tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34166454115582037682024-03-06T20:03:19.851+00:00Essex WargamerA very infrequently update blog about wargaming!Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-89396662148303740062016-10-23T20:52:00.001+01:002016-10-23T20:55:13.825+01:005 months on - and back to some gaming (part 2)<h4>
<b>A blast from the past</b></h4>
Picking up where I left off last weekend, I thought I would start with a quick trip back to one of the old gaming weekends we held at SSWG.<br />
After the demo game of Bolt Action and meeting Lance, who is directing the <a href="http://pegasusbridgethemovie.com/" target="_blank">Pegasus Bridge movie</a>, I thought I would stick to a game we played with a large airborne assault.<br />
<br />
This game was played in January 2011, using Flames of War rules. My British Air-landing were heavily present, attacking the German positions while support came up.<br />
Before the game started though, I snapped a few "reconnaissance photos" of our targets / landing zones with a silly filter on my iPhone. While low quality, I think they gave some character to the album and to the game itself.<br />
<br />
Anyway - UP THE OX & BUCKS!!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSzL0GzqdwfEB9w6zMNsKVcs0PJTceakZ3NYg9Cr8RZAUvg79gtwKjQ8MZD0nGPe7_GatQwj4MhrsYTq7oz65IviAN8sLrMxkmvOg94-XZrZgee8wnyQKknZl_mNPJ-01V8Yy8SsQSFQ/s1600/IMG_1226_adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSzL0GzqdwfEB9w6zMNsKVcs0PJTceakZ3NYg9Cr8RZAUvg79gtwKjQ8MZD0nGPe7_GatQwj4MhrsYTq7oz65IviAN8sLrMxkmvOg94-XZrZgee8wnyQKknZl_mNPJ-01V8Yy8SsQSFQ/s400/IMG_1226_adj.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German supplies being staged at the rail yard.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnG1AUuX49h4HlMk51gNkiZ_eUb6zJnhJoL7fk-k5UR1pxK1Ix7DIdwHuTP6jX7F5SxZgWSSHNocXUdF6qCJ0BUe8L5IpVE3ERMrMiWaou8LKCgAu482FHUEM5dvgUURoskItcJfY5Ww/s1600/IMG_1231_adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnG1AUuX49h4HlMk51gNkiZ_eUb6zJnhJoL7fk-k5UR1pxK1Ix7DIdwHuTP6jX7F5SxZgWSSHNocXUdF6qCJ0BUe8L5IpVE3ERMrMiWaou8LKCgAu482FHUEM5dvgUURoskItcJfY5Ww/s400/IMG_1231_adj.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strategic railroad river crossing.</td></tr>
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<br />
Here we have some of the actual gaming shots:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hDgl8I7So6hCN2_gFaDtEHsW9M6ZwDb3pSGv7o0V-i_A_88TkPpkWbtzmEmU9jJ8iWFsJDkUdm0gYEbVPZp42R6_GIZ8ofeOnAIuEWq-WDxMbLDpfe0_ZJV0ljS6uoWXdZwOIzNlD1M/s1600/IMG_0579_adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hDgl8I7So6hCN2_gFaDtEHsW9M6ZwDb3pSGv7o0V-i_A_88TkPpkWbtzmEmU9jJ8iWFsJDkUdm0gYEbVPZp42R6_GIZ8ofeOnAIuEWq-WDxMbLDpfe0_ZJV0ljS6uoWXdZwOIzNlD1M/s400/IMG_0579_adj.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The supply depot from the recon shot. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6YUeyisTn2d9Sr3hfuy_3aRbJg9szwwXDRMxFv7-mc74shVRFeTObzfp4O0aRbcbsjqn8THxfdb_Y1WVOY-UrfZnM6JwX_25yxdvhZnxh1V6ullYoxgYVKuHkodCsF5SB8JD6SfPzYM/s1600/IMG_0580_adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6YUeyisTn2d9Sr3hfuy_3aRbJg9szwwXDRMxFv7-mc74shVRFeTObzfp4O0aRbcbsjqn8THxfdb_Y1WVOY-UrfZnM6JwX_25yxdvhZnxh1V6ullYoxgYVKuHkodCsF5SB8JD6SfPzYM/s400/IMG_0580_adj.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rail bridge from the recon shot.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYshCfFAl-Ik0gSku5j_OcY7tszGUTYDegjQSQLPgncy_zZDv_CWkXv66FrDHSP6v2BhE2cAKJC19sfUBOFFLD9lucP478IGqj2t9E8pSDjy8j3pmB9HE5pc-DnA9zvwVzKaqo4c4g2Go/s1600/IMG_0591_adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYshCfFAl-Ik0gSku5j_OcY7tszGUTYDegjQSQLPgncy_zZDv_CWkXv66FrDHSP6v2BhE2cAKJC19sfUBOFFLD9lucP478IGqj2t9E8pSDjy8j3pmB9HE5pc-DnA9zvwVzKaqo4c4g2Go/s400/IMG_0591_adj.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ox and Bucks air-landing platoon on the assault, taking german artillery by surprise!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXlrF3f0PF-H0AkIdoMzdq_gD9b5eL67H1ZxD8LcKkyh64LJpttcGSJzPeYHscLC5mCg0H8WryQMGDXGzeMBhC_3N47ubEXaw4dJ34Mii7pW6ynaIHDUgqRcqf7tKxjLLPokBFntuXFw/s1600/IMG_0618_adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXlrF3f0PF-H0AkIdoMzdq_gD9b5eL67H1ZxD8LcKkyh64LJpttcGSJzPeYHscLC5mCg0H8WryQMGDXGzeMBhC_3N47ubEXaw4dJ34Mii7pW6ynaIHDUgqRcqf7tKxjLLPokBFntuXFw/s400/IMG_0618_adj.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storming a factory building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKqQ0G-ABv2LWDHsk-FrbKozIYoso6vGlZ8Xnlc3hu3Ql_EGH6j6Raa11KaniSENfC7HMOprYNsgqmqOpt6YcVsDE6AUEYLgHVoWgKMpZ9dD2lUS5d-xGnmSs_A4TrFd-OQcI8UBgy7c/s1600/IMG_0636_adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKqQ0G-ABv2LWDHsk-FrbKozIYoso6vGlZ8Xnlc3hu3Ql_EGH6j6Raa11KaniSENfC7HMOprYNsgqmqOpt6YcVsDE6AUEYLgHVoWgKMpZ9dD2lUS5d-xGnmSs_A4TrFd-OQcI8UBgy7c/s400/IMG_0636_adj.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Airborne troops take the rail yard.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14fnotaOw_ggf69eyJMiFHL4452kgptbzSgqEQTKRU2eAGAKluzhP06nkVLUJnQ1GeWnavR-oztLBsONk2cxIH9CKlPM-GiyavzmT0Rm3Jl2mK6hanQifVUGGPLloFPZJHM3c5K2CxRs/s1600/IMG_0659_adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14fnotaOw_ggf69eyJMiFHL4452kgptbzSgqEQTKRU2eAGAKluzhP06nkVLUJnQ1GeWnavR-oztLBsONk2cxIH9CKlPM-GiyavzmT0Rm3Jl2mK6hanQifVUGGPLloFPZJHM3c5K2CxRs/s400/IMG_0659_adj.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A knocked out German AA emplacement.</td></tr>
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<br />
Check out all the shots from the album here: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/S72ssxmQYu3L8hKr6" target="_blank">Flames of War - Airborne Assault</a>.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Back to the the present - By Fire and Sword</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Back in the now, down at SSWG, we played 2 small games of By Fire and Sword to work out the rules. Craven was there with his snow themed Muscovites, while John also joined us with his selection of Poles, Cossacks and Swedes.<br />
John was an original kickstarter for the game so had a mixed bag of troops which certainly helped out when building the forces to face Craven (as my Swedes were stuck in barracks).<br />
<br />
We started out by setting up a simple gaming table with a few copse of trees and a small farmstead / village to fight over.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkgpE53JWa-QBw7hwWFoHvNIy30paNGZFMsqzjcIDVfLpk4iRDTDYddu65ELPWMxtSoMTP1AtfTAVtKqkDNd_buV2-ScuDqRocUYkUwjP_2BhB6ad4iUpTVHO5I7nSwFSMzeupckDr6g/s1600/IMG_1946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkgpE53JWa-QBw7hwWFoHvNIy30paNGZFMsqzjcIDVfLpk4iRDTDYddu65ELPWMxtSoMTP1AtfTAVtKqkDNd_buV2-ScuDqRocUYkUwjP_2BhB6ad4iUpTVHO5I7nSwFSMzeupckDr6g/s400/IMG_1946.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A "simple" gaming table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Game 1 was an attack by the Muscovites against a force of Polish defenders.<br />
As this was our first ever game, we were unsure about the troops and how they should be used. I deployed some dragoons in the farm to defend it, whilst the cavalry were in reserve behind.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyctkBk58pQfamR6iitsHBMaFz3UZrUMO5JEq9EABKJG8V2NPfSslRS9maAasGnA0-Gs-lq-B4OuVX3xK-kJ_bWEDfl9JaAgYO-Ak75jWm5LiqoSpD1jwe4vdI2WW4VfcY4cCCS3OvpgI/s1600/IMG_1947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyctkBk58pQfamR6iitsHBMaFz3UZrUMO5JEq9EABKJG8V2NPfSslRS9maAasGnA0-Gs-lq-B4OuVX3xK-kJ_bWEDfl9JaAgYO-Ak75jWm5LiqoSpD1jwe4vdI2WW4VfcY4cCCS3OvpgI/s400/IMG_1947.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Polish side of the field.</td></tr>
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<br />
The Muscovites came on with their infantry opposite the farm ready to advance and make an assault, while the mounted troops were to their right, ready to ride round and clash with my own cavalry.<br />
We learnt a few key things about the rules, and Craven picked up some thoughts on how to deploy his units in future - the Muscovite mounted troops are better as dragoons rather than battle cavalry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p6SiGzKRbd9y_cPIbm6LkCyaJHKJJPDHfTQZPHiC1BswyjYBrlb_Ott-alxk_Kch6g5UMb6Zc6BSuaVGQ2K6h3O9z5kGynsPacCYOb3c7AJW3st0OeSQNsa92puXvPFJFK4Yg8s-mBI/s1600/IMG_1948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p6SiGzKRbd9y_cPIbm6LkCyaJHKJJPDHfTQZPHiC1BswyjYBrlb_Ott-alxk_Kch6g5UMb6Zc6BSuaVGQ2K6h3O9z5kGynsPacCYOb3c7AJW3st0OeSQNsa92puXvPFJFK4Yg8s-mBI/s400/IMG_1948.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cavalry clash.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We also learnt that my dice can be awful at times, as the (theoretically) superior Polish cavalry was routed from the field.<br />
The game was over quickly in game terms, with the Polish mounted troops in flight and the Dragoons isolated in the village while the plodding infantry brought up a light gun to help shake them from the farm.<br />
<br />
In game 2, we replicated a force similar to the Swedes I am mustering. We started with the Swedes on the offensive this time, attacking the flank of the larger Muscovite force.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeurMvtgXKNakTDbu_PLtcIa8Jr8BrQ21rFrtvNviXPj-ai4dviVFjVoAanOWhyphenhyphendIMtkdwphiLbkZiaqa4iN65zxG7ixBVCIsL3Z9QwaK4EpY3tOdOoZYexM7lx8lxsS-boygHW0LsgE/s1600/IMG_1952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeurMvtgXKNakTDbu_PLtcIa8Jr8BrQ21rFrtvNviXPj-ai4dviVFjVoAanOWhyphenhyphendIMtkdwphiLbkZiaqa4iN65zxG7ixBVCIsL3Z9QwaK4EpY3tOdOoZYexM7lx8lxsS-boygHW0LsgE/s400/IMG_1952.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Swedish raiding detachment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This time I was in no doubt about how to use the troops at my disposal, but I was certainly nervous given the sheer number of troops I was facing. Quantity really does have a Quality all of its own!<br />
Rather than allow the numerous Muscovite troops to wrap round my flank or wear down my small numbers with their shooting, I charged straight in, aiming for the weaker firelock armed troops with my excellent Reiters rather than hit a pike block face on!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_jR6zTIEPW4QDeGefnBGHSh_qJf9WgKBlmAXJhBJteKJa-qT_8Iehb65ii6a_OqPdvWd7gigQasd13Dv4acygTSm0lO5tNDEVucu7gjafhXBHhlcgUJBISQZP7Yt8w8DwTLKsDj94C4/s1600/IMG_1957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_jR6zTIEPW4QDeGefnBGHSh_qJf9WgKBlmAXJhBJteKJa-qT_8Iehb65ii6a_OqPdvWd7gigQasd13Dv4acygTSm0lO5tNDEVucu7gjafhXBHhlcgUJBISQZP7Yt8w8DwTLKsDj94C4/s400/IMG_1957.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battle is joined.</td></tr>
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<br />
The Dragoons too rode forward and provided some supporting fire with decent effect.<br />
I was able to rout the musketeers and begin wheeling into the rear of the pikes before we stopped play.<br />
<br />
The conclusion from the two games was that the rules are a fun, though spread over quite a few pages, and certainly quite complex to pick up.<br />
Since the game, I have invested in some sticky tabs to label the key rules sections and the army lists. This will mean we can find the details more easily next time.<br />
<br />
The really great thing about By Fire and Sword, is that it has introduced a new period to our gaming, which we really knew nothing about before we picked up the rulebook. It's always great to learn new things after all!<br />
<br />
For the full album, look here: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/PhrzFr6qunu9BvHy8" target="_blank">By Fire and Sword</a>.<br />
<br />
<h4>
See you next time, and happy gaming!</h4>
Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-66268478999063712832016-10-23T20:14:00.000+01:002016-10-23T20:54:30.514+01:005 months on - and back to some gaming (part 1)<h4>
A quick summary</h4>
Wow - 5 months with our new daughter Alice has just flown by.<br />
Between her and work, its been hard to get any serious gaming in :-).<br />
<br />
Still I did manage to get a few things done:<br />
<br />
- Uploaded the majority of my old gaming photos to Google Photo so I can start linking them up on this blog over time.<br />
- Get over to the SSWG club in Southend for a day's gaming of By Fire and Sword.<br />
- Visit the SELWG show last weekend and come away with a little swag!<br />
<br />
So for the post today I will talk a little about the last and most recent of these things, along with a little of what's up next!<br />
<h4>
The SELWG show</h4>
<div>
Now, I have been going to a few of the gaming shows in London and around for a long number of years.</div>
<div>
Salute and SELWG are by far the biggest, but I've also enjoyed good trips to Ilford, Tonbridge and Writtle on many occasions. Hell, a few trips to Newark have been very rewarding in the past too.</div>
<div>
In the past couple of years with various other engagements, the number of shows I've been able to get to has diminished.</div>
<div>
This year however, I was determined to make the big two in London at the very least, to keep my gaming fires stoked.</div>
<div>
