The Kirklees Crusaders

Force 10 from Navarone

2011-12-03T23:17:00.001Z

Our demo at RECON 2011 was a WW2 Skirmish game loosely based on AlistairMcLean’s book Force 10 from Navarone. The rule set we used was “Operation Squad,” whichwe’ve found to be a very good set of WW2 skirmish rules with some additional house rules. The Demo was split into four scenarios

Scene 1 - The Air Drop

Scene 2 - Rescue 1

Scene 3 - Rescue 2

Scene 4 - The assault on the dam.

Scene 1 - The Air drop

The Landing zone

Force 10 Parachuted in at night into the dropzone which has both Partisans and Chetniks.

To simulate the vision at night we used a d6, upon a 1 to 3 no moon = 40cm visability, 4 or 5 Moon but obscured by cloud = 60 cm and on a 6 Full moon = 80 cm, also a further 20 cm in each case there was a possibility of spotting.

The land zone was the field in the above picture. To simulate the Force 10's parachute jumps we roll a d6 for wind strength from light to strong, to determine how many additional dice to throw for wind strength, and a directional dice for wind direction. The result was a light wind blowing from bottom right to top left across the above picture.

Force 10 Lands

Rolling Deviation dice + a D6 for initial deviation from drop-zone + x D6's for additional deviation caused by wind strength and direction. Resulted in the landing (right).

Partisans or Chetniks?

The next problem was to determine which were the Partisans. With 4 members go off to meet one group going to meet one group and Mallory and Miller being intercept by the actual Partisans. Thus the Chetniks capture 4 of the 6 man Force 10 team.

Scene 2 - Rescue 1

Mallory and Miller escape the Chetniks by linking up with the Partisans

Blockhouse and surrounding terrain

Mallory learns that the Germans hold therest of his team. So with the aid of the Partisans he decides to mountsa daring daytime rescue to release his captured team Agents.

The blockhouse

The blockhouse is guard by Germans.

Mallory and Miller plus 4 Partisans approached the blockhouse down the right of the ridge. After a brief firefight at close range Mallory and team overcome the German guards. How ever one cowardly German executes two of the team whilst locked up.

Scene 3 - Rescue 2

Captain Droshny

Captain Droshny (right) discovertwo more British Agents in his camp Maria and Blind Pete (seebelow).

Maria and Blind Pete

Incarcerating them in the blockhouse he leaves to look for the remnantsof Force 10.

Meanwhile, Mallory learns that Maria and Blind Pete have been capturedand decides to mount another daring rescue. This occurs in late afternoon.

Hauptmann Neufeld and Sgt Bauer

Atthe same time the Chetniks led byCaptain Droshny and accompanied by Hauptmann Neufeld and Sergeant Bauer (right)are returning.

As both squad approach the blockhouse down either side of the ridge. The Chetniks moving slower as the are examining the area for any clues of Force 10's whereabouts. Who’ll get there first and will Mallory and his team besuccessful?

Rescued

Again there are some Germans guarding the blockhouse. The Germans open fire on Mallory's approaching group even though they've tried to imply they prisoners. After the last scenes debacle the Germans are more cautious. However again after a brief firefight Mallory rescue Maria and Blind Pete. Fleeing from the returning Chetniks.

Scene 4 - Assault the Dam

The Dam

Close up of dam.

Mallory and the remainder of his team with Maria as their guide along with Blind Pete make a night time assault on the Dam. Chased by Dronshny ’s Chetniks and Neufeld’s Germans. Not forgetting the Germans guarding the Dam!

Can Mallory and company succeed?

We didn't find out as time ran out!

ACW Blog IV: The Union Forces

2011-08-27T18:32:00.006+01:00

After many months I've finally finished painting a box of Perry Minitures plastic ACW infantry figures. and a third of the cavalry box. So one box to go.

I may have to have to revise how they are based but as yet the infantry bases haven't been textured, so no problem.

It's also likely that the rule set earlier decided upon may change or that we base them so that they suitable for other rule sets.

The Paras have landed !

2011-02-13T16:34:00.001Z

Here are the first five Paras of the 10-man squad.
They are 28mm scale metal figures, manufactured by Bolt Action Miniatures / Warlord Games.
For use with Colin's "Platoon Commander" WW2 skirmish Rules.

Cheers
Ian

Middle Plantagenet English - Part 3

2011-02-02T22:56:00.001Z

Here's King Edward II and his gay entourage (allegedly).
Yes, I painted the lions on the flag and shield myself - they look okay at a distance.!

World War Two Desert Action

2011-01-26T21:59:00.011Z

At 12:30 on a dark night two vessels crept slowly from the sea towards the harbour at Safi on the North coast of Morocco. This was the start of our first venture into 20mm WWII using the Rapid Fire rules.

Turns)1,2,3) The vessels managed to enter the harbour before they were spotted and the coastal guns opened up on them. Either the gunners were sympathetic to the allies cause or they were only firing “Pour la Honour” as they managed to avoid any damage to the ships.

4) The converted destroyer Bernacole moored alongside the mole and two companies of the assault force disembarked while the LCM following made for the beach designated Green in the attack plans.

Again the French guns failed to damage either of the vessels but the guards around the harbour were now alerted and were starting to respond and shots began to hit the armoured decks. The companies of the Moroccan Tirailleur Battalion who were barracked in the town of Safi itself began to assemble in the town square.

5) The following turn a Stuart tank rolled off the LCM followed by two scout jeeps, the first of which upon cresting the rise from the beach was hit by machine gun fire and destroyed with the loss of the driver.

The other two crew members managed to scramble out and take cover behind the dunes.

French troops occupying a house adjacent to the harbour launched a grenade attack upon the forces on the harbour mole but with no effect.

6) Exasperated at the French resistance to the landing the Allied commander decided to call in support. First the Battleship New York opened fire at the coastal guns and scored a direct hit

knocking it out of action for a while. Secondly a spotter plane from the Cruiser Philadelphia achieved radio contact and called in fire on the machine gun post located at the edge of area of scrub bush. No noticeable effect was noticed as fire was returned later.

Moving out off the beach the Stuart moved in to the town and was able to machine gun a squad of French who were marching towards the harbour causing them to scatter in to buildings. The second Jeep opened fire with its machine gun at a hut where French troops had been seen to be firing from, killing all inside.

The squad of allied troops on the Mole assaulted the house from where the grenades had been thrown but were held off by strong resistance.

Meanwhile the French had now organised all there forces and were moving their armour towards the harbour when a lucky hit by the 3” gun on the destroyer knocked one out.

7) A miss by the battleship on the coastal guns allowed the remaining crew to clear away debris and fire the gun again, this time at a group of LCVP’s heading in to the beaches designated Red and Blue, again a miss and the craft sail on.

A second assault on the house causes casualties but the defenders hold on for a while longer. Meanwhile other troops start moving past the houses in search of the Post Office. The Stuart tank and remaining Jeep make a bold dash out of town in an attempt to capture the French barracks and hopefully plans of the defences.

A second barrage of shot from the cruiser caused only minimal damage as the spotter plane passed over the area again although this time it had to avoid shot from an AA machine gun.

A wildcat fighter plane was called up to strafe the area where the machine gun had been firing from and the gun fell silent.

The destroyer managed to get a clear sight on one of the French tanks as it rounded a bend in between hills and a direct hit managed to destroy it

Meanwhile the French managed to send support in to town in the form of an armoured car which managed to sneak past the advancing Stuart.

In response to the wildcat the French sent their own fighter in to strafe the troops still on the mole.

