Frostys Kennel

Cancon 2012

2012-02-03T19:24:00.000+11:00

Forgot I had the camera until the last game. I only went for the Saturday but had a great time catching up with old friends and browsing the trade stalls. As usual I took my AWI Anglo German army with some native additions.

33rd moving up to support naval gunners

Native Americans and Queens Rangers defend a wood.

Sailors out of water but still able to but down heavy fire (this time against Russians)

1st Anspach von Voight

von Bosse

Probably last time these guys will run as a AWRG army as the are about to be re-based on 40x40mm bases.

Back in touch

2012-01-12T09:11:00.000+11:00

Been away too long changing jobs, moving interstate and generally doing other things. Sadly those other things don't include painting although I did finish off another Langton, another ship from the Bolitho series HMS Black Prince.

On moving house my main issue was transporting figures. My method which seems to be effective as I unpack is filling the figure boxes with shredded paper, top with bubble wrap and tape up boxes securely with packing tape. The boxes I used are the ones for reams of A3 paper they just fit nicely into my shelves.

DW

P51 ?

2011-09-17T19:39:00.000+10:00

Ok it sounded like a P51 when it flew over, it sort of looks like one but doesn't look quite right.

Black Powder

2011-09-15T21:40:00.000+10:00

After receiving the Cardinals excellent 40x40 pre cut plywood bases I started to rebase my AWI armies from AWRG to Black Powder which I can also use for British Grenadier. French and Americans first. Still haven't done artillery yet, may cut some round bases for those and mount crew on washers. Anyway here is a sample American unit coated the bases and edges in a random brown colour I had at home Tamiya XF 72. White glue then dipped into Woodland Scenics Brown Ballast, dry brushed with GW Bleached Bone and finished with GW static grass.

This is a small unit in BP terms will probably make standard unit 4 elements.The flag well its probably not really historical grabbed it off Warflag to give a "finished" look.

Did the commanders on round bases as well. These figures Old Glory of Rochambeau and can't remember are ones I did in the early 1990's. Photo is not that great either. The longer grass from some stuff I picked up from LMRS and cant find the label for, will need to rely on memory to find it again.

Hail Caesar

2011-08-05T19:50:00.001+10:00

Arrived in the mail and hope they will invigorate my interest in ancients and medieval gaming. I have a stack of figures suitable for anything(?) from Normans in 1066, 1st Crusade,Saxons and Vikings (see posts below). As for ancients Greeks and Persians sitting in a box waiting for painting. Only problem all are packed for an impending relocation.

Hit Counters

2011-07-28T20:48:00.000+10:00

mmmm the one at the bottom of the page says 5,503 ish on my stats page its 10,065.

Stuff for the Marulan Car Boot Sale Part 2

2011-05-11T20:40:00.000+10:00

More photos and listings

more books

British minor Expeditions III Copenhagen 1807 and Bergen op Zoom 1813-14.

Great Battles of History Refought, Talavera Campaign.

Rules and Army Lists

Warrior

Holy Warrior

Feudal Warrior

DBM (1.3)

DBM Army List Bk 3

DBM Army List Bk 4

Volley and Bayonet

WRG 1925-1950.

FOG Bk. Immortal Fire.

Fog Bk. Wolves form the Sea.

Hex Games

Battles of the ACW Atlanta Campaign

Across Five Aprils

Command Bunker Hill.

Cavalry bottom guys are Germans

Tin Soldier Normans

Essex Norman Knights

Tin Soldier Saxons


Vikings, Saxons take your pick

More to come.......

Stuff for the Marulan Car Boot Sale Part 1

2011-05-10T20:07:00.000+10:00

So far this is what I plan on bringing to sell. I have prices on some others to be determined.

25/28mm

Unpainted

Old Glory

AWI British Light Infantry (caps) 29 figs.

Mad Anthony Wayne Legion 14 figs.

AWI Highlanders (kilts) 25 figs.

AWI Highlanders (trousers) 19 figs plus 4 casualty figs.

Minifigs

Highland Officers 4 figs.

British Rocket troops 4 figs.

British Pioneers with officer 5 figs.

Mixed Minifigs and Hinchcliffe 21 figs.

Painted and Based

British Napoleonic OLD Minifigs. 12 figs

I have had these for years picked them up as a painted from Tin Soldier when it was in The Dymocks Building

15mm

Anglo-Norman, First Crusade, Saxons and Vikings.

Painted and based

115 foot elements

Includes spearmen, peasants, archers etc

38 mounted elements

Includes knights, cavalry, horse archers

4 Command elements.

Total 157 elements

Mounted elements and 4 fig infantry $10 per element

3 fig infantry $8 per element

2 fig infantry $6 per element

Includes Normans, Vikings, Cilician Armenians based for DBx, Warrior, Field of Glory.

Books

Reminiscences and Recollections of Captain Gronow Volumes 1 and 2, 1900 ed.

Wellington Years of the Sword, Elisabeth Longford.

Piece of Cake, Derek Robinson.

British Military its System and Organisation 1803 – 1815, Park and Nafziger.

Flying Colours, CS Forester.

Hornblower of the Hotspur, CS Forester.

Ship of the Line, CS Forester.

Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, Gen Abner Doubleday.

They met at Gettysburg, EJ Stackpole.

History of Warfare, BL Montgomery.

Who’s Who in Military History, Keegan and Wheatcroft.

The Isles, Norman Davies.

A Very Long War, Margaret Reeson.

Alexander the Great, Robin Lane Fox.

AD&D Players Handbook 1978 ed.

AD&D Wilderness Survival Guide 1986 ed.

Dickson Manuscripts (1812), Alexander Dickson.

Real History of the American Revolution, Alan Axelrod.

Stage 2 Done

2011-04-25T19:41:00.000+10:00

Ok so I have finished stage 2 and here are both together.

Both parts together

Rear

Front

Buildings

2011-04-22T19:42:00.004+10:00

Stage 2

I started these after finding Gary Chalks article on Yahoo forums and thought I would give them ago. This is stage one three buildings. Stage two is a single larger structure seen in the background at times and stage three is the church. In the future structures such as a rail station (so it can be used for WW2 Mediterranean scenarios), fort and governors residence. At this stage they can be used for games in the Caribbean or pressed into service for Peninsular War games using 'Sharpe Practice' rules or when I get my hands on a copy 'Legends of the High Seas'.

The building have a shell of foam core covered with poly filler. Windows, trellises and doors are made of balsa while the "terracotta" tile roofs are corduroy cloth over a balsa base. Other elements include Woodland Scenics foliage clusters and Faller cobblestones.


Ground level view

Although they are designed for 25/28mm games they seem a little smallish. As for the colours its seems Adobe buildings come in a variety of colours not just the earth or white commonly seen.

Deisel Crane pt 2

2011-04-22T19:15:00.000+10:00

I supposed I have finished it but I keep looking at it and thinking something is not right. It is out of period with these cranes not being built until the late 1950's. However I saw this on as part of a dockyard scene for a WW2 game and it seemed to fit.

Unfortunately I don't have the reference for where I got the image, so I apologise if its yours and I am certainly not claiming it as mine.

Windmill and scale

2011-04-15T12:57:00.000+10:00

So this is what it looks like with a 15mm and a 28mm figure. To me it is a bit big to use with 15mm figures but then again maybe a tad too small for 28mm. But if you are using some of the "large" 15mm figures or those that are closer to 20mm then it could work. You just don't want the windmill to dominate your games table. From top to bottom the windmill is 130mm while the span of the sails is 190mm the door in the image is about 25mm in height. The 28 mm figure is on a base which makes him look taller.

Windmill and Diesel Crane

2011-04-14T16:40:00.001+10:00

I have been thinking the past month or so about focusing on terrain rather than figures or vehicles. A trip to Hobbyco not only ended with the purchase of a pair of Airfix Vickers Mk VI light tanks but also a Dapol Windmill, 15 ton Diesel Crane and a piece of HO railway track. The windmill is done, the crane is nearly done and I still have a Vickers to go.

