More after the Gesso dries completely! Keep checking back to see how I ruin these lovely figures with my mediocre painting methods!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Work in Progress
Here are a few pics of my current project. As we have an ACW game coming up as our next club game, I thought that it was time to add some command figures to my collection. Unfortunately, I didn't have any "run of the mill" mounted officers in my unpainted box so Hood, Jackson, Stuart , and Bobby Lee will be reduced to commanding my troops on my next outing!
In these two shots we see the Wargames Foundry CSA Personalities glued to fender washers after being trimmed of what little flash that there was. I am trying something new by gluing the riders to the horses before painting. I am hopeful that it will result in a stronger glue bond between the rider and mount. I am worried that it may make painting the riders a bit more difficult...
In these two photos we see the figures covered in the black Gesso that I use as primer. It is always a little unnerving to me when I slather on the Gesso and much of the detail on the figures disappears under a dark blob! However, within 30 minutes the Gesso has dried, and shrunk, enough to reveal all the fine details of the figures. As you can see in the blurry, ill-lit cell phone picture below...
More after the Gesso dries completely! Keep checking back to see how I ruin these lovely figures with my mediocre painting methods!
More after the Gesso dries completely! Keep checking back to see how I ruin these lovely figures with my mediocre painting methods!
Monday, August 22, 2011
History repeats
On Saturday August 20 we replayed the Battle of Maida. The real "battle" was a short affair that saw the French surge up to the British lines where a few good volleys, followed by a bayonet charge, left the French running for their lives. Our game was no different, although it took the British much longer to see the French off the field. We played this action using General de Brigade in 28mm.
As there isn't much worth saying about our game I will just include a few pictures....
As there isn't much worth saying about our game I will just include a few pictures....
Monday, August 08, 2011
Back to gaming
It has been a while since I have been able to play a wargame so it was nice to dig out my Napoleonics and have a battle this past weekend. While casting around for scenario ideas I came across this nice site http://www.rafaelpardoalmudi.com/, and was able to draw from it to create a scenario based on the 1813 battle at Hagelburg. See the scenario packet below for the details. As usual, our figures are 25mm/28mm/30mm and we play using General de Brigade Deluxe...
Carl and I led the hapless French troops while Mike and Jeff marched on behalf of the Prussian King. Our game was a bloody affair that saw the French lose half their infantry strength due to casualties and troops dispersing. The Prussians suffered as well but their problems seemed to be more related to their troops failing morale tests and falling back from the French at critical times.
The battle opened with a general Prussian advance and an "innocent" artillery exchange. The Russian gunners quickly found the range and drove one of the French batteries off the hill. Casualties from skirmishers soon drove the other battery off the hill as well. The road to Hagelburg now lay open as the Prussian Advanced Guard surged forward. A French Legere battalion moved into town but was quickly ousted by a charge from a lone battalion from the 1st Reserve Regiment. Thereafter, the Prussians held the village as there were not enough French infantry available to retake the hamlet.
On the right wing, Carl was playing as Bavill and his orders to hold the area to the right of Hagelsburg and the woods to the southeast. He did well in fending off 3 Prussian brigades who suffered from poor dice rolls at critical times which disrupted any coordination in the Prussian's attack. In the end, Bavill's men passed several key morale tests which allowed his units to hold up the Prussians. The price was steep as half the Frenchmen were lost as casualties.
On the left wing, Sennegon's Brigade was quickly set upon by the Prussians under Puttlitz. Between being outnumbered in the firefight and watching the supporting French artillery roll an ammo low result, and who then were routed in a bold flank charge by the Cossacks, things were looking bleak for the Frenchmen. Fortunately, de Pusy was able to work his cavalrymen around the Prussian flank and then launch a series of charges that sent the Prussian infantry streaming back towards the woods. The cavalry was thus able to stabilize the French left wing.
At the battle's end the Prussians had seized the little village and stopped the French troops from moving on as had been their mission. The French had battered the Prussians sufficiently to earn a draw which would allow them to slink back toward Magdeburg.
This battle was a bit smaller, in terms of units in play, than most of our other games. The small numbers increased the tension as each roll of the dice seemed just a little more important than usual. The fact that there were really no extra troops, nor extra generals, available to "fix" any mistakes made every move an "important" one. Thus, when generals were wounded and forced away from the lines (there were 5 wounded generals in our battle!) it caused disruptions. Routing units and brigades that were forced to temporarily retire became huge issues for the players to deal with. All in all, it was a great game to play and I look forward to my next game as my dice will (SURELY) be more lucky than they were this time!