8) A third volley by the New York again hit the coastal guns and disabled them for two turns.

The assault on the house finally succeeded and troops started making their way into town while the wave of LCVP’s closed on the beaches.The two fighters met in aerial combat and drove each other off. The spotter plain from the cruiser kept a low profile and avoided being noticed by anyone.

The Stuart tank moved up to the road junction while the Jeep continued to follow, this came under fire from troops hiding on the hill but received no damage. In the distance the Stuart could see a French tank and took a shot but only lightly damaging it.

The a/c managed to work its way around the town and held off an assault on a second house on the coastal side while more allied troops attacked a third house and inflicted sufficient casualties to drive the French out.

9) One more volley on the coastal guns was sufficient to destroy them and clear the harbour of any covering fire. The LCVP’s now reach the beach and troops start to land.

The Stuart manages another shot before being destroyed at close range by the French tank.

An assault with a/t grenades causes the a/c to withdraw while the troops occupy the house vacated by the French.

10) The wildcat makes its final run at troops of the French Foreign Legion causing some injuries before retiring back to the carrier Santee.

Troops leaving Red and Blue beaches come under fire from a French light tank and foreign legion troops, the troops on blue beach taking considerable casualties. Fighting in the town is halted as the a/c patrols the streets and forced allied troops in to cover.

The scout Jeep attempts to out flank the French tank and is shot by machine gun fire causing it to be destroyed with all crew.

French attempts to being a 25mm a/t gun in to play were negligible.

11) The spotter plane managed to drop three bombs on a group of troops centred around the light tank but achieved no hits.

Troops in the town were still pinned down by the a/c while troops from Red beach managed to break out and head for the train station.

At this point we called it a day with a French victory as the Allies had not reached any of their objectives although the station was within reach for 5 points. The Allies were trying to capture 30 point of objectives by turn 15 which did not seem likely.

If playing the game again I would increase the speed of the landing craft as on calculation there was not enough time to bring on all the successive waves before turn 15 at the current speed.

Given that this was the first time and everyone was still learning the rules 15 turns would be achievable in future games.

Middle Plantagenet English - part 2

2011-01-16T16:49:00.004Z

Here are the slightly blurred pics of the 2x 6-base Welsh Archer batle Groups and an even fuzzier Field Commander Gilbert de Claire.

Middle Plantagenet English

2011-01-14T21:07:00.001Z

I am starting yet another painting project. This time, it’s a 15mm Middle Plantagenet English Starter Army for use with Field Of Glory against Paul’s Scots in our future demo game of Bannockburn.

My figures are from Essex Miniatures and comprise the following:
1x C-in-C base: Edward II
1x General: Gilbert de Claire
1x General: Humphrey de Bohun
1x 2-base Unit of Royal Household Knights
3x 4-base Units of Feudal Knights
1x 8-base Unit of Spearmen
2x 6-base Units of English Longbowmen
2x 6-base Units of Welsh Longbowmen

I got them for Christmas and have thus far painted 1x 6-base Unit of Welsh Longbowmen
Cheers,
Ian

The Battle of Whalley (Revisited)

2010-03-18T08:45:00.001Z

An English Civil War Battle between the Earl of Derby (Royalist) and the Parliamentary forces under the command of Bereton. Played in 6mm using the Perfect Captain rules
As per the original the parliamentary forces were hidden from view at the start of the battle with only the presence of dragoon’s to tempt the royalist forces forward. The Royalist commander sent forward Tyldsley’s regiment and Houghton’s horse to chase them away and to take possession of Read Hall which lay astride the two roads leading north from Whalley.

After a feint forward the parliament dragoon’s retired to the hall and took up a defensive position. The parliamentarian cavalry to the North and East of Read Hall showed themselves to draw Houghton’s horse away from the Hall and leave the shot to deal with Tyldesley’s regiment. As the royalist horse passed the hall the parliament dragoon’s fires inflicting some slight damage but alerting the royalist forces in Whalley.

Tyldesley’s regiment were advancing further East than parliament had hoped for and while the dragoons held of the royalist shot the remainder of the troops had to reveal themselves from the cornfields, where they had taken a fortified position behind the enclosing walls, and advance towards the pike. To the East the parliament horse advanced in caracole with ineffective shooting before the royalists charged in to melee. This fight first went to the royalists who gradually pushed the parliament horse back up the hill before they rallied and then forced their way down again.

In the centre both Tyldesley’s shot and pike had taken heavy casualties and were withdrawing towards Whalley but the remainder of the royalist forces were now starting to arrive on both flanks. The parliament dragoon’s attempted to ride out and finish them before the reinforcements arrived but were threatened by Derby’s horse and had to retire back to the hall. To the West the remainder of the parliament forces retired back to the cornfields in the face of superior forces.

The rules play well but with slight differences for different periods we occasionally get confused with which rule to apply.

Words: Adrian

Sassy v Byzzy 600AD ish

2010-02-17T15:12:00.002Z

Period: Ancients (books 2 & 3), Rules: DBMM, Players: Sassanid Persians - Guy and Robin, Early Byzantines - Ian and Adrian. Held on: 15th Feb 2010.

Right from the off I realised we were in trouble. My all-Cavalry left wing outnumbered nearly 2:1 in numbers and more than 2:1 in grading factor! All Cavalry led by Robin.

In the centre, I had arrayed my Blades and Bows which were opposed by Elephants and Auxilia.

On my right, Adrians command (a mirror image of my right) faced Hordes defending a hill and Light Horse on their far left.

The lines closed, but as my left and Robin's commands engaged, the rest of my army struggled to move ahead at speed. We held out as long as possible against their massed cavalry command, taking them close to disheartened status.

But it was densinted not to be a Byzantine victory. We were soundly thrashed. Although Adrian did manage to break the stoic Jewish Hordes on the hill. Oy-Vey.

A group of Byzantine rebels have sworn revenge and have joined Rupe's Moorish forces ready for his assault on Guy's Sassy-Nids.

Words by Ian.
Photo by Ian.

ACW Blog: Part III The First Unit

2010-02-14T09:42:00.005Z

Here's the first 12-man Unit of my ACW chappies.

They have been painted up as McLellands Zouaves as seen on the back of the Perry box: Light grey uniforms with qrange hats, collars, cufs and trouser stripe.

Cheers,
Ian

Napoleonic G-de-B

2010-02-10T08:57:00.002Z

Period: Napoleonic, Rules: General de Brigade, Players: British - Adrian, Prussian - Guy, Saxon - Rupert, French - Robin. Held on: 8th Feb 2010.

The French with their Saxon allies decided to stand their ground after occupying a village and a farm and the land inbetween to face the British and Prussians from a position of strength. Dense woods effectively split the army in two, but with plenty of space behind to join each other if the attacking Anglo-Prussian force focussed the point of attack on one or the other.

The French guard brigade deployed to their left and the less-prestigious Saxons to the right. The British infantry with a battalion of Portugese faced the guard, and advanced quickly, expecting the French to remain entrenched with their three-gun battery in support. As usual, the French defied expectations by advancing in three flying columns to meet the British, and after some swift skirmisher interchanges, all three columns charged at the British, deployed in line. Only the central guard battalion passed the test to charge, the other two being shot into retreat by the disciplined British volleys of musketry. The lone column charged home and and sent the British battalion backwards into retreat, from which it subsequently rallied. Testing for friends retreating then forced a morale check on the spearhead French guard unit, which, having taken significant musket fire, then broke and routed to cries of 'La Guarde Recule !'.