Salute was enjoyable, and I came away with a limited set of new toys!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Fast forward a few months of nappy changes and I was packing a bag to get over to Crystal Palace for SELWG.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHwcNx_Ibla42YWsb89myM0xtT7n_FXfjH0f3_l7ppSzWvwJMwprSy_aJrbSPyylxDgAzjmbtpUfBYXZg-kg1yL5WFE7YlJ1_uhzI-Y_LYuxkTlW8Fz26VwGMppctg2ufBxgHdE88JzM/s1600/IMG_2873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHwcNx_Ibla42YWsb89myM0xtT7n_FXfjH0f3_l7ppSzWvwJMwprSy_aJrbSPyylxDgAzjmbtpUfBYXZg-kg1yL5WFE7YlJ1_uhzI-Y_LYuxkTlW8Fz26VwGMppctg2ufBxgHdE88JzM/s400/IMG_2873.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The show itself is smaller than Salute with a lot fewer people in attendance, but that just meant I had more time to browse the tables and stalls.<br />
<h4>
Shopping done!</h4>
After meeting up with some old gaming friends, I browsed the tables, picked up all three of the excellent looking Battle for Britain paper armies books by Peter Dennis, and a bargain Osprey book, World War II Airborne Warfare Tactics.<br />
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<h4>
Bolt Action demo by Warlord Games</h4>
The last purchase I made was the new Bolt Action version 2 rule book. I picked this up after having a very entertaining few turns of a demonstration game hosted by the guys from Warlord Games themselves.<br />
<br />
Sharing the table also happened to be Lance Nielsen, the director for the upcoming Pegasus Bridge movie. <br />
This looks to be a really exciting project and I can't wait to see it - check it out here: <a href="http://pegasusbridgethemovie.com/" target="_blank">Pegasus Bridge - the movie</a><br />
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The Bolt Action demo was fast and fun, with my Wehrmacht troops trying to hold off an assault by some Allied forces.<br />
Here are some shots of the game:<br />
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I hope to read through the whole rule book and give a more detailed opinion soon.<br />
<h4>
The best of the of the show</h4>
There were some other great looking tables at the show, along with a whole bunch of lovely figures and scenery products, which I had to work hard to avoid!<br />
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These are a few of the shots from the tables at the show.<br />
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You can also find my all my shots from the show here: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/xidKx29vJbuecMC29" target="_blank">SELWG 2016 album</a><br />
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All in all, a fun show with a few great purchases to keep my going through the long winter months ahead.<br />
<h4>
What's coming next?</h4>
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Up next time, I will do a trip back in time to a previous game down at SSWG where we had an airborne assault scenario.<br />
I'll also talk about the only game I've really played in the past few months, which was our first outing of the By Fire and Sword rules.<br />
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That's it for this time. Happy gaming!Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-29569899196313853992016-05-30T11:19:00.002+01:002016-05-30T11:19:40.862+01:00A slight break in campaigningApologies to all for the lack of recent updates.<br />
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I am happy to announce that I had a baby daughter 1 week ago today.<br />
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The preparation and then care has taken priority over the gaming scene for the past few weeks.<br />
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But worry not, those Swedes will be in the field soon, with all of the Reiters undercoated and ready for some colour.<br />
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I decided to use a white undercoat, despite the models being 15mm, as I want them to be bright and clean looking.<br />
I am struggling to find lots of source material for uniforms, but the rule book itself has plenty of good shots of the Swedes in there.<br />
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I will also probably splash out for the Deluge specific expansion book to see what other illustrations it has to help me with the final details, though I will have time as the horses will be the first points to tackle.<br />
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Apologies again for the short update, but needs must when the new recruits are in camp!<br />
All the best and happy gaming.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-46384375796680460022016-05-07T16:07:00.001+01:002016-05-07T16:07:25.940+01:00Talavera 1809 @ SSWG - part 2We ended part 1 of this all day Talavera replay with the French forces closing in on the British line across the Portina stream.<br />
The SSWG club in Southend on Sea, Essex, hosted the event using the Black Powder rules set along with the Albion Triumphant expansion. The figures are all 28mm with a decent mixture of manufacturers being fielded.<br />
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We rejoin the action as the German and Polish brigades of the IV Corps, under General Sebastiani, have just engaged the British. Meanwhile on the right flank, the French cavalry face off against the Anglo-Spanish horse.<br />
To support the advancing Germans, Milhaud's dragoons finally moved off and prepared to threaten charges on the British infantry in line across the stream.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French horse artillery support Milhaud's advance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three regiments of French dragoons</td></tr>
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The musket volley's heat up the day as the British engage the French columns and try to halt their assault.<br />
The Germans initial assault is stopped in its tracks and 2 battalions are routed from the field in quick order by the British Guards!<br />
The fighting is uglier with the Polish units and both sides revert to exchanging ever more ragged volleys at each other.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtx4fuXwSTQ01iCZ5tVIYahsyKKlvop4VrVywEeiUlKL5S4vc_0rCo85JrUVqjg_UlUPMhnO0UKIe3sp-8u3DsX76L537zu0vd2tORr7hym6CVb0mwVap4oTnGbF1J3XTNO-7TIXm6wT4/s1600/IMG_2445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtx4fuXwSTQ01iCZ5tVIYahsyKKlvop4VrVywEeiUlKL5S4vc_0rCo85JrUVqjg_UlUPMhnO0UKIe3sp-8u3DsX76L537zu0vd2tORr7hym6CVb0mwVap4oTnGbF1J3XTNO-7TIXm6wT4/s400/IMG_2445.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polish and British units begin their fight</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBKI6NzJerMocZov7wY-VuiHiUR6LFrZnqnDIWodTWuQzjlmTm51flKaCVWnaMBQUB0KVHnhEoi690KTlV5odn_WUoxTYcpq2do0WbDMyzgTprArZDuKOfNbM6l7PIuh6vxXdEMBIxUU/s1600/IMG_2459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBKI6NzJerMocZov7wY-VuiHiUR6LFrZnqnDIWodTWuQzjlmTm51flKaCVWnaMBQUB0KVHnhEoi690KTlV5odn_WUoxTYcpq2do0WbDMyzgTprArZDuKOfNbM6l7PIuh6vxXdEMBIxUU/s400/IMG_2459.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The British Guards brigade halts the initial advance of the Germans</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXygmXpehMtHmWzLxekgniJvP2ZygX7WZRTtuuOIi96RWR6ic3PgYOQYm_iCqrJRRS_-RnN9q6Dbf0JVcMwl6gZ_-1wLAZCCeVpH6cSQppmKt2xo2Pt2LcnuxyfvRtI_iZX5J-H4cuxUo/s1600/IMG_2463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXygmXpehMtHmWzLxekgniJvP2ZygX7WZRTtuuOIi96RWR6ic3PgYOQYm_iCqrJRRS_-RnN9q6Dbf0JVcMwl6gZ_-1wLAZCCeVpH6cSQppmKt2xo2Pt2LcnuxyfvRtI_iZX5J-H4cuxUo/s400/IMG_2463.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The engagement slows to a musketry duel</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ermUjv1SjKu9EvYhZAe8Kcu5GttD3OmqS-JzMnT9zJ2gN9zR1hdYgmcHo5qdkTqNU_c_V-Gi1PGuDd5tx-LJ8T_9sE6iDDVTVYef5PYSGr9UAHRcrIVi_TF1TtHwSBJdji0TFcG8pTY/s1600/IMG_2455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ermUjv1SjKu9EvYhZAe8Kcu5GttD3OmqS-JzMnT9zJ2gN9zR1hdYgmcHo5qdkTqNU_c_V-Gi1PGuDd5tx-LJ8T_9sE6iDDVTVYef5PYSGr9UAHRcrIVi_TF1TtHwSBJdji0TFcG8pTY/s400/IMG_2455.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Guards pour on the firepower</td></tr>
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Eventually, the French manage to bring up the 5th battalion of Germans using the Brigadier and a sneaky "Follow me!" order. This brings a fresh unit onto the flank of the British Guards.</div>
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This, along with the threat of Milhaud's cavalry begins to wear away at the defenders driving one battalion of Guards back and another into square.</div>
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To the right of the Polish brigade, the French advance begins to take momentum with a fresh brigade of troops slamming into the British line in attack columns.</div>
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On the far right of the battle, the French cavalry had driven off their Anglo-Spanish opposites, but were threatened in turn by Spanish troops on the hills beyond (represented with Portuguese troops in the shots).</div>
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Everything starts to look good for the French, though the Cerro de Medellin is still formidably held by British infantry and artillery.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBpIGHHt_Xxi9genyWRrUC0TUxQnMOVnvdO90E1G8fMFN5uNHLCA11FRbOtY2RKdIrhX0M2W5sJhuCDaQMFa3KNwjKN2yXJ4XIXO4gnOtR-JLWnyHy2UKHSv1aMSi1jGyjEtrsmch-Q8/s1600/IMG_2466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBpIGHHt_Xxi9genyWRrUC0TUxQnMOVnvdO90E1G8fMFN5uNHLCA11FRbOtY2RKdIrhX0M2W5sJhuCDaQMFa3KNwjKN2yXJ4XIXO4gnOtR-JLWnyHy2UKHSv1aMSi1jGyjEtrsmch-Q8/s400/IMG_2466.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow me!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMs9uy0O2q55r608yWFotzruN8Y2x1ItpacJd_sKFNGN9a9gtdAmDQLPAaWQsURlTHBc-dN13l1ZCUs-Cul642jOtfsjulDw4_WXeJxFzBPFCJ3-mdH-znavCjr0eeu_t6y-8ZG8n2KY/s1600/IMG_2478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMs9uy0O2q55r608yWFotzruN8Y2x1ItpacJd_sKFNGN9a9gtdAmDQLPAaWQsURlTHBc-dN13l1ZCUs-Cul642jOtfsjulDw4_WXeJxFzBPFCJ3-mdH-znavCjr0eeu_t6y-8ZG8n2KY/s400/IMG_2478.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The British are assaulted by combined arms and the Guards are driven back</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJFw8VX-Hbj2niUuXcwmfjN1-7lb6NKkLhf08dIaC-dZ6LGGv4vG4lc07H_CryI84bXDwAmYCPeTLRVX8Wi9ZXBxLoSnEmO2w_pBE9bmExUKcT-Mr_-yKgC_fsrKWp1S3hButXNwffCQ/s1600/IMG_2468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJFw8VX-Hbj2niUuXcwmfjN1-7lb6NKkLhf08dIaC-dZ6LGGv4vG4lc07H_CryI84bXDwAmYCPeTLRVX8Wi9ZXBxLoSnEmO2w_pBE9bmExUKcT-Mr_-yKgC_fsrKWp1S3hButXNwffCQ/s400/IMG_2468.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French attack columns strike home</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEqY2DsCwbUviKoayKOnC49gQKFUo5X3MS3XlhrRjp9vfEMnqa905lmbBtnVA-OQnBGhllMC2aeJa_ZFD5wMM9g_gBfQCjNFyCH4cUpZuLBrD_nGTF9stEcKnBSyUPFWpdx0J6R67YAo/s1600/IMG_2475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEqY2DsCwbUviKoayKOnC49gQKFUo5X3MS3XlhrRjp9vfEMnqa905lmbBtnVA-OQnBGhllMC2aeJa_ZFD5wMM9g_gBfQCjNFyCH4cUpZuLBrD_nGTF9stEcKnBSyUPFWpdx0J6R67YAo/s400/IMG_2475.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spanish (Portuguese figures) infantry advance on the French right</td></tr>
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At this point, the Spanish troops in Talavera started to make a slow entrance on the French left, threatening to flank their attack on the British.<br />
To counter this, the reserve cavalry was deployed to see the rabble off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbg-ZNgGIhdt1cFlab-tP37h7XMgFcg3U3ljcEIzfAwGSKBm8nEoLRdHz-Qz0Tt7pGz_Ggefdrmkmt_vZzY-snnJhA5xzntDK9ZR80Hs9REZCYoYj-P6B-DKKRV7n0JnNh-KT0Isc17U/s1600/IMG_2489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbg-ZNgGIhdt1cFlab-tP37h7XMgFcg3U3ljcEIzfAwGSKBm8nEoLRdHz-Qz0Tt7pGz_Ggefdrmkmt_vZzY-snnJhA5xzntDK9ZR80Hs9REZCYoYj-P6B-DKKRV7n0JnNh-KT0Isc17U/s400/IMG_2489.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish infantry advance from Talavera</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TIC2X2ckYTWLRbDfWMn513jKB6Zio8wBrZfp7vCCINaRdAURE_Ba0f_fU6fd0zGg1KdqH33I-rJW6qWYC-OnPVWY-aTzuU8BbLmmUB2eCBb7R7gbQaVDvlyXcX5oNyPgWuewfpKNUpI/s1600/IMG_2504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TIC2X2ckYTWLRbDfWMn513jKB6Zio8wBrZfp7vCCINaRdAURE_Ba0f_fU6fd0zGg1KdqH33I-rJW6qWYC-OnPVWY-aTzuU8BbLmmUB2eCBb7R7gbQaVDvlyXcX5oNyPgWuewfpKNUpI/s400/IMG_2504.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish artillery in action</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2iU6qgGANoIwI9_TnK9d3OiBPQLPi5tq8rHQJjCFVqfGG-K7eMYGbieL92BVlxEs_rNdC6nPTeHAXa4l03eALk5O7lic3q1qFgY__61WwBY8naewAqIKpUM3XwbY7-yB9MA1yVC6dY4/s1600/IMG_2488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2iU6qgGANoIwI9_TnK9d3OiBPQLPi5tq8rHQJjCFVqfGG-K7eMYGbieL92BVlxEs_rNdC6nPTeHAXa4l03eALk5O7lic3q1qFgY__61WwBY8naewAqIKpUM3XwbY7-yB9MA1yVC6dY4/s400/IMG_2488.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French cavalry charge in</td></tr>
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On the Cerro de Medellin, an ugly war of attrition began, which saw stalemate for the rest of the battle with neither side gaining an advantage.<br />
The breakthrough of the day came in the British centre right, where the heaviest fighting had happened.<br />
The British Guards were forced back by the Germans, while towards the Cerro, the British infantry facing the assault of the French and Poles began to break, leaving gaps in the line.<br />
