Lonely Gamers

Trouble in the Sudan 1883

2012-01-27T07:21:00.006+10:00

Yesterday I got a few of my old Townsville gamer buddies over for a good dusting in the Sudan and to introduce them to the Fortune & Glory rule set. Peter, Steve and Leroy played the Mahdi forces and John and Terry on the Egyptian side. The scenario was for the Egyptian forces to protect a supply column from the main town out to a small besieged village, which was a short distance from the outskirts of town. However there were also numerous hostile factions hiding out in the rough ground and think scrub who would also like to supplies and a few "Turk" heads.

The battlefield for the day's gaming. Fairly open, the village to be supplied is pictured at the bottom centre of the image, held by a company of Egyptian troops.

Looking out of the towns defenses Egyptian troops prepare to move forward in support of the supply convoy.

The supply convoy is ready and moves out.

Troops move out in support

Lurking Mahdi also move forward

With the convoy moving closer the Mahdi increase their attacks on the village and the besieged Egyptian troops.

By the next turn, with increasing attacks from all sides the Egyptian troops are forced to abandon the village and start to fall back to the main town.

With further re-supply useless the Egyptians halt to ponder their next move.

Mean while on the other flank the Mahdi gather troops and charge forward with cavalry and camels onto the supporting Egyptian Line companies.

Hicks sees the movements of the enemy and deploys his troops.

Two large troops of Mahdi cavalry surge forward onto the awaiting Egyptians

Both companies stand firm and receive the charge, shooting the camels down and pushing back the cavalry. However they to take a number of causalities, so it was not all one sided.

However back on the main battle ground things are not looking good for the Government forces. All units are attacked from all sides in a well plan attack by the Mahdi commanders.

The supply column is attacked and falls to the enemy.

The only thing left for Barker Pasha is to withdraw the remaining troops back to safety of the town walls.

Repeated attacks are repulsed but in the end only a few remaining troops make it back to the town and safety. Now they are the besieged.......

Perry Miniatures - Sudan Kneeling camels with Camel Corps Sentry

2012-01-22T21:09:00.002+10:00

And finally my last post for tonight....no Sudan gamer would be serious unless they had a few kneeling camels on the table top....well now I have gotten very serious with these beauties which have again been painted by Leroy Simpson and based up by me. So please enjoy

Perry Miniatures - Sudan Mounted Egyptian European Command

2012-01-22T20:48:00.004+10:00

Another three beautifully painted figures I have just finished basing up from Leroy. The are again from that great Perry Miniatures Sudan range and represent Baker Pasha, Slatin Pasha and Hicks Pasha. These boys will also see a little action (hopefully) on this coming Thursday.

Baker and Slatin Pasha

Baker Pasha

Slatin Pasha

Hicks Pasha

Perry Miniatures - Sudan British High Command

2012-01-22T20:19:00.003+10:00

The British High Command from Perry Miniatures is one of my latest additions to my Sudan collection. The figures have been painted by Leroy Simpson and I have only just finished basing this afternoon. We are planning a massive Sudan game on Australia Day at my house so if anyone in the area wants to drop by and have a look please drop me a line...you are sure not to be disappointed. So please enjoy Leroy's great painting.

Graham and Wolseley

Wolseley C & C for the the 1884/85 campaigns.

General Graham commander of the Suakin area of operations

Stewart - commander of the cavalry brigade in the 1884 Suakin campaign and commander of the Camel Corps late 1884.

Warlord Games Married Zulus

2012-01-21T08:37:00.004+10:00

My next master project for this year is to venture a little deeper into Queen Victoria's' African conquests with the 1879 campaign into Zululand. The guys I have pictured are my first attempt at painting Warlord Games plastic Zulus. I used the Army Painter method and am not at all convinced with the end result. I again had a little trouble with the mat vanish finish spray, which turned the figures a misty white...not good. So I had to paint over the figures with citadel Devlon Mud thus delivering the final result...not to bad.

The figures themselves are well designed with four different basic torsos, seven different heads, and numerous different weapons to choose from. They are easy to put together and do not take up to much of your painting time. So if your keen to 'Wash your Spears' I would recommend these great figures as a start to expand your Zulu army.

Calpe Miniatures - Prussians

2012-01-14T09:28:00.006+10:00

My good friend Jeff Smith headed off from Townsville yesterday, hopefully only for a couple of years. But before he left I wanted to grab a few shots of his beautifully based and painted Calpe Miniatures Late Prussian collection. The figures have all been based and painted by Leroy Simpson over the last two year and again he has done a fantastic job. I did not have time to take shots of the infantry as it was late at night..sorry maybe another time...so please enjoy.