On the other side of the battlefield the four battalions of Saxons with a three gun battery and a small unit of cuiassiers in support faced the massed Prussian cavalry. After some manoeuvering on both sides which included the lead Prussian hussar unit being forced to retreat through skirmish fire, the leading Prussian units charged at the Saxons, the lancers getting home against the Saxon artillery without taking any casualties as the battery was low on ammo, and the Cuirassiers and an attached unit of Cossacks crunching into the lead Saxon infantry battalion, which managed to form square before the charge hit home. The unfortunate Saxon artillery battery were wiped-out to a man, but the subsequent pursuit test forced the lancers (fortunately as it later became obvious) to retire to their lines and re-form. The cuirassiers and cossacks won their melee, but not by enough to break the staunch Saxon square (second line at that !). Although they inflicted six casualties on the Saxons, the cavalry bounced-off and also retired to their line to re-form. The Prussians decided to keep up the pressure and sent in a smaller unit of heavy Dragoons against the Saxon square, but this lost the melee and also retired to re-form.

The consensus at the end of the night was for an Anglo-Prussian victory as all three French guard battalions were either retreating or routing.

Another really great game for all concerned, a lot of fun, and with quite a few double-sixes and double-ones to spice things up.

Words: Guy
Photos: Ian

ACW Blog: Part II

2010-02-09T20:01:00.007Z

As part of an enjoyabke visit to Vapnartak Wargames show in York on the 7th of February 2010.

While at this show we decided expand the American Civil War (ACW) collection of figures. to do this Robin bought 2 packs of ACW infantry and 1 ACW cavalry and Ian bought a ACW infantery pack thus in th club we have 4 infantry and 2 Cavalry packs.

We are proposing to base them on 40 mm frontage by 50 mm depth and use the Piquet (PK) rule set for them. with 3 infantry figures per base we may have 4 figures for battalion command stands. Cavalry will be 2 figures per base.

This will gives 12 infantry battalions and 3 cavalry squadrons each with 4 bases each per unit. Will also have 4 commander figures, 3 union and 1 Confederate.
We propose to split them equally and share the painting between the two sides.

America vs Germany 1944

2010-02-09T10:47:00.005Z

Period: WW2, Rules: Blitzkrieg Commander II, Players: German - Black Bob & Colin, American - Steve & Ian, Umpire - Chris. Held on: 8th Feb 2010.

An encounter battle between German and American forces, somewhere in the industrial heartland of Germany…

Our objectives were the two hills and the built-up urban area.

Thinks started off badly for us Yanks as the Tigers knocked out two of our Sherman’s and suppressed another three - on his first movement roll.!! But we struggled on for control of the far right hill against conscript troops. Our remaining tanks of the right acting as a deterrent to further Tiger advances.

The other hill was ours without opposition, and conversely, the Krauts took the civilian area.

On our left, our tank destroyers raced over the open ground and engaged Panthers with near total success. Palls of smoke on the horizon, testament to the marksmanship of the gunners.

We tried to wheedle out the infantry on Hill 1 using artillery and infantry, with little / no success. Late on, we had more success against the Tigers, but failed to KO any of them. In the end, we had to concede Hill 1 and thus lost the game by a whisker.

A fun game; cut and thrust all the way. Notable points: Black Bob rolling double 1’s (good) and double 6’s (bad) all night =)

Words: Ian
Photos: Ian

Russian Civil War 1917

2010-02-05T08:35:00.007Z

Period: Russian Civil Wae, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Red Actions by The Perfect Captain.

Duiring the Russian Civil War following the their Revolution in 1917. A force of Red Russians spotted an aeroplane. It landed not far away so they closed in to investigate. They immdiately encountered stiff resistance from the White Russians deployed upon a hill, who had also seen the aeroplane and set up a machine gun inbtween the plane and the Reds. The Machine gun was flanked on either side by an infantry unit dug into cover.

The Reds pressed forward in two flanking movements left and right and manged with some good shooting to cause the Machinegunners to dive for further cover. Thus allowing the Reds to advance these advances were held up by the White infantry untill the arrival of the Reds cavalry unit which performed a wider flanking action on the White Russians left wing.

At the appearance of the Red Russian Cavalry the pilot of the plane finished his cup of tea and started meandering towards his plane. Inspite of pressing hard the Red Russians were repulsed or held on both flanks, permitting the pilot to take off into the skies.

Words: Robin.
Photos: Ian

Polish v Hungarian 1st Feb 2010

2010-02-03T10:12:00.006Z

Field of Glory Later Polish v Mid Hungarian 900 pts 1st Feb 2010

Outnumbered and hampered from the start by cultivated fields, the Poles nevertheless advanced on a wide front (which ultimately proved their downfall.

Their knights on the left flank never got to their intended targets, being hassled by horse archers and then routed by a timely flank charge which heralded the end of the game. The town militia on the right, Supported by cavalry and hussars, held out for longer that expected as enemy light horse managed to get around their rear.

Interesting game; some amusing incidents hither and thither, but on the whole not really a game I fancy playing on a regular basis.

Once again, sorry about the poor quality of the photos.

Words by Ian
Photos by Ian

Swiss v Italisn 25-01-2010

2010-01-26T10:47:00.006Z

A DBMM bame using Martin and Steve's 15mm Renaissance figures.

The game begins

The Swiss launched an assault in the centre and right wing. Artillery and support were on a hill on the left flank. They faced the Italians with Albanian allies and some Swiss mercenaries.

A push of pike on the right wing.

Once the more agile Italian force got on the Swiss flanks, the massacre began, although the left flank made good progress against the Albanians and two elements of handgunners held up a column of Light Horse.

The End.

Losing more casualties than they caused, the centre and ruight inevitably collapsed.

Italian / Albanian = Steve.
Swiss mercenaries = Adrian
Swiss Centre and Left = Martin
Swiss Right = Ian

Words by Ian
Pics by Ian

DBMM Battle: Samurai v Timurid 18-01-2010

2010-01-20T16:34:00.002Z

Samari v Timurid

The report of the following wargame took place on the 18th January 2010, using DBMM rules, 350 points per army and 15mm figures.

After initial Agression and deployment dicing Timur became the invader and after early morning maneoveuring the battle commenced at 11 am ish

The Timurids deployed their mounted forces in two main wings left and right with a weak centre.

The Samari deployed their Horde in front of their central foot command and then two further right and left wing commands of mixed mounted and foot.

As the Samari advanced the Timurid left wing moved further out, and the central command move to the rear of the right wing command. (as per IW's picture)

Combat commenced on the Timurid Right wing with the Stampeding Camels and Elephants have some initial success, however the wyle Samari soon managed to surround both foes and destroyed them. Timur then tried without much success to punch a hole through the Samari's left and central wings but the valiant Samari poured men in from both commands blocking the attempt.

Over on the Timurid Left both forces stood off each other as the Samari had the advantage of the upground and the right wing protected by a wooded area.
Eventually the Timurids charged uphill into the affray which see-sawed up and down as each side battled hard to maintain\ gain any advantage.

In the end actual time caused the game to be drawn to a conclusion after toting up the morale points lost it was agreed to call this a drawn game.

Report by Robin
Photo by Ian (apologies for poor quality)

Blitzkreig Commander Battle Report 18-01-2010

2010-01-19T16:18:00.004Z

American Para's landed and died in droves, British Para's landed and died in droves (this took a bit longer than the American Para's cos the Brits are harder). Our glorious German Volksturmjagers despite being old men in their eighties and nineties put up a good show more succumbing to lumbago and arthritis than enemy fire (despite the claims to the contrary of the Allied Airborne commander). The American Para's were more interested in sight seeing than the job in hand and spent most of the game meandering aimlessly across the battlefield undoubtedly searching for French Totty and wine to liberate.
Report by Chris.
Photo by Ian

New Venue Photos

2009-12-23T23:07:00.003Z

That's Adrian (standing) and Guy (seated) by the way. They are playing a General de Brigade game.