15 Ton Diesel Crane WIP.

Where does it go?

Just looks wrong for Jonathan Creek.

Windmill done and based.

Dapol/Airfix have been around for years and I remember a s a kid building some of their track side kits when I had a train set. So building their stuff again is quite nostalgic. The instruction sound like they could have been written by the same guys that wrote WRG war game rules. Still working on the train but the windmill is done. I would have preferred to do it in white but I have always struggled with painting white, never seem to get even coverage. This goes back to high school days when I built a Wellington bomber and tried to do it in a Coastal Command colour scheme, it was a disaster. The scale of the windmill is a bit small for 25/28mm as one would expect from a HO scale kit.

As for the crane I really wanted the one from the Safi Scenario in the original Rapid Fire rule set but bought this one by mistake. Anyway I did see this one used as a terrain piece in a dockside scenario on the net. Of course I can't find where I found it now should have bookmarked it.

Vickers Part 2

2011-04-09T18:12:00.001+10:00

Done, based, washed, antenna added and matt sprayed. The antenna is a bristle from a dust brush, flexible and unlikely to break.

Oh and new backdrop added.

Vickers Mk VIc Light Tank

2011-04-07T19:59:00.001+10:00

Lovely little kit from Airfix, even though I bought 2 neither has the spotlight that is prominent in most photographs. The other point is that the engine cover(?) on the left side appears to be curved on the real thing rather than flat on the model. Also it is curious that while the box are shows a desert colour scheme the instructions and decals are for BEF vehicles in Europe. I painted this "C" version as a vehicle from 13/18 Hussars attached to the 1st Armoured Division. This unit had 28 Mk VI light tanks.

Front view showing 1st Armoured Div Marking, white triangle on black square, No 2 to indicate 13/18 Royal Hussars.

Unpainted

Mk VIb showing curved engine cover and spotlight.

As this and the next vehicle will be gaming pieces I left off the antenna so it wouldn't break off later.

Some time ago.

2011-04-05T19:34:00.001+10:00

Anglo-Brunswick Deployment

Some time ago we had a go of Lasalle rules. Given that our armies are all based for WRG it took a little bit of creativity to get things going. For example we adopted a base width for movement and shooting of 40mm even though the bases are only 20mm. It meant that movement was quicker and shooting was at an appropriate range.

Austrian Deployment - new rules so minimal terrain.

Hordes of Austrian Infantry

Austrian CinC with assistance.

As far as the rules go I liked them and would like to use them more often but am reluctant to re-base so will play with our own dare I say the word "amendments". Anyway the game pitted my old Minifigs Anglo-Brunswick army against the Heirs Elite Miniatures Austrians. He had great help from some bloke in a Police Box as the Austrian Cavalry put the Life Guards and 1st Dragoon Guards to flight. On the other flank the Brunswickers fought on bravely holding up the Austrian advance.........for a while before the weight of the Elite Austrians told and they began to fall back. Last time I let the Heir include a free Time Lord in his army list.

Need to find a Jonathan Creek Miniature in 20mm

2011-04-04T18:53:00.001+10:00

Found this at Hobbyco on Friday and couldn't resist along with a Diesel crane kit and a pair of Vickers Mk VI light tanks. These will keep me going during the holidays.

What scale?

2011-03-28T18:50:00.000+11:00

The painted Souma is a Heller kit bought a couple of years ago the unpainted Souma is a Frontline resin kit we bought for the Heir a couple of weeks ago. Both kits claim 1:76 scale but the difference in size is quite dramatic to the extent they can't be used in the same unit.

The height is the most obvious difference. Also the row of bolts on the front of the hull is missing from the Frontline kit.

Another issue is the Frontline kit lacks some detail especially on the front of the hull. On of the main features of the Souma is the row of bolts where the upper and lower halves of the hull were joined together. While the Souma was arguably the best tank the French had, if hit on the join it would just split in half.

This is the first dodgy Frontline vehicle I have had, I just hope the rest of their French vehicles are of higher quality. The Heir is planning on 1940 French for Rapid Fire!.

Battle Rages

2011-03-15T17:28:00.000+11:00

A pause of a couple of days means the chance to update our "Periers Ridge" scenario. Although the commander of the 2/22 Panzer Battalion advanced a little too far forward and had to abandon his vehicle the Germans seem to hold the upper hand. A squadron of the Staffordshire Yeomanry is burning and destroyed which limits the British commanders Anti-tank capability. The game will continue the Germans advancing solidly the British defending grimly but with some surprises in store.

Too many burning vehicles for the British commanders liking.

Somewhere in France .......Again

2011-03-14T17:13:00.000+11:00

This time our battle is loosley based on Kampgruppe Oppeln's counter attack on 6 June 1944. Loosley in that there were changes to units and vehicles to fit what we had a avialable. We have enough infantry but need moe armour. So both sides had to suffer e.g. 2x Humber A/Cs being drafted in to cover for the lack of M5 Stuarts while a pair of Stug IIIs subbed for Pz IVs and we used a Brummbar because we lacked a Lorraine 150mm SP.

The aim of the Heirs Kamfgruppe was to get at least 2 tanks onto the wooded hill representing a corner of the Periers Ridge. Oh the other issue is we cut down the table size from 8x5 in the original scenario from the Rapid Fire D-Day Campaign Guide to 6x4 which is what we have in table space. We could have brought in the table tennis table (9x5) but given it will be set up for a while and there are otherss in the household it was more diplomatic to go 6x4. This meant that most of the Periers Ridge was "chopped" as was a bit off each end.

The table and troops

Pre-game photo shows the main features and the vehicles and figures used, not in their deployment zones. More Souma S35s are on the way to support Pz Regt 22 but not likely to be assembled and painted to contribute to this battle anyway.

Jagdpanzer IV

2011-02-27T16:53:00.001+11:00

While the Brumbar was an assault gun to support infantry the Jagdpanzer was a tank destroyer. Again it showed how versatile the Panzer IV chassis was, this time with a thick, sloped armoured superstructure. The version below is the L/70 with all steel wheels at the front. This is the Hasegawa kit, it goes together easily but is let down by the tracks.

Jagdpanzer IVL/70

This image gives an idea of the height difference between the Jagdpanzer, Brummbar and Panzer IV.

Brummbar

2011-02-23T11:00:00.000+11:00

Designed to fight in streets the Brummbar was another example of the versatility of the Panzer IV chassis. The heavily armoured superstructure housed a 15cm howitzer. However the Brummbar could only carry 30 rounds of ammunition in its cramped interior not leaving much room for its five man crew.

This kit is Italeri 1:72 scale offering which was relatively easy to assemble except for the tracks. These are individual links and care is needed to place them.

Books

2011-02-01T18:24:00.002+11:00

Cut down on the painting a little and picked up a few books instead to pass the time during the school holidays and to take my mind off the thought of not being in full time employment anymore.

Skullduggery by Kerry O'Keeffe is a collection of cricket based stories and to be honest took time to get into. I think it was reading Kerry's thoughts and opinions on games and series that had just been played. This was odd in that you know what happens a bit like reading the end of a novel to find out if the hero lives or dies then going back to the start. Still some great fun light reading, especially stories about players long retired and their antics in comparison to some of the activities of modern players.

36 Days by Hugh Dolan, when I picked this up in the library I thought OK another Gallipoli book, however this looks at the 36 days before the landing not after. He presents some interesting arguments on the role of aerial reconnaissance and photography as well as the role of intelligence officers during the landing. Dolan also has a look at the "wrong" beach myth suggesting that it is just that, a myth. Interesting read supported by good maps, photos, and diary quotes.

Britain AD by Francis Pryor still working through this on and it is a bit of a challenge not as easy to read as Britain BC but still highly thought provoking. He looks at the Arthur legend and revisits the whole idea of a post Roman, Anglo Saxon invasion. Pryor argues that there was no invasion at all or at least not in the way we have been taught, his evidence is well the lack of evidence especially archaeological evidence.