Eureka Miniatures - 18th Century Musicians

2012-01-07T18:38:00.003+10:00

My latest post if of Eureka's Miniatures 18th Century Musicians. They are a beautiful set of figures, if not practical in a wargame they would at least make a very nice addition to any collection. The figures have again been painted by Townsville leading painter - Leroy Simpson, who was commissioned to paint them for Jeff Smiths Prussian Napoleonic Army (the lucky guy)...so please enjoy.

Samurai Vs Chosen Koreans - Impetus

2012-01-07T05:52:00.006+10:00

As promised I have uploaded a few images from the Impetus game we played last yesterday with Leroy Simpson's beautifully painted Perry Miniatures Samurai and Chosen Koreans. The reason I thought we would uses these beauties is because Leroy has been painting them for the last four years and has never seen his whole collection on the board, let a loan play a game with them...so there they are. The game went well, however we did have to 'Ring a Friend' a few times to clarify some of the finer details of the Impetus rule system. Which mainly had to do with the latest changes. But as I said in the last post the rules are nicely written and easily picked up by a beginner, this only being my second game and John's third.

Leroy has based his armies for WAB, however 'Divined Wind' never made it to the printing press. But with but armies based the same it was easy to set them up for the Impetus rule system. I had three bases for the cavalry and anywhere from six to nine bases for the infantry. As for the army lists they seemed to work out ok, however there was some discussion in regards to whether the mounted samurai should have the ability to used the composite bow? But they do have impetus +4 so that might even up the odds?? In regards to the Koreans they seemed to have worked ok as long as the infantry units get to fight in large formations they should hold together longer. Our Koreans lasted about six turns before the left flank collapsed and the army was forced to do a test. It was not all one sided however as they took a number of Japanese with them. Overall I think once the army lists are finalised and released it should enable a good even game.

Korean Artillery

Japanese Tempo (hand gunners)

Korean Regular Infantry

Korean Hand Gunners

Korean Medium Cavalry

Tomorrow's Impetus Game - Samurai Vs Koreans

2012-01-05T21:08:00.005+10:00

Sorry I got a little excited tonight, after setting up for my first game back in Townsville and the New Year. We will be playing the long awaited Samurai Vs Chosen Koreans, which are all Perry Miniatures and have all been painted by Townsville own Master Painter - Leroy Simpson. Thus they are also from his collection. We intend to have our first crack at the Impetus rule system and I have down loaded the army lists from their webpage. Both armies are just on 600pts which should leave for a good game.

I am sorry about the images, I had a little smug on the lens. However I promise tomorrow there will be a greater number of images taken and a battle report on the game. So till tomorrow please enjoy the images......

Perry Chosen Korens

Pike & Shot - The Italian Wars

2012-01-01T11:00:00.009+10:00

As promised images from our second game at Scott's house and my first blog for 2012. I hope everyone had a great New Years celebration last night...we were in bed by 9pm (our 3yr old keeps us honest). Anyway here is a little inspiration for the New Year, some great shots from the Italian Wars game Scott held at his place a few weeks ago.

This was a very colourful game with loads of flags and pretty puffy sleeves. Participants this time were Myself, Scott, Andrew, Mark Piper and the 'Great' Gavin Shanks. Rules played were the PK variant for Pike and Shot, I found them a little slow but again once you got the gist of the system they seemed to play quite well.

Figures were painted by Scott, Gavin and Andrew but also a few by overseas painters.

The Great and Gallant Gavin on the left and Scott on the right.

The Battle of Lutzen 1632

2011-12-30T09:16:00.013+10:00

Just placed up a few images from the Battle of Lutzen game Myself, Scott Robertson and Andrew Parr played a couple of weekends ago. Scott has a vast collection of figures for the ECW and the Thirty Year War gathered from around the globe, but the main body for the collection comes from Redoubt Enterprises excellent range, which Scott was lucky enough to purchase from Mister Redoubt himself.

Scott has based the figures in order to play Impetus, all units are 180mm by 80mm with infantry 18 - 20 figures and cavalry nine figures per unit. This was the first time I had played the rule and set and have to admit it was a very easy system to pick up and play for a first time player. Scott has also rebased all of my Ancients from WAB to Impetus so I guess I had better grab myself a set of the rules and strap myself in..........

Scott Robertson on the left and Andrew Parr on the right. It was Scott who got me into war gaming back in 1994.....now I feel old

Two Days of Gaming at Scott's

2011-12-29T22:23:00.006+10:00

A couple of weekends ago Andrew Parr and Myself went on a little road trip up the east coast of Australia. Traveling from Newcastle to Townsville in five days worked out just fine as we called into Scott Robertson's house for a few days grace and played two fantastic games. The first was a battle from the Thirty Year War then followed the next day with the Italian Wars of the 16th century. But I am a little short of time so will post the remainder of the images from both games up over the next couple of days...till then drawl as you may of these.....