In the end, event the Guards were routed, taking with them supporting battalions in their flight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwI66NK3ET1Fcnp2Fgdt1uGNxm4RC4aJ0EYdYpPwvo9z7bCKxoavqr51ilzzR2FGp-5ECrsHFt36baCVPBsBLVEP93IiSzLp-GXOncpXA6YndvTUtosOyBIVrjuX3SuiLMtptewr26jx8/s1600/IMG_2487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwI66NK3ET1Fcnp2Fgdt1uGNxm4RC4aJ0EYdYpPwvo9z7bCKxoavqr51ilzzR2FGp-5ECrsHFt36baCVPBsBLVEP93IiSzLp-GXOncpXA6YndvTUtosOyBIVrjuX3SuiLMtptewr26jx8/s400/IMG_2487.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final attack on the British Guards</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr4_bBX2O07r26ml8G18ntEReaANrJR2MRLHdjtfcy4z0ogP2iayoMJV_brYM-QPvpqQ6INqpO_KR41kYgTgIOqmXQpaJEaybNh1a9Q2Cskl9kIbS1KqWy8_6gEx-NQnOzk2qgadLJ-s/s1600/IMG_2498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr4_bBX2O07r26ml8G18ntEReaANrJR2MRLHdjtfcy4z0ogP2iayoMJV_brYM-QPvpqQ6INqpO_KR41kYgTgIOqmXQpaJEaybNh1a9Q2Cskl9kIbS1KqWy8_6gEx-NQnOzk2qgadLJ-s/s400/IMG_2498.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And they are routed from the field</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61nvsKQrozrEB9WIrCrn23qOjbWZAV8mCGP7TRviCFBUVHy6eu6W_Gy58z1jLP6D8jEyZAZmcDtlAaGcS2_3ktvmbxSH7-hugPGwe2Ml-7UO5PixcLWbmOsgw0mp_sr7N8X_DspOQIcw/s1600/IMG_2496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61nvsKQrozrEB9WIrCrn23qOjbWZAV8mCGP7TRviCFBUVHy6eu6W_Gy58z1jLP6D8jEyZAZmcDtlAaGcS2_3ktvmbxSH7-hugPGwe2Ml-7UO5PixcLWbmOsgw0mp_sr7N8X_DspOQIcw/s400/IMG_2496.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Polish infantry finally see success too</td></tr>
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At this stage, the Anglo-Spanish defenders had been split in two, and were forced to retire from the field.<br />
We ended the day with a French victory, though not without issues with command, bungled orders and some terrible dice from both sides.<br />
Great fun was had and we will fight again!<br />
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Please check the Google Photos album for all the photos I took from the day: <a href="https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPww2H_mTGqj8JvsIz0bvNkwxEtJYIi5QAhPnnp"><span style="color: blue;">Talavera 1809 by EssexWargamer</span></a><br />
If you are local to Southend or the south of Essex, then please visit the SSWG club website to see whats happening: <a href="http://www.sswg.co.uk/"><span style="color: blue;">SSWG club website</span></a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAE3_wV4dIVg5T9iuAuVE7tRIooT1i0C9B4vMDxbZfbImhI9bqBxClcasxHKFna0V1H1xEpR2389dwQ1joUULIi__JVCoHPHRnlLMmGaEu447DauG9TIjye0GVMtJc3gRlObRoAdBUiY/s1600/IMG_2508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAE3_wV4dIVg5T9iuAuVE7tRIooT1i0C9B4vMDxbZfbImhI9bqBxClcasxHKFna0V1H1xEpR2389dwQ1joUULIi__JVCoHPHRnlLMmGaEu447DauG9TIjye0GVMtJc3gRlObRoAdBUiY/s640/IMG_2508.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battle comes to an end</td></tr>
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Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-46387783865430095772016-04-26T08:32:00.000+01:002016-04-26T08:33:08.735+01:00Talavera 1809 @ SSWG - part 1A hectic week led to a tired Wargamer making the journey back to Southend for a "big Napoleonic" game on Saturday.<br />
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These big games tend to be pretty damn epic affairs with multiple players fielding their 28mm troops.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I arrived to a table ready set for the battle of Talavera in July 1809 between the forces of France and her allies under the command of King Joseph & Marshall Jourdan, and the Anglo-Spanish forces under Sir Arthur Wellesley & General Cuesta.</span></div>
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As you will see from the various pictures, the battle we recreated was a bloody affair fought using the Black Powder rules set, with a table 6 foot across and I don't really know how wide. I'll just say it was BIG!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqjbr-znqUmHw2TeI9XHrDmYLOhyibZwDQs7F6A7g9-3W0m59kCs_0Hbi8_YF17AfZdYVgO-slrrfYPp6E2rE8fgfV6PDkub151Z9EhjKCnG2d4wOd8zFiCPBVFyfObxYC23zItLEGJ8/s1600/IMG_2418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqjbr-znqUmHw2TeI9XHrDmYLOhyibZwDQs7F6A7g9-3W0m59kCs_0Hbi8_YF17AfZdYVgO-slrrfYPp6E2rE8fgfV6PDkub151Z9EhjKCnG2d4wOd8zFiCPBVFyfObxYC23zItLEGJ8/s400/IMG_2418.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Setting up the table for Talavera</td></tr>
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Despite it being St George's Day, I took command of my a number of my own French battalions in the centre, representing the Confederation of the Rhine brigade under General Leval, alongside the Polish brigade under the Comte de Valence. <br />
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These two brigades made up the left most infantry units on the field, with the remainder of the IV Corps deployed to their right.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSiEk8CBOWyR0v0dOyF9AfT1D6WctEFAo5dLzs1jd1V0kex3mSHzstD6HMGIyWfGqqENoocpxA_iQ9oRRtO9R_aJr4EUPhie5MIiEFIJJvgjAmKy_6HY24V90hblo2Hj56UGIHjAKLU0/s1600/IMG_2416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSiEk8CBOWyR0v0dOyF9AfT1D6WctEFAo5dLzs1jd1V0kex3mSHzstD6HMGIyWfGqqENoocpxA_iQ9oRRtO9R_aJr4EUPhie5MIiEFIJJvgjAmKy_6HY24V90hblo2Hj56UGIHjAKLU0/s400/IMG_2416.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Leval's Brigade of Germans</td></tr>
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To my left were the cavalry units of General Milhaud, screening the Spanish in the town of Talavera.<br />
Across from my units were the solid ranks of British infantry, with 10 battalions deployed across the Portina stream blocking my advance, with smaller units of redcoat and riflemen skirmishers out in front.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AyYbBOuCiOwiWRdBM1P6VTevXe7Y6xP4PU3c2v8HnkoVkO9Nd9ENNaCIwqAwJ7mZtaTs8wIaKwazodO2jlBkZuvNNUk2AqFVC9UwZCb4IFmqjboGKfETEx9lbe2t4Z4lDGbBL8UYKBA/s1600/IMG_2415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AyYbBOuCiOwiWRdBM1P6VTevXe7Y6xP4PU3c2v8HnkoVkO9Nd9ENNaCIwqAwJ7mZtaTs8wIaKwazodO2jlBkZuvNNUk2AqFVC9UwZCb4IFmqjboGKfETEx9lbe2t4Z4lDGbBL8UYKBA/s400/IMG_2415.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Milhaud's Cavalry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyibHlRx_-2KKWFM_EnXwUQrkntaL5fvhLPARzZ219I0d6rJzL1Pwd1xk9rYANFcWSBnP-ZGsr8YVOUGAlM-ZI0T88j_WR9pgGeb7rTGZKRj4Z5iPyjs7RaYW6HW0kPZFY20jpfHjEjAU/s1600/IMG_2437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyibHlRx_-2KKWFM_EnXwUQrkntaL5fvhLPARzZ219I0d6rJzL1Pwd1xk9rYANFcWSBnP-ZGsr8YVOUGAlM-ZI0T88j_WR9pgGeb7rTGZKRj4Z5iPyjs7RaYW6HW0kPZFY20jpfHjEjAU/s400/IMG_2437.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The thin red (and green) line</td></tr>
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The battle commenced with the French forces launching a series of thrusts at the British lines, with my own command quickly coming to grips with the enemy.<br />
The defensive fire from the British battalions caused havoc and several battalions were routed from the field, while the remainder deployed into line and exchanged fire with the redcoats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHc84QeenNcVY678e0iZvVgxK8-h8MjwWOuL0cAl_5Pr1BnTbj5yB4aYSIAUNo5giwOiX_2l_mo2Pn16BZ6Lp-xwDwqOZbppzGb2Tyk2ljKg_2sqbTUGnrvBbZNxySSL01v5EAVO8TTc/s1600/IMG_2441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHc84QeenNcVY678e0iZvVgxK8-h8MjwWOuL0cAl_5Pr1BnTbj5yB4aYSIAUNo5giwOiX_2l_mo2Pn16BZ6Lp-xwDwqOZbppzGb2Tyk2ljKg_2sqbTUGnrvBbZNxySSL01v5EAVO8TTc/s400/IMG_2441.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Confederation infantry advance with supporting artillery fire</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJxEt0e2gIUjTNlgBWNxoF1XsSoSoLZxl0ywOrRUeBumqjn2a1FibwMqg3-KkWfTiBEwc_K9lRuDc-8cZYs4qn825RF-o9mIkmI8wzTqMHEpmYIShQqv_mK8wcfzBWq8YVqejU1OhLmA/s1600/IMG_2444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJxEt0e2gIUjTNlgBWNxoF1XsSoSoLZxl0ywOrRUeBumqjn2a1FibwMqg3-KkWfTiBEwc_K9lRuDc-8cZYs4qn825RF-o9mIkmI8wzTqMHEpmYIShQqv_mK8wcfzBWq8YVqejU1OhLmA/s400/IMG_2444.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infantry battle begins</td></tr>
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Mean while to the right of the Germans, my Polish brigade woke up from a sluggish start and began a well ordered rush across the field, flanked by more French infantry to their right and some well sighted artillery support.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1ylBBGHzFpPc7AuayPYyFY2r7Ytbrv4hPsCwacw91kUMsUlp5NQz36cDga-fW3z2NRD21O6BZj9U6PtEWfbIf5yAu950HD1Q_0xQwBPKupQCU1f2LCl0pSQtsKQv0cEIW6n0S2T1V8w/s1600/IMG_2440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1ylBBGHzFpPc7AuayPYyFY2r7Ytbrv4hPsCwacw91kUMsUlp5NQz36cDga-fW3z2NRD21O6BZj9U6PtEWfbIf5yAu950HD1Q_0xQwBPKupQCU1f2LCl0pSQtsKQv0cEIW6n0S2T1V8w/s400/IMG_2440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The advance of the Polish brigade</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the far right flank, the advance of the I Corps troops on the British defences on the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: inherit;">Cerro de Medellin hill.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: inherit;">This attack was held off for some time by the combined efforts of the Anglo-Spanish cavalry, along with a brigade of Spanish infantry (Portuguese figures).</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #252525;">After a long struggle, the French cavalry won that conflict, clearing the plain in front of the Cerro allowing the infantry to advance.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcYU4FlGJr-eTHOEtw8mmlVLKCiYbsodItb0VeNOXK7mmfbyfzczsipH1FpW7255141nqh-FP_23kA5_eXRVjzAGpeGQaJqlrXTvG-T-_wpmAoynYVd-Wm17w-D0AyVq-DgGZcKDiL7A/s1600/IMG_2447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcYU4FlGJr-eTHOEtw8mmlVLKCiYbsodItb0VeNOXK7mmfbyfzczsipH1FpW7255141nqh-FP_23kA5_eXRVjzAGpeGQaJqlrXTvG-T-_wpmAoynYVd-Wm17w-D0AyVq-DgGZcKDiL7A/s400/IMG_2447.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French right advances</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5p7IVkzV4rHgSDI7nCWLSp7YKeO8-cPypDilg0JTYP8uqK9wwXUHdso4w_NTyP2fbRV7yXhBjqfWcfjdxBCPEv3LHXulv46Oz22uxr7PB1x6mjT8KrKgYBHKWedn_gtjJvN17ClpPms/s1600/IMG_2448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5p7IVkzV4rHgSDI7nCWLSp7YKeO8-cPypDilg0JTYP8uqK9wwXUHdso4w_NTyP2fbRV7yXhBjqfWcfjdxBCPEv3LHXulv46Oz22uxr7PB1x6mjT8KrKgYBHKWedn_gtjJvN17ClpPms/s400/IMG_2448.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French infantry in squares as the cavalry engage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T2WXiaqosvNXTlqf7PfqGJ1C2VFddq16yjZLnhAvqQjtvst07UTidH9F1yh74GcYS171GF51w3LfF7R4wCXmTNUJfGifQOzbbft4no8yEdrft4q2KbJEI3QXot1ICd4vpOxIRhqCILc/s1600/IMG_2449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T2WXiaqosvNXTlqf7PfqGJ1C2VFddq16yjZLnhAvqQjtvst07UTidH9F1yh74GcYS171GF51w3LfF7R4wCXmTNUJfGifQOzbbft4no8yEdrft4q2KbJEI3QXot1ICd4vpOxIRhqCILc/s400/IMG_2449.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish lancers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1GtBjx8vqsnTFawmoGnl23pp2HogrUsq8VUoXKY_34UXxXD235CW2F4FodMYzCMzXoxnJ2e_CDK7QHmfLpe2C-nShNLSgxkGM8A6YJqNGvtJAB353HvolNHltTuhGzwAWWIWXtrAArU/s1600/IMG_2450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1GtBjx8vqsnTFawmoGnl23pp2HogrUsq8VUoXKY_34UXxXD235CW2F4FodMYzCMzXoxnJ2e_CDK7QHmfLpe2C-nShNLSgxkGM8A6YJqNGvtJAB353HvolNHltTuhGzwAWWIWXtrAArU/s400/IMG_2450.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French massed cavalry</td></tr>
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As the action heats up, I will pause for a break. More to come in the next update!</div>
Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-9747185813002312182016-04-16T20:53:00.001+01:002016-04-25T10:48:02.561+01:00Salute 2016Salute has been and gone for another year.<div><br></div><div>Some good display tables and games to be seen.</div><div><br></div><div>I was there to help a friend with his stall (DMB Games) selling dungeon tile scenery.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3ODJfy5Kqr4uvnrLKO4_PlZbQSuw_Ve0lGZIVrOWevtnO92YzVvFHwbALaJee5MV2vBgseuY4ac9DPYPZJaMpBfgiWRAZEPHxPc4JwYoUJgkGRvYHVKTgVo1k3VX8ZCXj3p_KUEl7C0/s640/blogger-image--237749542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3ODJfy5Kqr4uvnrLKO4_PlZbQSuw_Ve0lGZIVrOWevtnO92YzVvFHwbALaJee5MV2vBgseuY4ac9DPYPZJaMpBfgiWRAZEPHxPc4JwYoUJgkGRvYHVKTgVo1k3VX8ZCXj3p_KUEl7C0/s640/blogger-image--237749542.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo9cRmq00sM-T_laLw1KyysbVUN2d3HrLVUV3bO24eIvayawefxbh8wZLUHYTLfEjMxaqj0aCz35Kjn0NImmKEeyoeQS3U29bkY7b5Qlw4M1bjJYJS0EXnNddpq5vxT86fXrRPZDHkVE/s640/blogger-image--1140382675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo9cRmq00sM-T_laLw1KyysbVUN2d3HrLVUV3bO24eIvayawefxbh8wZLUHYTLfEjMxaqj0aCz35Kjn0NImmKEeyoeQS3U29bkY7b5Qlw4M1bjJYJS0EXnNddpq5vxT86fXrRPZDHkVE/s640/blogger-image--1140382675.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Here are a few snaps from the show:</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVE_ElwosP79y-zF2vDV0pMOME_MNTuM8k7p4KVB2PyABx5I8XWD0JgEOj7MNqKNgU8kwtiJTcFpObpEB_7RnU_rGVRT5FETiEBG8NiWf5xeJmaQMqQk4P43iqgby088cZK0Gn2pe84k/s640/blogger-image--1393785288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVE_ElwosP79y-zF2vDV0pMOME_MNTuM8k7p4KVB2PyABx5I8XWD0JgEOj7MNqKNgU8kwtiJTcFpObpEB_7RnU_rGVRT5FETiEBG8NiWf5xeJmaQMqQk4P43iqgby088cZK0Gn2pe84k/s640/blogger-image--1393785288.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NQqOTI8F7JALLjb4-i3lsDztS4Tyt9PSP1NlKSWFqzuzuPGwCxvPpE2qAoFH-3zKVyvzrdTsGvdoU4Uxk7SOTwnovpRACtsiK8iaipfHnyljUJ_hudLh8JUAbubM9RSW9jArp812qno/s640/blogger-image-946188222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NQqOTI8F7JALLjb4-i3lsDztS4Tyt9PSP1NlKSWFqzuzuPGwCxvPpE2qAoFH-3zKVyvzrdTsGvdoU4Uxk7SOTwnovpRACtsiK8iaipfHnyljUJ_hudLh8JUAbubM9RSW9jArp812qno/s640/blogger-image-946188222.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXIYYs9dl5ylZ8LQEOrvHUkAg6w5YCthNlT20zm0iwv8Yt9Omt8IRQPlac6LpKlwRr4nAeDo_z4yhW76eUFAHBY8YPgQdPBvZioeInkFOx2oO5Y6CfWhmXZSV_93id2xiTujIFCDubMs/s640/blogger-image-1247807735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXIYYs9dl5ylZ8LQEOrvHUkAg6w5YCthNlT20zm0iwv8Yt9Omt8IRQPlac6LpKlwRr4nAeDo_z4yhW76eUFAHBY8YPgQdPBvZioeInkFOx2oO5Y6CfWhmXZSV_93id2xiTujIFCDubMs/s640/blogger-image-1247807735.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaMb94UvKXBE5abr4NlhVV4ARQG-nYsT78OXffy0TtlOEYwBGeP72zbfjW5ZW6oDql_T85nGh4pic1JsOY5lor1IUHezx-qcRDQi4a1eWyne1XMvZ2XSWMpN12043_8FLyHjmYk-8f9w/s640/blogger-image--203925083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaMb94UvKXBE5abr4NlhVV4ARQG-nYsT78OXffy0TtlOEYwBGeP72zbfjW5ZW6oDql_T85nGh4pic1JsOY5lor1IUHezx-qcRDQi4a1eWyne1XMvZ2XSWMpN12043_8FLyHjmYk-8f9w/s640/blogger-image--203925083.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>While there I was persuaded to delve into something new. In collaboration with my gaming partner in crime, we settled on a new scale and period.</div><div><br></div><div>The figures looked great, I've heard good things about the rules and it was something that we would both be starting from scratch with, so here we are:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjND0u_OR6o1urT8JXIN_gGKBsguZWuaLGQeO-9lUtILAJYBQvqFFe6Tomz7qF9nDDfHGZl6RjxS4mQrBH67C_NZAz0N9vKJIJJfcZx4fLYUXPN6IY8wVziqsksoUBZYYj83-jbYhMSj7I/s640/blogger-image--1974540903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjND0u_OR6o1urT8JXIN_gGKBsguZWuaLGQeO-9lUtILAJYBQvqFFe6Tomz7qF9nDDfHGZl6RjxS4mQrBH67C_NZAz0N9vKJIJJfcZx4fLYUXPN6IY8wVziqsksoUBZYYj83-jbYhMSj7I/s640/blogger-image--1974540903.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>By Fire and Sword - I have opted (not a lot of choice with the nationality of my partner) for the Swedes, while Craven has gone for the Muscovites.</div><div>This will offer an interesting disparity of forces, with the very elite Swedes versus the numerous infantry based Muscovites.</div><div><br></div><div>I'll certainly be posting more as I read the rules and paint this skirmish force.</div><div><br></div><div>Happy gaming!</div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-63599052972285813272016-02-27T14:25:00.001+00:002016-04-25T15:06:11.961+01:00Wars of the Roses updateAfter being busy with work, progress has slowed down on my Wars of the Roses project.<br />
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However, I have managed to sneak in some progress and now have all the Men at Arms based up for Warwick, Salisbury and Abergavenny. I also have the bombard ready, minus the shield for now.<br />
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This leaves me with 18 retinue archers to complete for Salisbury and Abergavenny to complete the riding retinues of my 3 Lords. Once these are done, I will complete all their bases in one batch.<br />
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For storage, I have opted for the simple yet effective KRMulticase with 50mm pluck foam. This offers decent protection, storage and transport, whilst also giving me enough customisation to ensure that each stand is secure.
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After this, I am undecided on what to muster next, though I will probably opt for a half a dozen mounted Men at Arms to add a mobile reserve to my force, along with some bases of lower quality array troops, with a mixture of bills, spears and bows.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-18541277813695271672016-01-21T21:08:00.002+00:002016-01-27T22:19:57.055+00:00Wars of the Roses continues<b>Building the troops</b><br>
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After my initial planning session, I sat down and fevourishly constructed the men at arms and archers I would need to complete the riding retinues for my initial 3 nobles.<br>
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The Perry plastic kits are lovely and I was able to produce a great selection of troopers to stand alongside the metal figures for Warwick and Salisbury.<br>
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This burst of activity left me with 16 men at arms / standard bearers, 18 archers, and my two mounted lords to paint up in round 1.<br>
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<b>Starting the paint job</b><br>
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As I did with my first retinue, I opted to use a white, spray based undercoat for the figures. I used some card as a temporary base to help handle the figures, and then went to work.<br>
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After the undercoat, I decided to focus on getting all the metalwork / armour completed. I did this with silver, followed by a black wash. I then moved on and completed the skin tones on all my men at arms.<br>
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At this point, I decided I would break out the green paint and knock out the 4 figures for Lord Abergavenny. I also needed to touch up the figures on one of my billmen bases to ensure they fitted with their new nobles colour scheme.<br>
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I did this by changing the colours on the trousers on one of the figures and the sleeves on another. I then took the new men at arms and ensured that their coats were halved green and white.<br>
Finally, I worked on the wood and leather parts of the armour and weapons.<br>
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I resolved to based all of the troops in one batch, so I left the Abergavenny figures mounted on a 40x40mm Victrix base, coloured in an earthen brown.<br>
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The final touch for now, was to throw on a Freezywater flag which made the stand look 99% there.<br>
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<b>Moving on to Warwick and Salisbury</b><br>
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At this stage, I still had 14 men at arms to finish, including 2 on horseback. Fortunately both of these noblemen had red as their primary colour. Warwick in solid red, and Salisbury in red and black halved. <br>
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I therefore set off, splashing red on as appropriate. After letting that dry, I gave the tabard and coats a generous covering of red wash to give me some shading.<br>
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Following a day drying, I quickly went over the very highest points on the figures with red again to keep the colour clean.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CTU4S3xM1vZ34Fc-7STG2Hls5ubZrCA1SgC4OCNPyjG44FsQXrZPdYypacLcwAVl7BqE22KdrQ36-J8J0bjC_PPYzZlqMCFcuibeAnSvtNHcyD-geqyT1pfdvC5nhkdAM1YEWVSUt2w/s640/blogger-image--668123626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CTU4S3xM1vZ34Fc-7STG2Hls5ubZrCA1SgC4OCNPyjG44FsQXrZPdYypacLcwAVl7BqE22KdrQ36-J8J0bjC_PPYzZlqMCFcuibeAnSvtNHcyD-geqyT1pfdvC5nhkdAM1YEWVSUt2w/s640/blogger-image--668123626.jpg"></a></div><div><i>Lord Abergavenny's retinue on the right, with Warwick and Salisbury in progress to the left.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>As can be seen in the picture above, Lord Abergavenny's men at arms and billmen are ready, with the troops of Warwick and Salisbury in progress to the left and behind.</div><div><br></div><div>There have even been rumours that Lord Fauconberg has started the mustering of his own retinue!</div><div><br></div><div>More next time.</div>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-41391090774504946912016-01-20T21:51:00.000+00:002016-01-20T21:51:09.628+00:00Revival of the Essex Wargamer<b>A long time away from the hobby</b><br />
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It's been nearly five years since I last blogged on the site about the hobby, as we moved to a dedicated club website and proceeded from there.<br />
A lot has happened since then, with my local club (SSWG) moving premises twice and having now settled in a new custom facility in Southend.<br />
Personally, I have recovered from a serious injury, relocated to Richmond Surrey, and will be starting a family in May!<br />
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Since I moved away from the Southend area in July 2014, I have only had little experience of war gaming and had to enjoy my hobby though fleeting visits to the club, and seeing club members for the occasional weekend game.<br />
This has made the games larger, whole weekend affairs which often struggle for conclusion in good time.<br />
I had also lost the buzz on the painting side of the hobby too, struggling for time and focus on what to work on.<br />
Even a visit to Salute in 2015 yielded little inspiration for something new (a friend and I dabbled with Freebooters Fate figures, but it hasn't stuck yet).<br />
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<b>Every thing changes</b><br />
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On Christmas Day, I received an ominous text message from said friend, advising that he had received a box of the Perry mounted men at arms as a present, and that he would finally be doing a Wars of the Roses themed force for Lion Rampant.<br />
Now that piqued my interest as I had tried, unsuccessfully, to enlist his help with our original Wars of the Roses project down at SSWG.<br />
I needed someone to help on the Neville clan and called for help to muster the forces of Lord Fauconberg. However, they never appeared, and we campaigned without him.<br />
I myself only mustered a paltry force to represent the personal retinue of the Earl of Warwick, based on the rules for <a href="http://perfectcaptain.50megs.com/acop.html">A Crown of Paper</a>.<br />
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<b>The Sto</b><b>rm Gathers</b><br />
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This was my opportunity to get back into some light gaming. Lion Rampant is small in scale and after a cursory glance at the rules and Internet for example bands, I realised it wouldn't take too much effort to get such a force off the ground.<br />
I wanted to ensure that whatever basing and force I created would still fit into the SSWG basing and theme from the ACOP rules, so my first task was to dust of my original retinue.<br />
This gave me 1 base for Warwick (with men at arms and Warwick's heraldic flag), 2 bases of well equipped billmen and 7 of archers. All in all that was 12 men at arms and 21 archers.<br />
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<i>The original host for the Earl of Warwick.</i><br />
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I had the spares from the first, plus a second box of Perry's Wars of the Roses infantry to use on bulking out my force. After a day or two browsing the Perry's site, and in discussion with the revived Fauconberg, I ordered a box of the foot knights, which we would split 50/50. This would bolster my melee contingent nicely.<br />
I also ordered my own set of mounted men at arms, a breach loaded field gun, and the mounted character pack for York, Salisbury and Warwick. Finally, to use as an objective for some scenario games, I also grabbed the wonderful looking bombard set.<br />
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<b>Mustering the host</b><br />
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Now that I had the figures, I set about organising my retinues (as per the ACOP rules). This called for 40x40 bases from Victrix on which I would be basing 4 melee or 3 archer figures.<br />
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I already had Warwick sorted in theory, but I decided that as one of my two main nobles (the other being his father, the Earl of Salisbury) he deserved some more knights in his retinue. I therefore set about replacing the two billmen bases with the heavier men at arms.<br />
I chose to put the mounted Warwick on one base, along with a standard and one man at arms. On the other, there would be a herald and another 3 men.<br />
These would slot in with the other base and make 3 bases of men at arms and 7 of archers for Warwick's retinue.<br />
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Next up was daddy, the Earl of Salisbury. Similarly to Warwick, I chose to use the mounted figure alongside a banner and a man at arms on one base, and then a force of 4 men at arms on another. I would then add 4 bases of archers to round out his retinue.<br />
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This left me with plenty of spare figures all round, so I decided to build out the first of the 4 (currently) planned "well wisher" nobles for ACOP.<br />
These are lower tier nobles who will muster to the call from a magnate such as Warwick or Salisbury.