Carl and I led the hapless French troops while Mike and Jeff marched on behalf of the Prussian King. Our game was a bloody affair that saw the French lose half their infantry strength due to casualties and troops dispersing. The Prussians suffered as well but their problems seemed to be more related to their troops failing morale tests and falling back from the French at critical times.
The battle opened with a general Prussian advance and an "innocent" artillery exchange. The Russian gunners quickly found the range and drove one of the French batteries off the hill. Casualties from skirmishers soon drove the other battery off the hill as well. The road to Hagelburg now lay open as the Prussian Advanced Guard surged forward. A French Legere battalion moved into town but was quickly ousted by a charge from a lone battalion from the 1st Reserve Regiment. Thereafter, the Prussians held the village as there were not enough French infantry available to retake the hamlet.
On the right wing, Carl was playing as Bavill and his orders to hold the area to the right of Hagelsburg and the woods to the southeast. He did well in fending off 3 Prussian brigades who suffered from poor dice rolls at critical times which disrupted any coordination in the Prussian's attack. In the end, Bavill's men passed several key morale tests which allowed his units to hold up the Prussians. The price was steep as half the Frenchmen were lost as casualties.
On the left wing, Sennegon's Brigade was quickly set upon by the Prussians under Puttlitz. Between being outnumbered in the firefight and watching the supporting French artillery roll an ammo low result, and who then were routed in a bold flank charge by the Cossacks, things were looking bleak for the Frenchmen. Fortunately, de Pusy was able to work his cavalrymen around the Prussian flank and then launch a series of charges that sent the Prussian infantry streaming back towards the woods. The cavalry was thus able to stabilize the French left wing.
At the battle's end the Prussians had seized the little village and stopped the French troops from moving on as had been their mission. The French had battered the Prussians sufficiently to earn a draw which would allow them to slink back toward Magdeburg.
This battle was a bit smaller, in terms of units in play, than most of our other games. The small numbers increased the tension as each roll of the dice seemed just a little more important than usual. The fact that there were really no extra troops, nor extra generals, available to "fix" any mistakes made every move an "important" one. Thus, when generals were wounded and forced away from the lines (there were 5 wounded generals in our battle!) it caused disruptions. Routing units and brigades that were forced to temporarily retire became huge issues for the players to deal with. All in all, it was a great game to play and I look forward to my next game as my dice will (SURELY) be more lucky than they were this time!
Lubnitz - Hagelberg 1813
Introduction:
This scenario is (very) loosely based on the Battle of Hagelburg from August of 1813. The actual battle pitted a motley collection of French 3rd battalions (yikes!) against a force largely composed of Prussian Landwher troops. Anyone can lead the Grenadiers, but it takes a real man to lead half-trained lads (most of them have muskets…) into action! From approximations on troop strengths I have decided to amalgamate some units together to create brigades that are, more or less, typical to our scenarios.
Situation:
Occurring at the same time as Napoleon’s victory at Dresden, this battle was fought between the French Girard’s Garrison (Division) of Magdeburg and the Prussian von Hirschfeld’s corps (Division). It was the goal of Girard’s force (composed by French 3rd battalions and some Rheinbund troops) to join Marshal Oudinot in the advance towards Berlin. Von Hirschfeld's force (Prussian Reserve, Landwher, and Cossacks) was posted to the right wing of the Army of the North (Bernadotte’s Swedes) to cover its flank while also keeping watch on the Magdeburg Garrison.
Result:
It did not go well for Girard and his Frenchmen. Girard intended to advance from Klein Glien to Lubnitz and then on to Berlin. After being harassed by Cossacks during his initial advance, Girard’s artillery fired with great effect on the first Prussians to appear. Once hit the Prussians would not advance any further. Thereafter, the French enjoyed no further success. Steeling themselves, the Prussians launched a series of attacks that met with good fortune and Girard’s infantry was driven back by successive waves of Prussians. In the end, the Prussians split the French force into two parts and captured many French troops.
Plotho gives the Prussian casualties at 1,012 (234 killed and 778 wounded). Nafziger provides 238 killed, 859 wounded, and 662 missing. Total 1,759 casualties. Michael Leggiere claims that Hirschfeld's losses "totaled 73 officers and 1,722 men."
The French losses were much heavier; the Prussians claim to have taken 7 guns and 5,000 prisoners. Girard also lost the entire baggage of his division. Sauzey stated that Girard's division had only 3,500 men when returned to Wittenberg. It gives 4,500-5,000 casualties. According to Michael Leggiere, Girard suffered 3,000 killed and wounded and 3,000 prisoners.