Heretic by Bernard Cornwall is a continuing part of my experiment in talking books. Typical Cornwall good guy, bad guys, girl and plenty of action. The problem I have with books on CD is after listening to one it puts me off reading others by the same author.

Cancon 11

2011-01-23T21:34:00.001+11:00

Ah well couldn't get there this year but had an AWI game to commemorate.

The table loosly based on Guilford Courthouse with French assistance

Continental Dragoons

Greene's idea worked well but the British finally pushed through. Virginia rifles shotdown one general and attempted to bring down another, but then they aren't gentlemen.

AWI Armies

2011-01-16T19:57:00.006+11:00

British and Allies

Here they are in all there glory. I started the French American army in the early 90s and the British (below)have been an ongoing project that has outstripped the allies well and truely. Both have been used in competitions (WRG/AWRG) with varing success lack of battle cavalry is often an issue especially against Napoleonic armies.

The British are a mix of Front Rank, Old Glory, Perry and Foundry. I recently discovered that some of my Front Rank British (labeled as such at a bring and buy and me being new to the period)were actually 1779 Continentals. They are currently being repainted and will be joining their proper comrades shortly. The naval guns and crews are from Eurekas pirate range. They play the role of naval gunners at Yorktown.

French and American

The French Americans are mostly Old Glory and Front Rank with some Minifig guns. I started these first in the early 90s, but the British gradually took over so one of my goals for 2011 is to expand this army. I would like to add some more Continental and militia units.

American Indians

2011-01-13T19:49:00.004+11:00

I have never attempted to paint American Indians before even though the idea of painting some up for my AWI collection has been around for a while. I certainly did not want to do the wrong thing with issues related to Indian culture and traditions while I was also concerned about painting skin tones. Anyway I have a pack of Old Glory Indians from their French Indian War range and these are the first 4.

They are not a bad figure nice and solid with some good facial expressions my only real critisism is that the muskets lack definition and detail.

Continentals

2011-01-10T20:03:00.003+11:00

These are Old Glory Continental infantry and they are alot better than their AWI French that I painted in the 90's. For a start the metal is not as soft which means less broken bayonets and less chance of breaking at the ankles. On a pedantic note the sergeant should only have an epulette on the right shoulder rather than on both. They are based on 30mm x 20mm bases in pairs and 15mm x 20mm singles. This way I can use them for WRG and Sharp Practice and if I get enthusiastic (doubtful) and rebase the rest of my French - American and also my British in this way it would be easier to use them for British Grenadier or Blackpowder.

This is the third unit I have done since Christmas one for me two for the Heir (maybe I should charge him).

Victrix Pt 2

2011-01-07T12:55:00.003+11:00

Part 2 of my comments on this range. First I am only working from their Peninsular British Fank and Centre companies boxes not the whole range so I cant comment on their Waterloo British or French offerings.

Positives

Faces have character

Look good en masse

Cheap 60 figures for about $40 Au.

What I would have liked

Bugler in the flank company box instead of standards

moulded on backpacks

Upper Canada Militia

Victrix

2011-01-05T22:03:00.005+11:00

I am not sure I am convinced these are the way to go. First they are too fiddley to assesmble, do you really need separate backpacks? Second there are sections on the figures that lack definition. For example, I have been painting up some 28mm Peninsular Brits for the Heir as part of his British/Canadian Army for the War of 1812, the area around the haversack as well as the sides of heads and buckles on sword belts are poorly defined. I dont know if this is a plastic thing although Valiant WW2 figures seem to be OK and I have yet to try Perry or Warlord to see if it is an issue with there figures.

Dispite the issues they come up OK when finished. The units below are the Royal Nova Scotia Regt still waiting their colours and the Glengarry Light Infantry. Still being painted are a battalion of Upper Canada Militia, Canadian Chassuers, a regiment of regulars yet to be determined all Victrix) and some Old Glory American Indians. Stubborn as we are they are based for WRG but with more figures in pairs and singles so they can be used for Sharp Practice.

Recent Stuff

2011-01-03T15:10:00.006+11:00

Ok so I have been off for a while so its time to update.

Games played Sharp Practise, Blackpowder,Trafalgar and Heart of Oak. All these very different with there own pluses and minuses. Getting to really like Sharp Practise especially as they are a rule set that dont take themselves too seriously and are adaptable.

Painting has been a bit slow but it has picked up with the school holidays. Apart from the ships in the last post I have painted some Perry 28mm Queens Rangers, Victix 28mm British for War of 1812. I am still undecided about Victrix figures, they look OK when painted but are really fiddly to put together and in parts lack the definition that you find with metals. I suppose this is why the Heir and I dont really like painting them.

Some of the photos include Sharp Practise games and 28mm Perry Queens Rangers.

Still need to finish the bases on the trees.

Trafalgar

2010-12-03T22:06:00.003+11:00

After having picked up a copy of Trafalgar at Moab Bring and Buy and having painted up some Langton ships it was time to play. I kept it simple 2 ships per side with a couple of islands to break up the blue.

An interesting exercise and very different to gaming on "land" with less units to control but issues of changing weather and wind to address.

The British were at a disadvantage with the French having the wind. Phalarope(32) took on Triton (44) while Tonnant (80) tooktoo much time coming up in support. Phalarope also took on Immortalitie (74) and lost its foremast in the process. Tonnant had a brief duel with Tritonsuffering some damage. No major issues in the rules relatively simple and easy to play but the weather is too variable.

Diner brought an early end, table required, will try same set up with Heart of Oak next time.

New Camera

2010-11-20T21:57:00.003+11:00

Means new post to come. These Langtons are a start.

Langtons

2010-10-27T21:28:00.003+11:00

The sloop is still a WIP but i have been distracted by something smaller. These Langton ships are in 1:2000 scale and are great models to work with. The white metal sails and masts fit together well (I have yet to try the etched brass).

Each ship apart from HMS Tonnant appears in Alexander Kents Bolito series. However, I couldnt find where he serves in a captured French 80 gun ship so Tonnant keeps its historical name.

Almost done

2010-09-03T17:55:00.002+10:00

Some updates on the sloop. There are some issues and imperfections to be worked on with the next one.

More Sloop WIPs

2010-08-25T19:33:00.002+10:00

Just some more WIP snaps almost ready for painting.

Sloop

2010-08-22T19:24:00.003+10:00

While I am still unsure on how I am going to use this as a gaming piece This is my attempt at a sloop. Some things I think need fixing eg masts are too thick and need to add some reinforcing and detail around the gun ports. It is also too narrow something to be fixed up in version 2.

Dead Camera

2010-08-15T21:09:00.002+10:00

It had to happen but it means I cant post photos of finished Airfix Bofors and Tractor.

Ahh well could go old school and find my film camera have them processed and on CD might be easier and cheaper to get a new camera.

Tiger Moth

2010-08-07T17:40:00.002+10:00

Its tiny slow and yellow, but it flew over my house this morning. A rare sight today common in WW2.

Airfix and Fujimi Stugs

2010-08-02T20:04:00.005+10:00

I was always surprised at the size of the Fujimi Stug III kit being wider than its Tiger I offering. However, I had another nostalgia moment and built the Airfix version and found them very similar in size. I had intended to paint them the same but used the wrong ink wash colour which is why it has come out darker also added some "side skirts" out of plastic card. Need to find a spare machine gun to add to the gun shield. The Airfix tracks are horrid even compared to the Fujimi and nowhere near as good as the length and link Italieri tracks.

Images

2010-07-19T21:57:00.001+10:00

Must get them right some open up to a larger size others don't. Sorry will work it out somehow.

The Dogs

2010-07-19T21:26:00.003+10:00

The real Frosty is the relaxed dignified one. Anyway first attempt at uploading video slower than I thought it would be.

WIPs

2010-07-19T21:19:00.005+10:00

These are some current works in very early stages the Germans for my WW2 Rapid Fire collection. They are late war period so have different coloured jackes and trousers to reflect the lack of standardisation in the German army.

