Kevs wargames Cabin

Saga New Painting.

2012-01-31T09:42:00.000Z

Painted these last evening.
The Start of my Anglo Danish Warband.
They are nearly finished, a few bits of highlighting.
I purchased some shield decals from ebay, I know its a cop out, but I really dont have the time to paint shields and they are, at the end of the day, just for gaming with.

Anglo Dane Warlord

Huscarle Standard Bearer

Huscarle with Danish Axe

I am currently painting British Peninsular for Lee, cavalry again today.

First Saga unit, Viking Hearthguard

2012-01-30T08:54:00.000Z

Mmmmm, paint the shields or get some decals.
The battle flag decals are sweeeeet, but a tenner a throw, although you do get 44 and a flag.
Time to ponder on this I think.

New Painting, Viking Warlord for Saga

2012-01-29T09:23:00.000Z

My First attempt at A Viking Warlord.
Plastic, from the Gripping Beast Hirdmen box set.
Just cant decide whether to paint the shield or use a decal and need to finish the base.

These are very easy to put together and I do like the GP plastics.
I also have some Wargames Factory Saxons, these I am not as keen on and will require a lot more work to assemble, the weapons are to thin and small.
I think I will mix and match with both the GBP and the WF.
I aim to create two warbands initially, Anglo Danes and Vikings.

28mm French Artillery

2012-01-27T09:13:00.001Z

A mix of Front Rank and Perry's.
Four gun battery for GdB.
A nice addition to Lee's French army.

No Game next two weeks

2012-01-26T19:13:00.000Z

Unfortunately there will be no gaming for the nexy couple of weeks.
This week is a chill week and next week is off thanks to a Hospital trip, Damn!

My First Introduction to Saga

2012-01-25T09:05:00.000Z

Well!!
I played my first game of Saga last night.
Andy from Terra Firma popped over with two Viking warbands.
I had never played before and I must say that I really enjoyed it.
What was really nice was the fact that I didnt have to do anything for a change.
Well except to place four boards on the table.
Saga is a really fun game, easy to grasp the basics, but getting to know your battle board is where the skill comes into it.
I did manage to win my first game (with a lot of help from Andy), I would not like to play him competitively yet, lol.
Saga is something I would now be interested in playing, you dont need masses of miniatures or a huge table.
Its quick and you always get a result after a couple of hours play, deffo recommended.
I would like to thank Andy for a great evening of mayhem and for taking the time out of his busy schedule to show me the Saga system, cheers Buddy

Vimeiro, The Action at Ventosa Result.

2012-01-22T12:02:00.001Z

A Glorious British Victory.
After last weeks debacle at Vimeiro hill, the British forces redeemed themselves with a Victory.
Once again, myself & Jon with the Brits, Karl & Glenn with the French.
This is the second scenario from the GdB Vol 5 book, and what a great game it was (from the Brits perspective anyways).
It stated with the Brits deployed as per the book, Nightingales Bdg on the right of the ridge.
Fergusons Bgd in the centre and to the left with Bowes Bgd supporting the rear.
The British two gun battery deployed between the two forward Bgd's.
Glenn in command of Solignacs Bgd chose to concentrate his assault on Nightingales Bgd (Jon) on the british right.
Karl in command of the excellent Brenniers Bgd would be leading the flank assault.
This would appear on the flank and on the ridge next to Fergusons Bgd (Myself) on turn 3 + D6 turns.
Karl rolled his D6 and scored a 5, Brenniers Bgd would arrive on turn 8, not so good for Solignac.

It started with Solignacs assault on Nightingale and the whole French brigade advancing.
The 12th Legere occupied the village of Ventosa as the 3 remaining columns advanced into a storm of musketry.
Nightingale took a hefty toll on the advancing French as elements of Fergusons Bgd engaged the Legere in the village.
This to and fro assault from Solignac set the pace for the first 8 turns.
Failed charges, Retreats, falters and an uncanny ammount of passed morale tests and Solignac (Glenn) was still there.
Nightingales Bgd held firm though, with only the 29th taking losses (they ended up with 50%).
The French artillery was effective although the 29th could not be broken.
As Brenniers (Karl) Bgd arrived on the flank, Glenns Solignac was in a bad way, two bttns over 35% and two on 25%, but still they came on.
Brennier led his Bgd onto the ridge, 4 bttns at full strength with two squadrons of Dragoons in support.
Ferguson reacted and wheeled 2 bttns to face the new threat.
Fergusons skirmishers deployed and engaged the advancing Brenniers Bgd.
At this point, Nightingale (Jon) advanced his bttns and started to drive Solignacs Bgd back on the British right. This released Bowes Bgd to support Ferguson and the new threat of the assault from Brennier.
Brennier issued the assault order to his Bgd's and on they came.
The advanced into a hail of musketry from the skirmish screen. This faltered one of the columns and Brennier leading the assault, took one between the eyes.
Brenniers Bgd, now leaderless continued the assault with a Colonel taking his place until the ADC could reach them from the distant Solignac, who himself was in a bad situation.
Another round of skirmish fire faltered another column and wounded the Colonel. The Bgd now leaderless again continued with its assault as another Colonel took command.
The Brit skirmishers fell back before the remaining French columns charged the British lines.
A poor volley from the 36th still managed to falter one French column whilst a devastating volley shattered the Final column causing a rout.
The Following Bgd test Failed and most of what what once Brenniers Bgd fled the field.
On the other side of the field, Solignacs Bgd also suffering at the hands of the advancing Nightingales Bgd attempted a final assault.
An assault that failed and also led to a failed Bgd test.
With Both French Bgd's in retreat and the Lone Dragoons failing to change their order, all was lost for the French.
A Great game in the usual style.

The battle commences with Solignacs assault

Ventosa is Occupied

The British Hold firm on the ridge

The French columns close in

Musketry duels

Solignac is halted again.

and again

Nightingale advances on the weakened French

Brennier arrives on the British flank

Solignac is pushed back

Game over, what is left of Brenniers brigade.

Ventosa, A Glorious British Victory

2012-01-21T10:52:00.000Z

Well!
Revenge was had for last weeks debacle at Vimeiro.
Battle report is in progress with some pics.

Tonights Game

2012-01-19T08:58:00.000Z

The game for this evening is the Action at Ventosa scenario from the GdB vol 5 scenario book.
Once again it will see Jons and myselfs Brits attempts to stem Karl and Glenns frogs assault.
Hope we get a better result than last week.

Vimeiro Game, what a close call..