Nafziger writes: "The battle of Hagelberg is unusual, not in that the French were defeated, but that the defeat was at the hands of a force consisting largely of Prussian landwehr that had only recently abandoned its pikes for muskets. This suggests that the Landwehr was hardly what one would call veterans.
Theoretically Girard was leading first line troops. It is true that they were mostly recent conscripts, yet it was conscripts that had defeated allies at Lutzen and Bautzen. It was also new French conscripts facing Prussian landwehr which had little difference in its overall training." (Nafziger - "Napoleon's Dresden Campaign" p 136)
Objectives:
This is a simple battle in that the winner is the side who knocks the other off of the battlefield. Terrain points will be assigned to help “judge a victor” in the event that there is no clear cut winner but it all really hinges on one side being able to knock the other out of action.
French Units
Girard’s Division
Général de Division Jean-Baptiste Girard
1 AdC available
Brigade Sennegon 3/24 Legere - Line 3/26 Legere - Line 3/19 Legere - Line 2/1 Croatian Line – 2nd Line | Actual Units Present 3/24 Legere 3/26 Legere 3/18 Legere 3/19 Legere 1/9 Westphalian Line 2/1 Croatian Line |
Brigade Bavill 3/134 Ligne - Line 3/56 Ligne - Line 3/72 Ligne - Line 1/Saxon Ducal Regiment – 2nd Line | Actual Units Present 3/134 Ligne 6/134 Ligne 3/56 Ligne 3/72 Ligne 1/Saxon Ducal Regiment 2/Saxon Ducal Regiment |
Cavalry Brigade Bureaux de Pusy 13eme Hussars - Veteran 13(bis) Chasseur - Line | Actual Units Present 13th Hussars 1 Mixed Regiment de Marche |
Artillery 1/9th Artillerie a Pied - 3 Sections 6lb - Elite 16/9th Artillerie a Pied - 3 Sections 6lb - Elite | Actual Units Present 1/9th Artillerie a Pied – 6 guns 16/9th Artillerie a Pied – 6 guns |
Prussian Units
Von Hirschfeld’s Division
General-Major Karl Friedrich von Hirschfeld
No AdC available
Langeron’s Advance Guard 1st Reserve Regiment 2 Battalions - Line | Actual Units Present 1st Reserve Regiment of 3 batts |
Puttlitz’s Right Wing Brigade 4/1st Reserve Regiment - Line 6th Kurmark Landwher - Line 2/7th Kurmark Landwher - Line | Actual Units Present 4/1st Reserve Regiment 6th Kurmark Landwher of 4 batt 2/7th Kurmark Landwher |
Boguslavsky’s Left Wing Brigade 2/3rd Kurmark Landwher – 2nd Line 4th Kurmark Landwher 2 Battalions – 2nd Line | Actual Units Present 2/3rd Kurmark Landwher 4th Kurmark Landwher of 2 batt |
Marwitz’s Reserve 3rd Kurmark Landwher 3 Battalions – 2nd Line | Actual Units Present Marwitz’s Reserve Brigade 3rd Kurmark Landwher of 3 batt |
Artillery Prussian Foot Artillery - 3 sections 6lb - Line Russian Light Artillery – 3 sections 6lb - Line | Actual Units Present Prussian Foot Artillery - @ 5 guns Russian Light Artillery – 5 guns and 1 howitzer |
Bismark’s Cavalry Brigade 3rd Kurmark Landwher Cavalry - Line 5th Kurmark Landwher Cavalry - Line | Actual Units Present 3rd Kurmark Landwher Cavalry 5th Kurmark Landwher Cavalry 6th Kurmark Landwher Cavalry |
Chernishev’s Cossack Brigade Vlassov - ?? | Actual Units Present Sisava Vlassov |
Monday, June 13, 2011
Napoleonic Battle Mlawa 1807
Our most recent game was a fictional encounter at Mlawa, Poland set during the 1807 campaign. We use the General de Brigade Deluxe rules with unit sizes reduced by 1/3 as our armies were designed for other 1:30 ratio rules instead of GdB's 1:20 ratio.
The French division opened the battle in possession of the village but the Russians stormed and seized Mlawa on the first turn. After that, it was a parade of poor dice rolls (and a misread chart for casualties) resulting in the French cavalry being badly mauled by Russian Cuirassiers. During the battle each side lost a brigade commander captured by the enemy. The Russians lost Prince Dolgorukov to troops from Chantome's Brigade while the French lost GdB Maurice to troops from Ushakov's Lithuanian Musketeers.