1st Day Thirty Year War

2nd Day Italian Wars

ACW at Adam's House 2

2011-12-03T14:27:00.005+10:00

This is a great little game that Andrew parr and Adam Burke played a few weeks ago....sorry for the delay on the post, work has been very busy and has been very efficient at keeping me away from my hobby...maybe one day I can retire and spend those golden hours at my treasured painting and gaming tables....dream on said my wife.

The table has been built solely by Adam, who is alway improving this fine piece of art...when I grow up I would love to have a table like this....again my wife told me to 'keep on dreaming'..got to love them. Figures are from both Andrew's and Adam's collection.

A Struggle Along the Nile - Sudan 1884/85

2011-11-13T12:53:00.006+10:00

Seeing the main theme for my last few posts have been to do with the Sudan it seemed only fitting that we played a game with the same theme, so last night Victor Perry and Brian Buskell dropped in for a game. The game was also must likely one of the last games I will get to play with these guys, as myself and the family are moving back up to North Queensland shortly.

The game played had no particular scenario only I had Brian and Victor choose a 800pt Army each, from Andrew Parr's Fortune & Glory Colonial supplement, and then they placed down their objective markers.

I also tried to use every piece of new terrain we have built over the past few weeks just to set the scene and brighten up the gaming table. Brian would have liked to have used the paddle steamer but I was not quite sure how we would have incorporated it into the point system. However it would be something to consider in future games.

Figures were a mixed of Perry, Old Glory, Cast-a-Way Arts and Black Tree Design and were either painted by myself, Scott Robertson, Leroy Simpson or Professionally Painted by Eye.

I have to admit I do love this period and intend on expanding the collection in the not to distant future..so please the images.

A Signal Station for the Sudan 1884/85

2011-11-12T12:30:00.005+10:00

I was a little bored last night after my little daughter had gone to sleep, plus my wife is away for a few days, so I thought I might scratch build a sentry station for my Sudan collection. I built the signal tower out of a balsa wood pack I picked up from Bunnings, along with the scouring pads (for the zeriba). The bell tents are from Perry Miniatures and make for very nice colonial tents. Then this morning I applied a few sprays of brown Army Painter, followed by some dry brushing and then 'hey presto' a signal station.

The image above was my blue print for the design...I tried to replicate it as close as possible.

A Small Village in the Eastern Sudan - Tamai 1884/85

2011-11-09T19:02:00.011+10:00

My 'Project Sudan' is coming along just nicely, I have just finished making this little village for the Mahdi followers in the Eastern Sudan. The whole construction and painting only took two days. We are playing a Sudan game this weekend so I thought it might be nice to construct something a little different for the game and this could either be the centre piece or just on the table edge. The buildings are from Hovels resin Sudan and African range and the zereba is made from think industrial scouring pads, painted brown and dry brush..quite effective I think.

Perry Miniatures - Beja dead and wounded

2011-11-08T19:45:00.005+10:00

I am trying get through the pile of lead I have in the cupboard...ever so slowly. But have finally finished painting these guys for my little Sudan collection. The figures are the Beja dead and wounded pack from Perry Miniatures and have been based as shaken markers for Andrew Parr's Fortune & Glory Colonial rules....please enjoy

Paddle Steamer for the Sudan 1884/85

2011-11-07T15:11:00.005+10:00

No relief of Gordon would of been accomplished (I know they were a couple of days late) without the odd paddle steamer or two?? Well this little beauty was delivered to me just this afternoon from Brian Buskell. Brian has completed the work that Matt Williams started a few months ago. Matt has made the body of the ship from balsa wood and the two chimneys are old whistles. However Brian has completed the construction by adding the hand rails, boxes and barrels plus the paint. Both Matt and Brian have done a fantastic job and I can not wait have this fine ship on my board (but I will have to build the Nile first). It is not quite finished yet I just have to add a deck gun and some Navy lads to the top deck and then she will be perfect......any suggestions for a name?

Architects Of War - Desert Well

2011-10-23T15:15:00.003+10:00

I am slowly getting through my pile of Architects of War terrain pieces, after finishing all the ACW building I have now moved onto their great Middle Eastern range. The first piece is essential if going in to the desert and fighting the Mahdi...the desert well. This little item is excellent it comes with three classical jugs for carrying water and even some camel hoof prints. Please enjoy

The Battle of Winchester - The last battle of Our ACW Campaign

2011-10-16T11:45:00.007+10:00

The Battle of Winchester was our last game for the Valley Campaign. After three battles this was the Union's last chance to hopefully defeat Jackson (Brian Buskell) and claim the Valley for the Union. In doing so Victor (as the Union commander) call in all his available troops directed them to converge on Winchester. The Union mobilisation included two divisions of infantry(22 infantry battalions), nine regiments of cavalry and six batteries of artillery. With these massive re-enforcements Victor hoped to overwhelm Brian with shear numbers. Brian on the other hand had only 17 battalions of veteran troops, three regiments of cavalry and six batteries of artillery......the odds were not on his side.

