Penny Pinching Soldier

Still here...just moving houses

2013-06-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is a games blog, so I will not bore you all with my home improvement endeavors.

I am still here, I am sorry for the dead air, I think it will be bout another month before I can return to writing again.

Thanks for your patience, and thanks for checking in

Mike

My Apologies for lack of new content

2013-05-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

I must apologize, my personal life has become quite hectic as of late. I am still around and plan to continue with new content and battle reports in the near future. Once I have resolved all of my current obligations I will be able to be back at the tabletop!

Mike

Warlord offering 10% off 3 or more vehicles!

2013-04-12T05:29:00.002-07:00

Not a bad deal! If you need something now may be a good time to grab something!

A Tale of Two Harrowers (Lots of Pics)

2013-03-26T04:32:00.001-07:00

So, GW and PP each have their own proprietary line of paint: Citadel and P3, respectively. I decided since I'm new to the hobby that I would paint a helljack using each of their paint lines only to see which one I would like better. I'll go through some pictures of each of the jacks being painted so you can see how I did it, then I'll post pics of the final result. Unfortunately, the beginning pictures have been lost on my old phone (which broke) -- here's what I have. The jacks are all metal, but there are some brass edges and glowy bits that break up the giant swaths of grey.
THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Khador Swarmed by the Cryxx

2013-03-16T20:31:00.002-07:00

Battle Report For a Cryxx invasion of the Khadoran homeland.

Here is the long and short of it, the Cryxx popped up out of nowhere, and made contact with an ill prepared Khador force.

In the phases of contact, the Khador used tried and tested battle tactics. Simply put...run in and try to destroy the enemy!

Simple result....bad idea, I mean bad, no horrible, not to mention stupid and idiotic.

The Cryxx popped out of their holes, and having clearly crawled through coal tunnels, (They were completely black except for the faint glow coming from their cores.) and immediately headed for the defensive high ground.

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Bolt Action: Armoured Platoon list released early!

2013-03-12T06:19:00.001-07:00

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Bolt Action: Things up next! Soviet Nation & Armored Formations!

2013-03-11T09:36:00.001-07:00

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Bolt Action: Rules Summary in French

2013-03-11T09:31:00.002-07:00

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Bolt Action: Night Fighting Rules

2013-03-11T09:30:00.001-07:00

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Warmachine/Hordes War Room App Review

2013-03-10T22:42:00.000-07:00

So here's my take on this nifty little app called "War Room," released by Privateer Press in support the game, Warmachine (and Hordes, but a "War Room" for "Warmachine" is just so much more alliterative) Scroll to the bottom for the TL; DR. Most of this is referring to the iPad version of this, because it's the best version, and it is probably what I'm going to use primarily. I will include a section at the end to talk about the phone version.

What you get:
The app is free. Completely free, and you have to make a username with the Privateer Press servers. What does it come with? I'll tell you.

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Italian Carri vs. British Heavy Armored Squadron

2013-03-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I have another Battle Report for you all. This time the Italians faced off against a British Heavy Armored Squadron in the deserts of North Africa! The Scenario was Pincer, which felt almost exactly the same as No Retreat from last week, just with delayed reserves and the reserves enter from the edges of the table.

This is a photo of our initial deployment, the Italians were defending.

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Vietnam Tactical Combat

2013-03-08T06:53:00.003-08:00

Vietnam Tactical Combat- Using 15mm FoW minatures am working on a tactical combat Vietnam small unit engagement game. Using a variation of Bolt Action ruleset, and more 'realilistic' TO&E's and ranges working out pretty well when playtested with son. Basically forces are small US Army plain Infantry, vs NVA or local VC mainforce or illregulars. Hidden movement and deployment, using a gridded map of the game surface, side with hidden deployment/movement can engage at will, or the opponant must 'locate' the unit, command issues, mines and booby traps, tunnels, non combatants in area, all the 'fun' of the conflict.