2012-01-14T11:58:00.000Z

Well !
What a game !
I think in reality we should call it a French victory.
The British did hold part of the hill at the end of the required 12 turns.
But after Jons brigade decided to run off the table due to a failed brigade test, the French took his position and pressed my flank. At the end, my 2 brigades were clinging on with by their fingernails.
The Game...
The French advanced towards Vimeiro hill. French artillery deployed and counter battery fired against the British artillery, a duel they came off worst for a change.
Aclands British Bgd appeared at location B to support Fanes Bgd.
Karls French on the right pushed on towards Jons Brits(Ansruthers Bgd), Jon repulsed the two attacking french line infantry columns (Thomierers Bgd) causing heavy casualties.
But he failed to stop the two Elite combined grenadiers battalions (Kellermans Bgd) and they charged the 43rd. The resulting melee was a very one sided affair with the Grenadiers well up on the dice and Karl throwing a 10, Jon replied with a miserable dice roll of a 3 and the resulting rout led to a Brigade test.
On the other side Glenns forces(Charlots Bgd) had a rough time of it and suffered against the steady Fanes Bde. Two failed charges and heavy casualties forced Charlots Bgd back. The Veteran combined Grenadiers of St Clairs faired no better and were shattered by cannister as they assaulted the centre of the British line.
It was now turn 8 and Jon took his Brigade test, he rolled another 3 (2 in a row) A FAIL.
Ansruthers brigade retired. The routing 43rd ran off the table, along with the 9th and the 97th (who had not even taken any casualties or fired a shot). The remaining 52nd fell back and just remained on the hill.
These were now unformed in the face of 4 french columns, need I say more.
Kellermans Grenadiers now left the remaining unformed 52nd to Thomierers Bgd and the turned on Aclands Bdg who now had to change support orders to deal with the new threat on the flank.
The British artillery in the centre was destroyed with the help of a double 6 and resulted in a dispersal and a Brigade test for Fanes brigade, A test they just passed and held their position.
Kellermans Grenadiers now smashed into Aclands 20th and forced a retreat but with time running out the grenadiers failed to stay formed after the melee. Thomierers columns finished off the 52nd who ran from the charge.
The final turn 12 saw it all, a failed charge by St Clairs Grenadiers. A devastating volley shattered one of Charlots battalions forcing a rout and a Brigade test. A test Charlots Bdg Failed and they ran, losing half of the brigade.
Aclands 20th now failed to rally and retreated off the table causing a final brigade test that was also a fail.
With the loss of Aclands Bgd it left Fanes Bgd holding the hill and the village.
More French good order troops were in posession of the hill than British.
A French Victory.
A great Scenario and game and well done to Karl and Glenn.
Next week is the Action at Ventosa..

The Battlefield

The field of battle from the French side

The Hill with the village of Vimeiro and the vineyards in the distance

Troops ready to be deployed

The opening moves, skirmishers, erm skirmish.

Charlots and St Clairs brigade advance

The British (Fanes Brigade) await the assault

Ansruthers Brigade await the assault

Charlots Brigade engages the Brits defending Vimeiro.

Thomierers and Kellermans Brigades advance.

The French quickly advance onto the British position

Glenn and Karl pondering their next move about mid way through the game.

Thomierers columns are halted and repulsed.

Charlots brigade forces the British skirmishers from the vineyards

Aclands brigade arrives to support Fanes troops on the hill.

British troops defending Vimeiro.

The French assault begins.

Ansruthers brigade runs, the French turn towards Acland and Fane.

Just before Aclands failed brigade test, Fane still hold the left of the hill as Charlots shatterd brigade retires.

A few pics from the game.

ECW completed pics

2012-01-14T10:26:00.000Z

This weeks game

2012-01-11T08:32:00.000Z

This week, we continue with the Napoleonics theme.
We are playing theVimeiro scenario from the GdB rulebook.
This is a taster for the peninsular period as I am awaiting the delivery of the Naps scenarios vol 5 from Caliver books.
Hopefully the camera will be working for some pics this week.
ECW all finished, I want some pics before they ship to Aus.
Made a start on some SYW for Karl and some ACW for Andy.

A Game to Start the Year

2012-01-05T10:36:00.000Z

We are kicking off the new gaming calendar tonight with a 4 player Naps.
A meagre 400 points, "General de Brigade"
As a British player, this will be tough, very tough.
Time to dust off the Brunswickers methinks.

A look back at 2011

2011-12-31T14:54:00.000Z

Well!
What a busy year Painting, Gaming and general messing about with Wargames stuff.
This last year I have paintied around 2100 figures from all scales and periods.
Constructed multiple terrain and scenic items.
Played many games from many periods and enjoyed all of them.
2011's wargaming callendar revealed we had played,
5 ACW games,
and a 6 game campaign.
7 Naps games,
and a 3 game campaign.
4 SYW games.
5 Jacobite games.
5 Zulu games,
and a 3 game campaign.
4 WWII games.
and a final Medieval game to end the year.
This does not include casual games, play testing and games played with my eldest boy.

My collections have increased a little.
Some armies have new additions, some are new armies.
I have a new gaming table, courtesy of Andy at Terra Firma Studio's, and very fine it is indeed.

My games room has been decorated and re organised (Thanks to my lady, Charlie).

All in all a great year and hopefully a great one to come.

I will take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

May your tactics and strategies be sound, your dice roll true and lady luck be on your side, (unless you are on the opposite side of the table to me, haha)

Cheers
Kev at the Cabin.

Last game of 2011

2011-12-23T08:52:00.001Z

Well!!
We saw the gaming year out last night with an epic Medieval game.
Played using our house rules "Clash of Arms".
Myself and Jon with the Rebel factions.
Karl and Glenn with the Royal forces.
The game started with a massive assault by the kings forces on a well prepared rebel battleline.
The combat cards straight away showed us how the game would go.
Myself and Jon had some really good cards, but not a single counter card between us both.
Karl and Glen had 6 counter cards, that would really make a difference later in the game.
No matter what we threw at them, they countered it.
They then threw all they had at us and with no chance of a counter, all hell broke loose.
We had mercenaries changing sides.
Loyal rebel troops deciding to fight for the King, and turning on their former comrades.
With bad weather in our faces (poor missile fire) and former allies turning on us.
All was over very quickly.
We had one really good card, the only card in the deck that can't be countered.
The "assassinate" card.
This allows a leader to be killed, as the King came into LOS, Jon played the card, this could have really changed the game.
Jon pointed to the King, "we can see him" he played the card, and with no counter allowed he picked up his D10 and rolled it.
Needing to roll a 6+ to remove the King and force the royal forces into retreat, we all watched as the little D10 bounced along.
It finally stopped to reveal a bloody 1, A FAIL, all was lost!
Karl destroyed Jons Earl of Oxfords faction with the help of some turncoats, leaving my Warwick to try to hold the already shrinking line.
Glenn with the king drove hard into my line as Karls yorkist faction swept onto my flank.
Glenns early successes were halted by my steady line and I made him pay dearly for the assault.
His two units of Knights on the flank were destroyed by my archers, as he forced his way through my centre.
Karls now moved his archers onto my flank and wreaked havok on my remaining troops.
All was lost as Warwick left the field with the remains of the rebel army.
Glenn the jubilant King with his ally Karl with the Yorkist loyalists took the field.
A great game to end the year on.
Played in our usual, loud, articulated, humoured style.

ECW COMPLETED

2011-12-22T09:55:00.000Z

The Ecw army for Peter is now complete (Except for the mass basing session on friday)
This is the last unit, "Commanded Shotte"

These would work for either side.
Generic mid blue coats with Blue flag.
I will post a few pics of the complete and based army over the christmas period.
Before they are shipped off to Aus in the new year.

Next on the list is some SYW Austrian cavalry.
Then followed by a few Naps French and vistula.
Then a Naps British peninsular army.
Then Some WOR.
Busy, busy, busy.

Merry Christmas to all..

2011-12-21T08:27:00.001Z

Wishing everyone a very, very, very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I hope Santa brings you all your gaming needs and wants.
Cheers
Kev...

ECW Dragoons Completed

2011-12-20T08:30:00.000Z

Dragoons completed and ready for basing. I am about halfway through the last unit of commanded shotte.

No Game again

2011-12-16T08:29:00.000Z

Well! no game again this week.
Everyone is ill, the nasty virus is taking its toll.
Hopefully, next thursday will be ok, it's the last game before christmas.
ECW dismounted dragoons completed. will post some pics over weekend.
Started the final unit of commanded shot.

ECW Royalist Dragoons

2011-12-09T09:37:00.000Z

A few of the Royalist Dragoons (mounted) In a striking dark blue and green colour scheme, very Rupert-ish.
Ready for basing.

Ready to start the same Dragoons on foot now.

What a week..