On the right wing there was a furious charge to open the battle as Prince Dolgorukov stormed Mlawa while his "support" from Ushakov's Grenadiers came to nothing as they failed their roll to enter melee so badly that the Grenadiers withdrew. Once the Russians had the town they never let it go. Sporadic fighting around Mlawa never led to any French advantage and the Russians still held Mlawa at battle's end.
Meanwhile, on the left wing the French Dragoons were being ridden down by the Little Russia Kuirassiers. The Dragoons were destroyed in a pair of dazzling charges that ended in rout results for the hapless Frenchmen. Only a Retire to Own Lines result on the Russian Pursuit Test halted the Russians. Eventually, the French cavalry, led by the Chasseurs, began to push back the tired Russian cavalry.
In the center, the Russians under Titov were trading volleys with Guily's Frenchmen. Casualties were fairly even as there was no room to add troops nor maneuver for advantage. Suddenly, near the game's last turn, the Russians failed a string of morale checks that sent Titov's brigade packing as it withdrew from the battle line to reorganize.
We were under a time limit so the battle was ended at 3:30 and the Russians were declared the victors as they still held the town. At that time the Russians were seeing their cavalry being slowly pushed back, although the Cossacks were still available to help, Titov's brigade was reforming and ready to stabilize the Russian center, the fight in the woods between Ushakov and Maurice was stalemated, and Chantome's brigade was in columns and ready to assault Mlawa in an attempt to pry it away from Dolgorukov's brigade. At best, that assault would have been a "near run thing" for the French.
As is customary at our club, I was on the French side (as Augereau, Chantome, and Maurice) and I lost. However, it was fun and I look forward to our next GdB game.
Below is the scenario info and a map:
Pioneers:
A stand of Pioneers/Sappers/Genies must be attached to a unit in order to give benefits. If they are attached then they suffer the first casualties if the unit is fired upon. They may be fired upon if they are “working” on water crossings and such. Otherwise, they may only be shot at if they shoot first. See rule 12.10 to find their fate if they help in an assault.
The French division opened the battle in possession of the village but the Russians stormed and seized Mlawa on the first turn. After that, it was a parade of poor dice rolls (and a misread chart for casualties) resulting in the French cavalry being badly mauled by Russian Cuirassiers. During the battle each side lost a brigade commander captured by the enemy. The Russians lost Prince Dolgorukov to troops from Chantome's Brigade while the French lost GdB Maurice to troops from Ushakov's Lithuanian Musketeers.
On the right wing there was a furious charge to open the battle as Prince Dolgorukov stormed Mlawa while his "support" from Ushakov's Grenadiers came to nothing as they failed their roll to enter melee so badly that the Grenadiers withdrew. Once the Russians had the town they never let it go. Sporadic fighting around Mlawa never led to any French advantage and the Russians still held Mlawa at battle's end.
Meanwhile, on the left wing the French Dragoons were being ridden down by the Little Russia Kuirassiers. The Dragoons were destroyed in a pair of dazzling charges that ended in rout results for the hapless Frenchmen. Only a Retire to Own Lines result on the Russian Pursuit Test halted the Russians. Eventually, the French cavalry, led by the Chasseurs, began to push back the tired Russian cavalry.
In the center, the Russians under Titov were trading volleys with Guily's Frenchmen. Casualties were fairly even as there was no room to add troops nor maneuver for advantage. Suddenly, near the game's last turn, the Russians failed a string of morale checks that sent Titov's brigade packing as it withdrew from the battle line to reorganize.
We were under a time limit so the battle was ended at 3:30 and the Russians were declared the victors as they still held the town. At that time the Russians were seeing their cavalry being slowly pushed back, although the Cossacks were still available to help, Titov's brigade was reforming and ready to stabilize the Russian center, the fight in the woods between Ushakov and Maurice was stalemated, and Chantome's brigade was in columns and ready to assault Mlawa in an attempt to pry it away from Dolgorukov's brigade. At best, that assault would have been a "near run thing" for the French.
As is customary at our club, I was on the French side (as Augereau, Chantome, and Maurice) and I lost. However, it was fun and I look forward to our next GdB game.