Will be ready for real 'playtest' here soon. Been working on both forces, and will supply both. Infantry combat, no vehicles as of yet, helos just for deployment and medi-vac, and don't plan on the FoW styled "Great Southeast Asia Tank War"

Flames of War 90/53 and Lancias

2013-03-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Welcome back to another installment of painting guides to tabletop standard for your minis!

Today I am showing the Lancia (Coolest model in Flames of War) and the 90/53 gun (the useful version of the Lancia). I must admit these models were a very quick paint and man are they fun to work with!

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

WWM Bolt Action German LMG Teams Painting

2013-03-07T00:36:00.001-08:00

Painting West Wind Miniatures German LMG Teams for Bolt Action

Hi All,

I would like to introduce you to my method for getting my minis to table top standard in a quick and easy fashion!

I use Vallejo Paints, and I use a variety of guides available on the internet to pick the colors for every mini I paint.

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Penny Pinching Soldier Bio

2013-03-03T00:59:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I have been chatting with whoever has been listening for the past 6 months or so, and I think it is about time you know a little bit more about me. I never want to appear to be more than what I actually am.

My name is Mike and I am in my 30s. I am a proud husband, and proud father of two children.
I have worked at fast food restaurants, landscaping companies, telemarketing companies, and most recently have been employed with the USAF. I have always had a love for military history, especially for the aircraft and the stories associated with them from WWII. I am enlisted in the military, not in the officer corps.

I don't have a huge budget to play games on, but it is a lot bigger than when I was 18 and just starting out!

I find the majority of my war gaming supplies online, mainly when someone else feels like they made a mistake getting into FoW or any other game. I snatch the stuff up at 50% off retail on the average with no intent on ever letting it go.

I look at table top gaming this way. I am 30 now, and if I live to be 100, I have 70 years left to play with these toys...and I will never tire of them. As long as I have a rule book and 2 armies I know I will always be able to find an opponent, even if the game systems I play today die out in the next few years.

I hope everyone who finds this never has to ask themselves, who is this guy and why does he seem to have all of this cool stuff. I started out in 2009 in war gaming with nothing, and four years later I am just about to the point where I think I have a good collection started, but not painted yet ;)

I wish you all the best of days and happy war gaming.

Mike

-PPS

X-Wing Miniatures by Fantasy Flight Games Episode IV

2013-03-02T18:11:00.001-08:00

Hello all,

Today I want to tell you about a fantastic new game I have started playing.

X-Wing Miniatures by Fantasy Flight Games!

Now I know I am not the first person to recommend this game, nor am I the first to review it. Actually I started playing it so late after the release that I was able to order pieces from the First and Second waves of miniatures to comprise my initial force.

Since I am able to tell you the complete story of how I got into this game, I am going to break it up into three parts. Yes I am being cute with the title of the articles.

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Italian Carri vs. British Light Armored Squadron

2013-03-01T22:42:00.001-08:00

NO RETREAT

The mission tonight was of course no retreat, and fittingly the defenders in this scenario were the Italians.

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

So you want to play Soviets and want to save money? Read on!

2013-02-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

With the explosion of interest in Bolt Action among the WW2 gaming community many new players are entering the hobby every day. By far, I think the Soviets are one of the most daunting of armies to buy as you need lots of troops if you want to be close to being historical in accuracy!

That said, I have sat down and reviewed three companies that have excellent deals for the Soviets just in case you want to go the communist route for your WW2 gaming!

Warlord Games: Soviet Plastic Boxed Set

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

St Valentines Day Massacre Springfield Mo

2013-02-18T22:06:00.002-08:00

Hello All,

I am on the road this week and I have the great pleasure to bring a battle report from the Ozarks in Southern Missouri. I did not manage to take many pictures, nor did I gather a great deal of information about the individual orders of battle on the board tonight. Fortunately I did have the pleasure of meeting a great group of guys who call themselves the Mozarks Historical Gaming Society.

About a week ago I just happened to be perusing the Flames of War website while at the same time preparing for my current trip, and noticed that a St. Valentines mega battle was being planned along my trip route. Nestled right in a time and on a day that I could attend I decided to make contact with this Springfield based group through their Facebook page.