Wild West

2009-12-23T22:59:00.003Z

Hi.
And so another painting project begins!
At some point this year, we hope to play some Wild West skirmish-style games.
Martin provided a load of unpainted figures, of which we all took a selection.
I plumped for the Apache indians (don't know why really - just a spur-of-the-moment thing).
Here are the first three...

New location

2009-12-21T13:44:00.007Z

We recently found a larger venue with better facilities.

This accomodation provides us sufficient room to play up to 4 games per evening.

So where do we meet now.

We meet at the Visitor Centre, Beaumont Park, Huddersfield, on a Monday evening the facility is available from 6pm till 11pm.

For further details please follow the link to our Yahoo group under genral links at the left handside of this blog.

The Last of the Wood Elves...

2009-08-18T16:59:00.004+01:00

Hussah.!
Another project ended.
I finished off the last of the Wood Elves; 24 Glade Guards including a Leader, Standard Bearer and Musician.
They will be going the way of the other units from the Army Box Set... eBay.! Should raise enough funds to start another project =)
Cheers
Ian

.

5mm Sarmatians - Part III

2009-08-15T16:42:00.005+01:00

Hello again.

At last, they are finished.!

Here are the Cavalry...

And here is the full army...

That's a total of 3 Generals, 6 Knights, 10 Cavalry, 2 Light Horse and 6 Psiloi.

Cheers
Ian
...

Hyborian Conquests III

2009-08-11T17:20:00.002+01:00

Hyborian Conquests III is to be my latest on-going project, and hopefully my best.

Basically, it will be a fantasy wargame campaign set in the world created by Robert Erwin Howard to host the many stories featuring the legendary hero Conan the Barbarian.

My game will be mainly military (employing strategy and tactics), with a rudimentary civil governing element too. The players represent the leaders of armies; the intricacies of government policies being left up to a non-player national leadership (civilian issues will mostly be randomly generated).

My initial plan is to:

1. Locate / Create a simple, fast-play strategy campaign system. Should include map movement by Province, simple income and loyalty ratings.
2. Decide on a good tactical wargame system. Currently looking at Principles of War - a Regimental scale game.
3. Draw up a Game Map. There are some good sources on the internet from which I can build up my own unique version.
4. Locate, acquire and paint the figures. Looking at Pendraken 10mm, 10 infantry or 5 cavalry.
5. Assemble all necessary buildings and terrain.

These items will not necessarily be dealt with in the above order.

Cheers for now
Ian

New Location

2009-06-26T12:26:00.005+01:00

We've now been using our new location at Patroit Games, Wood Street, Huddersfield for three months. This is proving to be an excellent location being central for everyone. We're able to play upto three games in the room.

Recently we've been trying out the Field of Glory rules with some mixed feelings, Some of our members are very much for it and others still prefer DBMM for ancient and Medieval wargaming.

Next Monday (the 29th June 2009) the main game will be a DBMM game of Timurids verses Mameluks at circa 400 points.

We meet Monday Starting between 6 pm and 7:30 and finishing circa 11 pm.

As well as the information on this site we also have a Yahoo group site, see the link on the left hand side of this site.

Fuedal French v Fuedal Spanish

2009-04-21T22:07:00.022+01:00

This was the second encounter between the Fuedal French (Robin) and Spanish (Ian) forces this time the spanish were led by El Cid ( a brillant general) played using the DBMM rules set

The Spanish won the agression dice choosing a river, Road, gentle hill (1/2 Fe) and vineyard. The French choose a road, 2FE steep hill, wood and Built up area. The River did not materialise as Ian rolled a 1 & 5. the reat of the features were placed as showen on the fiollowing map along with the initial placings of the commands.

The French first commands consisted of 7 Irregular knights Fast including CinC 4 Irr bow Inferior 2 Irr spear I 4 Irr Psiloi and a Regular artillery Ordinary bolt shooter. The second command consisted of 7 Irr knights F including general, 8 irr Spear I, 2 Irr bow I.

The Spanish first command consisted of El Cid Irr knight F, 7 Irr Psiloi O, 16 Irr Psiloi I, 4 Irr Bow I, 11 Irr Spear I, 2 Irr Blade O, and the cross Bagage Superior. the second command was 7 Irr knights F including general, and 4 Irr cavalry

As the French won the deployment dicing they deployed and moved first. Opening with a 6 knights of the 1st command forming a column of march and making a double move down the road also moving the bolt shooter and archers forward the second command wheel his knights on the right wing to ready his charge towards the Spanish 2nd command.

The Spanish replied by sending the knights of their 2nd command in a column of march down the road to meet the French resulting in the front elements in combat. The French open fire with their bolt shooter at the knight to no effect. But the resulting melee pushed back the Spanish knights.

The French knights expanded their column in the next bound to creat an overlap and brought their other knights forward with a double move to threaten the Spanish flank. After an ineffective round of combats. The Spanish used a brilliant stroke to double their pip points of their first command resulting in a general advance but not sufficient to bring their bows into range. the knights expanded their frontage on either side and their second rank of cavalry advanced to meet the threat of the French knights charging past the woods.

The following French 3rd bound was poor in terms of PIPa but saw the French CinC move into a position to meet the threat of the Spanish Foot along with the advance of 2 spear of the first command. The Knights of the 2nd command went into forward towards the Spanish Cavalry who had halted just out of range. However at this point the French caught sight of the Spanish Ambush behind the hill. This third command consisted of 4 Irr KN F including general and 3 Irr Light Horse O . No Missile fire took place as the their line of site was blocked by the abvancing knights of the second French command. The ensueing combats resulted in various push back on each side. The Spanish PIPs but enough to make 3 march moves with their third command and move some other units into a more threatening position. Again shooting was ineffective or unsighted the French won a melee or two.

Bound four saw the arrival of a French flank march on their left flank the movement of the art and bow towords the the Knights of the second command going into the Spanish 2nd command cavalry. The resulting combats causing losses on the Spanish side. The Spanish moved their 3rd command into a position to block the hole arising from the loss of their cavalry.

Bound 5 saw the arrival of a second French flank march this time on their right. The French moved Spear and bow from both commands to further counter the threat of the Spanish 1st command taking up positions along the road facing hill 1. The melee between the French Knights and the Spanish Cavalry resulted in them being destroyed. The see-sawing melee between the other knights saw an element loss on either side wiped them out causing that command to becoming dishearted. The spear of both the French commands took up postions to counter the Spanish foot.

So with the incoming French flank marches and the loss of the Spanish 2nd command and time as usual passing fast we agreed that the French had sucessfully ousted the Spanish invaders.

Relocation, Relocation.

2009-03-25T10:09:00.004Z

The Club has relocated to a new venue in the cn=enrte of Huddersfield, next door to Patriot Games on Wood Street.
The rom is large enough to hold three or four separate games.
We tried it out last Monday with a three-a-side DBMM350 battle; Tumurid and Free Company Allies versus Post Mongol Japanese with Mongol Allies.
The game was very closely fought and resulted in a narrow victory to the Japanese.
Anyway, next weeks games are another 350AP game (Early Imperial Rome versus Sarmatia) and an ECW game using a free set of rules from The Perfect Captain (http://perfectcaptain.50megs.com/captain.html)
Reports will follow.