With both side seeking a decisive outcome both Victor and Brian played to win and did not hold back of feeding more troops in battle. Initially Brian deployed his cavalry in and around the outskirts of Winchester, hoping to slow down the Union tide and to buy time for the remainder of Jacksons' troops to deploy. Victor also first deployed with his cavalry and in doing so deployed four regiments and a battery of artillery. But Jackson cavalry under the command of Col Ashby held the Union troops in check just long enough to allow the infantry to deploy.

Jackson was everywhere, with a command radius of eight inches and movement of 24 inches he was inspirational and if he could win this battle he would become one of the greatest captains of history.

The battle for the surrounding countryside waged back and forth for much of the game and there was bloody fighting in the streets of Winchester. At one point the Union troops took 3/4 of the town but were soon stopped by the Jackson's old brigade (commanded by Garnett) who push the remaining Union troops back through the streets, leaving many regimental colours behind.

In the end Victor did not achieve the victory he so desperately needed and was forced to withdraw leaving Jackson in command of the field. Jackson who would now have ever lasting fame and would soon head south with his army for the Peninsular and further fame. Our attempt to change history failed but boy did we have fun trying......till the next campaign.

The great Victory Perry and our resident wargaming genius Andrew Parr plan the next Union assault.

Jackson rallies Ashby's dismounted cavalry encouraging them to hold at all cost until his own foot cavalry arrive.

Jackson's foot cavalry arrive just in the nick of time

Confederate Brigades arrive south of Winchester

Union troops assault the town

Dismounted Union cavalry feel out the Confederate positions

Ashby's cavalry hold the right flank

A fresh Union brigade pushing on into Winchester

With Union assaults coming in hard and fast the Confederate cavalry hold on with the skin of their teeth

Union troops pour into Winchester pushing back and bypassing isolated pockets of Confederate troops

Not with a moment to spare Jackson old brigade push on through Winchester, pushing Union troops back, taking prisoners and colours along the way.

More Confederate troops surge forward relieving the Ashby's cavalry just in the nick of time

The bloody house to house, street to street fighting begins

Union re-enforcements arrive but are to late to change the out come of the battle

Perry Miniatures - Plastic Sudanese Tribesman

2011-10-14T20:35:00.005+10:00

These little fellows are my latest painting creation. I have not painted plastic figures for over 15 years nor had I used the Army Painter system. But with a little extra time up my sleeve I decided to order two boxes of these great Perry Miniatures Plastic Sudanese Tribesman. Once I had put them together, which took quite some time, I hit them with the army painter brown spray. After letting the figures dry I then proceeded to paint on the basic details - weapons clothes extra, this process was the longest. After a few days of painting I then painted on the Dark Tone army painter varnish and let them dry for a day. The next step was were my limited experience with using this system let me down....I sprayed the matt varnish too close and thus many of the figures received a white coating of varnish. However after a little panic I just painted over the effected figures with Citadel Devlin Mud and they came up a treat. I have not painted any of the standard coloured patches on them as I prefer the earlier periods then the later. So please enjoy.

Architects Of War - Jebodiah's Shack

2011-10-08T12:36:00.002+10:00

My last post for today is a great little building from the Architects of War North American Range. Jebodiah's Shack has been painted and based by Brian Buskell who has been an active collector of wargaming figures and terrain for a number of years now. He has painted the shack in a nice basic brown with just a few little highlights, which to be honest the building does not need much more then what Brian has already done. Again with all AoW buildings the roof can be removed in case you want to use it for skirmishing and it has plenty of room to place in extra furniture or even a pig or two??

Perry Miniatures - Camel Corps

2011-10-08T12:22:00.006+10:00

My other project this week was basing up some Perry Miniatures Camel Corps for my Sudan collection. The figures were not painted by me, but by a gentleman in the UK and purchased for me by Andrew Parr...cheers mate. They are a nice little addition to the collection and I'm looking forward to using them soon or at least before I pack up and move back to North Queensland.

Perry Miniatures - North American Store

2011-10-08T11:54:00.002+10:00

The North American Store was the second building I managed to finish, only the other day. Having a small child in the house (my beautiful daughter - Ella) does seem to take away any chance you might have at painting during the day. So painting a building was easier and quicker to finish rather then a 36 figure French Line Battalion. I would have loved to put some Architects of War chickens around the side of the store, and still might.....my sign writing is pretty crap though..sorry.

Perry Miniatures - North American Farm House

2011-10-08T11:43:00.002+10:00

Hmmm...what have I been painting these last few weeks? Well not a lot in the figures department, but with the on going ACW campaign I decided to purchase both the farm house and store from Perry Miniatures. I have never been one for painting buildings and these two building were to be my second & third buildings I have ever painted in wargaming career. However I did enjoy putting the two buildings together...though not to sure on the painting. The basing was a little easier....please enjoy.