(LINK)

Mozarks Historical Gaming Society

Not only is this group involved in Flames of War, they are also involved in some other historical game systems. Feel free to contact them to find out about the other Eras they are involved in!

TO THE MATCH!!

So the battle sized up nicely. It turned out being a 6v5 match. To the best of my knowledge there were 4 American Companies, a Russian Company, and a British Company vs. 5 German Companies.

The table was laid out beautifully with several small hamlets spread out along a country road. The Battle was effectively split into two sectors by a giant River in the middle of the board.

This photo is blurry, but shows the entire layout of the board.

(I am not practiced with the panorama photo feature on my camera yet!)

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Italians vs. Russians in North Africa??????

2013-02-10T09:27:00.002-08:00

Hi all,

I have a surprising battle report for you all!

Friday I pulled out my Mid-War Carri Company against my good friends Strelkovy Hoard.

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Bolt Action Additional Units: Germans and US

2013-02-01T07:24:00.002-08:00

http://www.warlordgames.com/31233/additional-units-for-bolt-action/?utm_source=Warlord%20Games%20Newsletter&utm_campaign=1a5fbd4ace-Warlord_Games_Newsletter_01_February_2013&utm_medium=email

Well, Warlord is doing an impressive job posting updates to already two published army books. These updates are both official and tournament worthy!

Here is a run down of the contents:
Germans:

Goliath
FlammPanzer B2(F)
Flammpanzer 38(T) Hetzer
Motorcycle with MMG Sidecar (New Armored Car option)
SD.KFZ 251/8 Ambulance
Artillerie Schlepper VA 601 (B) (new tow/transport)

US:

Veteran Infantry Squad

I hope to sit down and read these each later but at a glance both Flammpanzers are nice, the new MMG Motorcycle offers a cheap armored car option now and the 251/8 is a second medic to any German army at a fair price.!

WWII 15&28mm Gaming Terrain

2013-01-28T19:59:00.004-08:00

Hi all,

I have been working feverishly as of late to get my Bolt Action Armies to a table top standard that I have been slipping on my writing responsibilities.

Today I am going to share with you what I know about table top terrain that is available from all of our favorite cottage industry suppliers.

In no particular order I will present all of the companies I have found that supply quality tabletop terrain for your gaming pleasure.

Many of these companies offer you the option of buying their models unpainted. Alternatively for you collectors out there, the quality of some of the finished pieces is breathtaking!

First off we have.....

Crescent Root (USA)

This manufacturer does amazing work 15, 20, and 28mm. if you elect to buy the buildings unpainted you can save a little cash, but in reality the quality of this companies work deserves paying for the fully painted product. Not only do they provide you with the buildings you need for your tabletop, they also provide you with area bases to make the buildings blend into the tabletop nicely! From the time of order you can expect your product to be shipped after 2 weeks. What is nice is that this manufacturer always posts his turn around time on his website!

A member of our local gaming club is the proud owner of about 4 of these buildings. They make other companies work look out of place on the same tabletop.

He has an amazing line in 28mm for North Africa, and most likely a European line coming in 2013.

He has breathtaking lines available in 15mm for North Africa, Europe, and Italy. Also the terrain bases for these buildings are available!

Prices range from 14 US dollars unpainted to 75 US dollars painted for their various models. Not for the penny pincher, but definitely a durable product.

Next we have....

Kerr and King (Great Britain)

This company has an excellent range of bases and buildings for 15mm. They are all resin and come unpainted. They offer buildings, and "Cities in a Box" for North Africa, France, Italy, Netherlands, the Orient, and Russia. They have the most extensive range and largest number of options available for all theatres of action for 15mm. I personally own the North Africa City in a box, and some of the bombed out buildings. They painted up very well. I was extremely happy with the purchase price of 65 pounds for the entire city. Definitely worth checking out!

Game Craft Miniatures (USA)

This company works in laser cut MDF and foam board. I must say that if you need to fill a city board quickly and on a budget this is the company for you! Additionally they offer some of the nicest Bridge and road setups for a reasonable price that I have ever seen! I am not sure how well these would paint up compared to their resin competitors in the marketplace. The model I selected above to represent them is their premier product from what I can tell. The other, more economical options, have much less detail.

