Steve's Wargaming Blog

All Change!

2016-06-21T11:34:00.001+01:00

Well it's been a while and much has happened both in my personal and gaming life over the past few months!

In February my wife and I packed up home, sold our house and moved to a beautiful little village in Cheshire. Quite stressful at the time but well worth it. We now have less focus on work and more time for each other and our hobbies!

We were actually lucky enough to be able to move into a converted church, it's stunning and we both love it. This is our front door!.....

So life has changed considerably but alas, concessions had to be made and I no longer have a permanent gaming room. I decided to sell my Napoleonics just before we moved as I knew that I wouldn't be able to playin that scale at our new home. So, after some consideration I have recently embarked on a 10mm Napoleonic project using Old Glory Miniatures.

I have recently joined an online community called Tabletop Commanders ( they can be found on Facebook) and had great fun playing a live game of Blucher which really sparked my interest. They are a great bunch and the game played very smoothly even thought he tabletop was in America and the four commanders involved were in the UK!

So, there you go. New life, new project. I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of my first attempts at 10mm figure painting....

Very much 'work in progress'.....

Napoleonics. Old School

2015-12-15T16:03:00.003+00:00

A few (bad) photos of my Napoleonic figures.
I came across a great set of old school rules called 'Muskets & Marshals' which upon reading took me right back to my teenage years when I took part in some epic games at Stoke Wargames Group.
The rules call for 24 figure infantry and 12 figure cavalry units with artillery batteries being represented by single guns.
I still need to get more units on the table to be happy with the 'look' that I'm after but I think that's the curse of every gamer.... never enough toys!
My French force consists of 8 infantry units, 2 cavalry units and 4 guns a with my combined Austrian / Russian force consisting of more or less the same ( with a little more artillery )
I'm currently working on more Russian infantry but also need to get light infantry units for all forces sorted at some point!

A bit of Bolt Action

2015-11-14T21:02:00.001+00:00

Managed to get a game of Bolt Action in this week, a rarity for me! The game is ongoing and so far even though the Germans have taken most casualties they are definitely getting the better position on the table. The rules are fun to play though I'm probably not playing them to the letter yet. Anyway here's a few pics... Enjoy.

Another WWII Rule Set On The Way!

2015-10-08T18:58:00.000+01:00

I couldn't resist picking this up from EBay last night, it just had to be done. I've played the Rookie version of Rapid Fire and I actually enjoyed it. They are quite old school in their approach which suits me just fine and I look forward to playing the 'full' version soon.

And now for something completely different

2015-09-26T12:28:00.001+01:00

For a long, long time I've considered starting a ACW project but never quite got around to it. I know nothing, nowt, absolutely Jack about the conflict but have always admired the great looking games I've seen online. So, with the help and advice of some friendly ACW gamers I finally took the plunge this week and purchased some Blue Moon 15mm figures from Glory Miniatures UK who are conveniently situated about two minutes from my front door!
Now I've never painted ACW before, neither have I ever painted 15mm and the difference in the technique I had to adopt was quite surprising and very time consuming to start off with! Anyway, I've made a start in my Confederate infantry, opting for the late war 'rag tag' look with a variety of shades of greys, Browns and the odd blue.. Here's my first little batch of figures ready for basing. Still loads to do but it's a start at least and now I'm finally happy with the colour combinations and the change in technique I'm hoping the painting process will speed up somewhat...

Charity Ride Completed!

2015-09-07T12:48:00.000+01:00

Well, I had a fantastic time yesterday riding in the Durham Big Ride. The weather was perfect for cycling, I made it up all the climbs and came in in record time! Looking forward to doing more charity rides next year so best keep the training going through the Winter months... Easier said than done!

In loving memory of my big sister Lorraine.