2011-12-06T09:07:00.001Z

Well, what a week, had some sort of chest/throat infection, OMG, felt so ill.
Temp 104°, shivers, shakes, coughing up allsorts of face huggers, yuk !
Just want to say thanks to my lovely lady for looking after me over the weekend, (I know you read my blog at work Charlie xx)
Felling a bit better now and resuming the painting today.
Currently painting the royalist dragoons.

Horses nearly completed and riders started.
I always paint both rider and horse together, I find this easier and I think the result is better.
You also get a better glue bond if you join them before painting them.
I picked a blue colour scheme for these (hope thats ok Peter) as the Parliament Dragoons I painted last year are red. The blue makes them appear a bit more Royalist I suppose, or maybe thats just me.
This has put me behind a bit more, so time to get cracking..

ECW Parliament cavalry completed

2011-11-29T13:50:00.000Z

The Last of the heavy cavalry are now completed (need basing)
I will be making a start on the dragoons tomorrow (royalist).
I am hoping to have the whole armies completed by the end of next week, I will need a full day I recon just for basing and making movement trays for the infantry.

Then its back to naps again, Polish and a few French.
Over Christmas I will be painting some strelets Normans to go against my Saxon army.

ECW new painting

2011-11-26T10:19:00.000Z

28mm Warlord games Parliament cavalry.
First 6 ready for basing, final 6 are on my table, just finished the horses and started on the riders.

ACW game 24th Nov 2011

2011-11-25T10:51:00.000Z

A few pics from last nights Acw game.

A very hard fought battle that ended with another Union victory.

Glenn and Jon fought hard and pushed myself and karl to the limit.

The battle starts with Glenns Rebs advancing in strength towards my advancing yanks. Glenns Rebs charge the yankee line in the wood.

Union guns deploy to engage the rebs in the centre as more yanks move up in support. Karls Union brigades move to assist in the centre as he pushes towards the lone reb brigade holding the crossroads on the flank.

Karls reserves arrive, the officer leads them forward. Although sluggish at first, they advance towards the reb centre and will be decisive in the melee to come.

Glenns rebs on the flank, slam into my unit in the wood. The yanks lose the melee and flee back through the newly arrived reserves. The rebs consolidate their position in the wood.

The rebs come on screaming in their usual style, but meet stiff resistance as they clear the woods. My Iron Brigade holds its line as artillery moves up in support.

Karls yanks assault the reb centre as the weak reb flank is pressured. Karls reserves closing on the centre, Jon is forced to bolster his forces with his newly arrived reserves.

My Yanks retake the wood after a hard fought melee, pushing the rebs back. By now, three of Glenns four Reb batteries are damaged. The union artillery proving to be the superior in the artillery duels.

My Iron Brigade engages the rebs in the centre woods. This will be a hard fight with mounting losses on both sides. Union artillery now supports my line and the Rebs suffer under the constant barrage.

As Karl assaults the Reb centre behind the stone wall., my centre swings to aid the Iron Brigade that is heavily engaged with the rebs in the centre woods,

Karls now assaults the reb centre behind the wall. Jons rebs get their dander up and after initially losing the melee now charge the victorious yanks hoping to dislodge them from the wall. this succeeds and Karls yanks fall back from the onslaught.

Jons reb flank is now lost as the yanks destroy the lone reb brigade holding it. Karl now swings his brigades to assault the centre. Jon moves his reserves to counter this. He weakens his centre though as Karls reserves close in for the kill.

With the wood retaken and a solid Union line pushing forward, Glen is forced to try on last attemp to take the wood. His Zouaves Reserves charge and are shattered with volleys, losing the melee badly. The zouaves retreat with heavy losses. Glenns force is now in a bad way with 2 spent and 2 worn brigades. All his guns are now damaged as he faces a still fresh union division.

Repeated Union charges Smash the demoralised reb centre. Karl advances as Jon attempts to hold with what he has left and puts up a solids resistance. Union artillery now swings into action to aid Karls advance. The Rebs now suffering from the bombardment prepare for the final assault.

Karl now smashes into the reb defences, driving them back. Glenns forces are now in complete disarray and fall back through the woods.

Karls reserves finally arrive to support the breakthrough in the reb centre. Jons rebs fighting all the way as they retreat.

My Union brigades now prepare to advance on Glenns retreating rebs as Karl chases Jons from the field. Another great game over, a good win for the Yankees.

This was a hard fought game and could have gone either way. The advent of reserves made the game more interesting, especially when yo didnt know where the would arrive.
Next week is just myself and Glenn, we will be playing WW2.

Parliament Foot near completion

2011-11-23T19:25:00.000Z

Now painted and ready to add to the basing pile.
Now completed are.
Parliament Foot x 40
Ruperts Foot x 40
Cuirrassiers. x 12
1 Gun & 4 Crew.
Royalist Horse x 12
King Charles &
Ollie Cromwell.
Just the 12 mounted and dismounted Dragoons (Royalist this time, in blue coats)
The 12 Parliamnet horse, (just started these this afternoon)
And and extra unit of commanded shot x 14 figures. (can use for either side).
I'll set them all up and photo the lot when they are all done and ready to send to Australia.

ECW new painting.

2011-11-20T11:27:00.000Z

Parliament pike block near to completion

Part of the first sleeve of shotte

Acw Game Thursday

2011-11-19T10:12:00.001Z

Well! we had our Acw game that was cancelled from the week before.
5 were present.
Myself & Karl with the Yankee's.
Glenn, Lee & Joe with the Rebs.
It ended early with another great Union victory.
Karl utterly destroyed Lee's (no pun intended, lol) & Joe's attacking reb brigades, as I managed to hold against Glenns assault.
Glenns initial assault pushed back my yanks, who countered and beat them off as Karl followed up Lee's retreating spent force.
Will post a few pics over the weekend.
Great game again,
The rebs have a chance for revenge next thursday, ACW again..
Pics as promised below..

Glenn deployed for battle

Lee & Joe deployed for battle

Myself deployed for battle

Karl deployed for battle

Karl deployed a large 4 section battery to cripple Lee's advance

My troops ready to recieve Glenns assault

My centre ready for Glenns mass attack

My Zouaves advance to face the rebel yell

Glenns assault fails, his troops on the retreat, he calls it a day as my yanks follow the beaten rebs.

Karl advances after all reb opposition has withered away.

The final stage as my brigades link up with Karls and we take the field.

A great game on a fairly open battlefield.
Next week will have a more constricted battlefield to make movement a little more interesting.

New ECW painting, Parliament Pike..

2011-11-16T09:34:00.000Z

No ACW game last night

2011-11-11T08:35:00.000Z

Had to cancell last nights wargame.
Started to feel a little rough as the day went on.
I called the guys early eve and said we would have to give it a miss.
I feel a bit better today, dont know what was wrong, maybe the new BP pills I have just started.
I was so looking forward to the game. Oh well ! always next week.

ACW game tonight

2011-11-10T08:25:00.001Z

We are playing Fire & Fury tonight, myself and Karl with the yanks, Glenn and Lee with the rebs.
30+ stands each slug fest, bring it on guys..
Just started painting the ECW foot.
Game pics and new painting pics to follow.

Construction complete.

2011-11-08T18:28:00.001Z

Spent the last 3 working days putting together the last of the ECW plastics.
Phew all done now.
Regt of pike & shotte, Regt of commanded shotte, Parliament cavalry, dismounted and mounted dragoons
Hope to get them undercoated tomorrow if not raining

Update
Yep, got them undercoated, had to bring them into the games room as it is so damp outside.

All ready for painting.

Time to let them harden, I will be making a start on the pike tomorrow

Last Thursdays Jacobite game, Scots forces shattered..