The second group are The Kings New Brunswick Regiment for the heir to the thrones War of 1812 project.

Hessians

2010-07-19T21:10:00.004+10:00

Finally got this regiment done to add to my AWI collection. Grenadier Battalion von Minnigerode comprising the grenadier companies of the Fusilier regiments von Dittfurth, Erbprinz, von Knyphausen and von Lossberg. Some WIP and finishe articles.

Morris C8, 17pdr and Jeep

2010-06-18T18:21:00.003+10:00

Finally found this kit and finished it. Lovely little kit from ex Matchbox kit re issued by Revell . The only negatives the barrel on the 17pdr looks a bit thin and the figures that came with it were also rather poor.

Still more firepower for the 50th Division.

More finished stuff

2010-05-28T19:28:00.004+10:00

Some finished projects the Crocodile(Airfix) has been sitting around 1/2 done for maybe 18 months or more while the AWI Jaegers (Front Rank) I have had since January.
The mounted SYW Prussian figure (Front Rank)is Prince Stefan Józef Florenski of Polonia.

M7 and Sd 251

2010-05-06T20:15:00.002+10:00

Essentially finished both but need to add markings and numbers to the 251.

Post Holidays

2010-05-02T16:10:00.002+10:00

Germans still unfinished but did get the Sd 251 and the Priest finished. Read Clive Cusslers Spartan Gold as well. Very little do do with the Spartans (should have been called Persian Gold) and while I normally enjoy some escapism with Clive this one is not one of his best. Sure its a work of Fiction but you do expect historical background to be correct. Little things like having Xerxes return to Persia after the Battle of Plataea rather than before which would have been historically correct. I may just be picky or my expectations too high but it starts to bring up questions about the historical background to his other works.

The kits finished up better than I expected the Priest did not go together well and needed more filler than expected. However, once painted and the addition of a couple of Valiant figures as crew it looks OK. Will add photos of both shortly.

Whats happening

2010-04-10T22:30:00.002+10:00

School holidays great chance to catch up on some reading, modelling and painting. Reading Antony Beevor's D-Day very anti Montgomery not apatch on his work on Crete and Black Powder rules not bad well presented and cover awide variety of periods. Painting WW2 Valiant Classic Germans a second battalion to go with the the ones I already have and AWI Jaegers Modelling Italieri Sd 251/7 to many gaps to fill but love the tracks and Revell M7 Preist horrid kit with few redeeming features.

Airfix

2010-03-17T18:48:00.002+11:00

I suppose many gamers and modellers started with Airfix figures and kits. Found this the other day http://airfixtributeforum.myfastforum.org/index.php not much on gaming but some good modelling info.

Now cricket season is over and the "creams" are put away until next season I might get some painting done.

Rules, Rules, Rules

2010-02-24T20:05:00.002+11:00

Soap box moment. Ok I enjoy playing WRG Horse and Musket but as others have suggested I am not living in the dark ages nor have I escaped from an instiution. I have played other rules such as Volley and Bayonet, Shako, Elan and British Grenadier but I always come back to WRG because I like them. As far as competition goes I can still turn up with an AWI army and play against Napoleonic, SYW, Malburnian or any other army within the period, I am not tied into playing a single period in which I may have little or no interest. Still I am not going to bag out those who do enjoy playing other rules but recent critisms about WRG are starting to get over the top occasionally personal and annoying. For the Anti WRG crowd no one is forcing you to play them.

Off Soap box

Good night and peace be with you all.

Failed Resolutions its not really my fault

2010-02-23T19:58:00.004+11:00

So far no resolutions have been kept, not one work seems to keep getting in the way. Last game was at Cancon over a month ago. The heir has been putting together and preparing Victrix British Penisular figures to paint up as Canadian Militia for his War of 1812 army his lord and master has primed an base coated a grand total of 3 AWI Frontrank Hessian Jaegers.

Cancon Photos

The Alamo

AWI 40mm Black Powder

Some see the following as the problem with competitions noy playing historical opponents. Personally I dont care play the game, enjoy the game, enjoy playing someone other than your regular opponents.

British Legion charging Highlanders in the rear.

Naval guns being charged by Hussars - the Hussars were blown away

AWI Germans and other things

2010-01-17T20:26:00.004+11:00

Recently completed painting some AWI Germans from Anspach-Bayreuth contingent as well as the Regt von Bose of the Hessen-Kassel contingent. All fought and were captured at Yorktown in 1781.

These troops sent by Charles Frederck Margrave of Anspach-Bayreuth consisted of two battalions of infantry a company of Jaegers and a company of 4 guns. The two regiments von Voight (red facings) and von Seybothen (black facings) contained 4 companies of musketeers and a grenadier company each. Each company also had their own "colour" all of which have the same design. Some of these colours still survive in the Yorktown museum and at West Point.e

The regiments landed at Sandy Hook in 1777. They were invole in the seige of Sullivans forces at Newport and occupied Redoubt No 10 at Yorktown.

Regt von Bose landed in New York in 1776 as Regt von Trumbach. It fought at Guilford Courthouse, Green Spring and Yorktown.

Other bits finished off are an artillery redoubt I bought at Cancon 09 with Eureka pirates as naval gunners.

The British are part of 2nd brigade at Yorktown the 80th (yellow facings) and 76th (Green facings).

Odd Comments

2010-01-17T20:25:00.001+11:00

Sadly some inappropriate comments were added to my last post. They have been deleted.

Resolutions

2010-01-12T10:10:00.001+11:00

New years resolutions.

1. Paint more
2. Play more.
3 Post and comment more on blogs

Somewhere in Europe

2009-07-31T19:35:00.004+10:00

This game was meant to be an advance to contact scenario with fairly even sides but it turned into a British disaster. Elements of the 61st Reconnaisance Regiment failed their morale test and retired for 2 turns an from then on the British were on the back foot as the Germans relentlessly pushed forward. The only joy for the British was a late strike by a Typhoon which took out one of the German Tigers. As said it was my only joy in the game, the " Heir to the Throne" was hardly restrained in his celebrating a second ictory for the holidays. Below are a selection of photos from the game

Warhammer 40k Command

2009-07-22T21:06:00.003+10:00

Nearly finished here are the Champion and Apothcary. Still working on the company standard.

Random Photos

2009-07-22T20:47:00.002+10:00

Random Photos part 1

Some of the Heir to the Thrones Austrians (Elite Miniatures)

Table set up and ready to play buildings are all card stock, hedges are scouring pads while roads are crepe bandage covered with "sealant"

Comparison between M3 1/2 track kits, from the top Italieri, Frontline (resin) Hasegawa, Italieri and Airfix.

1st Dorsets 1944, Figures Valiant, Loyd Carrier RTR, other carriers Airfix.

The Mavericks by Robert Harvey

2009-07-18T21:23:00.003+10:00

A work that suggests that it is going to look at “military mavericks in the golden age of military history” but it is overly focused on Anglo – American commanders while dismissing the claims of others. The list of twelve “mavericks” (in chapter order) :-

Clive of India

Wolfe

Washington

Nelson

Cochrane

Wellington

Garibaldi

Grant

Rommel

Montgomery

Patton

Macarthur

While many on the list are quite deserving, others such as Washington and Macarthur are questionable. Furthermore the inclusion of naval commanders Nelson and Cochrane in a work on military commanders was a surprise. Certainly these two are worthy of inclusion but the author, Robert Harvey, needs to expand his definition.

The introduction entitled “the golden age of military leadership” raises a number of significant issues such as defining the “golden age” and arguing why each “maverick” was included. What was intriguing was the time spent praising the work of Frederick the Great, Napoleon and Sir John Moore yet spends little time effectively presenting the abilities of Washington, Grant and Macarthur. This makes the reader question why Frederick, Napoleon and Moore were not included in the list of “mavericks” even if it is to take out the Anglo – American bias in the list. Even so American commanders such as Sherman and Lee could be effectively argued as being more “maverick” commanders than say Grant and Washington.

