Working It Out

ONE of the big challenges with 54mm wargaming is scenery, and specifically buildings.
There are magnificent-looking products on the market, but they tend to have a much larger footprint than is suitable for tabletop gaming.
This is especially the case for Project Kaiser, where I will be using a gridded table (actually two tables pushed together) with units likely consisting of four infantrymen, two cavalrymen or a gun and four gunners.
Bob Cordery, of Portable Wargame fame, came up with one possible solution earlier this month when he pointed out (http://wargamingmiscellany.blogspot.com/2019/05/wooden-castle-building-blocks.html) that discount chain The Works is selling Castle Blocks, a 75-piece wooden set intended for children aged 4+ to build a fort.
I went yesterday to a branch of The Works at the Stratford Centre - not to be confused with nearby Westfield - in East London.
Castle Blocks costs £25, and, like Bob, I was sorely tempted to buy a set as parts of the fort can easily be used separately to create built-up areas with something of a Germanic/East France look.
But perusing the store I found something even more suitable, and a lot cheaper.

Four 'wooden houses'

The label on the back of each house is titled "Decorate Your Own Wooden House." In small print comes the warning: "This product is not a toy. Please keep away from children."
In other words, the houses are aimed at adults. Now can you really imagine any adult wanting such a thing? Well, obviously there are some, and I am one of them!
The houses will require a fair bit of work before they are fit for the wargames table, but I am very pleased with my find.