Their prices range from 3.50 USD to 50+ USD for complex models.

Miniature Building Authority (USA)

This company is not for the budget gamer! They are very proud of their work, as they should be. The sculpting and the painting on each of these buildings is spectacular, but at 50.00 per building they are a little pricey. Mainly for 28-30mm Games.

Miniature World Maker (Australia)

This maker specializes in 6mm and 15mm Terrain. One thing that I would like to point out about terrain is that it actually has no scale! A mountain in 6mm is a molehill in 28mm, but everything on the board helps change your game from a football field to a dense, rolling, interesting battle environment! They offer product in latex and resin, and have an extensive line to choose from!

JR Miniatures (USA)

JR Miniatures is one of the most recognized terrain makers in North America, but recently the owner Robert Rumfeld sold his company to Hobby game Design. The product line is currently not in production, but the website promises to be back into production early in 2013. Just go to their website for the most current information.

This company focused on Arnhem and Italy for the majority of their impressive works. Also all of their product came unpainted. I do not know what the future will bring.

Eslo Terrain (German)

This is a German pair of companies on this website. They make terrain and buildings for wargaming and model trains alike. I must admit that I believe their work to be breathtaking, and as my life and career allow me to become a greater collector, I will eagerly pick up pieces of their artwork! I must admit I am not sure how much they charge for their products, because their site is completely in German. Worth struggling through with Google Translate though I swear. In the Video below you can see a combination of their work and some obvious larger manufacturers. You will be jealous to say the least!

Total Battle Miniatures (Great Britain)

This group based out of Great Britain are right up there with Miniature Building Authority and Eslo Terrain.

Their work is breathtaking, as you can see from the picture above. I must say when you can do something that well I am glad that you share it with the world. I do not know much about the company but I believe the pictures speak for themselves!

Paper Terrain (USA)

What can I say. If you are looking for economical, look no further. This is a great way to absolutely fill a board for beginning enthusiasts, and maybe you could consider replacing these one at a time as they wear out? Many options for you to buy in the scales that you desire. Check therm out!

Grand Manner (Great Britain)

This company is owned by a skilled craftsman that has his work routinely displayed in globally recognized gaming magazines.The base models appear to start at 80 dollars for unpainted models and range up to 350 + dollars for fully painted models. If you want the top of the line in the modern gaming market, this is one of your choices.

Najewitz Modellbau (Germany)

15-50 euros

Paul's Modelling Workshop (Great Britain)

At 80 dollars to 120 dollars it is clear that this resin cast product line will have greater detail than your average bear! Coming fully painted at this price is also a fair bargain. His product is worth investigating!

Sarissa Precision (Great Britain)

This company based in Great Britain specializes in laser cut and etched MDF. Starting at 20 Dollars at the bottom end and ranging to 40 dollars for their larger pieces they seem to be very reasonable.

Amera Plastic Mouldings(Great Britain)

This company stands out by itself. They do not work in resin or MDF. This is all injection molded plastic. I do not know about durability, or clarity of castings, but their prices for the "ruins" seem very cost effective. Coming in at 3 dollars for their most basic pieces to 50 dollars for their highest end product I think they are worth looking into!

Of course you have the Name brand Products also available.

Warlord Games

They have about 40 terrain products to choose from.

Gale Force 9 Battlefield in a Box

This company has loads of product to choose from, but they are mad in limited runs. When they run out of a product you had better start looking for online retailers, and ebay to find it. There are very rarely second chances for their products.

I hope this helps you all in making your battlescapes more enjoyable!

-PPS

Unboxing and assembling Plastic Bolt Action BRITS!

2013-01-16T10:35:00.001-08:00

Hi all,

Today I am going to go throught the unboxing and assembly of the Bolt Action Plastic British Figures.