Other issues that touched a nerve with the reviewed were the continued promotion of the concept that the British maintained strict “Prussian” tactics during the War of Independence against American guerrillas and the implication victory in Papua and New Guinea was purely a Macarthur led American victory. In response to the first issue Harvey ignores the fact that most battles fought during the war were pitched European style battles with little role for guerillas. Granted small actions in the south at Kings Mountain and the work of Morgan’s riflemen at Saratoga are not being denigrated here their role was certainly significant but we need to remember that the British adapted to these tactics and used them against the Americans especially in the South. On the second point Harvey ignores the efforts of the Australians in the defeat of the Japanese in New Guinea including the first defeat of Japanese land forces at Milne Bay. Furthermore failure to understand the conditions in New Guinea can be blamed on his remoteness from the frontline. The defeat of the Japanese on land in New Guinea can be credited to Australian leadership on the ground in New Guinea.

The intentions of this work are noble presenting twelve individuals who are seen to change the course of military history. Certainly it is well written by an experienced writer but the choices of “mavericks” can mainly be criticised for its Anglo – American focus. The claims of Frederick the Great and Napoleon are well presented but there exclusion is rather baffling.

Typhoon

2009-06-20T22:06:00.004+10:00

I hadn't built an aircraft kit for a while and this Academy Typhoon kit was in the specials "bin" at my local hobby shop. It went together really well no flash nice and clean. The only negatives are decals were a bit shiny and it lacked a pilot figure. Then again having no figure is better than the crap offerings you often get in kits. Anyway I painted the canopy as it is a kit for gaming not for display.

The prop was cut from a OHP transparence sheet with the support rod is clear perspex from the local model railway shop.

Next project is an FW 190 the "heir" is doing the construction while I attack the paint job. Also on the table a SdKfz 7 with Quad 20mm AA from Hasegawa. A nice detailed kit as expected from this manufacturer bit with really crap crew figures again as expected from these guys. Why do they do this?

Intellectual Dog!

2009-05-26T21:15:00.002+10:00

Doing research for her masters Austrian army

Lord of The Rings

2009-05-14T21:50:00.001+10:00

Not so much from the dark side this time but I have started to dig up Warhammer Fantasy and Lord of the Rings figures that have been sitting in boxes for way too long.

These figures are not mine but belong to the heir to the throne. Despite this I did do most of the painting. These are from the early “Fellowship of the Ring” set and they are all metal figures. We never did get to buy the new Lord of the Rings rules but have stuck to the old series. Not really sure I wanted to, there is always that fear with GW that a new edition is never far away. Besides the these rules work well and have used them for AWI skirmish games as well.

Warhammer

2009-05-08T17:01:00.002+10:00

30 odd hits in 2 days is certainly a record for me, must be the mention of Warhammer. We do have Fantasy stuff in our collection as well. Although the last time we took out the Orcs and Goblins for a game was about 2 years ago. Same with Lord of the Rings, love the rules and have used them as the basis for AWI skirmish games as well. Will Have to dust them off and post some photos.

M

Paint Stripper and 40K

2009-05-07T20:40:00.000+10:00

Some time ago I experimented with removing paint from metal figures using paint stripper. Well it was quite successful and with the arrival of these space marines in various stages of painting I needed to experiment further. So I took one painted space marine left him in paint striper for 20 minutes and viola a melting space marine. Not what I had hoped. What next soap and water, fail. Nail polish remover interesting thought grabbed a second dodgy space marine and mmmmm not melting was a good start. This stuff was the “acetone free” version of nail polish remover which may be a key. Still needs a bit of a gentle scrub with a soft bristle tooth brush to get it off but it wasn’t too bad. Sorry no pictures as they have been re-sprayed and are being repainted.

40 K No I Havent Turned to the Dark Side

2009-05-06T19:46:00.003+10:00

Haven’t really been committed to this project during 2009 and have been thinking of closing it down. Besides I haven’t really been keeping up with my painting and no games since January, very sad.

Well I delved into the dark side after my son was given some 40k space marines by a friend who was clearing stuff out of his house after moving. There were about 20 Space marines in various stages of painting, 5 space marine scouts (metal), a bike and an attack bike. This generous gift had been sitting in a box for way too long.

I had never been a Warhammer fan preferring to stay with my historical games but I don’t know working on these Space Marines may change things. I started looking into the different space marine chapters and a few like Blood Ravens and Black Templar caught my eye. So to did a White Dwarf article on creating your own chapter so began the development of the Blood Diamond chapter. I wanted an easy paint job nothing to exotic so here what I came up with black armour (easy out of a spray can) this was dry brushed fortress gray and then given a wash of dark green ink to take the edge off the black. The shoulder guards with a red diamond chapter symbol. Weapons generally bolt gun metal with a black ink wash before being dry brushed mithril silver. They look Ok not brilliant but Ok.

My next issue was do I want to outlay the money on the 40k rule set Answer not yet especially as I assume new edition codex will be coming out with the new rules. I acquired a copy of the rules on line to have a read through and evaluate. Its getting me hooked especially the “Kill team” idea which could easily hook into a World War II skirmish style game. Still reading will have to actually play a game to see if I want to continue. Will keep you posted.

Pirates

2009-02-28T18:34:00.002+11:00

After reading the Osprey publication on the Yorktown campaign I thought about painting up some sailors and naval guns, perhaps build a redoubt or some earthworks as well. Now came the search for naval gunners of the period and there is not much about.

Pirates have not been one of my major interests, but maybe they could be a source for naval gunners and guns. I decided on Eureka Miniatures for both the guns and the crew as they didn’t look overly pirate like and would pass as naval gunners. The guns looked quite nice as well so I put in the order. When I picked them up at Cancon I was impressed they had little flash fitted in reasonably well with my Old Glory figures (size wise) and were nicely moulded.

The guns and carriages were also very nice and fitted together well. I left of the eye bolts that came with them not being sure whether they would stand the rigours of the games table. Anyway here they are hope you like them.

As for the earthworks I bought a resin redoubt that I need to paint up. Need some ideas on painting gabions, not done them before.

Cancon 09

2009-02-28T18:09:00.002+11:00

Cancon was delight as usual lots of players lots of traders crammed into EPIC for three days. I took my 1781 AWI British while the Heir to the Throne took an 1815 Anglo Brunswick army. The AWRG comp had 24 players divided into a two comps, a pairs event with scenario based tables and a singles comp (us) that was points based. We both walked off with prizes which made the weekend especially for the heir as his came with a $50 voucher. More importantly it was great to catch up with old friends again and chat about life the universe, figures, rules and everything in between. Also gave us ther chance to plot for next year perhaps the Heir and I entering the pairs event. The Heir with his 1809 Austrians (provided they are painted in time) me with 1781 AWI British. Sounds like a plan.

Any way here are some photos of this years Cancon.

Painting 2008

2008-12-23T20:55:00.009+11:00

I had a look back at what I had painted in 2008 last night and the tally came to:-

AWI - 96 British Old Glory 28mm

WW2- 86 British (Valiant 20mm) and 57 Germans (Valiant 20mm)

Vehicles-German Italeri Panthers 2, Tigers 2, Panzer IV 1 and a Dragon Jagdpanther
British Airfix Churchill VII 1, Frontline Churchill IV 3, Bren Carrier 1, RTR Loyd Carrier 1 and 1 Humber LRC.

The total came to 239 figures and 13 vehicles. This may be a small amount by some standards but quite an effort from me. The War of Independence figures I had bought at Cancon 08 and was determined to have them done so I could use them at Cancon 09. Job done and they are ready to go.

The World War 2 figures were a distraction from the AWI figures being quicker to paint for a start. The Airfix Churchill was a misguided journey down memory lane and has my vote as one of the most frustrating kits of all time. The Panthers and Tigers despite being “quick build” versions are well detailed except for the tracks which are rather poor.

