is how I justify all the miniatures and terrain that I have collected over the years! In reality, this hobby has provided me with many hours of hobbyist and gaming fun. Probably more importantly, a long list of gaming friends to share banter, stories and dice rolling with.
I currently dabble in WWII, Black Powder, Fantasy Battles and Sci Fi space ship games. My primary games are currently The 9th Age Fantasy battles and Flames of War.