DBMM100 Mini-Tourney - The Armies

2009-03-13T22:02:00.000Z

Fought between Ian and Robin on Friday 13th March 2009.
The armies involved were:

IV/42 Islamic Persian: 1x C-in-C Irr Cv (S), 9x Persian Cavalry Irr Cv (O), 2x Turcoman Irr LH (S), 8x Persian Archers Irr Bw (I), 1x Camp Followers Irr Hd (O) and 2x Camps Irr Bg (I).

IV/66 Later Polish: 1x C-in-C Irr Kn (O), 3x Rycerz Irr Kn (O), 4x Czeladz Irr Cv (O), 2x Axemen Irr Bd (F), 4x Town Militia Crossbows Reg Bw (O), 3x Lithuanian Cavalry Irr LH (O) and 1x Camp Irr Bg (O).

IV/74 Free Company: 1x English C-in-C Irr Kn (S), 4x English Gentlemen Reg Kn (I), 4x English Longbowmen Reg Bw (S), 3x Breton Javelinmen Irr Ps (S) and 2x Camps Irr Bg (O).

IV/75 Timurid: 1x C-in-C Reg Cv (S), 3x Timurid Cavalry Reg Cv (S), 4x Timurid Cavalry Reg Cv (O), 4x Timurid Archers Reg Bw (O), 4x Persian Militia Irr Bw (I) and 1x Camp Irr Bg (I).

DBMM100 Mini-Tourney - 1st Semi

2009-03-13T21:55:00.004Z

Semi-Final #1… Timurid (7) played by Ian vs. Later Polish (3) played by Robin. Fought in Poland; 3x woods.
The Timurid archers pressed strongly down their left flank and slew all in their path while the centre and right held position under a concentrated bow and Light horse attacks. The game ended before the Polish Knights struck a blow.
Lesson learnt: Get the Knights into combat against Cv as soon as possible.
Timurid Set Up:

Later Polish Set Up:

The Final Positions:

DBMM100 Mini-Tourney - 2nd Semi

2009-03-13T21:54:00.001Z

Semi-Final #2… Islamic Persian (3) played by Ian vs. Free Company (7) played by Robin. Fought in Persia; 1x gentle hill and 1x rough going.
The Free Company charged their knights into the massed Persian bow with disastrous effect. Meanwhile the stalwart and skilful English Longbowmen took care of many Persian cavalry. Things were looking well for the Persians until the English C-in-C carved his way through a column of cavalry to force hard a bloody victory.
Lesson learnt: Don’t charge mounted into archers (especially not Bw (S) ).
Islamic Persian Set Up:

Free Company Set Up:

The Final positions:

DBMM100 Mini-Tourney - Final

2009-03-13T21:06:00.008Z

Final… Free Company (9) played by Ian vs. Timurid (1) played by Robin. Fought in Turkey; 2x steep hills.
A tale of woe for Timur’s Inferior bow as they fell and ran to the accurate longbows of the Free Company. His cavalry were caught in the open and chased down by the ‘Gentlemen’. As dusk fell the few survivors drifted away.
Lesson learnt: None really… when Lady Luck deserts you, there isn’t a thing you can do about it.!
Free Company Set Up:

Timurid Set Up:

The Final positions:

All in all a pretty good four hours of DBMM100 goodness…

ACW Blog: Part I

2009-03-05T08:36:00.005Z

I got a pack of 28mm scale plastic ACW Infantry from Perry for Christmas and am now getting round to assembling, painting, basing and playing with them.
Here are the contents of the box (the box itself has the painting guide and front artwork cut out and laid underneath); 3 sprues containing various bits and pieces to make 36 infantry figures… and a sheet containing some basic ryules with a couple of flags too.

Roughly three hours or so later, the 36 figures were assembled.
There are three commanders, two standards, one drummer and 30 other troopers.
I am going to buy at least one more pack of Infantry, probably two.

Here are the chappies in undercoated state. You may notice that I started the flesh on a few of them already.

Next step is to arrange them into three-man groups; this would give me 3x12-man units (just right for the rule system I intend to trial them with)...

Ian

6mm Sarmatians - Part II

2009-02-15T14:22:00.004Z

And here are some of the Cavalry and Knights.
I have run out of bases, so need to order some more to finish this lot off.
I have 1 element of Kn and umpteen Cv to do as yet, but they are actually quick to paint - which is a pleasant surprise as up until recently I was not overly keen on painting horses (in any scale). Now my technique has been finalised, it's much easier.
Obviously they're not as good most (especially Mr Baccus6mm and his chums), but they'll do for me =)

The Cavalry:

The Knights (based in "wedges" for ease of identification):

Final post on this blog will be the full army in all its spleandour...

Warmaster FB: Glade Riders

2009-02-15T14:09:00.004Z

Here are the eight Glade Riders; Leader, Musician, Standard and 5 warriors. There are a mix of male and female amongst them (as there are with all units by the looks of it. Basic paint job with a few elaborations, simply to get them ready for a fight at some point soon.

The next posting will be the Glade Guard (4 out of 24 done, but they may well take a few weeks to complete) ...

Warhammer FB: Dryads

2009-02-10T15:27:00.004Z

The Dryads are extensions of the forest of Athel Loren.
They are strong, tough and have multiple attacks.
Unlike the walking trees, they are not overly suceptible to fire attacks (which is surprising as they resemble mobile kindling to me).
Here are the ones from the Battalion box; sealed, undercoated, painted, dippd and based...

Dryads emerge from the trees.!

And there are more.!

Next Blog: The Glade Riders...

Warhammer FB: Wood Elves Battalion

2009-02-10T15:18:00.002Z

I got a Wood Elves Battalion box and an army book for Christmas on the back of a game I 'ran' for my cousin's hubby and his son.
The box contained millions of parts on sprues.
It took me the best part of a month (between doing other stuff) to assemble them.
There are:
8 Glade Riders (including leader, musician and standard bearer)
12 Dryads (including leader)
24 Glade Guards (including leader, musician and standard bearer).
I am seriously considering getting some metal figures from wherever to act as Lords and Heroes.
Next blog: The Dryads...

Warhammer FB: Introductions

2009-02-06T12:10:00.002Z

I first encountered Warhammer Fantasy Battle in the early 1980’s while at Trent Polytechnic in Nottingham, at the Games Workshop store in the city. However, it was only after leaving and subsequently joining a club that I actually played the game.
I played the fantasy battle game (and its sister games) for many years, but as I grew older, I migrated onto the historical scene and dropped WFB like a brick as I came to view it as ‘childish’.
That attitude remained as the game grew in popularity and edition numbers, but of late, a few factors have led be to revisit the game.
Looking for a new fun ‘feel’ to my gaming, I considered the ‘fantasy game genre which is dominated by GW. At the same time, a number of other gamers (old and new) apparently had the same idea and so one thing led to another and I am now the proud owner of a battalion of Wood Elves.!
This Blog series will chart the development of my Wood Elf army; the collecting, painting and performance in battle.
Next blog; The Wood Elf Battalion...

Boxer Rebellion Game report

2009-01-25T16:04:00.023Z

Earlier this month we played a skirmish game using Ian’s superb Boxer Rebellion figures and a set of rules he’d created called “Days of Empire.”

The terrain was setup with a central temple occuppied by the Boxer rebels which were controlled by Ian this was two forces of around 7 figures each.

The rest of us were randomly given a team of figures and a mission. Teams can consist of between 1 and 8 figures, where applicable teams have a leader and a subordinate officer. Each figure is then allocated a expertise rating and addition abilities. Our teams are as follows along with further details of the terrain.