Below is the scenario info and a map:
Situation: At the battle’s opening, troops of GdB Chantome’s brigade (Desjardins’ Division, Augereau’s Corps) are holding Mlawa village against the advance of a Russian Division under LG Baron von der Osten-Sacken. The French troops in Mlawa are expecting the support of more units of Augereau’s Corps to arrive in time to drive away the Russians in order to hold the Heilsburg Road and allow Napoleon to strike at the main Russian body to the northwest.
Both sides know that the enemy has formations nearby and enter the area deployed for battle. See the Special Scenario Rules for set-up restrictions and any other rules in play. The French have stolen a night march and have managed to get the 14th Regiment into the village of Mlawa. These are competent troops under an experienced officer. Both sides want control of Mlawa as it commands the Heilsburg Road.
Victory:
Possessing the village of Mlawa is the goal of both armies. It is the key to controlling the Heilsburg Road. The village is considered to be “held” by the last army that had FORMED troops in the village. Routed, retreating, falling back, and pushed back units do not count as FORMED when determining ownership of Mlawa.
Special Rules for Mlawa
Village:
Mlawa village can hold up to 48 figures. The village counts as BUILDINGS for cover modifiers.
Mlawa village can hold up to 48 figures. The village counts as BUILDINGS for cover modifiers.
Stream:
The stream is small but fairly deep. It is DIFFICULT terrain. PAGE 87
Pioneers:
A stand of Pioneers/Sappers/Genies must be attached to a unit in order to give benefits. If they are attached then they suffer the first casualties if the unit is fired upon. They may be fired upon if they are “working” on water crossings and such. Otherwise, they may only be shot at if they shoot first. See rule 12.10 to find their fate if they help in an assault.
Pioneers/Sappers/Genies See rule 12.10 on page 120. In our scenario the sapper rules apply to BUILDINGS too. Thus, troops assaulting a town with the aid of sappers may re roll ONE of his dice in melee.
Troops in woods accompanied by sappers can move at normal rate if sappers are attached to a battalion.
Troops in woods accompanied by sappers can move at normal rate if sappers are attached to a battalion.
Pioneers can erect a stream crossing in one full turn. This will be nothing more than a pile of logs dumped into the stream bed and covered with planks. However, this quick bridge will allow normal movement for columns of infantry, cavalry, and limbered artillery.
Set up:
Each side will have 4 sections and there must be at least one brigade in each section.
Set up:
Each side will have 4 sections and there must be at least one brigade in each section.
Russians must have a minimum of 1 brigade in each zone ABCD
French must have a minimum of two brigades in zones 1 and 2 of 1234
Optional Rules in use:
Smoke:
Smoke:
Smoke is a -1 modifier to shooting (instead of a -2) and ANY doubles thrown in shooting reduces casualties by 1/2 per rule 16.4 on page 146
Brigade morale:
Any brigade who suffers 50%, or more, casualties must test Brigade Morale EVERY TURN per rule 16.6 on page 146
Russian Force – Part of Osten-Sacken’s III Division
Lieutenant General Baron Fabian Gottlieb von der Osten-Sacken (Average) w/2 ADC
Brigade MG Ushakov (?)
- Tauride Grenadiers (2 bns) Elite SK2
- Lithuanian Musketeers (2 bns) Veteran
Brigade MG Titov (?)
- Kaporsk Musketeers (2 bns) Veteran
- Muromsk Musketeers (2 bns) Veteran
Brigade MG Prince Dolgorukov (?)
- Tschernigov Musketeers (2 bns) 2nd Line
- Dnepr Musketeers (2 bns) 2nd Line
Cavalry Brigade MG Count P.P. von der Palen (Average)
- Little Russian Cuirassiers (12 to 16 figures) Elite
- Kurland Dragoons (12 figures) Veteran
- Ilowaiski Cossacks (16 figures) Line
Artillery Brigade Colonel von Bril
- Heavy Company Colonel von Bril 12 pound (4 gun stands) Veteran
- Light Company Major Mitrofanov 6 pound (4 gun stands) 2nd Line
- Major Afanasev’s Pioneer Detachment (12 figures) Veteran
1. The cavalry brigade may be divided by using one of Osten-Sacken’s ADCs as a new brigade commander. This must be done prior to battle.
2. Colonel von Bril’s Artillery Brigade may be disassembled and the batteries may be assigned to the infantry brigades. The pioneers may be reassigned to other brigades as a single unit or by companies. If any of the Artillery Brigade’s units are removed then the entire brigade must be disassembled. Colonel von Bril is removed from play if the Artillery Brigade is disassembled.