I like painting the Valiant figures they have nice detail and a variety of poses. As for the Old Glory figures, there is a lot variety in the quality of there figures. The cavalry figures rarely fit onto the horses without carving, cutting and filing. However, some of the British line infantry and grenadier figures are rather good. The metal used is still rather soft which leads to many broken bayonets even before the packet is opened. But I did buy them at a discount price so one should not complain too much.

The actual gaming side of things has been a bit quiet but with the school holidays starting we are back into it. Both the heir to the throne and I needed to get some practice in before Cancon 09. The battles look quite odd 1815 Anglo-Brunswick against 1783 AWI British. From my side of the table the lack of descent battle cavalry is an issue but there is a stack of good quality line infantry backed up by …..well can’t give too much away yet.

Some examples from this year

71st Highlanders

2008-11-02T18:39:00.006+11:00

Having plenty of Highland figs. some in kilts others in trousers it was time to paint some more. I had thought of doing the 42nd in kilts but then went for another battalion of the 71st. From research there were three battalions of the 71st raised during the war and all three were brigaded together under Leslie at Brandywine. To differentiate between this new battalion, the 1/71st, from the others I painted the colour party in kilts. Anyway here they are with the 2/71st and 3/71st behind. I am still looking for how the third was distinguished on thier colours, I know the 2/71st has the "wave" but what about the 3/71st?

Battle of Trangie Courthouse

2008-11-02T18:27:00.008+11:00

It has been a while since I updated the blog so here goes our latest AWI game myself vs. the heir.

It was a brief but bloody affair between a newly arrived British force against an inexperienced French – American commander. Both sides advanced towards each other the French 12 pdrs outranging the British gunners and causing heavy damage.

Lausan and his cavalry tried to force the issue early with a bold charge but they were put to flight and routed off the table by Tarleton and his British Legion. Tarleton rallied his men and looked to wreak havoc on a nearby unit of American militia. The were hacked down to a man.

The heir was almost reduced to tears but still had his solid corps of French infantry and sent them against the British left. The Guards with two battalions of light infantry and a pair of guns halted the French advance. On the right the 17th Light Dragoons supported by two battalions of the 71st held and pushed back American advances. Tarleton returned and with the 17th routed Moylan’s Dragoons and captured the French guns.

The heir had enough and retired to his quarters where the sounds of Nightwish and Trivium echoed late into the night. To be fair this was the first time he had taken control of an army with no regular cavalry and the well forested terrain also caused him some issues.

Again we used the AWRG rules with both armies about 1250 points in size.

French – American

1st Royal de Pont
2nd Royal de Pont
1st Gatinais
2nd Gatinais
Marines
2 x Militia
1 x Light Infantry
1 x Rifles
Moylans Dragoons
Lausans Legion
3 x Heavy Guns
3 x Light Guns

British
1st Guards
1st Grenadiers
2 x Light Infantry
1/71st Highlanders
2/71st Highlanders
23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers
33rd Foot
17th Light Dragoons
British Legion
5 x Light Guns
1 x Howitzer

We followed up this game with an equally brutal game of Warmaster. The tables were turned with the heir, in command of an Empire army taking on my High Elves. It was meant to last seven turns but was over in three.

Normans

2008-09-29T12:56:00.010+10:00

This lot I painted many years ago when I first started in DBA, something I haven't played in quite a while.

The first photo (left) is one version of the Norman DBA list the the other photo (right) shows the same list but for "Fast" Warrior. The Warrior list breaks armies down into units which is something I prefer and maybe a reason why I haven't seriously played DBM or DBMM. Personally Warrior can be complicated which is not a bad thing, but without regular opponents you don't get other interpretations of what is mean't to happen. Sure you can get interpretations off the web but it doesn't beat playing a game against an experienced opponent. As for other rules I often use GWs Warmaster rules without the magic components for our medieval battles but with DBx/ Warrior baseing. Works OK, for us anyway.

33rd

2008-09-29T12:42:00.007+10:00

Finally finished this latest british regiment from the American War of Independence the 33rd. They seemed an appropriate choice after painting the 23rd since they spent a lot of time brigaded together.

I tried a new flesh look this time using a base of flat earth followed by a coat of GW Bronzed Flesh. I did the eyes next then applied a GW Flesh Wash. The final stage was a drybrush of GW Elf Flesh then a light drybrush of GW Skull White to the nose and cheek bones. In the past I still used the flat earth base but with Elf Flesh with a GW Chestnut Ink wash before an Elf Flesh dry brush to finish. The photos may not do it justice but Iprefer the new version.

Next on the list maybe th 17th. Two reasons:-

They lost their Colours at Stony Point and I don't have any standard bearers left in the box
The 17th were brigaded with the 23rd and 33rd

May take a month but ...

Good to see you

2008-09-18T10:51:00.003+10:00

Since adding the map it has been really interesting to see where people are watching from. Its good to see you regardless of where you are from. Leave a comment even if is just to say hello.

Artillery

2008-09-02T19:33:00.004+10:00

Some artillery figures that I have been working on. They were in a box of 2nd hand stuff I picked up in January.

23rd Foot

2008-08-16T22:30:00.007+10:00

Started painting this unit in May and finally finished them off tonight. They are standard Old Glory British infantry with grenadier and light company attached. The only thing I am not overly happy about is the Colours. I made them a little on the small side and the blue on the regimental not dark enough.

Paint stripper

2008-08-16T22:13:00.005+10:00

After experimenting with Polystrippa I am not sure whether I want to strip bulk amounts of older figures. The figures I had success with were only undercoated or with limited painting. Full

painted figures took a bit more scrubbing which did not remove all the paint.

These are a pair fo before and afters. The infantry officer still has traces of his red coat and flesh, while the other two (not sure what they are, any help appreciated) all paint traces are gone.

Paint Stripper

2008-08-15T14:28:00.003+10:00

At this years Cancon, I bought a load of second hand Old Glory AWI figures. The majority were unpainted but there were a stack that were either painted or 1/2 painted. Finally I attacked this lot last night with "Polystrippa" with such good results I am almost tempted to "strip" some of my early paint jobs and redo them. Have to think about that, cheaper than buying more figures.

Multi - Rots

2008-08-09T16:45:00.007+10:00

After we played Rots we left the table set up with some minor changes. What followed was a series of games involving Games Workshop’s Lord of the Rings and an AWI game using the Australian WRG rules. It was an interesting exercise to take different armies with different weapons and fighting methods over the same terrain.

The first LOTR game was a small affair with 12 figures per side in a “hunt them down” scenario. The Gondorians came out on top knocking over the Orcs with out to much trouble. Things changed when the armies were enlarged. Attacking across the bridges, with the aid of a cave troll, the army of Rohan were hacked to death. The only group to hold out were in the chateau, being surrounded they had little hope of long term survival.

Next we set up for an American War of Independence battle using the Australian WRG rules (see links).

British

17th Light Dragoons
British Legion

Guards battalion
Grenadier battalion
2 x Light battalions

1/71st Highlanders
2/71st Highlanders

3 x 6pdr guns.

French/American

1st Royal Deux Pont
2nd Royal Deux Pont

2 x Militia battalions
1 x Light battalions

Legion de Lausan
4th Light Dragoons

Rifle skirmishers

3 x 12 pdr guns

Having a stack of hedges and stone walls with the odd forest thrown in the Americans felt quite at home. Since Rots is in France, well the French felt quite at home as well. As usual the Americans occupied the walls and hedges and with support of the French heavy guns, were rather difficult to dislodge. The British Legion moved down the road through Rots and were able to turn the militia’s flank. In Le Hamel the converged light infantry were able to push the rifles and light infantry out but……. Yes all holidays come to an end and so the table had to come down which meant the game was never finished. Ah well.

Any way it has prompted another bout of AWI painting. The 23rd foot which were undercoated 3 months ago are now back on the table and nearly finished while the second battalion of Foot Guards as now been sprayed and ready to paint..

