Thursday, January 10, 2019

Starting Off 2019 With a Whimper

No big whoop, as far a projects go...but I did manage to snag a couple of bargains off of ebay the first couple of days in January. They arrived today and yesterday, along with a small Perry order made in late December last. Well, to be honest, I'll likely be using ebay a little less after finding out that staring January 1st, 2019, sales tax was added to purchases for buyers in 3 of the 50 States - Washington State being one of the culprits! Anyway, the two ebay purchases are a model kit of Da Vinci's "tank" and an OOP metal Games Workshop kit of an Empire Master Engineer on Mechanical Steed. The Perry order consists of six plastic French Dragoons on foot and a plastic pontoon bridge and metal pontonniers.
The Da Vinci "tank" looks to be about right for 28mm. Supposedly the tank was to be operated by about 4 men. I managed to glue together the Dragoons and bridge this afternoon at work on a "break." :) Very simple indeed!

Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that I haven't totally vegetated in the new year. Hope you all are doing great and hopefully I'll get some paint slapped onto these odds and sods soon. Best to you all!

43 comments:

  1. The Washington State sales tax on eBay purchases was a rude surprise to me too. I guess I will have to lower my max bids by about 10% to compensate. Purchasers from other states now have an unfair trade advantage, I think. Hobby craft at work sounds enjoyable. I still marvel at your lancers with each visit. Beautiful work.

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    1. Thanks, Jonathan. I'm thinking of revisiting Amazon and/or buying direct from retailers. Kindest regards, Dean

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  2. I want to see the tank in painted form! 8)))

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    1. Thank you very much for the encouraging words! Warmest regards, Dean

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  3. That's not good news about ebay, looking forward to see the tank though.

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    1. Thank you, Ray. I don't blame ebay, but the money grubbing bureaucrats of WA State. Warmest regards, Dean

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  4. I do love me a productive "work break"! :D

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    1. Lol! If anyone has issues, I tell them I'm telecommuting...from my body at work! :) Best regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks, Michal. I'm looking forward to working on the "tank" and Master Engineer - not only because they are cool models, but a break from Napolenics. Warmest regards, Dean

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  6. Taxes suck. but that model looks great. Looking forward to seeing it made.

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    1. Well, I have to confess, WA State doesn't have an income tax, so sales tax is the lesser of the two. Thanks for the visit and nice words. Kind regards, Dean

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  7. Extra tax sounds bad.........nice purchases so look8ng forward to seeing them painted up

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    1. WA State has about a 10% sales tax, which makes up for the 0 income tax. I was just surprised when I hit pay and the additional charges were added - it goes directly to WA State - they seller doesn't get it. Warm regards, Dean

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    2. To only be wasted by politicians in their pet projects/experiments.

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  8. The da Vinci tank looks fun! Rubbish news about the sale tax,nice to be able to build things during your break at work!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks, Iain. Luckily my desk faces the hallway where I can see folks approaching. I kind of crouch down behind my big monitor when they get close. Besides, I'm considered eccentric by my fellow workers anyway. Lol! Warmest regards, Dean

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  9. This looks like it will be cool when finished.

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    1. Thanks, Simon. Besides the six Dragoons, the other projects are a bit more eclectic than the usual units of Napoleonic troops. Kind regards, Dean

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  10. Is that tax only on eBay purchases, or for everything bought online? Nice buys, anyway!

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    1. Hmm, that's a good question, Aaron. So far I only found out about ebay after placing the two orders. However, Amazon purchases already would at the state tax if the seller had its warehouse in the state. Warmest regards ,Dean

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  11. Very interested by that da Vinci model.

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    1. Thanks, Michael. Me too. I haven't taken it out of the box yet, but already wondering if I should give it some kind of paint scheme or leave it plain. Regards, Dean

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  12. Now eBay with the taxes? Sheesh... Amazon has been charging WA state tax on all purchases no matter where the seller is located since Jan 1 2018.

    The tank looks marvelous though!

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    1. Yes, well I believe it's the states (3 so far) that wanted in on the revenue. I have to go to scripture sometimes to remind me to, "pay taxes to whom taxes are owed." :) Best regards, Dean

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  13. Intriguing finds. I have considered trying to build one of those Davinchi tanks since I first saw the Empire steam tank 20 years ago. I dont remember the engineer figs. I am interested to see the final products.

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    1. Thanks for the interest, Jake. I'm thinking about painting up tank with an "Empire" look. Besides the Engineer on Mech Steed - I would like to someday get the Mad Count Marius figure too. :) Warm regards, Dean

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  14. An eclectic selection of items to start off the New year, Dean!

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    1. Thank you very much for your kind words, Peter. Warmest regards, Dean

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  15. The Da Vinci tank looks interesting for someone like me who is fascinated with the modern day equivalents. No such thing as starting the year on a whimper if you are starting at all. That's my take anyway. All the best to you too for 2019 :)

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    1. Thank you very much again! Kindest regards, Dean

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  16. I stock up on popcorn. And I will wait for these miniatures and the tank in painted form.

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    1. Lol! Thank you, Dmitry! Kindest regards, Dean

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  17. The Da Vinci tank is absolutely must have. We have one too ;) Sadly there is no official rules for it. Sorry for the new tax, no one likes surprises like that.

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    1. Thanks, Bartek! I hope to use the tank with Dragon Rampant - I used my Empire Steamtank once and this should be similar. Kind regards, Dean

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  18. The Perry bridge engineers are on my list so I look forward to seeing what you do with them.
    Pat.

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    1. Thanks for the interest, Pat. I have the bridge and crew in the queue after I finish up the dismounted Dragoons - hopefully this weekend. I plan to use the bridge as a section of my existing river. It'll be an additional section which can be fought over using my earlier sappers and engineers as well. Warmest regards, Dean

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  19. Great start to 2019 Dean, a steady pace that I am sure will gather momentum as the year progresses.

    Tax, the less said the better.

    Cheers, Ross

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