As I wanted to build on the Neville clan for my theme, and with Fauconberg taken, I settled on Lord Abergavenny.<br />
As a well-wisher noble, Abergavenny would again have a base of men at arms including a banner. To this I would add one of my already completed billmen bases, and 2 more bases of archers.<br />
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Once all this lot was completed, I'd have more than enough troops to run with a force for Lion Rampant, and well on my way to having a strong core to an army in A Crow of Paper.<br />
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<b>Lion Rampant</b><br />
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The force I have planned is basically the example army for late English from the LR book.<br />
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1 x foot men at arms (6 figures)<br />
1 x expert foot sergeants (12 figures)<br />
2 x expert archers (12 figures each)<br />
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The men at arms unit would be the stands for Warwick and Salisbury with them mounted for effect only.
My foot sergeants would come from the other melee bases I had, with Abergavenny leading.
Finally, I would use any of my numerous archer bases to build out the missile troops in the list.<br />
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<b>In conclusion</b><br />
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With that settled, I just needed to build, paint and base my force. I then decide that I should get back on here and write about it.<br />
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To that end, here is the first post in my reawakened wargaming experience. Plenty more to come on this Wars of the Roses project in terms of the painting of this force, and hopefully a few battle reports to come too.<br />
<br />
That's all for now,<br />
Simon "the Kingmaker" :-)Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-80189471507988340582011-02-21T09:59:00.001+00:002011-02-21T10:00:57.134+00:00Quatre BrasAfter reviving our 28mm Napoleonic troops in the last few months, we set about testing some different rules sets.<br />Starting out with our very own "Smiley Dice" rules from Pod, we began a loose reenactment of Quatre Bras.<br /><br />In this quick snapshot, we see the massed French infantry battalions beginning their advance.<br /><br /><img src="http://sswg.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_1069_-_Version_2.jpg" alt="French infantry advancing" /><br /><br />For some more shots on this subject, visit the <a href="http://sswg.co.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=40">Quatre Bras</a> gallery page.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-63153454747556629482011-02-07T08:09:00.006+00:002011-02-07T08:29:58.506+00:00Operation Beer GardenOur latest SSWG game is a Normandy Breakout scenario with British and American airborne launching pre-damn landings behind German lines.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sswg.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0588_-_Version_2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 1024px; height: 683px;" src="http://sswg.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0588_-_Version_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Check out the reconnaissance shots <a href="http://sswg.co.uk/?p=160">here</a>. <br />Check out the Allied plan <a href="http://sswg.co.uk/?p=157">here</a>.<br /><br />Finally - the full array of photos for the game can be found here under <a href="http://sswg.co.uk/gallery/index.php?cat=7">Normandy Breakout</a>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-63766368188903820922010-11-29T08:32:00.004+00:002010-11-29T09:22:39.447+00:00New SSWG websiteMost of the time I would have spent painting or gaming in the last week or so have been taken up by building out the new club website over at <a href="http://sswg.co.uk"> SSWG.co.uk</a>.<br /><br />The front page is basically a simple blog, so keep your eyes out for plenty of updates.<br />Behind this we have a new forum and gallery.<br /><br />The gallery is very important as we had an extensive collection of photos on our old club site.<br />We are building this back up again now, starting with our scenery and modelling sections.<br /><br />This along with a renovation of the table layout at the club itself will keep me busy right up to the holiday season.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-10739404238328141242010-11-08T10:02:00.004+00:002010-11-08T10:58:46.739+00:00A small updateSo its been a busy week on the wargaming front.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Painting</span><br /><br />On the painting bench this week we had the remaining figures for the 6 Battalions of French line infantry including all the officers for Regiment, Brigade and Divisional level.<br />We also started work on the divisional artillery battery. This will be 4 gun models made up of three 8 pounder cannons and a howitzer.<br /><br />To provide backup to this growing infantry force, I began fitting together a collection of Perry's Heavy Cavalry figures.<br />Using the Lasalle unit size of 6 bases for a Cuirassier regiment with our base width of 60mm meant 3 figures to a base totalling 18 figures per regiment.<br />As we are gaming the early stages of the 1809 campaign in Bavaria, I settled on this regiment being the 10eme Cuirassier which was with Davout's III Corps in April.<br />Once this fine regiment is complete, I will do the second regiment in the brigade, the 11eme Cuirassier.<br /><br />Aside from the continuing Napoleonic build up a fellow club member and I embarked on a side project for the Great Northern War in 6mm. We took delivery of the Baccus starter box which included armies for the Swedes and Russians, plus bases, buildings and a Polemos rulebook.<br />My Russians are prepared on sticks ready for undercoating this week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Gaming</span><br /><br />Down at SSWG there was a trial run of Firestorm Armada by Spartan Games. My opponent was fielding his nicely painted Relthoza fleet, while I used a collection of Battlefleet Gothic Imperial ships as a substitute Sorylian fleet.<br /><br />As we were setting out to learn the rules, we both fielded the recommended starter fleets of 1 Battleship, 3 Cruisers and 6 Frigates.<br /><br />The action was short and fierce. We both noted how fragile the smaller ships were when hit, but I was able to get 3 Frigates onto the flank of a cruiser squadron and damage one quite effectively.<br /><br />The game was certainly enjoyable and we will see more of the same this coming Wednesday. If we decide that this is a game for us, then I will no doubt "invest" in some official Sorylian ships as they are just so damn nice looking!<br /><br />Lastly, I have promised myself that I will take the camera to the club for both the painting and gaming sessions this week.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-60458587218799375822010-10-31T21:35:00.002+00:002010-10-31T21:39:08.756+00:00SELWG 2010SELWG 2010 came and went recently at Crystal Palace.<br /><br />It was just a morning visit for me this time, with no game to display.<br /><br />Had a good look round the show, picked up some ideas and decided on the next couple of projects.<br /><br />Here are a link to the shots from the show.<br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/SELWG2010?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9MhrWr3HURg/TL9jEUTuYfE/AAAAAAAACrA/tYfZq4Va-wk/s160-c/SELWG2010.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/SELWG2010?feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">SELWG 2010</a></td></tr></table>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-47128769453623754332010-08-30T07:33:00.002+01:002010-08-30T07:43:32.548+01:00Defence of Brest-LitovskHere are some shots of our latest weekend game played using Flames of War. The German defence of Brest-Litovsk.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">German Defences</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/heGszqeSczDMtIDWMtH62g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E501ivk90hZANzxlGCQ1vpQHZVyG6lC6UFlOEB9-2YjS-k2O1hHVg8Hhz0nqJ2_h3Zc7T9kiYyLoMKLzv2zHc3VrNywTupv1EY9CYBOWM77yh_dG1ly9Lpplux0A6sSGhPZtoy-vdUE/s400/IMG_4539%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XwnYHwVEICUvrhngmnniSA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFKZnVsN3NUNWMUPe8XlY4iKgbrNqJx2ewzl-k0CM3p5HjYWSVTzC_mfoNgBEfaVasajXynDh0RrU4cE7ADfaiV_CytDURkyiFdfAM5QkxFBtgLiN3WA5gJx72lYsu9DOAu5Ocx76KmY/s400/IMG_4547%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wape0Ckc1Yj3IqzVzEMvCQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhMw_dza1ifIlQSsOoSL9nVO1ITqisBiPyT4IdknWKtPgeBfBEsObhJZf5pWBuVkNFLgbJwhcWPs1eflK8bUPo___JpuVdRexX0lH-TN3F2Tfk4EaHR9lghPBxRAOv7VePJTApt6cnHE/s400/IMG_4545%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Russian Assault begins</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EyZG2FronMF_oc-eXrHb_w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuksa9NbAg4QZmMM2d5FXjRzsxwv95eXaC_KYVHFpIjs26Hv9_8gyCEO3xiANZUq2po5cKcmzpy8iCsfopXwGe-g1tVRwgRFt2IoktA3Y_AODpN_q0frBVfOJ8K3g-htgAfUDyZkDdMaA/s400/IMG_4558%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aRO1pQtprYSczXtAi3sYLQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEJB56PLbGawmUZf8BTF66ndZuiPWXoLSSyjIcqa_MwaNwAdX7xOcQx7XoPYIo-2ZLoaOg87X91dyYNPEUMZwocpObfFu_H0bBqrk5vuBavsLsm8B06j6NO5RPJCGXQEYppM2S7Hp3YA/s400/IMG_4559%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zo59q4hdJVWibRMZ0Rlyhw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSYFMDpkrVeMMnj0LNzbAdBBTsed8in1knOIm_6zdLj0bn13q_Zl9x2-AuiJzpaSj7lbVrATG46yGB0-8_2j7Xny0oGqNoJLFHlG1JtD9TNxfwL52fjcnDFVAeRXkkJMl0wxyuQcNifc/s400/IMG_4561%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Germans Counter-attack</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZXhaq1u_O-kKowdT6FdJCg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRNCXW5HQpNA9PUFBIlpBBAL6yhmNs8hNb6qCY4ujj9-TWzOJ1nBf154hWzwEQL8s6TfpvUNyYhk6_pdjPc0i6_mh9yKPfJnTl7nqiQomRJ4RpdE4bU5zlmBzka9bzZtsnmCHcekN5mg/s400/IMG_4555%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o5dCt99W4krg7K-hklSmaw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkzqB1YjACz1IRDP7Mn9JGtxpGLtOTNT9yoi_bVYYpUaXOcaNFkp_oBWV5RgZVvPtW4cG_zpUeK4lsVHttxLmtoUQ9_iIKN1o__-JSuLBCnTlsJJefrBWjfvo0MmQ4yNvPBQBfpLSp7s/s400/IMG_4587%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Action Reaches its peak</span><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EfsAZ757yNUX4Z9DK6nNDg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58CxGkuUxiWYUwLrTfEXSBYrKJTXUN1gRm7GIJulX24ujlx9IsHRs10j-yP9G0anW5zJofOToZFCemXDUeeLbXIGpjg-A9rzfdasZARli3BBt1UWukMbJtcannMVj9wp3ammuvescMs8/s400/IMG_4586%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z2T_LtL5oWQRvmeDcGjZpw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpEUqBg3we8odrXnll5l7-yM76QXmmeX7kOUtzHmo10Aqp3N415_z_QHlY2JVDe1WDjHaPPSJVZ6fPB10xah41jan6DceOBXFY9wlqeQ-K08SmLYBxpDN_2tHIX7qgaiJVmKd1uB1uFM/s400/IMG_4593%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wGnv746LamS2DVK02PA8iw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkYuDdhqacYFboIQffVYx5MEUIRtBJA6AZZ-xMhOfZm-I2xIneRWZTduu8O30ToRrP7jSv5YZ3uzjJydFjNqk6fgyEk9bAPtupASCyibR9Mxbpwn0K7ldSBqv2-6yGdUQKSZAcxYOUaU/s400/IMG_4595%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The whole album is available from the link below:<br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/DefenseOfBrestLitovsk?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9MhrWr3HURg/THDbzyfXAgE/AAAAAAAACcs/56EWakuxHJM/s160-c/DefenseOfBrestLitovsk.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/DefenseOfBrestLitovsk?feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Defense of Brest-Litovsk</a></td></tr></table>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-23518910758667820252010-08-04T11:33:00.002+01:002010-08-04T11:41:00.648+01:00Back in TownIt's been a long time since my last post, so apologies for that.<br /><br />Not a great deal has happened on the wargaming front for me in that time. Too much work and not enough play if I'm honest.<br /><br />There has been a continued effort on 28mm Napoleonic French, with 6 battalions of Line infantry nearing completion.<br /><br />Down at SSWG there has been lots of gaming going on, with a 40k fever coming back around.<br /><br />Hopefully a few new updates will find there way to these pages in the very near future.<br /><br />S.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-11255984688672573922010-03-25T10:39:00.017+00:002010-04-08T10:01:28.017+01:00Nelson Confides...Rum, Sodomy and the Lash. <br /><br />Not quite in the literal sense, but close as SSWG members delved into the Warhammer Historical rules Trafalgar for a gripping engagement.<br /><br />Last week, we had a quick refresher of the rules with 3 ships per side. This week we were back, at Quarters and cleared for action.<br /><br /><strong>The Fleets</strong><br /><br />The Royal Navy has a squadron patrolling the Straight of Gibraltar. Commanded by Rear-Admiral the Rt Hon Earl of Northesk, flying his flag from HMS Bellerophon, this strong squadron consisted of seven 3rd Rate Sail of the Line.