Rots

2008-07-19T23:05:00.019+10:00

For a while we had been looking at replaying Mark Pipers Rots scenario http://www.worldoptions.com.au/fourpipers/rapid/. Last time we played we used the full size 8”x6” table modified for the terrain we didn’t have (a river) and the armour we didn’t have (Panthers). With these issues rectified we had another go. This time we played on a 6”x4” essentially the German deployment zone from Marks scenario. The first time we played there was little advantage to either side the Germans as held fire until the Canadians and Royal Marines got close to the villages also the Canadian artillery was wildly “inaccurate” during the game hardly scoring a hit.

The Germans commanded by the “heir to the throne” marked his deployment on his map. The Canadians advanced on Le Hamel and the Chateau the Royal Marines were tasked to take Rots.

Things did not go well for the Canadians from the start. By turn 3 the Carrier Platoon had been destroyed and ”A” Company ejected from the Chateau which it tried to enter under the illusion that it was not occupied. “B” Company was looking rather nervous as a Panther appeared around the corner of the Chateau and opened fire, and missed. Finally a stroke of luck. As yet the Royal Marines had yet to appear waiting for the Canadians to secure Le Hamel and the Chateau.

The turning point came when the Canadian artillery came in to play turning the Chateau into a ruin and causing casualties to the occupying Germans (HQ, artillery OP and 1st Company). The Sherman’s then caused light damage to the lurking Panther and “B” company successfully occupied the Chateau. This left the Canadians in control of two of their objectives and it was left to the Royal Marines to take Rots.

All troops entered Rots without opposition; the mortar team set up, the accompanying Centaur came on, a little too easy. The hill and woods above Rots were occupied by the German 4th (Heavy) Company supported by a Panther and 16th (Pioneer) Company. The weight of fire bought down on the Marines caused significant casualties while the Centaur was destroyed by the 75mm AT gun, but not before it caused some minor damage to the Panther.

The Germans around Le Hamel and the Chateau retired across the Mue loosing more casualties to artillery fire including the supporting Panther. While this was going on the Royal Marines were also crossing the Mue after their mauling around Rots.

At this stage the German commander decided to call it a day leaving victory to the Canadians. This is an interesting scenario to play and when the Canadian artillery works it gives them a distinct advantage. Actually, I don’t like the indirect fire rules in RF2 and prefer the grid system from RF1. What this game has led to is a spate of other games on this terrain with some slight variations. This includes three Lord of the Rings games followed by an American War of Independence (using AWRG) game and an American Civil War (using FnF) game. The things you can do during school holidays.

Update start of July

2008-07-05T23:21:00.007+10:00

The table is laid out for a second attempt at playing Mark Pipers Rots scenario. As part of doing that I to make a river, extra roads, find some lost bridges, build a pair of Panthers and make some entrenchments. The Panthers are from Italeri and came 2 in a box. They are not bad except for the tracks which are a bit dodgy. "The Heir to the Throne" thought the same of the Tigers that he bought, but at least they look like Tigers which is more than can be said for the old Airfix kit.

Also added a Skdz 251/7 D to the collection. It started out as a Frontline (resin) 251/1 but with the addition of some bits and pieces including the timbers instead of the assault bridges it came up OK. The cammo net at the back started life as crepe bandage.

While building these I also put together an Airfix Churchill Crocodile. Is the Airfix Chuchill the most frustrating kit ever made? If any one has been successful let me know how yo went with the wheels. The Revell kit is much easier. Will have a Rots report as soon as played.

Cheers

Last of the mint green

2008-06-19T11:29:00.005+10:00

The title refers to the last battle that I intend to play on my old mint green bed sheet. One of my aims for this year is to improve my terrain. So far the green sheet has been replaced and roads have been upgraded but there is still more work to do.

This is a WW2 encounter between a small German force supported by a pair of Tiger 1s and an off table battery of 105mm guns. The Poles advancing from the other side include a full battalion of infantry, Machine Gun Company, a squadron of Sherman’s and a detached Cromwell. Poles advance from the left Germans from the right.

Cromwell (Frontline) in the woods

The rules we use are Rapid Fire 2 and although we had some discussion over the effect of indirect HE fire on open toped AFVs the rules flowed smoothly.

First couple of turns were uneventful; the German OP teams occupied the church tower while the Polish carrier platoon scouted the left flank. It got interesting when one of the Polish Sherman’s tried to take on one of the Tigers. The Sherman was heavily damaged but the Tiger could not finish him off. The second Tiger foolishly turned from the village into an open field and was hit by the Cromwell lurking in the woods. Although the Tiger was lightly damaged it soon took refuge behind a stonewall. It was about this time that the Polish support company dashed toward the wood, and came under fire from the off table 105’s. Luckily they came through without a scratch and took cover in the trees.

Tiger (Fujimi) lurking in the village

The second Tiger also hunting down Sherman’s did not observe the 6pdr at the edge of the trees and was heavily damaged. The result of their morale test was they could take no further offensive action. This left the Cromwell to roam freely destroying a couple ½ tracks and a Kubelwagen. It came to a sticky end at the hands of a PAK 40 hidden behind a hedge. The heavily damaged Tiger was eventually destroyed and its partner forced to retire.

The game sort of petered out with the Germans lacking the armour to push the Poles out while the Polish infantry suffered at the hands of the German 105’s off table and was not strong enough to push the Germans out of the buildings in the town centre.

Next game will probably be based on Mark Pipers Rots scenario.

More Terrain

2008-06-19T11:03:00.004+10:00

Updates on Terrain

These are some entrenchments I started to work on last week. The first was done walls made with barbeque skewers the second with balsa. The ground was built-up with scarp bits of foam board and covered with pre mixed “Spakfilla”. The ground cover is sand from the local golf course, which is course grained and gives better texture than fine grain. Sand bags are epoxy putty.

They are a bit of an experiment that turned out OK and were easier to make than I thought. The construction was done in one evening, painting the next. Other things have been placed on the backburner The AWI figures I wanted to finish in May will have to wait July.
Updates on Terrain

These are some entrenchments I started to work on last week. The first was done walls made with barbeque skewers the second with balsa. The ground was built-up with scarp bits of foam board and covered with pre mixed “Spakfilla”. The ground cover is sand from the local golf course, which is course grained and gives better texture than fine grain. Sand bags are epoxy putty.

They are a bit of an experiment that turned out OK and were easier to make than I thought. The construction was done in one evening, painting the next. Other things have been placed on the backburner The AWI figures I wanted to finish in May will have to wait July.

Trench walls made from BBQ skewers a bit fiddly and time consuming.
Complete and in action. The figures are Valiant WW2 Germans.

Back view of second piece with balsa walls scoured with a ball point. Much easier than the skewers.

Terrain

2008-05-12T13:50:00.005+10:00

Started work on some terrain pices this week. First the roads that I have used have always looked dodgy and needed replacement. Second needed some more builings.

Roads are bandages covered with brown "No More Gaps". I used a British 9 pdr gun to make some tracks then added some flocking to the edges. The end result is aflexible road that looks good. The Churchill AVRE

gives some idea of the width. I gave them a light dry brush of a beige colour house paint. You need to make sure that you keep them flat as the No More Gaps cures as the edges can curl a little.

The second job started is the building. It was meant to be a country house but I went over board size wise. So it has now become a pair of shops with a house around the corner. The Cromwell gives a sense of scale for this and confirms why I thought it was a bit big for a single house.

Targets for May 2008

2008-05-03T21:15:00.006+10:00

Well I succeeded in overachieving as far as painting is concerned producing 17th Light Dragoons, a battalion of Foot Guards both Old Glory for American War of Independence and a battalion of World War 2 Germans (Valiants). So I am in advance of my painting schedule by 2 months. For May I will target the completion of a Regiment of British foot may be the 23rd. As usual they will be Old Glory because I bought a stack cheap at Cancon 2009.

