Historical Games

In my never ending quest to recreate the armies of WWII on a one-for-one basis, I recently finished up a few more Russians for my 15mm mid-late war Eastern Front forces in 15mm. Specifically some more Russian infantry, some T34/76’s and another T34/85. Of course, whenever you finish new forces you have to get them on the tabletop to get them some combat experience. And with me committed to running a Combat Cards game at the local miniatures convention here pretty quick, it seemed like a good time to playtest the scenario I would be running.

OVERVIEW OF THE BATTLE IN THE VILLAGE

So on a cold Saturday afternoon at the shop I with my brave Russians squared off against Kendall and his gaggle of German villainy - OK, they we my figures but their leader was full of villainy J. The scenario was a meeting engagement between two under strength infantry companies reinforced with limited armor (the Germans a few Panther tanks, the Russians T34/76’s). Both of our objectives were to capture and hold as many of the houses in the village as we could.

THE RUSSIANS ASSAULT

The game lasted for four and a half hours of real time, and came down to a vicious back-and-forth fight over one of the farm houses. Even though the Russians had more infantry directly in the areas, a series of determined assaults by the German infantry finally dislodged the Ruskies and allowed the Germans to claim it as their own.

ONE OF MY NEWLY FINISHED TANKS

In the end though, the Russians held one more house than the German forces, so it was a very minor (and very costly) Russian victory. The scenario proved to be a very good one – very balanced and highly entertaining. It should prove fun at the convention! 

Until next time… 

Dasvidanya! 

Dan

Here are a few shots of some of the Field of Glory Ancients games that have been going on at the shop. The rule set by Osprey has really breathed new life into the period – with, by all accounts, an engaging yet simple-to-learn system. One of the biggest champions of the game in the shop has been Doug M. He has completed a couple of armies, has given several demo games and has even helped up make sure our restock orders for the 15mm stuff is what the players are looking for!

A ROMAN WALL

Speaking of which, a lot of the regulars have been snatching up components for armies in 15mm - a few are even attempting it in 25mm. The speed with which the armies are getting painted, not to mention the quality of them, is very impressive. It has drawn the attention of a lot of newcomers to the period, and to miniatures in general. 

A BATTLE ON THE PLAINS

Usually the biggest barrier to new folks entering the fray is the fear of not having a painted army. With how the FoG players are carefully explaining their assembly and painting methods to anyone who asks, I think there is a real chance for this to become fairly big at the shop!

CARTHAGINIAN CAVALRY

I have a few more pictures that I will also post real soon.

THE BASE CAMP

Until then… 

Happy Hunting!

Dan

Even though one of our regulars (Mark C.) is currently away from the area finishing school, he is still not able to shake the gaming fever (and in his case, I do mean fever – as in a temporary, fever induced insanity…). Recently, he sent me some pictures of one of his recent projects – an WWII American Armored Infantry Company in 6mm Micro Armor.

A 57MM ANTI-TANK TEAM

As you look at the great job he has done, take note of some of the insane detail he has put on these – including faces, equipment straps, vehicle drivers, reflective windshields and wooden bench seats in the half-tracks!  

LOOK CLOSELY FOR THOSE BENCH SEATS...

ONE OF THE RIFLE SQUADS

Mark is an outstanding painter with a real eye for detail. He always puts pressure on the rest of us to up our own standards (curses to you!!! J). He is also a great opponent who we definitely miss around the shop! So enjoy the pics, drool over the detail and then use it as motivation for your own stuff - that’s what I do. Thanks Mark!

THE CO'S STAND

M-10 TANK HUNTERS

Until next time…

May your brushes stay pointed!

Dan

Here are some shots of a naval game being played at the shop. I believe the guys were using their own set of rules with the Wizkids’ Pirate Ships. I don’t know exactly what the scenario was, but it sure looked interesting. 

Until next time…. 

Happy Gaming! 

Dan