2015-09-04T16:33:00.004+01:00

This Sunday (6th September) I shall be taking part in the Durham Big Ride, a 25 mile bike ride through the hills of County Durham. I will be riding in memory of my late sister Lorraine who we sadly lost to cancer in 2007 at the age of just 47 and in aid of Douglas MacMillan who took care of her during her last few weeks of life.
It's strange to think that I'm now older than my sister but she will always be my big sis. I love you Lol, and I miss you. I hope you're with me on the day and I do you proud.
Anyone wishing to make a donation please visit my

JustGiving page here:
https://www.justgiving.com/Steve-Clay3/

Thank you everyone.
Steve

P.S.
Many thanks to Steve the Wargamer for your donation, I really appreciate it Steve.

Napoleonic Advice!

2015-09-03T11:58:00.002+01:00

Surprisingly enough after more years than I care to remember, I've realised that I've never played out an actual, historical battle on my tabletop. Sure, as a youngster I played my version of Waterloo and D-Day ... Didn't we all?, but I've never properly sat down and figured out how to replay a historical encounter.
The reason? Well to be honest, where do you start?. Do I have enough figures?, how do I recreate the terrain?
Having started work on my Snappie Naps project again perhaps this would be a perfect opportunity to work on and organise the build up to playing such a game. I don't need thousands of figures, I'm lucky enough to have a permanent war game room so really there's no excuse.
First things first I suppose, which battle? I have a collection of French, Russian and Austrian troops ( the Russian and French forces roughly equal the total size of the French force) so can anyone suggest a battle in which all three forces can be employed?
Although I love my history you can probably tell that I'm no 'buff' when it comes to the subject, so any suggestions or info on as to how I go about this latest project would be gratefully received.

Thanks everyone.
Steve

Snappy Nappies Units.

2015-09-01T22:49:00.002+01:00

The good thing about SN is the fact that you don't need thousands of figures to play 'big' games. Small numbers of figures represent large bodies of troops. My infantry are based two figures to a base but these will be blocked together to form 2 x 4 figure bases.

Similarly, my cavalry are individually based. For SN 2 x figures will form a 'base', two bases forming the Brigade.

'Down-scaled' Buildings & Snappy Naps

2015-09-01T22:19:00.000+01:00

Over the past day or so I've found myself giving yet more thought to my Napoleonic collection and thought it about time that I get back back to my Snappy Nap project.
I've always liked the grand tactical Napoleonic game and Snappy Nappies grabbed my attention as soon as I came across it. I really like the simplicity of the system and especially the combat resolution whereby a units morale status determines its combat effectiveness.
Anyway, the one thing I'm lacking for my Napoleonic games is scenery. I decided at the start of the project that I would down-scale the scenery as it just looks 'right' for a game of this type (I.e grand tactical) ... Up to yet though I've done nothing about it!
So this evening I thought I'd look online for some free downloadable paper buildings and see how they look. I found a site (one of many out there) and printed a couple off just to see how they look and although they are probably around the 10mm scale, I think they look pretty good.
The one I hastily put together here is standing alongside a 1/72nd WWII figure just for comparison ( I couldn't be bothered to get up into the loft to grab a few Napoleonic figures) and yes, they are very small but when we consider buildings footprints on our tabletops at the scale we are playing our battles at, I think they will be just fine.

I think with a little groundwork and perhaps a little brushwork, these little buildings will do just fine. Time to stock up on printer ink, card stock and glue me thinks!

Snappy Naps QRS

2015-08-31T22:27:00.001+01:00

Anyone out there have the QRS to Snappy Naps? If so, please leave a comment or contact me at s-claybo@sky.com

Thanks everyone.

Latest Additions...

2015-08-22T10:34:00.001+01:00

This week I managed to add another Sherman, PzIII and a Kubelwagon to the collection. Looking forward to giving these a run out in the next game.

SDKFZ 222

2015-08-19T14:09:00.002+01:00

Just completed my latest kit in the form of the German Sdkfz222 armoured car. Nice little kit, hope you like....

WWII Game (part 3)

2015-08-19T13:44:00.002+01:00

Having neutralised the U.S. Armoured support the German infantry continue to pile the pressure on the U.S. infantry squad occupying the house at the road junction. After a couple of turns of intense rifle and mortar fire they are eventually cleared by close assault.
After a doomed attack on the flank the U.S. Forces now severely depleted, withdraw from the field.

German infantry squads pour fire into the building at the road junction.