Other projects this month will need to do work for school and devote time to the family of course, include upgrading my terrain. At this stage it I play using an old bed sheet as a base cloth and being mint green it is an odd colour. Due to storage restrictions I use the base cloth method with terrain placed on top. But the aim is to produce something similar to what these guys produce. http://www.fusiliers.net/wargaming16.htm

Oh also got to read Antony Beevor’s book “Crete: The battle and resistance” that I found at the local library. A great read about the fight for Greece and Crete in World War 2 which are often ignored. What I found interesting (as an Ancient History teacher) was the role of archaeologists during this stage of the war.

http://www.antonybeevor.com/Crete/cretemenu.htm

Advance Guard

2008-04-25T19:14:00.002+10:00

Well they(17th Lt Dragoons) were too late for our last battle. Based on C.S. Grants Table Top Teaser, Advance Guard Action. (see Table Top Teaser link)

The British (me) advanced from the North with the aim of securing the town then assaulting the bridge. The Franco-American force (son) need to secure the bridge before assaulting the town. Our forces were small 4 Regts of Line Infantry, 1 Regt of Light Infantry, 1 Regt of Cavalry and a battery of guns each. We also were eager for reinforcements but that was pot luck as our reinforcements and their time of arrival were to be drawn from a hat.

Perhaps I was a little rash but I headed straight for the bridge with my main force leaving my light infantry to seize to town. The French commander sent his Americans to deal with the town while his French troops headed for the bridge. While the Americans began securing the fringes of the town the British seized control of the town centre and church.

The battle for the bridge was long and fierce, The British Legion cavalry and the Legion de Lausan fought themselves to destruction. But the randomness of the reinforcements played its hand. The French commander drew from the hat 2 Regts of Infantry, the British 2 Coys (4 figs.) of Light Infantry. This pushed the idea of a British victory into the realms of fantasy, despite the brave efforts of a composite battalion of grenadiers who routed the 1st Royal de Ponts and the 69th who routed the 2nd battalion and held the bridge for a brief moment before the Gatinois forced their retreat.

Score in the annual father son challenge, with dinner at Cancon 09 the prize for the winner, stands father 0, son 1.

17th Light Dragoons

2008-04-25T19:06:00.007+10:00

My latest paint job is the 17th Lt Dragoons from Old Glory. The main issue was getting the riders to match the horses. This generally involves much cursing as you match each rider with each horse until you get to the last pair and neither rider matches the remaining horses. The other issue I had was that neither side the saddle cloths matched, mainly due to poor casting. Also the harness, moulded onto the horse often did not reach the rider, leaving a gap that needed painting.

Positives, you get a variety of arm poses so that each figure looks unique and the faces have character. Also Old Glory have left out the standard bearer and included a trumpeter instead.

Despite the problems they turned out OK. I don’t have a great affinity for Old Glory figures, except that they are cheaper than most others. Anyway here they are in all their glory so judge for your self.

Normans and Saxons

2008-04-14T20:10:00.004+10:00

These are some Normans and Saxons that I have painted up over time. Originally for DBM but ended up being frustrated but the updates to rules and army lists I went looking elsewhere. More often than not I use these with Warmaster rules just without the magic components, works well.

2008-04-10T09:27:00.003+10:00

Much of my gaming is either solo or against my son, except for our annual trip to Cancon. This is the downside of being in a small town with only 2 known gamers. So we are often on the hunt for pick up and play scenarios.

I bought Charles Grants "Programed Wargames Scenarios" many years ago an it came to our resuce on the weekend. Taking out our ACW armies we attempted the "Weak Flank" with the Confederates defending agaist a strong Union attack. During this game we discovered that dogs and wargames dont mix as my Union cavalry (a bit to close yo the table edge) were attacked from the flank with one element mangled before the commander realised what had happened. It took a while to get over this attack and along this some rather deadly fire from Confederate guns on the ridge, which destroyed a stand of Union guns and savaged a couple of assaulting brigades the Union army stalled.

It was good to dust off these figure again as well as get reaquainted with Fire and Fury rules. Next time we are going to attempt the same scenario but using an ACW version of Warmaster.

More AWI stuff

2008-04-09T11:21:00.009+10:00

This is some more AWI stuff that I have been painting up. The paints I mainly use are Games Workshop, Tamiya and Humbrol Acrylics all beause they are redily available in my area. The British Legion are Old Glory while the 33rd are Frontrank. The colours for the 33rd are hand painted and come up quite well.

The latest is the British Legion, they were OK to paint but a bit of a pain matching horses and riders. Often needed a bit of sculpting to ensure a descent fit. I don't think there is a need for Old Glory to include a standard bearer with this set as far as my research goes they did not carry one. At least they give you plenty of "arm" options for conversions. On the paint table at the moment are the 17th Light Dragoons.

Hope to use these in a Table Top Teaser will post a report soon.

M

2008-04-08T12:55:00.003+10:00

Still trying to work on the bestway to put up decent images. Yes also it is odd with AWI Frenchmen facing up to Napoleonic Prussians, but thats the way it goes with comps. At least my son got to play against historical opponents, as shown below.

Also the terrain can be a bit simple not always the stuff we want to see on the net.

Other bits I have been working on include this Polish 1st Armoured Div Cromwell. The model is a Frontline resin kit from Battlescape in Australia.

Now I am back I should be able to put up more stuff.

M

AWI stuff

2008-04-08T10:23:00.003+10:00

Again have got quite invloved in painting American War of Independence stuff. Played at Cancon 08 using my French-American army and while they held there own they did suffer from a lack of effective battle cavalry. I would have used my 1815 Anglo Brunwick army but that was under the command of the "heir to the throne".

American Milita

Highlanders facing up to their French opponents

French about to see off some of their Prussian opponents.

Anyway haope to have some shots of the British figures I have been painting posted soon.

Back again

2008-04-02T13:54:00.001+11:00

Ok been a few months but finally back on line. No reason why I have been off just..... Anyway

Airfix Tigers

2007-10-16T21:54:00.001+10:00

Bit of a lame kit really and shows its age. Lacks detail. Minime, who does the build while I do the paint job, was quite disapointed. I vaguely remember builing this kit when I was his age but the newer kit from Fujimi is a better kit alround. The positive about Airfix is that the instructions were a lot clearer. May have to try a Dragon or Italieri Tiger to see how they compare.

Back again

2007-10-13T22:06:00.001+10:00

Move done with no damage. Since then I have built a couple a Fujimi PzIV J and Stug III.These are not bad kits but the Stug is way to wide, wider than the PZ IV and wider than the Fujimi Tiger I.

Pz IV was a nice kit especially if you want to make it as a cutaway the interior detail is quite nice and can be added too. Only downside was the fiddly nature of the Schurzen armour also it appears to be the late war mesh style. This is OK but needed to be moulded better to look like mesh, the BMW sidecar was also a bit too fiddly but was finished after a bit of cursing etc..

Also went back to the past and modelled a pair of Airfix Shermans and their associated LCM landing craft. A quick and easy couple of nights work, but still fun.

The photo is of the Tiger I from a few posts ago. turned out OK, colour scheme looks a little dark.

Cheers

M

Photos

2007-07-23T20:43:00.001+10:00

Just a note on the top photo, they are Front Rank American War of Independence figures. The flags are hand painted. I find it gives a bit more personality to the unit to do the colours yourself rather than print from the computer or by the pre printed ones. The Matilda is the Australian "Frog"or flame thrower version. This vehicle used to be at the military museum in Dubbo but has now located elswhere.

Hope to have some more images up soon as I either work out Photobucket or someone tells me how to add a gallery in blogs. The Tiger is slowly progressing, appropriate considering the original speed of the thing.

Cheers

M

Tiger1

2007-07-19T20:31:00.001+10:00

Son and self have been working on a Fujimi Tiger 1 in 1/76 scale. This is an interesting but challenging kit to build and not sure if its worth the hassle for Rapid Fire! games.
M

2007-07-08T22:28:00.001+10:00

New start, hope to have some miniature games stuff here soon

M