I've got some fun and exciting things in the works for the near future, and I wanted to let everyone know what was going on, and what is coming up. Several new products are in the works, a more streamlined checkout procedure for the products that we currently have, new and more detailed terrain articles, paint reviews and a standardized way of comparing one paint line to the next, a redesigned - more user friendly interface to Color Match 1.0 (which will actually move it up to 1.5) and a few more things that will depend on how much time I have available.

First, although it may not be the first thing to be released, is a redesign of the Color Match software package. Right now each tool is a separate item, and they do not flow well from one to another. Based on the usage statistics that I have gathered over the past few months, I will be moving to a Javascript augmented interface that should allow you to move from one tool to the next and back again without having to deal with a bunch of windows or links. I will also be adding a way to turn the results into something that is more easily saved for future reference. Most the major features are in place, so this will be the first steps towards a standalone program that you can use offline.

Next is a modular terrain system that I have been using for several years. I originally got the idea from the old TSR dungeon geomorphs, and since then it has evolved a lot. The terrain is hex-based like several systems which are available now, but with a few improvements. The sides of the terrain have magnets embedded below the surface to prevent terrain from separating and swallowing up units when the tables get bumped. The top side is covered with a material that allows magnets to stick to it - this will allow top heavy miniatures to move about as long as they have magnetic bases. No need to worry about the old Jack-n-Jill scenario from ruining your fun. The tiles are made of light weight foam, that is resin impregnated for added strength. They are further supported by a hard substrate material in order to allow rivers and other features to be carved into the surface.

Related to the magnetic modular terrain are a line of bases which have the magnets cast into them. These will be available as a direct replacement for slotta bases (no need to cut the bottom off the minis) or configured for use without the slot. Certain ones will be available with matching movement trays in order to provide consistency and unity for mass combat troops.

Our line of acrylic display cases will be expanded greatly, to include ones which provide better economy for miniature collectors - as well as a few interesting design features that make them easier to use. Additionally, several alternative display cases will be added including a wooden case with adjustable shelves and sliding front doors to make the most out of the space and your specific needs.

Several gaming boards will be introduced too - based on a design I have been using for 7 years now. Using a special hinge, the board folds up like a Risk boardgame board in order to take up very little space when not in use. When you want to play though, you need only a small support table (roughly 2x4 - most coffee tables are large enough) to support a game board that is as large as 4 foot by 6 foot. The hinges are completely hidden when open, so they do not interfere with any terrain or run the risk of damaging you dining room table. When you are done gaming, it folds into a compact unit that is only 4 inches tall - easily hidden away in a hall closet or behind a sofa.

With the addition of those products, the streamlined checkout and ordering process becomes even more important. This is almost ready to go now, and many of you have used it over the past few months. This will also make it easier to provide tracking of orders and access to new products.

I'll be continuing with the same idea I have held all along - any product I am selling...I also want to provide plans and information to those who want to do it themselves. Expect to see several new articles which cover the new products and a few that are just not feasible for me to produce in large quantities. This way, if you like a product but don't want to spend the money - you have another option.

I'll be uploading several of the paper prototypes that I use for download. Most of the time I scratch build terrain and scenics, but before I do - I'll build a paper prototype to use for a few games to see how it works. From stone age structures to the far future and everything in between - it is 15 some odd years of paper terrain. Before hand though, I need to make sure I remove any copyright protected materials from them. I tend to be a bit fast and loose with my rights, but some people are not so generous.

Lots of articles on different tips, tricks and ideas for miniatures, painting and terrain. Some are very fast and dirty, others are long and detailed. Most are related to adding that little extra something to wargames beyond the bottle brush trees and paper roads. One of the most enjoyable things for me with wargaming is the spectacle of looking out over the battlefield filled with miniatures and well designed terrain.

Finally - paint reviews. Knowing what colors look right is only half the battle - it won't help much if the paints can't do what you want. I am still playing around with the particulars - but I am almost ready to go on this. The plan is to run every paint through the same tests to see how they compare to each other. Opacity, adhesion, viscosity, smoothness, sheen and abrasion resistance will all be tested - as well as availability and cost. While testing each and every paint from every line would be great, it isn't really feasible. With that being the case, I have chosen to compare one of each of the primary and secondary colors (red, yellow, blue, orange, green, purple), white and black plus one of each special paint that they might have. Special paints are metallics, pearls and other similar finishes.

I have a little bit on my plate - not to mention keeping up with orders and normal day to day stuff, but it should be fun.