A German infantry squad storms the building clearing it of U.S. defenders.

The U.S. force send a half track and infantry squad against the German left flank to try and gain some kind of advantage. The unfortunate squad is rapidly destroyed by the crossfire of two enemy squads. The U.S. Force has no option but to withdraw.

A very enjoyable game and it was nice to be rolling dice again instead of brandishing the paintbrush!
I desperately need more scenery though so that will be my next plan of action.

WWII Game (part 2)

2015-08-18T23:19:00.001+01:00

Having captured the road junction the U.S. force decided that the threat from the Panzer needed to be dealt with and sent in its Sherman to deal with it. After taking up position on the hilltop overlooking the road it fired several shots before managing to put it out of action...

The Sherman takes up position and slams two shots into the side of the Panzer rendering g it useless.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the hill a German infantry squad hug the hedgerow waiting fir their moment to strike the unaware Sherman. After a successful panzerfaust strike the Sherman is immobilised and assaulted by the squad. The crew, even though supported by friendly troop decide that enough is enough and abandon their vehicle..

First 20mm WWII game! (Part 1)

2015-08-18T23:06:00.001+01:00

Last week. I decided to give the modelling / painting a bit of a rest and try out a quick game. I used what can only be called a 'mash up' of Neil Thomas' One Hour Wargame rules with a few bits of Bolt Action cherry picked just for good measure.
The rules are ultra simple but upon looking back at the game, gave very similar results. The main thing was it was very enjoyable!
The two forces were chosen at random and the game itself was loosely based on two forces encountering each other as they both attempted to capture a vital road junction....

A view from the hill showing the road running down to the road junction.

Another view of the field.

The game started with the U.S. forces attacking directly up the road towards the junction. After surviving a shot from the German panzer the half track and its infantry squad finally made it to cover with the infantry occupying the small building overlooking the road junction.

Facebook page

2015-07-08T18:35:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, just a quick line to let you all know that I've just set up a Facebook page devoted to Bolt Action in 1/72nd. Here's the
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bolt-Action-in-172nd/795269917255418
Not much on there yet but give it a look and perhaps a follow!

Cheers all,
Steve

Bolt Action Bolt Ons

2015-07-02T15:49:00.001+01:00

Having been reading up on Bolt Action and having purchased the rules themselves I'm already starting to consider either tweaks to the standard set or simply cherry picking from this set (amongst others) and compiling my own set.

The big appeal of Bolt Action for me is the simplicity of the rule set. It's straight forward, and easy to play I also like the 'pin' rules whereby units carrying pins must pass an order test to carry out a players command.

Unfortunately there are a few things I dislike....

Points System.
I really, really, don't like any wargame that is driven by a points system. To me it's totally unrealistic and is geared totally toward tournament gaming. ... another thing I really don't see the point of.
I would prefer to generate random forces to oppose each other across the table, each player having to make the most of what he has at the time. Surely more realistic?

Table top set up.
My biggest gripe with BA is that it can't seem to make its mind up as to whether it's a skirmish game or a full blown, big battle system. The movement rates and weapon ranges are quite large and often players set up well within combat distance of each other... a case of 'line 'em up and shoot 'em down', again this isn't for me. I prefer units to have at least a chance of manoeuvring around the the table, to be able to withdraw if required, in other words something a little more subtle than simply blazing away until one force or the other eases to exist!

Figure removal.
I know, this sounds a. Little odd especially for a WWII game but I really don't like to see remnants of units dotted around the table. In BA one figure represents on man which is fine but I'd prefer to keep a squad, unit (call it what you will) on the tabletop and keep a roster to record their current combat state.

Weapons
Each figure in BA as well as. Many other rule sets is depicted carrying the actual weapon it is using .... Rifleman, sub machine gunner etc. again I'd prefer my 'units' to be genericall armed with 'infantry weapons'' these having a maximum range with bonuses when in close. with the enemy to replicate grenades, sub machine gun fire etc.

There's more I could list but I won't bore you with the details.... Maybe it may be time to jot a few ideas down on paper and give them a go.