The Germans with a mission to search the temple. This team consisted of 4 firgures a Captain, a NCO and two trained troops. Their deployment zone was to the west of the temple behind some rocky ground. To the north of them were some marshes and to their south was a hill and beyond that was a fenced field in the south wes corner.

To the south of the temple was a avenued approach road to the temple with fenced field to the south west at the far south west of this field the British Marines were deployed.

They had a captain and Sergent with three troopers. Their mission was to save Professor Saunders. Who at this stage of the game no one knew where he was.

To the east of the road was another field with hedges for its boundary. In it' south east corner was where the Tiger Men entered the afray.
Thay had a mission to capture Professor Saunders, and consisted of a five figure team

Moving round to the east was open ground and some more trees. in the north east corner was another building with a field on its western side.

The US Marines entered on the north side of the table. Their mission was to capture the German captain. This team was made up of five figures.

Initiative is determined by using a deck of cards which are issued to teams, leaders, elites, and figures with an alert characteristic. The highest card goes first, this provides a great means of mixing up which character or unit that is in play. The card can also be held and used to gain initiative at a later stage if desired. Imitative can also be seized if a figure passes within 4” of an unengaged figure.

I commenced by moving towards the temple. The Imperial Chinese attacked the temple also The British not knowing where the Professor was decided to attack the Germans. The Americans moved round towards the rear of the Germans, whilst the Boxers erupted from the temple killing a German and attack the British and Chinese forces. However the Boxers were driven back by the British, Chinese Imperial and German forces. The Boxers made their escape with the Professor, hotly pursued by the Chinese who with some good shooting slowed them down sufficiently to capture the Professor. The British mean while continued to attack the Germans, when the Americans came in intent on capturing the German leader shoot one of the Germans and a British Marine.
Soon after the US Marines subdued the German leader and attempted to make there escape but were hindered by the remaining German NCO and the advancing British.

This was an excellent game and we look forward to another game sometime.

6mm Sarmatians - Part I

2009-01-16T13:54:00.006Z

I got an amry pack of Sarmatians from Baccus6mm for Christmas.
They were initially requested as an army for Field of Glory as I had hoped to read them over the hols. But things didn't work out (do they ever.?).
So, now I'm just painting them up and basing them for DBMM (or some other derivitive) to determine exactly what I have.
I started with the Psiloi as they were the easiest...

Then I did the Light Horse because they were easy too...

Next are a few bases of Cavalry, then I may have go at some Knughts before painting up a few Generals bases...

Nicopolis at Recon 2006

2009-01-09T21:28:00.013Z

The Wallachains...

Wallachians versus Turks with Serbs just arriving...

The Ottoman Turks on top of their hill...

French versus Turks...

French emerge from the woods...

View of the battle from above the Turks camp...

2009 Tasks

2009-01-05T11:51:00.003Z

Happy New Year.!

Over the next month or so, I intend to post the photos and write-ups from our past demo games.

The main reason for this is to give any viewers a better idea of what we do as a club. These photos are on our KC Yahoo Group (http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/the_kirklees_crusaders/) but one must register to view them, which could put some people off.

Another reason is to make more use of this blog. We have no web-site, so this blog (and the Yahoo Group) should complement each other; one as a display and the other as a working communication centre.

Cheers
Ian

Ian's Boxer Rebellion Blog - Part 5

2008-12-21T19:13:00.004Z

Here are the last two photos of figures for my skirmish game that will accompnany an RPG using the Savage Worlds system.

The second group of Boxers (might put a rifleman in each set of 7)....

and Professor Sanders, the kidnap victim...

I shall post a report of the game at some point in January. I expect the game to be held on the 7th Jan 2009, but things might change...

Cheers
Ian

Ian's Boxer Rebellion Blog - Part 4

2008-12-03T10:00:00.006Z

Here are the five US Marines who will be taking part in the game...

So next are another 7 Boxers, then I should be ready for the scenario which is getting quite imminent.

Cheers
Ian

Ian's Blog -6-

2008-12-02T11:11:00.002Z

Finished the last of Bob's AWI figures and passed them on to Guy for basing.

The 5 US marines for my Boxer Rebellion project have been completed (photo pending), so another set of 7 or so actual Chinese Boxers should see me with enough groups for a 6-player game.

Decided to purchase most of my 15mm Napoleonic's from Dragon Painting Services in Hong Kong (pre-painted AB or Essex). I got a unit of 24 German Grenadiers and was well pleased with them. The cost will be a little more than I would like to have paid, but this can easily be offset when you consider the saving in time and effort which I can now devote on other projects.

My next concern after completing the Boxers to a satisfactory stage, are a number of 28mm Teutonic knights which I am going to paint-up to sell early next year.

Cheers for now
Ian

Targe 2008

2008-12-02T10:39:00.005Z

Well, it's been a while coming, and probably not worth the wait if the truth be told, but here goes =)

Following are a few hotos I took at the Targe show.

We ended up having a couple of games using the "England Expects..." rules that I wrote for the bi-centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar back in 2005. This time they performed adequately for an American War of Independence naval engagement scenario based around the French attempt to resupply American forces in Massachsetts in 1781.

The rules are very fluid and realistic enough to allow national characteristics.

The games ended in a win and loss for both sides.

We enjoyed it and it appears to have been well received.

Roll on next year.

The Aquilonian Civil War: Part 1

2008-10-25T22:27:00.003+01:00

Right Chaps, here's a new blog subject, set within a fantastical place I have held near and dear for many many years; Robert Erwin Howard's Hyborian Age.
These posts will present the rules for and progression of a play-by-email try game based around the Aquilonian Civil War, which historically saw Conan (a mere barbarian) defeat (slay) King Numedides to become ruler of the most powerful Western Nation of the time.
Here's the spoiler...

"In 1287 AA, Count Trocero of Poitain convinced general Conan to head a rebellion against the tyrant King Numedides. Over the course of the next 8 months, Aquilonia is plunged into a bloody civil war. This is the story of one possible outcome of that conflict..."

The game will commence some time in the New Year of 2009 - hopefully.
Future posts will set out the Troop Types, Basic Rules, Game Map, Player Info, etc.
Once the game begins, I'll endeavour to maintain a weekly game turn sequence.
I anticipate the game will suit two groups of up to four Players per side; the Loyalists and the Rebels. Opportunity for betrayal is possible, but not encouraged.!

Watch out for the next post...

Ian's Boxer Rebellion Blog: Part 3.

2008-10-19T22:18:00.007+01:00

Got the first group of Boxers completed - a leader and 6 men.
Here they are...

I have also purchased another 50+ figures off eBay (30+ Boxers and about 17 other nationalities), so it looks like there may well be scope for a larger scale game at some point. Oh yes, I also got some "armed" civilians too.!

Next on the painting table are the 5 US marines. I had a closer look at them as I undercoated them and they are all in "shirtsleeve order" so no blue jackets, which is good - no chance of confusing them with the Tigermen and/or British Marines.

I have considered painting up the US machine-gun team too (which will probably be prudent if a larger game with around 50 Boxers is in the offing), but that will wait until the second batch of Boxers is complete.

You may have noticed that I also tried a new basing technique using cat litter and sand. Didn't quite work out right - over did it with the cat litter. Next time, I'll not use as much (sprinkle bits on rather than dip the pva-loaded base in the stuff). Still, it's always fun to experiment.!

Cheers
Ian

Ian's Blog -5-

2008-10-13T13:29:00.000+01:00

Completed the two 'falling down' casualties for the AWI game; One in hunting shirt and the other in regular uniform. They don't look too bad. The bases might need a bit more work than the 'prone' chaps.