MOAB 2011 - Cowboy Wars Demo

2011-10-05T15:06:00.003+10:00

This fantastic little demo game was put on but Matt Williamson (pictured above) and the guys from the Goulburn Wargaming Club. Matt apparently finished painting the buildings that morning, before making the trip...he never astounds me in the quickness of his painting when under pressure. The guys played for the first two days of MOAB and got quite a few numbers participating in a little shot em up......well done guys.

MOAB 2011 - Flames of War

2011-10-05T13:52:00.004+10:00

Just a few images loaded from the Flames of War comp, which numbered around 30 odd players over the three days. As per normal when they run this competition the table top terrain looks fantastic. Not sure how the comp went as I was only present for the first two days.

MOAB 2011

2011-10-05T08:50:00.004+10:00

Well another MOAB has just pasted and hopefully many more to come. This was one of Sydney's largest wargaming conventions with over 250 competition gamers and 20 odd retailers making the journey the Sylvania Heights Community and Youth Club, located in the southern suburbs of Sydney. The weekend is put on by the boys from The Southern Battle Gamers Club, who have been doing a great job of it for the last ten or more years. However I think with the rainy weekend and the football grand finals on at the same time, the numbers of people through the doors were down this year. This was a shame as there were some fantastic demo and participation games plus loads excellent eye candy (nice figures and flavoursome discounts) provided by the retailers.

Retailers like War & Peace Games, Eureka Miniatures, Essex Miniatures, Olympian Games, Mick Metal Models, Military Simulations and Architects of War were to name but a hand full of the many.

Plus over 250 competition gamers playing Flames of War, Fields of Glory, Warhammer Fantasy/40K, DBM and Blood Bowl (plus a few more games I did not get to see)

One of the great little demo games put on by the guys from the Goulburn Wargamers. Matt Williamson heads the table for the Cowboy Wars.

Very year a great little 15mm Napoleonic demo game is played, this year they played Friedland 1807.

Flames of War Competition- 3 games on Saturday and Sunday and 2 on the Monday made for a long weekend.

The Battle of New Market - Our 3rd Battle of the Valley Campaign

2011-09-22T16:33:00.010+10:00

Only two days after the battle of Strasburg the Union Army retreated south towards New Market where Shields defeated troops met up with General Schenck and his two brigades of fresh troops. It was at this meeting that General Shields was informed that after to major defeats, at the hands of Jackson (Brian), he was to be replaced as commanding General by General Schenck. But Jackson was pushing his troops hard and was right on the heals of Shields defeated and demoralised troops and soon caught up with them at the small town of New Market.

My good friend Victor took up the command of the majority of troops again and I commanded one of his brigades, Brian played the Great Stonewall Jackson who was soon to achieve another great victory for the Confederacy. Both sides deployed with bridges up to 12inches in with Victors depleted and demoralised troops in and around the town of New Market. Brian on the other hand deployed his now veteran troops just north of the town.

Jackson made the first move, as normal, attacking fast and hard onto Victors left flank with two brigades and three batteries of artillery. Brian's two remaining brigades demonstrated on on the Union right, where Victor had placed remaining three units of cavalry now dismounted).

Victors battle plan was sound..hold at all costs with his demoralised units hopefully long enough for Schenck's nine fresh battalions, three batteries and supporting cavalry to come up from the rear. These new units were to repulse Jackson and give the Union troops a little breathing space to re-organise and re-supply. Brian's plan on the other hand was to crush the Union Army at all cost and free the Valley from Union suppression.

This image portrays the initial set up of both Victor and Brian's troops - Union to the south and centre of New Market and Confederates to the north (almost opposite deployments for the 1864 battle)

Brian's (Jackson) first attack on the Union left flank. This attack was to draw the majority of the Union re-enforcements and would see-saw for most of the night until Victors troops gave way on the seventh turn.

Union batteries deploy on Shirley's Hill providing support for the Union troops below.

A view from Jackson's old Stonewall Brigade. This brigade was to spend most of the game fighting through the two of New Market and in doing so finally break the Union centre.

Victor's latest painting (sorry about the image bad camera) a Union sharpshooter battalion.

Dismounted cavalry holding the Union right. These guys, even though demoralised, preformed well with their repeater carbines and slowed the Confederate advance long enough for additional Union troops to advance..but only at great cost.

The fighting around St Matthew's church was intense for a number of turns but finally Jackson's old brigade won through.

Fresh Union troops come up from reserve..three battalions on the Union right and six on the left, plus three batteries of artillery. However they were too late to change the outcome of the battle, but were to hold steady for the expected Union retreat.

Confederate troops pour through the town, scooping up Union prisoners by the score as they go.

Even though Victor had 2/1 superiority on his left flank he was unable to break the Confederate advance. Brian had deployed three strong batteries of artillery across his front, which deterred any aggressive moves in that sector by the Union.

With the battle almost over Brian's troops break Victor's centre in the town.