Matchbox / Zvezda Germans

2015-06-29T23:30:00.002+01:00

Here's a close up of some of the German figures I've been working on. The infantry figures are good old 'old school' Matchbox figures purchased from eBay.... These really take me back to my youth! Lovely little figures even if some of the poses tend to look a little awkward! The mortar and team are by Zvezda. Really enjoying painting these up and looking forward to finally getting them into action on the tabletop.

First armoured pieces completed!

2015-06-20T14:53:00.001+01:00

Finally got around to adding the decals to my first armoured pieces (Sherman and PzIII) so now these can join the figures can finally make their way up to the war gaming loft. Decided to paint another couple of infantry squads up before I try an actual game so hopefully next time these appear here they'll be in action!

20mm WWII Project. Phase one complete!

2015-06-15T16:12:00.001+01:00

Just completed my first U.S. And German infantry squads. All based and ready to go!

First up are 3 x 8 figure German infantry squads, supporting LMG, mortar, spotter, C.O. and aide. Below are their U.S. counterparts ..

Next up is the armoured support I the shape of the U.S. Sherman and German PzIII. All finished and just awaiting their decals.

Well underway now and really enjoying the process so far. There's enough here to allow me to play a small game but I still feeling the urge to paint so possibly another infantry squad or two will be following soon!

20mm WWII : Progress so far

2015-06-03T16:23:00.000+01:00

As you can see the painting table is looking a little chaotic at the moment but progress is being made..

Looking a bit crowded on there at the moment. May be time for a sort out before moving on to the next batch of infantry!

Ok,so these figures are done and dusted apart from a bit of flock on the bases. 3 x 8 man infantry squads each for both the German and U.S. forces so far plus a command and assistant figure.

U.S. Sherman and Panzer III built and receiving their base colour.

Slowly getting there but putting no pressure or time limits on myself and really enjoying painting again!

U.S. mortar team, forward observer and LMG almost complete.

Long term plans afoot.

2015-05-30T10:22:00.000+01:00

Well having been talked into it by both my Wife and Daughter it looks like I may be setting up to produce a range of wargame model buildings again! Nothing yet in the pipeline as this will be a purely long term project for the future. Must start to look for equipment again first and only then will I be starting to sculpt a new range. Here's a few of the pieces I produced in the past for those who aren't familiar with my work...

15mm Ruin

6mm ACW Farm house

20mm House and outbuilding

Enjoying the paint brushes again!

2015-05-25T13:28:00.001+01:00

First and second squads of German and U.S. Infantry almost complete (2 x 8 man teams) and I'm really enjoying the painting again. Took me a little while to get into the swing of things, namely colour selection and order of colour application but things will now progerss at a pace... I hope!
It's quite difficult to switch from painting colourful Napoleonic figures to the more drab looking WWII uniforms and trying to maintain the speed painting method!
I'm trying not to get too hung up on uniform detail and constantly remind myself of the 3' rule, it's paying off at the moment and hopefully within the next few weeks I'll have a small force ready to put on the table.
I've also purchased two fast build Italeri kits (2 vehicles per box), the U.S. Sherman, and the German Panzer III so I'm looking forward to getting these built and painted up.
I'm also on the look out for US anti-tank guns so if anyone knows of any in 20mm then please let me know.

20mm German Infantry test batch.

2015-05-22T17:04:00.001+01:00

Well here's my first squad ready to be based, still in need of a varnish to dull them down a bit which hopefully I'll sort out over the weekend. I'm quite pleased with the colours but I'm thinking that instead of the grey trousers I may just go for the whole uniform in ''Fieldgrau' purely for ease of painting.
I've decided not to use my original Yank infantry figures as, even though they're both Italeri sets they are huge in comparison to their German counterparts. No worry though as they were purely used to test colours so I shall soon be cracking on with the next batch . I think that the set I bought are the newer Italeri US infantry sets and they seem to have grown a few millimetres in the process. Fortunately the older, smaller versions are still readily available and I also have some of the vintage Match infantry which go really well with the German figures..... So, the project is underway, colours all sorted so now it's heads down and get painting!