Also did a little more work on the first batch of 7 Boxers too; a mix of coloured jackets and trousers to show their irregularity.! Should have them finished this week easy =)

Then it's back on the 15mm Austrians and / or Frenchies.

Oh yes, and I want to do a "How To..." for my pan-scrubber trees.

Cheers
Ian

Update

2008-10-10T21:09:00.000+01:00

I had to write a little infill piece tonight because it has been a week since our last one.
A few things to report:

Napoleonics in 15mm: We are continuing our enjoyment of the General de Brigade rules this coming Monday by introducing a few version 3 rule suggestions (see the GdB site).

AWI in 28mm: Not sure how Bob has gone on this week, but I should finish the last 2 American casualties this weekend.

More Napoleonics: Rupe has started an interesting (and inspirational) blog here... http://napoleonicwargamingprojects.blogspot.com/
Well,that should be enough for now.

Cheers
Ian

British Grenadier and the impending deadline...

2008-10-03T12:45:00.000+01:00

Blinking Flip!

I have only just realised, much to my chagrin, that we are actually in October, meaning that Targe is now less than a month away, and I still have "some" (many!) AWI Brits to paint. Adrian asked me the other week if everything was ready and I casually said "yeah, yeah, everything's in hand..."

How in the name of Christmas did I manage to lose a month...? In my youth I could, and did, regularly lose big chunks of time - there was that time when a weekend in Glasgow for a comic convention turned into a (somewhat hazy) month long stay (but that's a story for another time)

What to do, what to do!!!? first off, I think some kind of panic is in order:

"Aaaaaarrggghhhh!!"

Panic over.

Time for a pep talk, replete with the inevitable chastening cliche (or two): I've got to grab this problem by the scruff of the neck! There's no point in crying about spilt Lilt! That particular ship has not only sailed, it has reached its destination, unloaded, been re-fitted, re-loaded and is now on its way back...!!

That worked, I feel much better now!

Right, the plan.

First off, buy some more figures; nothing focuses the mind more than adding yet more lead to the unpainted Eiger of AWI goodness I already have! Robin has kindly agreed to pick up whatI need at the show in Derby tomorrow, so all being well I should have that on Monday. In the meantime, I have a free weekend to make considerable in-roads into my existing lead. The Hesssian Jaegers are just about finished, with only some detailing to do so I'll get them out of the way first. The 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers all have their basecoats, so a few highlights and a wash will sort them out.

Later Today... The army roster, and a list of everything to do..

Ian's Boxer Rebellion Blog: Part 2

2008-10-02T18:59:00.000+01:00

Here are the next few figures.
It's the Germans.!
Only 4 of these - including the leader (the bloke holding his arm up and, I assume, shouting "Halt!" or some such command.
Anyway, here they are...

Still to come: the US Marines (5 nr.) and the Boxers themselves (15 nr.).
That would give us enough for a six-player game.
Then if needs be, I can paint up the Welch Fusiliers and the US Marine MG team at short notice (1 week should be enough) if there are more players in the game.
.

Bob's Picton Project (Napoleonic GdB) Part II

2008-09-28T17:36:00.000+01:00

Hi again,

In a slight change of plan I decided to, rather than just getting the figures for the first 2 brigades, order the figures required for the entire division; justifying this by telling myself that it made sense to have something different to paint, in this case the blue coats of the Portuguese, if I got tired of painting lots of red...
Selecting the British was pretty straight forward, with the only difficult choice being which pose to get! As nice as the firing line poses are, they don't, in my opinion, make for a particularly realistic set up on the table unless they're within musket range of the French, so with this in mind I opted for the, much more utilitarian, marching pose instead. So, on to the Portuguese, which turned out to be a bit less straight forward than I'd anticipated. Looking at the available figure choices at http://www.fighting15sshop.co.uk/ I was confronted with the option of troops in stovepipe shakos or troops in barretinas! At this point the sum of my knowledge of the Portuguese didn't go much beyond the colour of their coats. The lure of an easy paint job had me thinking "hell, just get the figures in stovepipes", but then the (slight) retentive in me thought "knowing my luck some (even more retentive) self-proclaimed expert, at a show will pillory my inclusion of stovepipe hatted Portuguese because they didn't come into use until 1813 , or whenever...." A quick flick through the bumper book of napoleonic goodness (Haythornthwaite) revealed that the stovepipe style shako wasn't introduced until 1811, possibly to regularize the silhouette of friendly troops at a distance (my mind immediately strayed to a drill sergeant holding up a large card with a silhouette of an Old Guard, "No laddie, these are not your friends..."). Anyway, back to the task at hand; it seems that Barretinas are the headgear of choice for my 1810 Division. They have coloured cords so will take more time to paint than the stovepipes but will, along with their blue coats, make them quite distinct from their British comrades. After this "taxing" exercise I was pleased to discover that they were only available in "order arms" pose, so I added 3x 30 man battalions to my order and that was that.

Next time..
I research colour schemes; facing colours, tartans etc..

Ian’s Boxer Rebellion Blog

2008-09-28T16:57:00.000+01:00

This year I am running a Victorian era role-playing game for the Huddersfield University Games Society (HUGS), which at some point will involve itself with the early stages of the Boxer Rebellion. I will be using the “Savage Worlds” system for the wargame aspect as well as the role-playing as it allows specific characteristics and special abilities.

Although not strictly KC Group related, it could well be – as a future project using the “A Good Day To Die” rules. Regardless, it has proved to rekindle my painting interest and will also help to break up any monotony of my many other painting projects.

This Blog will mostly deal with the painting aspects of the project.

I bought about 50 odd figures of various nationalities and am painting them up as follows:

British Royal Marine Light Infantry (4 + leader)
Optional British Royal Welch Fusiliers (3 + leader)
German Seabataillon (3 + leader)
US Marine Corps (4 + leader)
Optional US Marine Corps Machinegun + 2 crew.
Manchu ten nai (Tiger Men) (4 + leader)
Chinese Boxers (6 + leader)
More Chinese Boxers (6 + leader)
Chinese Boxer Hero (1)

The sourcebook I used is the Osprey Men-At-Arms Series No.95: THE BOXER REBELLION.

I have already painted and partially based the Royal Marines and the Manchu troops, and started on the Seabataillon. Photos will follow when each batch is completed.

Cheers... Ian.

Here are a couple of photos - not the best presentation, but it gives an idea.

The Manchu Tigermen...

The British Marines...

As you can see, there were a lot of blue jackets around at the time; in addition to the above, The Americans, Italians and Japanese all wore blue.
.