Brian still had one card up his sleeve...six fresh battalions from the Richmond front finally arrived after marching hard and fast to the sound of the guns. They soon appeared on the Union right flank, overwhelming the dismounted cavalry and supporting the assault on New Market town.

The final image of the game shows Brian's victorious troops taking the last house in New Market, thus breaking the Union centre. It was a hard fought battle with serve causalities on both sides. Of Victors troops, his original division was completely destroyed and would never fight again in this campaign. However his remaining nine battalions would put up a stout resistance and allow for the broken units to withdraw.....would they fight another day??? Would Jackson's foot saw, hungary and tried troops pursue or would turn north to fight another Union Army heading south from Harper's Ferry??

Elite Miniatures Converted to ACW

2011-09-22T05:53:00.003+10:00

I have just uploaded some images of Victor Parry's latest Elite Miniatures conversion. I have to admit that over the years I have been very lucky to live near friends with either beautiful collections of wargaming figures or near masters of conversions, and Victor is the master of conversion. Once again Victor has converted three Elite Miniatures mounted officers from the French range and changed them into three mounted command for our ACW campaign. However in doing so Victor has still maintain that distinct Elite Miniatures look. Horses are from Victors own range of Adventure Miniatures.

Confederate General (looks a little like Longstreet)

Union Commander (Grant?)

Artillery Officer or even a nice Cavalry officer.

All figures have been painted by Victor

Wargaming Old School - With Andrew Parr

2011-09-17T13:17:00.006+10:00

My good friend Andrew Parr sent this great set of images through of a game he and Charles Rivers played the other week. Think all figures pictured are from the old Prince August range of 'mould it yourself' which are still perfect for wargaming in this grand manner. So please enjoy the images and the little blurb from Andrew.

"Marshall De Sexe (me) was trounced by Old Spanker the Duke of Cumerbund

(Charles) at the battle of the Bare forest.Noteable performances by the british Men in the Buff and for the Frenchby the Gentlehommes de Bathrobe.".......Andrew

Charles

Elite Miniatures French Line Chasseur a Cheval Converted to the 1st Virginian Cavalry Regiment

2011-09-03T13:07:00.006+10:00

The Master of conversions Victory Perry (of Adventure Miniatures) has just finished converting two Elite Miniatures French Napoleonic Line Chasseur a Cheval into these great looking 1st Virginian Confederate cavalry. Victor came around the other day, whilst I was casting up an order, with a great idea to convert a few figures. So I put together the figures he needed and three days later...two ACW confederate cavalry figures converted and painted....bloody fantastic and very clever.

The trooper

And Officer of the 1st Virginia Cavalry Regiment

The original Officer and the finished product

Likewise with the troopers

Battle of Strasburg - 2nd Battle of Our Valley Campaign

2011-09-02T23:49:00.010+10:00

After Victors' (Union General James Shields) crushing defeat at Harpers' Ferry and his narrow escape through Confederate lines, Victor road fast and hard all night to reach the rest of his army at Winchester. Jackson (Brian) soon followed a day later after burning the weapon factories, warehouses and paroling the Union prisoners. The Armies were soon to face each other again but this time on more even terms at the small but important town of Strasburg. This was to be our second battle of the Valley Campaign and Jackson's (Brian's) second win.

Jackson, after arriving just north of Strasburg, deployed his three infantry brigades and five batteries of guns across a narrow front hoping to overwhelm the Union right flank. Victor on the other hand planned his main defensive line to the right of the town. It was here he deployed nine infantry regiments and a battery of guns. On the Union left Victor deployed a thin screen of dismounted cavalry (five regiments) under the command of Col Thornton Brodhead and one battery of artillery.

The north west of Strasburg two Union brigades make up the main line of Victors' defence.

Col Jeremiah Sullivans' Brigade held the centre of the Union line.

A birds eye view of Union lines west of Strasburg

To the east of Strasburg Union dismounted cavalry deploys behind a low stone wall.

Fresh from their victory at Harpers' Ferry Confederate artillery deploys north of the town, dominating the high ground.

Soon the Confederate brigades move out from the woods and into the fields beyond.

Elite Miniatures ACW troops all painted by Andrew Parr have made up at least half of Brian's victories Valley Army.

Victor's army also contained many Elite figures but one of his brigades was filled with Victors own range of Adventure Miniatures (all painted by Victor)

A great little table top piece from Old Glory Miniatures....and also with the casualties mounting out in the front lines there was lots of work for the Army surgeons.

Garnett's Bde advances on the Union right flank....unbeknown to Garnett his brigade soon became the main effort in the assault on Strasburg.

Shaky, under heavy artillery fire but still holding firm Union dismounted cavalry hold firm.

Burks's and Fulkerson's brigades advance across open rolling fields pinning the Union cavalry in place.

This great looking Virginian homestead has been scratch built by Brian Buskell...it made a nice little addition to the gaming table.