2011-11-07T17:18:00.000Z

Well, what nearly became a very early victory ended in a terrible defeat.
Karls Brits faced the Highland charge..

The Jacobites prepare for battle

Scots cavalry on the flank

Karls British prepare to recieve the highland charge

Impulsive as ever, the scots advance

Braving the massed British firepower the scots get ready to unlease the charge

Cavalry face up on the flank

Initial successfull assaults get bogged down and the Brits prepare steady volleys into the vulnerable scots. Unable to follow up on the early assaults, the scots are forced back with mounting losses.

British fire from the mounted dragoons on the flank pushes the scots cavalry back. The flank opens up to the brits.

The Jacobite centre collapses as the Brits take the wood from the eccossais.
Great game as usual, Karl was his usual self in victory, wanting to finish off the retreating scots.
It was so close, I could taste it, but even though the initial charges were successfull, the dice gods refused to grant me the breakthrough result.
In the end, the British steadfastness and firepower won the day.
The next will be a mini campaign I think...

28mm Warlord Games ECW Cavalry.

2011-11-02T20:10:00.000Z

Another Unit nearly completed and ready for basing.
This time its royalist cavalry, slight leaning towards the colour blue for a uniform colour scheme.

Ready to make a start on the Parliament cavalry & Dragoons now so will be having a prepping day tomorrow.

28mm Warlord Games English Civil War, new painting.

2011-10-28T11:25:00.000+01:00

Charles I, Ready for basing

Charles I, final highlights.

ECW Artillery crew

Last evenings Peninsular game, 28mm "General de Brigade"

2011-10-28T11:13:00.001+01:00

My three brigades deployed, Brits on each flank, with my Brunwickers holding the centre, my Highlander left flank prepares to advance & engage Glenns wetphalians awating at the bottom of the hill.

Glenn advances with his second brigade towards the high ground on the right with orders to secure it. No British are in sight at this time. His artillery advances with them. The wood blocking his view of the brunswickers in the centre.

Glenns first brigade awaits the advance of my Highlanders on the left, he uses his first brigade artillery to engage my Brunswick battery in the centre. He then swings this to support the right as my Jocks advance into range.

My British on the right also advance towards the high ground and encounters Glenns Brigade as they clear the ridge. Both meet at close range, Glenns limbered battery clears the ridge to find a British column waiting for it.

My Brits engage Glenns Westies in a sharp firefight as they come into view on the high ground. Struggling to deploy into line, they open fire in column formation. One battalion destroys Glenns limbered battery before it can deploy and falters it. The westy brigade general is wounded and retires for medical treatment. The westies fight back hard, but leaderless.

My Highland Brigade advance onto the awaiting Westphalians on the left. Glenn awaits with three line and support from the battery if needed. Glenn notices the vulnerability of the Jocks as they advance and changes the order for the supporting cavalry. They are the only mounted troops on the field and may prove to be invaluable.

Glenns single cavary brigade moves into the centre to support the left. My Brunswick battery spots this and swings the guns around a little to counter the threat.

Glenns battery recovers from the falter and deploys in front of the British column. Although weakened, a round of canister from the guns causes heavy casualties on the british. The westphalian musketry is less effective though and the Brits is very effective. A close volley desimates the gun battery and as they lose a gun their morale fails. Glenns destroyed battery flees the field and the resulting Brigade test is failed. Four battalions of Glenns retire in disorder, leaving my Brits to take the high ground.

My Highlanders engage on the right and the Westphalians realising they cannot match the steady volleys of the Jocks, decide to assault and take the fight to them. They all charge, two are faltered with volleys but one succeeds and charges home. The jocks fail their morale and retreat. But with insufficient move to continue the charge, the westies halt in front of a fresh Highland battalion. Phew! situation saved.. The retreating Jocks rally and once again enter the fight. The pressure is now on Glenn as he advances his cavalry in the centre.

Glenns cavalry at this time have moved into charge range of the fresh but vulnerable Highland battalion. They launch a desperate charge at the exposed Jocks who in turn wheel to bring more muskets to bear. A pretty poor volley empties one saddle and all looks good for the cavalry until Glenn realises thay have charged across the face of the Brunswick artillery. A devastating Cannister volley into the flank of the cavalry takes 6 casualties. The remenants of the cavalry flee the field and the situation for the Jocks on the left had been stabilised. Glenns artillery is all that remains holding his centre as what is left the cavalry gallops past them to safer pastures.

Glenns recovered brigade on the right now advances with new engage orders to try to retake the high ground as the Brits sit comfortably on the ridge and await them. They advance steadily into concentrated volleys and halt in musket range. The forces are about even, but can they match the British firepower.

Glenns Left now recovers and tries one last assault on the Jocks. A massed column charge fails with 2 battalions faltering and one retreating. This is the moment the Jocks have been waiting for, The Jocks chargs a faltering column and force it to retreat, to their horror the Highlanders continue and hit them as they flee. The left flank belongs to the hard fighting Highlanders as the westphalians are all either running or faltering. None may rally due to the Jocks pressing them.

As my Jocks were clearing the left, my Brunswickers advanced in the centre. With only a single battery facing them, they were confident of taking the centre. Fire from my Brunswick battey weakened the Westphalian battery as the infantry advanced, A round of cannister troubled the advancing Brunswickers, but a well aimed volley then crippled the battery, who decided enough was enough. The centre was mine also, as the battery followed their comrades on the left.

The counter attack on the right by the Westies stalled as British volleys took their toll. With their morale still shakey from the earlier failed brigade test, and mounting casualties, they started to give under the pressure. The Brits advanced off the hill and the game ended at this point. With the centre and the right taken and the Westies retreating on the left, it was a great win again for my Brits and a big thanks to Glenn for a great game, in his usual aggressive style.

Glenns Westphalians were mostly 2nd Line and his force consisted of..
Brigade 1 = 3 x Infantry (36 Figs, 2nd Line), 3 Gun Btty (3/4pdrs, Line) & 10 x Line Skirmishers.
Brigade 2 = 4 x Infantry (36 Figs, 2nd Line), 3 Gun Btty (3/4 pdrs, Line) & 10 x Line Skirmishers.
Brigade 3 = 16 x Heavy Cavalry (Dragoons, Line)

My Force were mostly line and consisted of
Brigade 1 = 2 x Highland Infantry (40 Figs, Line), 1 x British Inf (30 Figs, Line).
Brigade 2 = 2 x Brunswick Infantry (30 Figs, 2nd Line), 4 Gun Btty (6pdrs)
Brigade 3 = 3 x British infantry (2 x 30 Figs & 1 x 40 Figs, Line).

Rule set "General de Brigade"

This Thursdays game

2011-10-26T09:05:00.001+01:00

This Thursday will be Naps.
Just myself and Glenn this week, due to people on hols.
600 pts each, Peninsular "General de Brigade"
My Brits vs Glenns Westphalians.
Now my camera seems to have sorted itself out, I will take some pics..
Oh!!
Off to Fiasco in Leeds on Sunday.
Great lil show at the Royal Armouries, taking my eldest lad and my lady.
Should be a great day, with the added bonus of the Armouries too.

28mm Warlord Games ECW

2011-10-21T17:18:00.000+01:00

Couple of pics of some current work.
Warlord Games Cuirassiers and an Oliver Cromwell.
Both virtually complete except for basing.

We were gaming last night, SYW
Prussia vs Austria.
Great game that ended with a draw result, both sides were battered though.

My new "ultima Ratio Regum" ruleset played perfectly and had a great linear feel to it.

Big thanks to Karl for bringing his Austrians, & Glenn for letting me destroy his cuirassiers.