<br />The full order of battle is:<br /><br />HMS Bellerophon (flag) 74 guns,<br />HMS Achille, 74 guns,<br />HMS Africa, 64 guns,<br />HMS Agamemnon, 64 guns,<br />HMS Ajax, 74 guns,<br />HMS Belleisle, 74 guns,<br />HMS Conqueror, 74 guns<br /><br />The Franco-Spanish fleet under Vice-Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve is attempting to escape the Mediterranean with 6 Sail of the Line, 4 French and 2 Spanish.<br />Full order of battle:<br /><br />Bucentaure (Flag) (French) 80 guns,<br />Aigle (French) 74 guns,<br />Algesiras (French) 74 guns,<br />Argonaute (French) 74 guns,<br />Argonauta (Spanish) 80 guns,<br />Bahama (Spanish) 74 guns<br /><br /><strong>The Scenario</strong><br /><br />The Franco-Spanish fleet is beating into a stiff blow, running through the Straights of Gibraltar when the frigate HMS Euryalus spots their sails. Now informed, Rear-Admiral Carnigie aboard old Billy Ruffian quickly decides to race down upon the enemy before they can clear the Straights.<br /><br /><strong>The Action</strong><br /><br />With all the ships carrying as much sail as possible, the British fleet ran before the wind finding the Franco-Spanish drawn out in a strange line abreast.<br />The British themselves were in 3 divisions line astern with HMS Conqueror & HMS Africa to leeward, with HMS Bellerophon & HMS Belleisle in the centre and finally HMS Achille, HMS Ajax and HMS Agamemnon to windward.<br /><br />Seeing the British closing in fast, Admiral Villeneuve had no choice but to try and break through their line. Signalling a turn to larboard, the four French vessels turned and formed a line of battle showing their guns to the on coming British. This turn also brought them closer to the Spaniards who were some way to leeward and labouring up close to the wind.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WY7GFC_rrf6Qjr9-4-HMJQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieaiFztYs5PwYyBZJ-OMlazmJ_fuwnho-_WOa6pZIOxnDqWXoge7SY5BhPYxZvw_UkSrI9u0oLj9X5osZaDHnkkqMrtdBwfWHrRvHZL61ufcSQUkISU9O7BYNCQ0KU5Rd2f4E4K6tnkY/s400/IMG_3866%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Royal Navy continued to close carrying a press of sail to into action before the Spanish could tack and come up.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y7zpUnN4J_nkEMG66jVYRA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rZBozo9akOQjDsnD4rFleomAd3Z5tD9KMfMwK0Q5AzCgCUok2ey-lFYpLFaFZIuWKb3p_4vfIdBBmUG6eeI7RIvTZ7xi99CAyNIegI70_QMYqghnVWLyQtdz4oSLdr56NBKNnX87Wo8/s400/IMG_3868.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Closing into long range, the British furled their courses and brought in their royals. With a flutter of signals the Leeward column turned to larboard, and ran directly towards the oncoming French line. This took them away from the Spanish who would now need to tack through the wind to get up to the action.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QBk6Vm8gQQuE_ewCz0Q0fg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-qGrDqHiDoPkKo85z3qtyi0c7KMKfIjQcwN6wOrwfNAg9BqNOnL8fUd60wARSHAH0JSvOes7dVDUPZx-DDrAzeumHocj685d4ynQvYVbLguDHZ7DtznAzf_VPgI30xwEs6NSHf2PeUI/s400/IMG_3870.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The two fleets converged, trading long ranged broadsides. During this crucial time, well aimed broadsides from HMS Bellerophon and HMS Conqueror stunned the Argonaute and Aigle, slacking their fire.<br />Meanwhile the French fleet fired high in the hope of slowing the British pursuit.<br />Using this lull in the French fire, both HMS Conqueror and HMS Africa turned in and closed to carronade range.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZhMqQpng5uW3unt1D2_wQw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_tjh1Z3KjGkiZf-wampxDeAEeqyyTVFh7R-KFldQccZVvWnZ-n35rmS5hjqK3C7J0uPCkcb_mpFy1MLO2CWIamDf91Diqcnz9zQACWVhJV0tjHV-uTW3ho_hUtBXAFC2-vPb9RyhNPs/s400/IMG_3874%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br />While these two ships closed in on the French, the British flag had to bear away slightly with a small blaze aboard. HMS Belleisle continued to close in too. <br />With all this action going on, the two Spaniards tacked. Argonauta's helm came around and she was underway but someway behind the British HMS Africa. Bahama's crew were want of sea legs and she shuddered to a halt, nose onto the wind.<br /><br />As they continued to pass on opposite tacks, the French tried to close up and continued to fire high, bringing HMS Africa's mizzen mast crashing down on deck!<br />Captain Pellew of HMS Conqueror had other ideas however, and skillfully wore his ship across the bow of Aigle.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OXAFxCfnGvIP46Imoshj1w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkjYRq8ZiVZZD3OPB6jKFd60onP5JVZDyButLjlNbIGKuWfUB2DfjaY2oxBX2Gq0S7UlhQvTw5fDq1UL5APKorObCkE5WM1syb_7lEnvSYhkgyWlWHR3fcpH8JMyVLeaX4tJSfF4Af1U/s400/IMG_3877%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br />HMS Conqueror discharged a point blank broadside into the side of Algesiras and a terrible raking fire into the bow of Aigle who shuddered as the heavy shot crashed along her whole gundeck, dismounting guns and striking down crew.<br />This volley was crippling, her guns disabled and crew shattered. Seeing the devastation and with two more British 74's ranging up to rake her stern, Captain Gourrège ordered the Tricolour struck and all remaining hands to the pumps!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0LGPsp1MeWynvhQjlZVGxA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07LINFAsfguIvuoXLdPocVMwJy8rbGRlPj8Hf3Bblt6j2FTZp2M8y3-5FkCG8F1cEs1zG32A4QPmBUzJo0N5eKTerDRekBmWjSDT24e7emH26e6r_-szOKWa-1Plf-m1gqxCtaS2eX-Q/s400/IMG_3881%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Seeing this fine example of seamanship, Captain Digby of HMS Africa too turned across the bow of Algesiras. Seeing this danger, Captain Tourneur took an emergency turn to larboard, and the two men of war crashed together at the bow, running foul of each other and becoming locked. With this the French tossed over grapples and attempted to board.<br /><br />With all this action ongoing the leading two French ships continued to sail on while the Bahama finally managed to heave to and get under way once more. The most windward British division too was busy, carrying a fine press of sail, they raced to get into action.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iffx3q0JGUEV80qBXMOnEg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg584c3uqy2q4BJEvan3IE45NclN1JKDKT44VxEXf19G2aE721Iiny9hYGmLZT9U83NWkZGDZopMzJCzGsX_Sa6l1sbZ2CqZ9wPP89uqe_0jdX5BIDfqIoFjxlWvPUIVBl6ff2BXD77qo/s400/IMG_3885%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The only real action during this lull was the continuation of the mortal struggle between the French 74 Algesiras and the 64 gun HMS Africa. Both ships were hit by other vessels firing support of their own. A second round of boarding attempts when on by the French crew, but finally, the day was won by HMS Africa and her captain took the sword of his opponent, claiming the Frenchman a prize.<br /><br />As this took place the Spanish Argonauta beat up to engaged the HMS Africa.<br />With excellent timing, the HMS Achille arrived and poured in an excellent raking broadside, wrecking guns and doing much damage to the crew.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bg1OhJYZiWwXoq_ER_zecg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7twFHhZcDEvqHTPgcHfwQZh2LWbc1KCAZB6yf_h8OGNnZVOHK1PJAN54EKsk7mWHtY_pFD5JawUMaRE_bupuTADrj9jXgO9T-WZs6mvgjHLal_ObC4Nko4d9Ul5A_rqTiVUt0-PdzSfI/s400/IMG_3887%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><br /><br />With the British reinforcements now engaged the fate of the Franco-Spanish looked grim. However, fate was kind to them as a sudden squall lashed across the seascape, reducing sight to no more than a hundred or so yards!<br /><br />Leaving the British to their prizes, Admiral Villeneuve fled back to the road under Algeciras to lick his wounds and refit...<br /><br /><strong>The conclusion</strong><br /><br />Excellent fun was had by all with cheers and gasps aplenty with critical hits landing everywhere.<br />Of my two charges, I cannot be happier. Both in the very thick of the action within pistol shot of the enemy<br /><br />HMS Conqueror in particular showed a wonderfully murderous streak with 3 carronade critical hits, roughing up Bucentuare and then finally crippling poor Aigle. She showed a sturdy side too, and carried her full broadside dice at the end.<br /><br />HMS Africa as in a relatively good state, the loss of her mizzen apart. Her crew however, were mangled with just one crew point left, she would be unable to take Algesiras off as a prize on her own!<br /><br />Of the remaining British ships, only the flagship HMS Bellerophon had seen much action, putting out no less than 3 fires aboard!<br /><br />On the Franco-Spanish side, the Aigle was crippled and the Algesiras de-crewed. The Bucentaure had been roughed up and the Spanish Argonauta fresh to the fight was already half way crippled.<br /><br />A surprise change of direction from my two ships had left the Spaniards out of the fight and our excellent gun laying meant that in an equal fight there could be one victor.<br /><br />Great game and more of the same next week!<br /><br />As always, gallery found at:<br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/AgeOfSail?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9MhrWr3HURg/S6qqiTXtuPE/AAAAAAAACOc/E8aA8LJHG-M/s160-c/AgeOfSail.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/AgeOfSail?feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Age of Sail</a></td></tr></table>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-85694839605126148992010-03-15T10:08:00.013+00:002010-03-18T13:10:20.278+00:00Crushed by all the Kings Men!Last week (10th March) we continued our Black Powder fetish with a scenario out of the book for the American War of Independence - The Battle of Freeman's Farm. Wikipedia Link <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Freeman%27s_Farm#First_Saratoga:_Battle_of_Freeman.27s_Farm_.28Sept._19.29">Here</a><br /><br />The British started with 2 Brigades drawn up in columns of march with only a few light troops thrown ahead, while a third Brigade waited to come on.<br /><br />The American forces consisted of two units of irregulars, while two Brigades of reinforcements awaited off board.<br /><br />I was given the roll of Enoch Poor, commanding New Hampshire, New York & Militia battalions on the American left.<br /><br />The action began with the British advancing strongly down the road on the right and upto the river on the left.<br />With only two concealed units of light troops currently available to the Americans, no moves were taken, though these two units did open fire on the British pickets posted on the American bank of the stream.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D6KcHBpBwLgItsYLMa7Mbg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf23UyG20R94eW8-M7m5reldHCvJfUsUJWHih6IKYgPzjpF9p5jZ0kFxAT09EPFM6n5JzWlo_FUPhxz11iufcqxXIw2XDR8FncLKIc-uySpy4nEYuuZ6sR4A16IRz_sV1A3nqnepNJoq4/s400/IMG_3776.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to some aggressive Generals on the British side (lots of good command rolls), the British advanced swiftly, crossing the stream on the left and over the bridge on their right.<br />On this flank, a unit of British Grenadiers lead the advance.<br />This unit caught the Americans unaware and unleashed a devastating volley on the leading battalion of New Hampshire infantry.<br />This, combined with the inept command and control, lead to the American troops struggling to get into a battle line.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ogzGqblqORjpIJuLwLyg7w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0gJ0fIFfYud16e2q-EsuvqGLhdSXITxZmxPWuFniIu0eC_pAjHQS-nlewvAFrsuHlB4WTel-4zxaTi7jg4WThEa9Ew5ElY-NRyrDo-mvP75x9rSCP6b8OqLi82opMYe7l7yUrzq6_rs/s400/IMG_3787.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As the Americans struggled to form line of battle from column of march, the British noose continued to tighten around Poor's struggling command (I passed no command checks for the first four turns!)<br /><br />The tightly disciplined Grenadiers taught the rebels a sharp lesson in soldiering as the 1st New Hampshire's were scatted to the winds.<br />General Poor however, finally managed to draw up two battalions in line to engage the British, with a third coming up on the right, while a fourth battalion fought to hold the flank against the roving British sharpshooters.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/14zXJ-biaTHordcYgwOUOg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_GPKgmpIcpk2QMCQMKK16xtnoz3871EFBIBtHWZpDCJ5dUnj7eJW815eucwTwjU5HDCLZahOAGEhul6h2uBCMLirBiOlV-XySN0OXWXTG8TKnqLwGi4qeHWYrgR1jyUkYbdy-Xzjnxg/s400/IMG_3795.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This success was only momentary as the Grenadiers kept up a steady fire, supported now by artillery and once again the American front line broke and ran.