French Force – Part of Augereau’s VII Corps
Marechal d’Empire Augereau (Average) w/2 ADC
14th Regiment (2bns - Veteran) begins the battle ensconced in the Mlawa village. Chef de Battalion Massy (Excellent) is acting as a brigade commander to the regiment.
GdD Desjardins (?)
Brigade GdB Chantome (?)
- 16th Light Infantry (2bns) Elite SK1
- 14th Regiment (2bns) Veteran SK1
- Major Defranc’s Genies (12 figures) Elite
Brigade GdB Maurice (Average)
- 44th Line Infantry (2 bns) Veteran
- 105th Line Infantry (2 bns) Veteran
- 8lb Foot Artillery (3 gun stands) Elite
Brigade GdB Giuly (?)
- 24th Line Infantry (2 bns) Line
- 106th Line Infantry (2 bns) Line
- 8lb Foot Artillery (4 gun stands) Veteran
Cavalry Brigade GdB Durosnel (Average)
- 20th Chasseurs (12 – 16 figures) Veteran
- 4lb Horse Artillery (2 gun stands) Veteran
Cavalry Brigade GdB Saviarelli (Average)
- 7th Dragoons (12 figures) Veteran
- 8th Dragoons (12 figures) Veteran
Cavalry Brigade GdB Legace (Excellent)
- 9th Cuirassiers (12 figures) Elite
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A hair-brained scheme if ever...
My latest detour in wargaming is, in fact, an extension of a project that I have been thinking about and tinkering with for more than a decade...
From time to time I have wanted to play 'entire' battles while still representing the majority of the units involved with miniatures. This isn't easy to do in my chosen scale of 25mm! The scale of the figures and the limitations of space have thwarted any thoughts of doing large actions.
I have had an ongoing fascination with Operation Market Garden (Holland 1944) and Operations Goodwood/Cobra (Normandy 1944) since I read books about these actions many, many, years ago. The thought of large armored units sweeping across the map of Europe has always held a special spot in my imagination. I have tried collecting GHQ Micro Armor but, for various reasons, that really wasn't going to work. You know something is wrong when 1 inch long tanks are "too big" for my idea!
A few weeks ago I saw a news posting on The Miniatures Page about the release of a Royal Tiger model so I clicked on it and found the likely solution to all of my plans... a link to Picoarmor http://www.picoarmor.com/pages/home.php
These 1/600th scale miniatures, yes 1/600(!), would allow me to build Armored Divisions for @$80 each and allow me to portray huge WW2 battles on our club's gaming table. I have traded some emails with John at Picoarmor and he has made some suggestions for rules. I have ordered a rules set so I can decide how to organize some units for gaming.
Yet another project...!
From time to time I have wanted to play 'entire' battles while still representing the majority of the units involved with miniatures. This isn't easy to do in my chosen scale of 25mm! The scale of the figures and the limitations of space have thwarted any thoughts of doing large actions.
I have had an ongoing fascination with Operation Market Garden (Holland 1944) and Operations Goodwood/Cobra (Normandy 1944) since I read books about these actions many, many, years ago. The thought of large armored units sweeping across the map of Europe has always held a special spot in my imagination. I have tried collecting GHQ Micro Armor but, for various reasons, that really wasn't going to work. You know something is wrong when 1 inch long tanks are "too big" for my idea!
A few weeks ago I saw a news posting on The Miniatures Page about the release of a Royal Tiger model so I clicked on it and found the likely solution to all of my plans... a link to Picoarmor http://www.picoarmor.com/pages/home.php
These 1/600th scale miniatures, yes 1/600(!), would allow me to build Armored Divisions for @$80 each and allow me to portray huge WW2 battles on our club's gaming table. I have traded some emails with John at Picoarmor and he has made some suggestions for rules. I have ordered a rules set so I can decide how to organize some units for gaming.
Yet another project...!
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
I lose again...
My club played another Napoleonic game last Saturday and, as is usual, I led the losing side. At some point, I think the other fellows who get assigned to my side will wise up and phone in sick! Happily, the game was friendly and there were very few rules disagreements. The new version of General de Brigade is proving very popular in our group and it works pretty well.