Back from Hols

2011-10-18T09:53:00.000+01:00

Well !!
Back from my holiday, had a fantastic time in the best city in england, YORK..
Sorry for the lack of posts, we all need a holiday once and a while, lol.
Back to the work shedule tomorrow and continuing with the ECW.

No Game last night.

2011-10-07T09:05:00.000+01:00

Well, due to people been ill and at work, we had no game last night.
So instead I decided to have a night painting a few of my own stuff for a change.
Created a new US command group for my WW2 games, consisting of a radio truck, M16 A/A, M3 HT & a M5 stuart tank.
I very nearly completed them so just a lil bit more to do at the weekend.
Currently painting Cuirrasiers for the ECW..
Will post some pics over weekend.
I have recently been wondering about the Wargames Illustrated magazine, or Battlefront Illustrated as it seems to be commonly called nowadays.
I see a very similarity to the White Dwarf mag.
Is this what happens when a wargames company produces a magazine.
I do enjoy reading the mag, but it does seem to be getting a bit samey, with the same people every month, with the same systems.
At £4.50 a throw I am thinking, is their anything else worth reading instead. Is miniature Wargames still around? Mmmmmm,, any thoughts or recommendations would be welcome.

Derby Show & Purchases

2011-10-02T10:38:00.000+01:00

The Derby show was great, had a great day.
Purchased loads of Tanks and Carriers to complete my WW2 British army.
I also added a few bits to my other collections.
Gave Alec at Front Rank the new updated ruleset for the 18th Century.
Had a ball..lol

Derby Wargames Show

2011-09-29T13:41:00.002+01:00

Off to Derby Wargames show on Saturday.
A day of shopping and spending my birthday money.
Still painting ECW. Ruperts battalia completed, started cavalry and artillery.

ACW battle Thursday 22 Sept

2011-09-26T09:29:00.000+01:00

Ignore the camera date, it's wrong.

My Yankees Advance

Fire & Fury,
Myself and Karl with the Union forces.
Glenn & Jon with the Confederate forces.
Force composition was D10 randomised and the result was.
Myself.
37 Infantry stands & 4 Guns
Karl..
38 Infantry Stands & 3 Guns
Glenn.
38 Infantry Stands & 3 Guns
Jon..
32 Infantry Stands & 3 Guns.

Karls Yanks advance

The rebs came on in their usual agressive charges. Jon whooping as they came on.
The Yanks formed up and awaited the assault.
The Reb assault came, Jons rebs Hitting my yanks hard, my Zouaves were destroyed but the rest of my line held and pussed them back.
Glenns assault came in piecemeal against karls yanks, (thanks to some poor dice rolls)
Karl counted against the weakened rebs and pushed them back.

Jons Rebs advance

With the rebs falling back acroos the whole front, the yanks countered.
A full assault from the union line forced the rebs back again with further heavy casualties.
Karl broke the rebel flank, All looked grim for Glenns retreating rebs.
Jon managed to steady his Rebs and reform a line.
My yanks had their dander up though and broke through on the left.

Glenns Rebs advance

Glenn formed what was left of his corps and fought a valliant last stand that was swamped in blue at the end.
Karl jumping around in victory at the complete destruction of his opponent.

Jon meanwhile steadied his last brigade and tried a final charge to stem my yankee advance.
This failed, the last rebel brigade fell back with heavy losses.

My Yanks advanced with Karls to take the field.

Jons assault on the union line

Jon lost 26 stands from his 32 & 1 Gun.
Glenn lost all his 38 stands & 1 Gun. (he had 2 guns left)
Myself I lost 10 stands from my 37 & 1 Gun.
Karl lost 9 stands from his 38.

Glenns assault on Karls union line

A resounding Victory for the Union.
Great game

Glenns centre suffers ans is driven back

The start of the end for Glenns rebs as Karl counter attacks

Karl destroys the reb flank, Glenns rebs fall back to try to reform

Glenns rebs fail to reform and the flank is open for Karls yankees.

Glenns reb last stand

Jons assault is halted and driven back with heavy losses

My counter attack on Jons Rebs drives them from the field

Glenns Confederate corps is destroyed

Glenn surveys the shattered remenants of his corps.

& gives a final salute to the yanks, (2 stands left ) Haha

28mm ECW command Warlord plastics.

2011-09-21T11:03:00.001+01:00

Ruperts Foot Command group.

28mm ECW command group for Ruperts foote.
The pike and shotte are nearly ready for basing.
Currently putting plastic cavalry together.

Finished and ready for basing

Napoleonics game Sept 15th

2011-09-16T08:31:00.000+01:00

Naps again last night.
Myself against Karl & Glenn again.
Bit of a repeat from last week, Karl held back and blew the hell out of my advancing Brits.
Glenn crumbled from my attack.
Tactical draw again.
I must stop advancing on to two french gun batteries.
No pics though, my camera is been naughty and playing up.

Workload is currently ECW.
Just put the Warlord cuirassiers together (curiosity), they look really nice.

Napoleonics Game Thursday 8th

2011-09-12T08:49:00.000+01:00

The game was a Tactical draw, although both sides were weakened.
The French dug in and held against a solid British attack.
Glenns Westphalians were looking very shaky towards the end, Karls French Guns wreaked havok on the advancing Brits.
Once my Brits were in musket range though, their firepower really started to turn the advantage.
Enjoy the pics from a very enjoyable game.

Napoleonics

2011-09-07T08:20:00.000+01:00

This Thursday's game is Peninsualr Naps.
Myself and Jon with the Brits, Karl and Glenn with the French/Westphalians.
General de Brigade ruleset.
500pts per player.
Bring it on..
Will post some pics at the weekend.

ECW Painting & Thursday's Game

2011-09-03T10:18:00.001+01:00

Rapidly painting ECW, Started pike & shotte.
Played WW2 again on Thursday eve, Myself & Karl with the Jerries, Glenn with the Yanks.
Once again it was a glorious victory to the rolling blitzkreig.
Glenn hates Tigers NOW, hahahahaha
A few pics as promised.

Great game, enjoyed by all 3 of us, even Karl.
The new terrain from Terra Firma Studios looks awesome.
If you are thinking of setting up a gaming area and need the best terrian on the planet, check out their website and contact Andy at Terra Firma.

Thursdays WW2 game

2011-08-27T10:00:00.000+01:00

A few pics from last Thursdays WW2 "Rapid Fire" game.
With 2 recent defensive game losses to my credit, lol, I decided to go on the offensive for a change.

My German forces overwhelmed the dug in Americans. I destroyed their tanks and took the objectives, but with heavy losses to my infantry.
I lost 1 tank, a STuG, Glen lost 4 shermans.
Good game, on my new terrain.
Just need new hedgerow and flexi roads now.

So much for the Zulu Tribal Bash

2011-08-19T18:20:00.004+01:00

Well my Zulu force got completely crumped last night.
I rolled the worst dice in living memory, whilst Glenn rolled the best in his.
Game finished by 9pm.
We chilled and discussed the WW2 army lists, then I finished the eve with a bit of painting as my lady had her friends over for a girlie nite.
I took some pics and will post them when I download them from the camera.
Update...
As promised, here are a few pics from the game.

New start, new figures..Updates

2011-08-18T09:06:00.000+01:00

Portos finished, just a couple of skirmishers to sort.
Started ECW for peter.
My new terrain looks awesome, going to be adding the new accessories over the next couple of months.
New woods, hedgerows, hills and roads.
Rebasing some of the buildings.
Adding some new Germans to my WW2 army. (well tanks anyway).
Gaming today. Running an ACW for Lee and his lad, Intro to Fire & Fury.
Tonight, myself and Glenn will be having a Zulu civil war game, should be interesting.
Jon is rapidly building his WW2 Russian force, and Glenn his WW2 British.
All Busy busy.