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cuZVBEo_QhfCu1OUVtS2sA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoCXGtftvBSCSoAo4m6gcvmxvSF0xzDcY3Q1z7abQlm_2DQH0YKrCoOY3rWXHkQB-vB8vQaeTdw1AP4OcHGeUr7TeobGXJcdAeEzdW_PZpZ7-31kJtO0zeEVeK3NllR3KcM841gvLZII/s400/IMG_3799.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This situation was repeated on the American right, where the brigade of Learned was also driven off by the victorious British.<br /><br />A crushing defeat, with only a unit of Indians broken on the British side!<br /><br />More photos from the game here:<br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/AmericanWarOfIndependence?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_9MhrWr3HURg/S51ZDL4gh_E/AAAAAAAAB98/7DGsCFhYW4c/s160-c/AmericanWarOfIndependence.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/AmericanWarOfIndependence?feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">American War of Independence</a></td></tr></table>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-17895414170958967712010-03-04T14:38:00.005+00:002010-03-04T15:04:14.609+00:00Black Powder Game TestingSo back from a trip to colonies once again. While I was gone, my colleagues at SSWG began a Jacobite Rebellion game using Black Powder.<br /><br />I arrived for week two, camera in hand ready to snap the action as it unfolded.<br /><br />When I arrived, the British looked in a dangerous position. Thin on the left with their right extended across a river and in danger from several large Clans and supporting cavalry and two small units of French regulars.<br /><br />However, the British Right drove the Scots infantry back in disarray, breaking several Clans. However, the supporting cavalry were routed by a determined Scots charge.<br />On the left, reinforcements began to filter on, though a large Clan attack was forming in the woods.<br />As this attack struck home the reserve British brigade was able to shatter the attack and consolidate.<br /><br />The British were left in control of the field with over half of all the Scots units routed.<br /><br /><strong>The Rules</strong><br /><br />These were very fun to play, with the command a hoot. At one point the whole British army blundered after a C-in-C "Follow Me" roll of 6+6. This swept the commander from the field along with the calvary regiment he was trying to lead.<br /><br />Shooting and melee are simple, with straight forward modifiers. No need to refer to the book more than once on those. Morale is quick and often very painful.<br /><br />Much of the British movement was from initiative due to extremely poor dice, though these same dice save one British battalion with an awesome morale roll when faced by 2 clans and a -6 modifier in melee!<br />All four players enjoyed the see-saw action, especially when the Scots can remove a unit with just a charge (damn their Terrifying Charge rules)!<br /><br />Over all a cracking game was had, so more of the same next week!<br /><br />For some photos of the game, please see the album:<br /><br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/JacobiteRebellion1745?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_9MhrWr3HURg/S474YQ7vGtE/AAAAAAAABx4/oTvjIt4OHJc/s160-c/JacobiteRebellion1745.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/JacobiteRebellion1745?feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">Jacobite Rebellion - 1745</a></td></tr></table>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-29350481129301612002010-02-09T11:28:00.004+00:002010-02-09T13:04:58.438+00:00New RulesLast week saw the arrival on my door mat of two crisp new rulebooks.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Black Powder</strong><br />This was first to arrive through the door thanks to the chaps at Warlord Games. The book is of execellent production quality, with lovely pictures to boot.<br />For those of you who don't know, these rules are set to cover most of the Horse and Musket period using generic concepts and allowing the players to tweak the unit skills accordingly.<br /><br />Our SSWG group had a quick game last Wednesday evening using the American Civil War as the setting.<br />7 Small Union Regiments faced off against 6 Large Confederate Regiments. I dont plan to go into details in this post as I plan to do a full review of the rules set including pictures after a second game this week.<br />I will say though that the Union barely held onto their left where two regular Regiments were badly mauled. In the centre, the Union artillery and a milita brigade succeded in stopping a second Confederate brigade attack.<br />Finally on the Union right, two more Union regular Regiments held of a determined attack on their fence line.<br />All in all a very fun game and as I said, more details to come on these rules.<br /><br /><strong>Lasalle</strong><br />Second to arrive was this fine looking set of rules. Excellent service from Black Hat Miniatures, so a big recommendation there.<br />I am a massive fan of the authors (Sam Mustafa) other Napoleonic rules, Grande Armee.<br />These rules step into a much finer detail level, placing the commander at divisional level.<br />Again the rules are excellently written and the production quality is high. I plan to do a full review once I have bedded in a few games, but at first read, these are potentially the rules I am searching for to play with our Napoleonic 28mm.<br />Certainly the Army Builder concept is transferable across to any rules set.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-14214204646461204132009-12-29T10:12:00.008+00:002009-12-31T09:05:17.787+00:00Visions of the Past part 1Having found some time to go through some older photo collections, I have uploaded pictures from two previous SSWG visits to Salute onto my Picasa Web Album.<br /><br /><strong>Salute 2009</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/st5t7ZBhJAU3QccQLKqlTw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OLD7Hsd0RG2OORgKdm9hUJZgWY8-iKbtOcQwluvp_8yTZl_k-gjKbkuVDGGAmtdsHE4LpaVBHxzmfXp-ZVpuddwzPexVFQflv_W01racx_1WqkPH4R746_XgQqxXObikBpVcNLvxid0/s400/IMG_0277.jpg" /></a><br /><br />For this we "reimagined" our Smolevichi swamp board, turning the touch of winter to the table. <br /><br />We then had a German armoured train and accompanying infantry fighting it out against a determined force of Russian Partisans.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nOdugCLsl7oMY8bSc0KjLA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bW6itGXgp3ip56T_ByIsERDzxhjeHvlQEWy93M2SWqzd6O1jnj70q-CEuZ03DIxsNfetiRguE_Ha3ZA8FbLcnjxNjFAj9ayI5kHysVM5vqNbfSEQsppiU6aZn17oJgwlXieLRTWfhGA/s400/IMG_0198.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bs6EvQJu2OOvy9aEH_DTIg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczVwZeLsRAa4lpdBL17CRWCK9OYNwTGFeu7YsS0fNnRlAJ7JkYLEl883SsspYLlLLTYn2jP6KYoH9GlQhIPBxg-zOZ9_ENr1FBkDvavnB3GewCGqkBf5aSui2dx-oWb-l3mKfsZG_31w/s400/IMG_0219.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Finally - the award itself. Best Scenery 2009.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a8-bSxytTDUD5VzXjdfrZQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDV3o8HTZ4jkRgynPsOcRDxbqL-MATDMuouAcWRKaZEXKp3ZGG7rPMt-z3fIU2febY0Fjn0-UpWUxDjo3rq2CHW7UXsqYGBGPAX7NMNHyByMu4uUreygkVEMdO2msuEMLNWI7JgPdwP8/s400/IMG_0275.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Salute 2007</strong><br /><br />Next up we have our 2007 trip to Salute. I chose this one rather than 2008 as that year we used the 1984 game, as we did for SELWG this year.<br /><br />This demonstration game was of Teutonic Knights engaging in the seige of Ragnit against the Russ.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rMZ1VcNip2Y6Pdj9lHVFeQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeCPV5gnmH9LLj2fn6BedsCCf1ES4D680iS-c3Mr58V0upp9hemVGTd0c2y9CKeY8mFCYsf42TEVOpUAQruUz8w4GWDuMzQMlbFUSWQxmbDIKUT4XK20BgmZJ_kSxPmGL7g0u1YHQbh4/s400/IMG_0770.JPG.jpg" /></a><br /><br />For this game we made a section of a large log castle, two siege towers, three trebuchets plus numerous other pieces of siege equipment.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WAnO6YPCcfMGTzK_HzBklA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PSuaDwYfRJxQmNVyvSEdkxCWb51Fw3sXlXpH_oKJeK51YzoFloJwd99DMZpaDYa-nQB8514zN5oI7orqqzEPYs31HrEdt1SUxJ9LWlpakhjGaUUYMD0UoICMdTmJMeihwmafIGz1q9w/s400/IMG_0765.JPG.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The attacking Knights were lovingly painted by SSWG member Nigel and what a great job he did too:<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LUoDZlLOQ47BVZuYTTD_KQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLa-6ioq65M_gMCOGWSoPblfdHmb5VNrCnX25K-YdH3uYLHKH-Xi0aML3nDMPMcdnh9uPb1HTbF0ZCqZH2MxM87NrXE7AeRsRxO_oCwzi2EfJ0eTWMZaju3BRZFh7S0NG7SWCZC97GQLw/s400/IMG_0774.JPG.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QbBkv7QpCYQUQUONxtXo7g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO17IUAGzJulKrmq6dZlEYMo2KiiENoBTTP3wtjpnanTHxyx9_qrCYBhrzb_0KCi_-URRbPJLU_2cLTYHNnlwgzuiVuJG-4kp4dWtRmiHVnZhpOCzBRTtZSnw3Ffl2UxfudUCkAB-0EOc/s400/IMG_0784.JPG.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In this final preview shot below you can see the Kogge which was hand made by Andy Finch. I'll revisit this in a seperate post.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XbPdicSE58mFAb2Pq6w_Vw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuicL99Q5bDP5W-PI4sj5IX8Do8m1Bkfbc10IVpZ5r8u9UvD_84STzhRBt3wc6EIyiZ_XJ-thSbB-_gmwwT98ESREtE3_N-GFay3oj3MsBjYsoDStZMy6Qc72iWqHXd7fhsqpWVd7-HY/s400/IMG_0779.JPG.jpg" /></a><br /><br />TTFN.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-72804344430865150922009-12-11T11:05:00.007+00:002009-12-31T09:06:00.962+00:00Waterloo In PicturesFinally managed to get a nice selection of my Waterloo shots uploaded to my Picasaweb album.<br /><br />Below is a choice selection. Please feel free to browse the whole album at:<br /><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: #4d4d4d; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/WaterlooNov2009?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Waterloo - Nov 2009</span></a><br /><br /><br />The Wellington Museum.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YbMgkE1ua2T4MfSqJnYRUw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGw2LPosLQmXvvopV5XC58sMyJnvvD5F1bObMf641vT-Y00QCtTAqaAFejyNWI6aWQgPXGHGLGIUUE0F4Vtcxcji5dEkNcWSEbKf9-0TBUx2Oqks3QRhzPGxjayYk8uv9_w2viZ7j8Zs/s400/IMG_1903.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Map of the battlefield from atop the Lion Mount.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FygnWTi2qwYhKqWIsY41Ug?feat=embedwebsite"><strong><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVwQz3DM6Ux1IkMtNkBEWRHQXIFsilCswWt6jrogWfU5EM2EZ4956pOxtCKBCRo_zf7GHRZ4bPMhVg1TnTEKWGZZrmo4maELha95RIgJTU-X8PPEuY8hTBYMC3Rld6YEFbuRnpzhWU7A/s400/IMG_1962.JPG" /></strong></a><strong><br /><br /></strong>View over the western end of the battlfield.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4o6GqZ9tgv4-C45tqX04Fw?feat=embedwebsite"><strong><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoootpX2fvAgwDBUfRBrTwFik5U4F4elZ95Tq5_LEe3yVOhzYoyabNpPREMxBrt2k-uFiO4ywwIYBkJVHe0925Auyf4yZATQLar09mczU_XBaeoittHAt6Fy1eCNvnJBVIumytoUQppQ/s400/IMG_1965.JPG" /></strong></a><strong><br /><br /></strong>Looking across the Allied lines with La Haye Sainte on the top right.</stong><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TkHDFosuUsSv7TOhVj0KAg?feat=embedwebsite"><strong><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QjOCz-Q7YMHavfG-DEpSY0J8DWz1tMN4UmPA26m3urmXrE-yqUD2qXglPEOeAKKdJBbQZABmTie67dBjdd588bsRlXnx_I5HdCO4viTKtfb3KeN8OC7XoIQbLOGRvAvQMQehR_7c6n8/s400/IMG_1974.JPG" /></strong></a><strong><br /></strong><br />La Belle Alliance.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AtV7feWnKxkZhlyuEe1fFQ?feat=embedwebsite"><strong><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5k8gpEgcbMzhM7uA3Ykyxf_dK1wh2oHKos2kCbLcBptIIPdJf4IGdd8tuBVheLItuOSFbMxDUlcl7Xt_jV5sY1N60l8O3PNQO7Khrlk4lVMk_GcDgvLFf9T3W82SU4eCcUm15lyW27s/s400/IMG_2096.JPG" /></strong></a><strong><br /><br /></strong>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-57907162570830122802009-11-26T09:02:00.006+00:002009-12-31T09:09:33.778+00:00Back from my HolsGood holidays always end too quickly.<br /><br />Time just flew by as I spend 2 weeks with a friend in Denver, Colorado.<br />Didn't do any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gaming</span>, but did join in on a couple of local 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> Ed D&D games. Shame that my Wizard seemed to only be able to hit friendlies for most of the session, though this brought much laughter to the table. A small iota of revenge in the blue on blue fire stakes, eh?<br /><br />I did manage to see Buffalo Bill's grave, up in the foothills of the Rockies, overlooking Golden and Denver beyond.<br /><br />On my way home from the States, I took a weekend away to Belgium. I have always loved visiting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ostend</span>, but this time I used it as a base to journey somewhere all together more "interesting", though my girlfriend Claire would probably dispute this.