Our game was the Battle of Montereau in 1814. The French plan was to refuse our left wing, assault in the center, and try to work our cavalry around the right wing. None of those things happened! Our left wing charged forward and tried to take a town that didn't need to be taken. This caused the brigades in the left center of our lines to veer left to cover space that should have been occupied by our left wing. Instead of shortening the left wing and giving us more troops in the center, our line was extended and thinned. This diluted the French strength in the center to such a degree that the Austrians were never in any danger of suffering a broken line. Meanwhile, on the right flank, our cavalry danced around for a while before finally engaging the Austrian cavalry. Our cavalry suffered, just like all of our other troops, from poor dice at crucial moments and could never inflict damage when the opportunity presented itself. Sigh... Combining our poorly executed plan with horrific dice rolling and you have the recipe for another French loss. Merde!
Here are a few photos from my phone camera. They are not good at all... I hope to have my real camera sorted out before our next game!
Our game was the Battle of Montereau in 1814. The French plan was to refuse our left wing, assault in the center, and try to work our cavalry around the right wing. None of those things happened! Our left wing charged forward and tried to take a town that didn't need to be taken. This caused the brigades in the left center of our lines to veer left to cover space that should have been occupied by our left wing. Instead of shortening the left wing and giving us more troops in the center, our line was extended and thinned. This diluted the French strength in the center to such a degree that the Austrians were never in any danger of suffering a broken line. Meanwhile, on the right flank, our cavalry danced around for a while before finally engaging the Austrian cavalry. Our cavalry suffered, just like all of our other troops, from poor dice at crucial moments and could never inflict damage when the opportunity presented itself. Sigh... Combining our poorly executed plan with horrific dice rolling and you have the recipe for another French loss. Merde!
Here are a few photos from my phone camera. They are not good at all... I hope to have my real camera sorted out before our next game!
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| A French Brigade moving to assault a strong Austrian position |
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| A blurry shot of some French Lancers charging past a hastily formed Austrian square |
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| French Horse Artillery working on the French right wing |
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| Another French Brigade destined for ruin by joining the assault in the center |
Monday, January 17, 2011
General de Brigade
We played a Napoleonic game this past weekend using the newest version of General de Brigade (Deluxe). I quickly learned that my bad luck is universal and applies just as much to the new version of the rules. My artillery ran low on ammo the very FIRST TIME it fired. My opponent, Mike, was kind enough to give me a "Mulligan" but, still... Merde! Not too long after that I rolled a 2 again and went ammo low anyway. At least the "Mulligan" kept me from being completely out of ammo. That pretty much sums up the rest of the battle for me as misfortune followed misfortune.
Meanwhile, on the rules side of things, there are few "NEW" things to GdB but there are many subtle changes that seem to make the game flow a bit better. The tactical march (to speed up movement when 20+ inches from the enemy) is a great idea that will allow some shifting of troops and the practical use of reserves. The firing table has been changed a bit to minimize the amount of different sized firing groups. There are a few new morale modifiers that appear to be good ideas as well. Overall, the changes and clarifications are for the better. Best of all, unlike my old 2nd edition book, this book has page numbers!
I am looking forward to the next battle in a few weeks...
Here are a couple of cell phone pictures to look at while you consider why I am so unlucky in gaming....
Meanwhile, on the rules side of things, there are few "NEW" things to GdB but there are many subtle changes that seem to make the game flow a bit better. The tactical march (to speed up movement when 20+ inches from the enemy) is a great idea that will allow some shifting of troops and the practical use of reserves. The firing table has been changed a bit to minimize the amount of different sized firing groups. There are a few new morale modifiers that appear to be good ideas as well. Overall, the changes and clarifications are for the better. Best of all, unlike my old 2nd edition book, this book has page numbers!
I am looking forward to the next battle in a few weeks...
Here are a couple of cell phone pictures to look at while you consider why I am so unlucky in gaming....
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| French Legere leading a French brigade against a solid wall of Austrians |
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| French right wing moving around Austrian left - to no success... |
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| Looking down the Austrian line from the French right wing |
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
End of 2010
So this is Christmas... and what have you done? Thanks to you John for the lyric!
This loaded question can send one's mind reeling for hours considering the year past and the new one to come. I will simply keep my thoughts here framed within the wargaming arena. This will spare you the tales of me not keeping my previous resolutions to lose weight and become a generally better person (missed on both of those targets, I'm sorry to report).
2010 Highlights/Lowlights
Highs: This year brought me within sight of finishing my 25mm/25mm Napoleonic French Army for General de Brigade and nearly ready to stage a version of the Lincoln County War, also in 28mm, using The Rules With No Name.
Lows: A string of really bad games has brought to light the fact that I may not be the best scenario designer in our club! I also failed to live up to the promise that I made to myself that I would have ALL of my 1914 French and Germans painted and in a game before the year was out. Fortunately, these things can be remedied with a bit of work...