New Terrain

2011-08-09T18:43:00.002+01:00

Just had to tell you all that my first batch of new terrain From the superb Terra Firma Studios arrived yesterday (Thanks Andy).
OMG it is awesome.........
Pics soon

28mm Front Rank Portuguese Lusitanian Legion

2011-08-09T08:32:00.000+01:00

Couple of pics of the finished Lusitanian Legion.
Painted to my Wargames Standard.
I gave them a standard regimental colour as nothing seems to be known whether they carried any colours at all. This is for completeness and for show only.
Just putting the last touches to the final Battalion of the Porto's and made a start on the ECW for peter.

My painting Schedule is now booked up till late Nov.
Small paint work may be worked in with existing workload, Click on the Terra Firma link for my painting service and contact me through the link on my page.

Yanks win

2011-08-05T08:42:00.000+01:00

My Germans were soundly beaten last night.
The Us forces ground down my small German defending force and took 2 of the 3 objectives.
US Heavy artillery is a bitch, lol.

Near the end of the Porto's

2011-08-04T09:36:00.000+01:00

Lusitanians complete, last 6 Cacadores complete, 2 brigade colonels complete.
Working on the last Porto bttn. and the last 12 skirmishers.
ECW under construction.
Game testing with Glenn tonight, WW2, my new Lightening War ruleset.
This combines a bit of Rapid Fire, F&F and FOW..Should be interesting at the least.
Of course I'm playing the German forces, Glenn the Yanks..
Lets see if he can spot the hidden tanks and guns, lol

Lusitanians Done

2011-08-01T20:21:00.002+01:00

Just putting the finishing touches to the Lusitanian Legion for lee, started the last Bttn..
Ready for the ECW now...

My Painting Service now available online.

2011-07-29T09:50:00.000+01:00

For all your Wargaming Terrain and accessories, and now also my painting service.
Please check out the excellent.

Quality Terrain and scenics at an unbeatable price.
Contact Andy at Terra Firma Studios for all your wargaming requirements.
My service is available here, http://terrafirmastudios.co.uk/miniaturepaintingservices.aspx

Zulu War game..Zulu Victory..

2011-07-29T08:58:00.001+01:00

Zulu wars again last night..
The British relief column was completely destroyed.
What odd few of then that was left watched the victorious Zulu's ransack the wagons.
Well played Jon with the Zulu forces, He totally caught me unprepared and unable to deploy quick enough.
The minor success on my left caused the Zulu's heavy casualties, but my centre collapsed under a black sea of death..
Glen watched on in horror from the laager, as the relief column was destroyed.
The game ended with a few survivors from the column looking down from nearby heights at the destruction.
Whilst the victorious Zulu's taunted the isolated Brits in the laager.
Classic Zulu pincer attack..

We Play a F&F Variant, I devised a few years ago called Red Fire, Black Fury.
It uses dust clouds for zulu movement until they are reavealed by the british players, quite scary sometimes.
Although the British know what Zulu forces are in the area, they dont know where or what each dust cloud is.

More Portuguese completed

2011-07-27T16:42:00.000+01:00

Another battalion and gun battery completed.
Ready for basing...
Started the Lusitanians now, then one more battalion and a few skirmishers and job done.
Constructed some of the ECW for Peter and ready to start them in 2 weeks.
Looking forward to painting something different to Porto's, lol.

I will have to ask Lee to take a pic of the full army for my portfolio..

Victrix Austrians

2011-07-24T17:25:00.000+01:00

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Nice!!!

Maybe my next 28mm project

Jacobite Battle Thursday 21st June

2011-07-23T14:10:00.000+01:00

The Scots advance onto the steady British Line

Great game on Thursday eve. My Jacobites assaulting Karls British.
We used my new "Ultima Ratio Regum"Ruleset.

The battle ended up been a bit Culloden-ish.
The Scots tried to go toe to toe with the Brits and failed miserably.

My objective was to Break through the british line, and this was nearly achieved by my right flank early in the game.

In the end, the steadfastness of the British Grenadiers and some pretty crap dice rolling by me. ended the opportunity.

As the Scots on the right clear the ridge, the British line comes into view

My Cavalry did well again but it was to late in the battle to achieve a breakthrough.

Well played to Karl.
He really does know how to use his British.
They did what they do best, steady volleys followed by a steady advance.

It did show that the rules worked perfectly again.

Back to the massed charge's next time I think.

The Scots poor fire discipline was a major factor in the defeat, couple this with the Brits excellent fire discipline and the result was as it should have been.

The british centre advances

I am looking forward to getting my new terrain from Terra Firma Studio's. The games will look amazing and cant wait, lol.

The British centre halts to await the Jacobite assault

Thanks for a great game Karl, A well deserved victory for the British.
My Scots are reforming and will be ready for the next engagement.

Jacobites preparing to launch the Highland Charge

Scots cavalry advance towrds the British cavalry

British cavalry awaiting the advancing scots

28mm Paintwork Samples

2011-07-17T12:05:00.000+01:00

A few pics of my work...Enjoy

French Cavalry Officer (Superior standard)

Napoleon and Staff (Superior Standard)

All to what I call my Superior standard.
Mostly three colours system with plenty of detail.

French Heavies (Superior Standard)

More French Heavy Cavalry (Superior Standard)

Jacobite clan Command (Superior Standard)

The young pretender (Superior Standard)

Mounted Napoleon (Superior Standard)

French General de Corps (Superior Stabdard)

Zulu Game

2011-07-16T10:37:00.000+01:00

Had a good Zulu War game on Thursday.
Myself with the Zulu's, Glenn & Andy with the Brits.
Once again the british volley fire was too much for the Impi's.
Although a few British companies were overun, the bulk of them held firm in the face of overwhelming odds.
Well done guys..
My Zulu's are licking their wounds and will be ready for the next encounter.

Back From Hols

2011-07-12T12:35:00.000+01:00

Back from my Holiday/weekend away. Though still taking a bit of time off for the remainder of this week.
(My lady is off work all week) So bit of quality time together.
Back to the painting grindstone next week to get the Porto's finished and make a start on the ECW for my one of my Australian customers.
Whilst at Sunny Skeg Vegas, I visited a local gaming store. "Warlords of the Coast".
I received a lovely warm welcome and had a great chat with them about the usual wargaming stuff (who, what and when), lol.
If your venturing to Skeggy, pop in, and say Hi.

Napoleonic wargaming adventures: An unintended game

2011-07-07T12:14:00.000+01:00

Napoleonic wargaming adventures: An unintended game: "I went to visit Kevin an old friend last night to discuss his new terrain project, I took some samples of my freestanding terrain with me, a..."

ECW Construction

2011-07-06T09:32:00.000+01:00

Also started construction of the Warlord Games ECW plastics for Peter.
Need these to set hard ready for painting and aiming to start painting these in 3 weeks.

Cacadores Skirmishers finished

2011-07-05T09:45:00.000+01:00

Now started the next Porto line bttn.
2nd Regt (Lagos)

Cacadores Completed

2011-07-04T09:31:00.000+01:00

Ready for basing.

Started the Cacadores in skirmish order now.
18 x 28mm Front Rank, to be based in 2's.
I have 4 battalions ready for basing, and should be 5 by end of the week.
Mega basing session coming up next week I think.

Cacadores nearly finished

2011-06-30T08:31:00.000+01:00

Down to the last base of the Cacadores 6th Regt.
Then got the skirmish order cacadores to start. (18 of them)
Then 2 more line Regt's
The Lusitanian Regt and the final Gun battery.
Pics to Follow..

Portuguese "La Lippe" finished.

2011-06-27T15:49:00.002+01:00

Ready to start the Cacadores now...