<br /><br /><strong>Waterloo</strong><br /><br />It was a cold and rainy morning when we set off and being Belgium, the road signs were typically awful.<br />It was a strange feeling stood outside what is now the <a href="http://www.museewellington.com/">Wellington Museum</a>, in the town of Waterloo. This building was of course the Inn which hosted the Iron Duke and his HQ on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo.<br /><br />"Pass 1815" ticket in hand, I started my tour. The audio guide was very good, with options to hear more details on subjects such as the armaments, medicine and other interesting facts. <br />Each room was given over to a different subject. The stables are now a grand guide to the battle itself, with maps <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">depicting</span> the different phases of the battle.<br /><br />Back in the car for the short drive south, we soon pulled into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">car park</span> of the Visitors Centre.<br />Built on the edge of the Allied line, between the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">road</span> and Guards position, these buildings house a movie guide to the battle, a panoramic painting of the battle and a wax museum. In addition to this is the obligatory gift shop ;).<br /><br />Finally, there is the Lion Mount, a massive earth mound topped by a massive Lion statue. Despite the way this feature has ruined the battlefield, it does provide a wonderful viewing platform.<br /><br />From the Lion Mount, we followed the Allied position towards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hougoumont</span>. I stood amazed at just how rolling the terrain is and I could easily imagine how you could have lost sight of the enemy not 20 yards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">in front</span> of you.<br /><br />The other thing that stood out was just how small the battlefield is. I know you can read this, but to actually look at it with your own eyes and try to picture the scene, it is truly amazing.<br /><br />Anyway, most of this chat is worthless without some pictures, so these will follow shortly.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">TTFN</span>.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-6466714049607478362009-10-21T09:35:00.007+01:002009-12-31T09:09:59.348+00:00SSWG @ SELWG 2009The SSWG crew was there with our game "1984", based on a "what-if" World War 3 had started. We had Russians fighting against the British in a small corner of Germany.<br /><br />The morning literally flew by and we all looked at our time pieces in amazement as it slipped past midday.<br />Lots of friendly visitors came and chatted, with many remembering serving in the forces during our games time frame. Nearly all commented on how accurate we had managed to get the game, which we were very please with.<br /><br /><strong>Some shots of the action</strong><br /><br />We arrived early, around 9am to begin the setup.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8ypV0S-RzIGU1SNlLRwuYQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bxfAG16EHUVuTh9Qxo9gkWHzhAWv94dq2AxP_fv9MKRajtAYGIek9oYWGJseeCqOBfNxn2Ug5Yc2FZohC320bKovj6l-NG9s0pREpGz-Dwchltvo5BbWH7Z4FwEsY4up9iucW76pFTk/s400/IMG_1057.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r4G5E7bs6ZVoc9M08f1Jog?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyAIF6nZBJWtF9KML7XE-1DKjsccAFDxUfd3_Ak3xNfLZflXZmBm2EVsmCdPelU-GWtbXRSBDd_1S-i-5FqDXOOG5ziE_NoPtC1_2FnQOpCu1xmpmb0lMZc3Fv9GvL4Qs5e8f5MAHv5U/s400/IMG_1059.JPG" /></a><br /><br />When the game actually got underway, the action was hot from the start with the VDV contesting the edge of town while the Russian armour advanced towards the bridges.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gh3ar50F4_LOBEfEE_XRNw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw9oGtQ-DQ3eTdsr6Z73VGlnNQ8mnmURFmy9iuLeiEseoFM5JK1EiAWmJ3Jkm80GFFWePG2aSaDVJ4f8tHZbt-A5jhny-Sun_Gv1SRUojax519GsFV-nPM58lFIkFgn9LdBbowEmnWe8/s400/IMG_1064.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ULtpaanTdHewzAKqPlz0tA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5J-bVf9-xzlOjPvhpOVEu1xm78QCZp8YyxLu_fuUmTMirBqRoqsycSD9xucn0UvbDZ7vjksaIggoalBt7iJdHsLPQavEOFymGJ2-cEsgOTkwMWxEeE876c7rMuSIcrdVAVYsPSUpsjWY/s400/IMG_1071.JPG" /></a><br /><br />However, the T72's were soon under accurate Milan missile fire, knocking out the lead vehicles as they tried to make ground.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lcTmAzZQFfeUcBipLFP66w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrd6ud5Opj3r4rH0VyK6wuUnZnKnhcjSpm877iVOkXlj02NRtEg83MQQ2lJKmiqj59rKoOD44iSBNxp09-uqVFjz9Xn0hredK5vzZdObKUxPXXlJXL0ny4QUZOvHn6WA4JtFn7-03kzY/s400/IMG_1078.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yZQipiPKSVj4Ls_fGRwT5A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NsTtTm8EZ-meUmIuCrAC4Y4YQSzUV0dZ0k2Ma65iVAtqB_mbQ5dEUz140-gg2tfptgDb0gQlO0t9bu1CLVBK6uNnJybmWwQi-z39x0wOMCN-pu8cYMXc3QZ26x8Q9UI7cBQd7SwsuiM/s400/IMG_1079.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m64isQhePJO0VcuK5p87Fw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErFWTMjz5EZYVJtLy43bMD1Vf7yEtHOwtCIJQ9K8egdBdaIEMQfyjSS6S-eITU6zpfaNVKXtO7jPfXqeAxPCM3-6cwptEuklpLJAiXJBNRmrGcHeAP7QS7-SXp7qDSJEeXoGmH9W3d30/s400/IMG_1080.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, on the edge of the town, the VDV were meeting stiff resistance from British infantry in the buildings.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6YAHQdpOcIuWPPG0o9dQUg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-bcGHqZSVw88hzBxGgrxiZmOefM8D7vdCSAkBQp7HYvpXRz675xY3dihyphenhyphenOjaSEhKCH56tYadPaDpDDjTNPpzXiVDN156b4_kMJRhM1ib1TWT_6rvJPDW4iGxkWjfHH4Zd7aM33Dl6VI/s400/IMG_1124.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The VDV held on while BMP mounted infantry rushed to relieve them. Their transports were soon hit by Carl Gustav fire and they were forced to debus into a copse of trees.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z1pedqc9qcgx_UsBLi_edA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRkKsatR7pTm-t0u-h6NLc_rx1vIJRyweT1NsBzmvnf-8qthyphenhyphenMCg3eP0Loe0Suua6rFDYVgR7DISiZhwDl86jpMiEZD4PWtK4zmIDqZKl5UQJAxjaB6-WhsKd9BPd7mA6p0JSCefGScE/s400/IMG_1118.JPG" /></a><br /><br />As the action drew to a close the firepower of the Russian infantry was beginning to tell, though they were unable to enter the town or knock out the remaining Milan or Chieftan.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xZv6ro36LYNR4vsgy6xzrw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AyfcBl_ynrCiNQpa_3W2evKLEUYDcBCvjhdTvgifIyQNXDDrGlIN8-zUUlXhj_HK-Giw6Hv1yQKPKyjekbLXnJ9YhyphenhyphenFmejLayNORrAJ6o0zb4ZumNmWP7cI-5_dGFGb5FMTdi4jdT3k/s400/IMG_1121.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aFU_hNdO8ZaLa5FyHj-nHQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwwD1IqsD97R61LtwwgtFQVceF18ZZ2VgXMkHB8ar5i8J96Jn_Tj3qyul2cFzbLA1OdptUs-0vjmAYlVjqYpkzcVzkoEu2BNbWaF-RUzm3zL_rKy06JfVjbnyDjganlTPUodYUT7xgD4/s400/IMG_1117.JPG" /></a><br /><br />More photos on Picasa:<br /><table style="width:194px;"><tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/SELWG2009?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_9MhrWr3HURg/StttVS9g-BE/AAAAAAAAAKI/D4CxeFSo9i0/s160-c/SELWG2009.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/EssexWargamer/SELWG2009?feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">SELWG 2009</a></td></tr></table>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416645411558203768.post-75130174054781756612009-10-21T09:01:00.021+01:002009-12-31T09:10:52.730+00:00SELWG 2009 ReviewSo SELWG 2009 came and went last weekend.<br /><br />Overall the day was excellent fun and it was great to be back at such a wonderful show.<br />There are several things that stand out for SELWG above Salute.<br />- The lighting is massively better, which aids photography no end.<br />- The venue was smaller, which creates a more intimate feel to the show, which gives more time to talk to the public and actually play a demo game.<br />- Free parking!<br /><br />The only downside I noticed was the fact there were less traders, though there was still an excellent selection.<br /><br />Here's a shot of the main floor at about 2pm.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KBMklUy15dOGnLXY-fYFJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqstxc5ljY5SXSEbvwcfIxYsEoxBt-nO6GVOxukkNSvnwcZ8ddHUYhqMGjZ7PushdaBinjOyyqSda8sqW-_AyF5dLPi_L-wc0aY1KybPbQply2xvOQwV0n7mlP0Al5I-llnrDSpNpGakc/s400/IMG_1108.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Loughton Strike Force - Best Demo Game & Best in Show</strong><br /><br />Continuing their fine tradition of show tables LSF produced an excellent looking table depicting a Russian attack on Nazi German positions.<br />This table walked away with Best Demo Game and Best in Show!<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9-rLue6hJmP5fMDD9Kj4IQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kSTuxRs53kgjZkGJz-7L3dXdFpGWekWKrPsTzmHPK3NGeSZ0VhWq4dMblzV3rZBjngk0KGthf-UYPSrWhSTvI0Q6Syjugq2SB0gkrqSU9Ul55m0dfpTC8-fsjyaOmRZzKzfblx7krjo/s400/IMG_1095.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NSA3A4GZOJXNF9sYD6wwJA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQvPamvdTNpzisr-DQCskY1gU89EumhhE8IGqTzr-BIDBQ7MMzmE6IoYEOyx8QGznNaG-lTE8yUDsPpBFQUwir1wDyFsNcLdi5xgNIe_n7NSSsI82zsu0DiXzHBvIFxx4G27wXxrhJn0/s400/IMG_1096.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uMzkP2_wYUlD2UEMU-j7zw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEDT6e35zOhLrQuMsvp8lfaQF4GohxFv1yRF-hU-A1oP2Cgfpy0W_5S2cK-llXRaNswPUMBpWqWNpQRBNaRAfIU_3TfZOuOCGRN5jHhlnkQDapRguMvbwLw2aygzeBxrBExdKdH-zvtI/s400/IMG_1097.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BXO0v1pMfFBzVWWvhOm5Tw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8emWKnWb3RlmcCbHirKaOscBrdpd0qtrWGzN2LZjn_X-HGFd9bi1JoXB-YxoAX4YpKtKIV-tQZqDzkPYI9jfWSmv1QTJqRFNODrv9wRY-SJ9BLn8AxHoTK7LQrUvmbOnje6YTt80LQc/s400/IMG_1099.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And here are the club members accepting their trophies.<br /><br />Best Demonstration Game.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Nz9dL_x12r4Gkz0Kc5hwhA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgFNMIGvNtJD5es_BhN1j1yK8UALnExgW1mkZPwshWB10Z7tDz4WdOLM9IUZTqQv9enDjtlcrbH2BEHSpyYxFaTVVHsJ6kU5k2T6NYn5gEQ5zZPt2lv9NcjugfVsc2PUb-y2wf2YyIVc/s400/IMG_1129.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Best in Show.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dliP4ZWdiaraWvdNj7HjGQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGEiBc4MWeBhvRhPCRtJ4lmzGM7EqrFWu4GlTg8HfeXRdT5n3OkTFdmqYa87X0jnpihs5HNwTwdc6T22rksiqFyCFdEQuIcFP7cCTn2SVT5nGhQn7MxC6e7l9oUncxYIL5_8Btzu_cwg/s400/IMG_1132.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Shepway Wargame Club - Best Scenery</strong><br /><br />Another WWII themed table, this was an excellently created game called "The Hochwald Gap - 1945" and a well deserved winner in a very tough category.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VHy9_rRGxmFHCRfcKJC6YQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZnIOefPYVp8voCdq1v3tcruzKt_7-ewKCNX1Jupqj5yYxQr9bRECxyHTsd9YKfVC2DndQCKbV2bKI9IENyZ0mUV_nZVODDzKmGRhFbX26_SDmHcqSOiMsKGln9Fh6EjYovA2kKWOUwQ/s400/IMG_1133.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/No5522N-iY6k23-b9zYNbA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nOoY4nr6Dz8QcbkPPL2AqDoJQLvgr19lT8lcD0yupBJMElcy9YFQL6mrnTP1aNjGGp_CQc96l7Uuh3nKzIteMV6wF2ud8PdzKXEy4RS3QxlsxGrw02Nlsiz4HKKffH8NMQ7hhDgajXU/s400/IMG_1134.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zpCHQwpNgUxKXMs-tIcRdg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWGQWjUOiyfxpIQeY_oYF-NKr6yon6xBfEp1mroWInCy3k7tFMLTcDGjabC-WOG7PMtXC0g9zfwAYaqXxUkdcFqRgHrpiRIzV0Zq35jcjJzZZ2nGZlYFrBt_b6-8cCCQ4gmSXulhLL94/s400/IMG_1135.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Rpe-4nyExiRwAZjGHr50nA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBboERC8F9tCJo6wTuaTeoJQY685kEiVsYY3gxVItG5N1LsICXBShAkF9ve6GniXAzriJwrhk4a1uDzsGYf6oVJUhD4_tNtKAgePvUU-n1YCziYPw6hcft1OViL__HzHwDb3J81dVBfA/s400/IMG_1136.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Best Scenery.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3JTek_Z73HpR_mlYW3iX-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0WouUcKdZixYJ7RgeAEIyGG-LvXvnUlWKnEfVDGNjbDiiYYBQLT1KLeeI7ySmeNiNtLPpuctP0fGIvk5EcOp0YwJkrriCBgKmMCu_5jv92vf2vxq-8s2gF-BdQ17apm3pOgHJcaz7Ok/s400/IMG_1131.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Diamond Geezers - Best Participation Game</strong><br /><br />This table was very popular with young and old alike, but alas I have no photos of the table iself :(<br />I do however have their trophy shot.<br /><br />Best Participation Game<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v_U8_pD5FdLpMw8w9GWzBg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBz0ksGaWsPY9VO-WE1vx78HnarwSUfYcgZwVekylbOFv_3dJ_PxJE-PdVy77kbFDIaXwEwMQtOlGZSJFEG0SWovytti8HicKyjJFgXxqxJOom1jYNXFhBhEsq3J9RvMPP4FOJpeY6gc/s400/IMG_1130.JPG" /></a>Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03357600388874458858noreply@blogger.com0