Bob's Picton Project (Napoleonic GdB)

2008-09-27T12:44:00.000+01:00

Hi,

As our group's current focus is on Napoleonics, and the General de Brigade rules, I thought I'd chip in with a bit about what I'm proposing to do, Napoleonics-wise.
Until a couple of years ago my knowledge of Napoleonics started, and stopped, with the Waterloo movie, and it wasn't until a couple of the club members mentioned the Napoleonic Principles of War rules that I actually took any real interest in the period. I decided, initially, just to "dip my toe" into Napoleonics, and picked up a couple of "easy" reads; Mark Urban's Rifles, and Adam Zamoyski's 1812: Napoleon's Fatal March on Moscow. Both are great books, and I found myself becoming interested in putting together a wargames army for both the British and the Russians; unfortunately, the PoW rules weren't, for me, the greatest and failed to fire my imagination. So, for the time being, that was that!
After the initial interest in PoW had waned, we found ourselves playing AWI battles, using the British Grenadier! rules. Here was a ruleset that grabbed my imagination, and I was quite excited to discover that they were derived from a successful set of Napoleonic rules; General De Brigade. I ordered a copy, read through them, then set to convincing the others in our group that they were worth trying out. Our games so far have involved a mix of nationalities; Russians, Prussians, French & Austrians - with 2 or 3 players contribuitng all of the figures.
Anyway, the rules played as well as they read and I decided, after some deliberation and consideration, to start with a British Peninsular force - I reckoned this would give me a nice mix of troops with the opportunity to field some Portuguese Battalions and some Rifle companys as well as British Redcoats, giving me a nice mix of troop types, grades and uniform colours. From a miniatures perspective I was more than happy to go for Peninsular Brits - the small numbers of cavalry meant I wouldn't have to paint lots of horses (a pet hate of mine) and I preferred the aesthetics of the Stovepipe Shako over the Belgic shako - silly perhaps, but a definite consideration if you're facing the prospect of painting hundreds of figures...!
I managed to pick up Haythornthwaite's Napoleonic Source book - known affectionately in our group as the "bumper book of Napoleonic goodness", and borrowed a couple of Osprey titles - the most useful of which is Wellington's Army in the Peninsula 1809-14 from Osprey's Battle Orders series (thanks Robin). After reading this I've decided to assemble Wellington's 3rd division - The Fighting Division - as it was under Maj. Gen. Sir Thomas Picton circa February 1810. This was to be the core of my force, and I decided I'd research any cavalry and artillery that might have been attached, at a later date.
The organisation is fairly straight forward, and pretty much follows the pattern, as I understand it, of the rest of the Peninsular army.
Anyway, without further ado, here's my interpretation, in General de Brigade terms, of The Fighting Division.

CinC - Maj. Gen. Sir Thomas Picton

Mackinnon's Brigade

1st/45th (Nottinghamshire) - 30 figs
1st/74th (Highlanders) Light Infantry - 40 Figs
1st/88th (Connaught Rangers - "The Devil's own") 30 figs

Lightburn's Brigade

2nd/5th (Northumberland) - 30 figs
2nd/83rd - 30 figs
5th/60th Rifles - 3x Coys - 12 figs? (I'm still having slight difficulties following GdB's Coy sizes)

Champelimaud (Portuguese)

1st/9th (Viana) - 30 figs
2nd/9th (Viana) - 30 figs
1st/21st (Valenca) - 30 figs

I'm still figuring out the gradings for these troops, and the battalion sizes may well change as I do more research. I think though, that this division makes an excellent starting point whilst leaving room to add further units at a later date - For example, I know the Portuguese brigade had some Cacadores, the 12th I think, in 1812.

This division will be assembled using AB figures, and I'm hoping to stay disciplined enough to paint it up a Brigade at a time!! I have 2 battalions worth of figures already, and will be placing an order with Fighting15s for enough to do the first 2 brigades (and officers) over the weekend.

thanks for reading
Bob Mcleish

Robin's page

2008-09-26T11:20:00.000+01:00

Hello

This is my first attempt at blogging.

I joined the Kirklees Crusaders nigh on two years ago after meeting them at a couple of shows.

I started wargaming when I got some 25 mm Hinchcliffe Napoleonic figures and used the WRG rules Rupes already mentioned. Took a break after Polytechnic and only came back to the past time after my sons got my figures out of the roof.

I have a 15mm Timurid Army 1370 to 1305 when Timur (Tamerlane) conquered most of the peoples around the middle east - Golden Horde, Georgians, Turkomans, Ottomans, Hindus. Marmaluks. etc.

We propose once we've found sufficient material to do a Demo game of the Battle of Delhi 1398.

Rupert's Napoleonic blog

2008-09-26T09:01:00.000+01:00

After playing many different Napoleonic wargame rules over the years (WRG 1685-1845, Grandmanner, Principles of War etc) I am pleased to say I've finally settled (I'm sure I say that every time) on some rules - General De Brigade. Having played these a few times with the group it looks like we are all happy with the rules. Over the next few months I shall use this section to post pics and updates on my (attempted) re-creation of the Saxon 'army' August 1813.
But for now here are details of next weeks game. It is a vague point based post mid 1813 'fictionalish' encounter game of Saxon with Austrian (imagine they didn't change sides post Russia) allies vrs Prussia with GB allies (imagine they sent more than a rocket crew).
I shall be fielding: (won't mention the quality just yet as I would like to surprise the Prussians ;-)
Saxon 'Division'. (July 1813)
C in C Edler von Lecoq
1st Inf Brigade.
GdB: von Brausse
Lieb Grendier Garde (32)
Prinz Maximilian 1st battalion (32)
Von Rechten 2nd battalion (32)
1st light battalion (von Lecoq) (30)
Jager Corps (6)
Attached divisional foot battery (line) 4 x 6pdrs

Heavy Cavalry Brigade (hypothetical - reformed to 1812 pre Russia formation)
GdB: Baron von Thielmann (imagine he didn't defect to Russia !)
Leib Kürassiere Garde* (2sqds - 16men)
Prinz Albrecht Chevauzlegers (4 sqds - 24 men)
2nd horse battery 2x 6pdrs

* Includes remnants of Zastrow's Kurassiere

And the Austrians (Ian) are fielding:
Hesse Homberg's (partly depleted) Brigade:
Infantry Regiment Nr.2 (2x48 figure Btns)
Hungarian Grenadier Batt.(36 figures)
Foot Arty. 4x6lb guns

Schmelzer's (much depleted) Brigade:
Dragoon Regiment Nr.1 (12 figures)
Chevauleger Regiment Nr.3 (12 figures)

Ian's Blog

2008-09-25T15:17:00.000+01:00

Hi.
Here is where I will be charting the progress of my many wargaming related projects; from 15mm Xyston Spartans to 'pan-scrubber' trees.!
The next entry will include the (current) full list ...

And here it is...

Painting Tasks (percentage completed)
25mm Boxer Rebellion forces for 2008/9 (2%). For a personal project I'm working on using the "A Good Day To Die" skirmish rules.
10mm Kalistra Medieval forces for 2010 (0%). For the Grunwald/Tannenberg/Krzyzacy game.
15mm Feudal Spanish (50%). For DBMM
15mm Spartan (10%). For DBMM
15mm Assyrian (20%). For DBMM
15mm Austrian Napoleonics – Old Stock to sell (65%).
15mm Austrian Napoleonics – New Stock to keep (0%). For the General de Brigade rules.
15mm French Napoleonics for 2012 (1%). For the Borodino game.
Rebase 28mm Dark Age (10%). For use with Bretwalda and Blood-Axe (see later)
25mm Jacobite (0%). For another personal project I have in mind

Other Tasks (percentage completed)
Write RPG Scenario (95%). For my game at HUGS (http://www.hugs-site.co.uk/public/EmpireEsquire/index.htm)
Write Blood Axe for 2008/9 (10%). A Dark Age Skirmish game.
Write Krzyzacy for 2010 (10%). This will be a medieval variant of Bretwalda.
Rewrite Bretwalda (20%). Our Dark Age rules set.
Make more sponge trees (0%). I use cheap sponges and pluck out for the tree shapes..
Make more wire trees (0%). I use old pan-scrubbers, wire, masking tape and paint.
Convert PK to a 2d6 system (0%). Not sure there's any need for this in reality, but it was an idea I had to get away from the unrealistic (in my opinion) single die troll.

I will try and deal with these individually on separate threads, but just let me know if you think I'm taking over the KC Blog =)
.