SYW 28mm Austro/Russian vs Prussian

2011-06-24T09:57:00.000+01:00

A few pics from last nights Playtesting of my new SYW Ruleset "Ultima Ratio Regum".

This is a F&F ish variant for 18th Century warfare. 20 Sp's per side.

The Prussians were commanded by Karl & Glenn.

Opposing them was Jon with the Austrians and myself with the Russians.

The evening went very well, only having to make a couple of adjustments to this version 4.

I recon the version 5 will be the final version. It plays great and flows along easily.

28mm Front Rank Polish Infantry

2011-06-23T12:01:00.000+01:00

A couple of pics of some Poles I did.
Based for GdB, 6 x bases of 6 miniatures.
Including Grenadier and light companies.
Lovely figures from the superb range by Front Rank.

28mm Victrix British Peninsular infantry

2011-06-23T11:57:00.001+01:00

A couple of pics of some Victrix Plasitics I did the back end of last year.

More 28mm Porto's in progress

2011-06-22T08:20:00.002+01:00

Command base for the 1st Regt (La Lippe)
These are painted to what I describe as my Wargames standard..
Mostly a two or three colour system.
Painted as accurate as they can be to represent the troops they are.
Neat and durable for gaming with drybrushed gravell and static grass for basing.
Flags are from Napflags and printed on quality paper.
People often prefer better quality flags like GMB and these can be supplied.

Ready for Basing

Fantasy Pirates from Black Scorpion miniatures just added to my schedule.

28mm Prussian Commander (Front Rank) in Progress

2011-06-22T08:17:00.001+01:00

In Progress

Prussian Officer for Karl.

Final stage of Highlighting then ready for basing

28mm Front Rank Portuguese (2nd Elvas)

2011-06-18T12:29:00.000+01:00

Ready for Basing

2nd Elvas Battalion painting completed.
Working on the next Battalion now.
I think I will base later in the week when I have another battalion ready.
When these are finished I will be starting the Brits to compliment these.
Well after the ECW for Peter..
I have been prepping figures all week and am now ready for some serious painting sessions over the next few weeks.

28mm Foundry French Light Cavalry Commander

2011-06-18T12:21:00.000+01:00

Part Painted

Foundry Hussar officer.
Based for General de Brigade, nearly ready to lead a Light Cavalry Brigade.

I love this figure, great animation and really does look the part.

Ready for basing.

Finished 28mm Front Rank Napoleon Command Base

2011-06-18T12:15:00.000+01:00

All done now, my mounted boney commad base is finished.
I now have the man mounted and on foot.
Probably add a few tufts in the near future..
But otherwise quite happy with the fairly quick paint jobby.

New Terrain coming. (at last)

2011-06-17T17:41:00.000+01:00

After a visit from Andy at Terra Firma Studios to discuss my terrain needs. My new games table should be done in a couple of months.
Check out their website, http://terrafirmastudios.co.uk/default.aspx ,,,amazing.
Can't wait to be gaming on it....
Cheers Andy.

Brits Win Again

2011-06-17T12:02:00.000+01:00

Part 3 of the Naps campaign was fought last night and once again resulted in a British Breakthrough and Victory.
This was the hardest fought battle so far, with many troops on the table.
The French had to hold their line and stop the Brits from breaking it.
All was going well for the French and it looked like they had put all their hopes on the final 4th game where they greatly outnumbered us.
British victories in the 1st and 2nd games mean that the Brits had already achieved the Campaign victory conditions of 2 breakthroughs in the 4 games.
If the french held last night and then broke the brits on the last game, cancelling one of the early victories.
The French would have won the Campaign with the brits only achieving one breakthrough.
Karls French and Glenns Westphalians held their line well. Glenns advance was very steady to a good defensive position where he held Jon in check for much of the game.
Karls French covered the hill on the flank with a strong brigade supported with a 4 gun battery.
This played havok with the advancing British lines and a fall back was need to let the brits regroup.
The battle in the centre through a wooded area went back and forth with line against line firing at each other from almost point blank range.
A co ordinated attack on the hill and centre by the brits soon put pressure on Karls French and a sweeping Charge through a small gap by single squadron of British Light Dragoons sealed the Brits Victory.
They Charged the gun battery that failed its morale and routed off the table.
The French passed the folowing Brigade test but were peppered by the advancing British Line and suffering many casualties in the one sided firefight..
By then another British Dragoon squadron had joined the first one and the breakthrough was complete.
Just in time aswell as Glenns westies came at Jon in a mass attack pushing Jons Brits back and inflicting heavy casualties.
Great game that went right to the wire.
No Point in playing the Final game next week a the brits are 3 up with even a loss still resulting in an overall British campaign Victory.
I just want to say thanks to the guys for a great three games, fought in our usual style.
Lots of Tea n Cofee, cigs, Nurofen haha, Cursing, bad language, Laughter, Die throwing and most of all Friendship.
Next week is SYW.
Austrian/Russian vs Prussian.
20 Strength points (big game)
Testing the New rules, my SYW variant for Fire & Fury.

Portuguese Painting

2011-06-15T08:57:00.000+01:00

Just finishing prepping the last of the Porto's for lee.
Assembling the artillery today so I can get them undercoated, proving it dont rain again.
Just the Lusitanian Infantry to prep and then its all out painting for the next few weeks.
Then its ECW time.
Then SYW Austrains.
Then WOR.
Then Naps British.
Busy, Busy, Busy....

French Corps Commander

2011-06-12T08:42:00.000+01:00

Side View

Painted this last year.
It went to South Africa if I remember.
Nice Perry Miniatures figure that was a joy to paint.
Came in a Blister of 3, one I still have in my French Army.

Detail

Jacobite Flags

2011-06-10T16:56:00.000+01:00

Working on some new updated Jacobite flags.
I need a few more so currently researching before I get onto Photoshop again..

Brits win again

2011-06-10T16:52:00.001+01:00

Part Two of our Naps Peninsular Campaign was played last Night.
Myself and Jon with the Brits and Portuguese.
Karl and Glen with the French and Westphalians.
A hard fought battle that ended with 2 French brigade test failures and the Brits breaking through again.
Jons squadron size British Cavalry (6 figures) and only 2 of them stood their own against 4 french units of 12 figures, 3 of them Lancers, lol.
Glen gave my advancing Brits a hard time with his westy line and artillery, I took 3 close morale tests that were luckily passed and continued the attack, the british class showed in the end and the Westies ran away. A suicidal charge by Jons Light Dragoons galloping through the valley of death against Karls artillery battery, that was already weakened by coming off worse againt Jons 2 British batteries.
Karls battery fired at the Charging Light Dragoons and caused 2 Casualties but Jon still managed to pass his Morale test with an impressive 11 on the die roll and force the Artillery to test to recieve the charge.
They Failed and dispersed causing the brigade morale test that saw the entire french left run off the table edge.
The Brits broke through on the left and right flanks and game over.
We now have won the first two of the four campaign games and reach the winning criteria of breaking through on two out of the four games.
We only have to hold and stop the French from breaking through in the final two games to win the campaign.
The French have to attack now and are very strong in the 4th game..
We may have to try to break through in the next game to secure the overall victory.
Great Game..

Paints Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

2011-06-07T19:16:00.000+01:00

Been thinking about trying more of the Vallejo paints, not sure at the moment. I do use a few colours but prefer the pots from Foundry/P3 and painting from the lid.
Always hated using a palette, unless I'm mixing of course.
Making a trip to the Wargames Emporium in Sheffield at the weekend.
May try a few different makes to get a feel for what way to go, cannot keep paying £3.50 a pot from Foundry.
No matter how much I like the paints.
May look at the MP range again, I do like them and use them quite a bit.
The colour range is a bit limited though, although mixing up Light and dark shades is not that difficult.