A birds eye view of the battlefield just before the lines meet.

Garnett's veteran brigade charges through withering fire and onto the defensives of Union left flank, pushing the 7th Indiana back.

At the same time on the Union left the brigades of Burks and Fulkerson charge the thinly held Union right flank.

The fences and some of the buildings have been scratch built by Brian. I made the fields and Brian painted the Architects of War buildings, hedgerows and stone walls.

The 4th US Light Artillery is caught in the moment of withdrawing their guns and is captured by the 48th Virginia.

Figures are a mix of Old Glory, Sash & Saber, Adventure Miniatures and Elite Miniatures.

The First Battle of Our Shenandoah Valley Campaign - Harper's Ferry

2011-08-18T20:25:00.017+10:00

Just over a week ago myself Victor Perry (Adventure Miniatures) and Brian Buskell decided to play an American Civil War campaign . So looking through the armies we already had painted in the cupboards our best campaign to play was Jackson's Valley Campaign of 1862 and also after recently visiting the Valley, last year with Larry, I thought it would be a great place to start.

Our campaign kicks off a little later the then the actual one only so that I could work out the army lists on both sides. Victor is playing for the Union and Brian is Jackson. Already after one week of campaign we had our first battle - 'Harper's Ferry'. At this town Victor had placed a brigade of infantry (four regiments) and two batteries of guns. The town held over 4000 rifled muskets and other supplies so would be a prime target for Jackson and a must for the Union to hold. However that was not to be...Jackson (Brian) with two brigades of infantry and three batteries of guns headed straight there. After eight hours of battle (only eight turns in the game) Harper's Ferry fell to the 'Reds' and Jackson captured the entire garrison which consisted of the First Brigade under the command of Col Nathan Kimbell and the following units:

14th Indiana

8th Ohio

67th Ohio

84th Pennsylvania

...only the Army Commander (Victor) managed to escape.

However down in Winchester Victor had almost surrounded with the remainder of Jacksons forces (one brigades of infantry and the 7th Virginia under Col Turner Ashby)...Jackson will have to think quick before he is cut off and his troops trapped...but that is another story.

Union troops man sturdy entrenchments on top of the Bolivar Heights. The hasty works are from Architects of War ACW terrain.

One of the two gun batteries Victor placed up on the heights. Hasty works are again from AoW and have been painted by Andrew Parr.

Manning the centre of the Union line is the 8th Ohio.

Two of the Confederate batteries - one Adventure Miniatures and the other Elite Miniatures.

More Elite Miniatures painted by Brian Buskell. They are from Garnetts' Brigade of Jacksons Division.

The 67th Ohio bore the brunt of Brian's attack on the heights

The birds eye view of the battlefield during the second turn. Garnett's brigade can just be seen advancing at the top right of the picture.

The 67th Ohio supported by the 84th Pennsylvania

There's that birds eye view again

Garnett's Brigade advances up towards Bolivar Heights

Jackson directs the assaults from close to the front lines.

Just a random picture of the terrain. The fields were made by me, fences by Brian and the buildings are all from AoW

Two batteries of artillery supported the attack on the heights.

The last Union unit on the field was my Iron Bde who in this game played the 14th Indiana.

The next few images are of the Confederate flank attack which signalled the end of Union resistance.

While the Union flank is attacked Bolivar Heights was also attacked in force. This fixed in place any chance for Victor to send troops to his left flank.

A nice little causality figure painted by Andrew Parr

Turn six and the Union left flank crumbles

Turn seven and Victor starts to withdraw..but too late

Confederate troops cut off the withdrawing Union troops and forcing them to surrender.

In the end all but the Union commander Maj Gen Shields are captured.... Jackson later paroles the Union troops but takes all the supplies, rifles and artillery pieces.

Perry Miniatures - 19th Hussars (Sudan)

2011-08-18T18:42:00.005+10:00

Wow it has been awhile since my last post and I must apologise...work has been keeping me very very busy and away from the painting table and my be-lovered wargaming. However I am still busy but have just managed to squeeze in a few more games and have also fixed my camera..so all is well. I have just recently received these nicely painted figures (pro-painted by eye) from Andrew Parr who has been kind enough to add them to my collection. As you may of guessed they are Perry Miniatures and represent the British 19th Hussars from their Sudan range. I have since based the figures up and they are now ready for gaming...please enjoy and thanks for hanging around.