British Plastic Boxed Set

The box comes with 25 plastic soldiers on 5 Sprue, and Weapons on 3 Sprue. As an added bonus you also get shoulder markings of waterslide decals! This of course creates a problem for me, for now I have to research the rank structure of Brits in WWII to make sure I have the proper chevrons on the rightful shoulder!

Each sprue comes with 8 heads, for 5 bodies. Good variety there. The only thing that I noticed was that there wasn't an obvious "Officer" head like in the German Box set. I am of the opinion that purchasing the British command section will be vital for anyone starting a Standard British Force.

Additionally you get 3 sprue of weapons that offer a good number of weapon options to build a well rounded force.

This is the list I am assembling for 1000 points and the products I am using to assemble it!

138 (V) Captain +1 Man

030 (V) Medic

065 (V) Sniper

075 (R) 6Pdr Gun

187 (V) M5A1 Stuart + HMG

084 (V) Universal Carrier

086 (R) Infantry x8 +SMGx2
073 (R) Infantry x5 +BREN+SMG
086 (R) Infantry x8 +SMGx2
070 (R) Infantry x5 +BREN
020 (R) FAO+2

I am using the Brit Command Blister to supply the miniatures for the Captain +1, the Medic, and one of the FAO men. 10.00 USD

I am using the Bitish Boxed Set to build my two BREN sections, plus my two Rifle Sections.
                  36.00 USD

I am using the UC Boxed Set for my two UCs
                  38.00

I am using the M5A1 Stuart for the tank.
                  29.00

I am using the British Sprue for the Sniper team, the FAO +1, and one man for one of my rifle sections. (There are enough weapons left over from the 25 man box that I do not need to buy a weapons sprue also.)
                    8.00

Finally I am also using the 6pdr model.
                 19.25

This is a full, well rounded 1000 point army for the British with plenty of vehicles for that WOW factor all for 140.25 USD!

If you wanted to save even more money, just cut out the vehicles and add more infantry. There is 67.00 USD in vehicle, yet only 355 points tied up in them. You could take two more full sections of infantry and another officer or some PIATS if you wanted to (included in the sprue boxed set) for just 36.00 USD for a second plastic infantry boxed set!

That would be 1000 points for 109.25 USD and with free shipping worldwide (for being over 75.00 USD) from the Warlord Games website, your price doesn't go up!

Now for assembly, this is my way.

TOOLS
Nippers (the little baby wire cutters. I use these to cut the plastics free from the sprue, because twisting them free can damage or break the little bits.)
Xacto knife (to trim up the components before assembly)
Loctite Super Glue because other stuff is not as good!
Tweezers (some parts not even suart little could put in place!)
Patience - unless you like gluing yourself to....yourself
Foam- I use this to wipe off the excess glue if I get a little to liberal with it. As I often do! All of my foam pieces are saved from Flames of War Blisters, just so you know what I am using exactly!

I first cut away whatever section I am going to create from the sprue. Every torso and base to start with.

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »

Bolt Action Demo Poster

2013-01-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

I created a Demo Poster to help promote our Bolt Action Demo Events worldwide.

I hope they come in handy.

They are created in a 18"x24" format which is a small poster size.

Should be able to generate some attention.

Heres the link to the PDF file.

Bolt Action Demo Poster

Bolt Action Tournament/League/Demo Poster

Bolt Action Location Tournament Poster
Cheers!

-PPS

Bolt Action Demo Battle Reports

2013-01-05T06:03:00.003-08:00

Hello all,

I played a couple of 500 point games last night to demo and recruit new players.

The lists were

Game 1

Americans

75 7 Man Regular Section +BAR
78 7 Man Regular Section +BAR + SMG
78 7 Man Regular Section +BAR + SMG
100 Forward Artillery Observer 1 Man
138 Captain Veteran + 1 Man
30 Medic
499 Total

Germans

108 6 Man Veteran Section + 6 A/Rs
78 6 Man Veteran Section
162 Veteran M5A1 Stuart (Captured) + Pintle HMG
151 Veteran Captain + 2 Men
499 Total

THERE IS MORE TO READ CLICK HERE! »