Terrain

2011-06-06T19:42:00.000+01:00

The terrain boards are ready for a repaint, methinks.
A lighter shade of green is on the cards.
I also think I will adapt a few boards to take into account the new periods and scales we play..

28mm Napoleon and the current Portuguese.

2011-06-04T11:11:00.000+01:00

Current Portuguese for Lee (one of Many)

Current workload of Portuguese for Lee.
One of the many Line Bttn's I'm working on.

Also a sneak preview of my Boney I've been working on for weeks between paint jobs.
I have Napoleon on Foot (Perry Miniatures)
But I did want a mounted Emperor and went for the superb Front Rank Miniature.
Just need to finish the basing now and I will post a pic of the finished vignette.

I really wish Foundry would revise their prices.
I need some paint and with the £8 postage and nearly £3 a pot, I really am considering trying a new range.
I do like the Foundry 3 colour system, but the cost is getting ridiculous.

My New Boney Command stand

Picked up some new brushes at Triples.
A couple of the army painter basics, they are really good for the money and great for general painting.
You cant beat an EM4 for detail work though.
Mind you any good Kolinsky will do if you train it well, lol.

British win

2011-06-03T08:34:00.001+01:00

The First game of the 4 part campaign was fought last night.
Against all odds it was a British victory.
We were playing to hold against the French, who in turn only had to hold against us.
Karl fought a very defensive battle against my Brits and held me in check.
But Glen with the Westphalians was as impulsive as ever and came unstuck against Jons solid defence.
A well timed assault by two British Battalions at the confused French centre, broke through.
At the same time the Westphalian assault on the right was shattered by concentrated British fire power.
Two failed brigade tests resulted in the Westphalians fleeing the field and a total collapse of the French left flank.
Karl (the French CinC) looked on in horror as his own French Brigades were now isolated on their right as the British broke through.
Myself & Jon had hoped to play this as a holding action, only allocating enough troops to do this.
We have stronger forces for the later games.
I win for us last night puts the French at a serious disadvantage now as we are very strong on the next game.
Great Game.
Great result, (for the Brits, lol)

Portuguese Foot started

2011-06-02T10:03:00.000+01:00

Many battalions of Porto's Infantry now started.
These will keep me busy for a few weeks, so will try to break up the monotony by assembling Peters ECW from Warlord, inbetween Porto Bttns.
First Game of our Peninsular Campaign tonight.
First battle of a group of four.
Myself & Jon with the Brits, Karl & Glen with the French.

Peninsular Game Thursday 27th May 2011

2011-05-30T13:49:00.003+01:00

The Guard stand in Reserve

A few pics fron last Thursday's game.
Jon's British, newly painted, faced my French under myself and Karl.
The British could not stand in the coming onslaught and were soundly beaten by a concerted attack on the Left flank and the centre.
Jon weakened his right to bolster the centre allowing Karl to Flank the entire British force.
Good 4 hour game..

Cavalry supporting the Horse Battery

The centre prepares for the Assault

Portuguese Line Cavalry

2011-05-27T20:09:00.000+01:00

These are now finished . Pics over the weekend.
We also had a Naps game on Thursday evening, another win for the Emperor.
I took a few pics and will post those also over the coming weekend.

28mm Dixon's Robert E Lee.

2011-05-25T11:15:00.001+01:00

My Reb command for Fire & Fury

Finished and finally based for my new F&F Reb army.
Below are the replacements for Peter in Aus.
These replace the postal damaged figures.
Just to paint the movement trays now and they will be en route.
Hope they get there in one piece this time.

ECW replacements

Strelets 1/72 Saxon Command

2011-05-25T11:10:00.001+01:00

Saxon Command

My Saxon command is now finished and looks the part with the commander surrounded by his Thegns and Huscarles.
I finished basing this yesterday.
Below is a pic of my first 3 bases of Norman Cavalry.
Currently painting the Portuguese cavalry.

Front view

Norman Cavalry

Busy 2 Weeks

2011-05-24T20:39:00.000+01:00

Well very busy 2 weeks, my lady been in hospital, but all ok and on the mend now, so finally getting back into painting again.
Went to Triples in Sheffield at the weekend, and although the bring and buy was naff, the show was great.
Picked up some nice additions to my Naps armies and a few more Jacobites.
Currently working on a load of Portuguese for Lee, Cavalry at the moment..
Will post a few pics in the next couple of days.

More Strelets saxons

2011-05-14T20:35:00.000+01:00

Norman Command

More Strelets from my ongoing Dark Ages project.
This is for yet another Fire & Fury Variant of mine called "Fury of the Northmen".
I'm aiming for about 50 bases of Saxons with most been Fyrd and Thanes with a few Light troops.
A small hardcore of Huscarles will complete it.
The Normans will consist of Various Cavalry (Norman, Flemish and Bretons).
A large body of Norman heavy infantry, rounded of with some archers and light troops.

The Vikings will be mostly Bondi and archers with a large body of Huscarles.

Again

Saxon Huscarles

Huscarle Shieldwall

Fyrd & Thane's Shieldwall

Again, These will form the bulk of my Saxon Army.

Strelets Saxons Pics

2011-05-09T19:45:00.000+01:00

My First Command Base

Well here they are.
They are very nice to paint and look really good in groups of 4.
I managed to find some norman foot and they are currently enroute from Italy.
Got all I need now.
This will be an ongoing project with my 54mm ECW..

Think they will be Huscarles.

Strelets Saxons

2011-05-08T15:22:00.000+01:00

Just Painted my first 4 Strelets Saxon figures, and they look really nice for 1/72 scale.
Pic to follow, when I have based them..

Finished Westphalians.

2011-05-08T14:52:00.000+01:00

Westphalian Foot Artillery

The Westphalians are now complete.
Ready to move onto completing the French.
Horse Battery and Commanders.
Then moving onto the Portuguese for Lee.
First got some Postal Casualties to sort out for Pete in Aus. Damn overseas postal service.

More of the same

Westphalian General of Brigade

Closer Pic

Westphalian ADC

Rear View detail

Westphalian Artillery

Westphalian Light Infantry Command base..

Finished Westphalian Light Infantry

2011-05-02T09:23:00.000+01:00

Command and Caribinier Stands

Completed Westphalians for Lee.
Ready for static grass to be added..
Nice looking battalion for GdB.
I know the Light Inf did'nt carry flags, but it was requested and they do look better with one..
So I chose a standard infantry colour.

Column Side view

Full Column

Front View

Workbench Westy Artillery

These are the westy foot Artillery.
The figures provided were a mix of French foot and horse.
I have painted the horse as full uniform and the foot figures as wearing the grey overalls that were often worn in the field.
Other wise except for the cockade the uniform is generally the same as the French.

Westy Commander and ADC & Guns in progress

The Guns are the German blue instead of the french Green.
I did this to reflect the German origins of the Battery.
The commander and the ADC are standard french Officers.
I will germanise them a little to reflect the Westphalian look that Lee requires.
All Figures and Guns are Front Rank.
(except for the ADC horse that is from Renegade)
I liked the pose with the extra Harness detail and only one pistol Holster.

Westies

2011-04-30T10:46:00.002+01:00

Nearly finished the Wesphalians .
The Light Inf are now complete and started on the two Command and the Foot battery.
Pics to follow..

Dark Ages

2011-04-30T10:44:00.000+01:00

Just ordered some Strelets Dark Ages from Ebay to then realise that the Norman Foot are sold out everywhere..
Gutted
But on the plus side strelets have hinted on a box set.
So will concentrate on the Saxons first..