2011 "Goals"
I usually hesitate to putresolutions... err... targets out where folks can see them but it seems that a bit of gentle "encouragement" from my few readers may give me a needed kick in the &@$$ when needed...
1. Lose weight and become a better person - always a favorite list starter
2. Add 4 battalions of infantry and 6 sections of artillery to my Garde Imperiale so I can declare the Napoleonic French completed
3. Begin running the Lincoln County War by the end of March - paint a few buildings and that is a go
4. Stage a LARGE 15mm Pirates game
5. By steady effort, complete my 1914 collection
Looks like my pal Rex of Rex Painting Service will be a busy man this year!
May your 2011 bring you blessings, peace, and health. Also, I hope that 2011 sees you reach your gaming goals... Good Luck!
This loaded question can send one's mind reeling for hours considering the year past and the new one to come. I will simply keep my thoughts here framed within the wargaming arena. This will spare you the tales of me not keeping my previous resolutions to lose weight and become a generally better person (missed on both of those targets, I'm sorry to report).
2010 Highlights/Lowlights
Highs: This year brought me within sight of finishing my 25mm/25mm Napoleonic French Army for General de Brigade and nearly ready to stage a version of the Lincoln County War, also in 28mm, using The Rules With No Name.
Lows: A string of really bad games has brought to light the fact that I may not be the best scenario designer in our club! I also failed to live up to the promise that I made to myself that I would have ALL of my 1914 French and Germans painted and in a game before the year was out. Fortunately, these things can be remedied with a bit of work...
2011 "Goals"
I usually hesitate to put
1. Lose weight and become a better person - always a favorite list starter
2. Add 4 battalions of infantry and 6 sections of artillery to my Garde Imperiale so I can declare the Napoleonic French completed
3. Begin running the Lincoln County War by the end of March - paint a few buildings and that is a go
4. Stage a LARGE 15mm Pirates game
5. By steady effort, complete my 1914 collection
Looks like my pal Rex of Rex Painting Service will be a busy man this year!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Planning my Fun Pt.II
OK, so it looks like my old method of just buying figures in a random fashion might have been better!!! As I sat down and began listing the 25mm figures that I want/need to get some units together for WW1 gaming I quickly realized how much it will cost (in money and time to paint) and became a bit overwhelmed. It seems that when I plan out my figures needs I feel compelled to add one of every possible unit type "just in case!"
I am looking at @100 to 150 figures per group that I want to represent and there are 8 to 10 groups that I want to collect!
Germans: 1914 and 1918 (Different uniforms, so...)
French: 1914 and 1918 (Different uniforms, so...)
British: 1914
Americans
Austrians
Italians
And some troops for operations in Middle East/Mesopotamia
If I had sat down and planned my Napoleonic collection like this then I would have been too daunted to have ever begun the project!
In truth, it is actually nice to have a plan going forward. While the project is large it has obvious increments that make it easy to break up into manageable bits. Time to get focused on completing one of those groups so I can mark them off of my To - Do list.
Whats the old saying...
"How do you eat an elephant?
"One bite at a time..."
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Planning my fun?
I have never been much of a planner when it comes to wargaming. I buy whatever figures that I like in whatever quantity I want/is currently available. Mind you, I don't buy 100s of figures at a time - after all, that might actually get me a discount - but I do buy in batches of 40 or 50 at a time. Oddly, that usually equates to about 1.5 units in most of the games that I play! I will never learn...
Lately, I have been staring at the assortment of figures that I have stored away for my various projects and trying to choose between buying more of them to fill out these armies or to sell off (unpainted) collections that have not seen the light of day in 5 years, or more. I have, more or less, completed my French Napoleonics and have loads of odds and sods left over from that. There are a variety of special units that I can make with all of these unpainted figures but I find myself wondering, will I actually do it? Further, I have piles of 25mm Saracens, ACW, WWII, Cowboys, and Vikings awaiting the call up. A quick examination of those piles reveals that I need more of them to make enough units for the games I think that I want to play. So I am faced with the hard choice of buying more to "finish" things or selling off what I have and moving on. Being a realist, and knowing how I am, I will buy more figures.... :)
This brings me to my Great War project. I have been "just buying figures" as I saw them. I can already see how this is going to get out of hand. So, I have actually written down what totals I will need to collect to have the forces that I want to play with and will buy the appropriate figures to meet those plans. Now I just have to settle on whose figures I want to buy!
This is as close as I can get to taking "The Pledge"...
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