28mm Flames of War

2011-07-10T14:17:00.011+10:00

Just uploaded the game we played today - 28mm Flames of War. This is our last game and my last post for the month, as I am heading away for work for the next three weeks..sorry about that guys. However the game myself and Brian Buskell played today was our first FoW for sometime so we were a little rusty on some of the moves. Each side fielded 1000 points each both with armour support - Germans with two Stugs and the Brits a Cromwell Platoon of three tanks. Each side was also able to field three platoons of infantry, a MG section of two guns, mortar platoon of two tubes plus additional support elements for each side - Germans a recce platoon and the Brits a pioneer section. We keep the ranges as they were in the rules for the 15mm game, this allowed the units to manoeuvre freely with out being pinned from 3/4 of the table away...which seemed to work very well. I ended up being the attacker with my objective being the large Mediterranean looking building in the centre of the table. All hedge rows and stone wall are from Architects of War as too is the barn. The field were made by me and the other buildings were scratch build by Leroy Simpson....however I still need to get hold of some roads the felt just does not seem the same.

British deployment of one of their three platoons

German Panzer grenadiers deploy in defence and dig in

A German MG sets up in the orchard

Nice little view of how the figures are based - as per 15mm FOW however infantry are based on the large artillery bases

First roll for reserves and Brian brings on his platoon of Stugs.

Trying to avoid the German armour the Brits re-enforce their right flank and push forward against a lightly held German left flank

Next turn Brain again is successful in his roll for re-enforcements and brings on another Panzer grenadier platoon

The Stug moves forward in preparation for a German counter attack

Still on the British right flank my forces slowly move forward through the fields.

At last I get re-enforcements on the table..tank support

Just in time it seems to support the British attack on the right

Too late it seems the other Stug moves to counter the Allied attack

The second Stug with close infantry support starts their counter attack on the British centre

With Stugs moving in close and firing rapidly one of my Cromwells falls victim to their fire

The German counter attack gains momentum

However it seems that both sides have put pressure on each others flank

One Stug is destroyed and removed

But still the panzer grenadiers move onwards

My forces charge forward but are repulsed losing a platoon and a half..defeat looks me right in the face

With my defeat on the right and the left also looking bad ..it is time to withdraw..1st game to the Germans

looking across to the German lines

Adventure Miniatures

2011-07-08T19:59:00.008+10:00

The images I have just loaded are hot off Victor Perrys' painting table. Victor is also the owner of Adventure Miniatures and produces these fine ACW figures. The range was designed and originally owned by Mark Fenlon who then sold the range on due to poor health. Victor however has rejuvenated the range under the new name of Adventure Miniatures and has been very busy designing new variations to this great little range. We are very lucky to have him living in Singleton and close by, so hopefully the regiments he has just painted will see a little action very shortly..please enjoy.

Architects Of War - 'Ye Old Barn'

2011-07-07T15:32:00.006+10:00

I have been a bit of a busy bee this week and have just completed the 'Ye Old Barn' from Architects of War. I am not much of a building painter but I think I did OK this time. The burn will be a great little addition to our ACW and WWII games. The burn itself is made of laser cut wood, which after a little gluing and painting goes together with ease. The roof is removable so it you want to use it for skirmish it is perfect. The base is the only resin piece and give the structure a nice bit of weight. Overall I enjoyed painting and putting this little baby together...enjoy

Right side

View of the inside

Hay in the corner and some horse apples make a nice little addition

The dun heap what every barn needs

The rear of the burn

Front of the barn

Left side

The Orchard - Scratch Built By Brian Buskell

2011-07-06T09:26:00.006+10:00

Yesterday Brian dropped around and handed over his latest scratch built master piece..'The Orchard'. Built in two days of hard sweaty labour Brian produced a nice little (pre-seasoned or post plucked) orchard. The intent is to use the orchard for a our coming game for the second day at Gettysburg and Longstreets' attack on the Union 3rd Corps around the Peach Orchard. All the wood is natural twigs that Brian found in the back yard. The trees themselves are made from balls of steel wool with dried tea leaves glued on as leaves and painted green. Brian has done a wonderful job creating this fine piece of work which will look great on playing table...enjoy

The battle of Albuera 1811/2011

2011-07-04T19:05:00.009+10:00

Myself and a few of the boys from the Lonely Gamers club spent last Saturday afternoon rolling a few dice and replaying the Battle of Albuera. Andrew Parr, Victor Perry and Dave Houston fielding the French army of Marshal Soult. Myself well I had to play the Spanish and Brian Buskell as overall commander of the Allied Forces (Beresford). The majority of the French and British figures were Elite Miniatures, Spanish all Front Rank and the remainder Old Glory Miniatures. Orders of Battle were taken from the General de Brigade Napoleonic Secenarios Book One, but a few changes to the deployments and terrain, which I tried as best to replicate as the actual battlefield. However this seemed to leave the field a little barren and void of anything interesting (much as it was on the day) so I through in a couple of fields and a nice little Spanish church. The changes we allowed was after the initial deployments all arriving forces for the French were allowed to nominate on which side they were going to come on. For our game the remaining two French Brigades came on from the left flank of the Allied forces. This gave a little more flexibility for the French and to do what Marshal Soult would of liked to have achieved...a French Victory.

Initial Spanish deployment - Zayas' Bde deployed along the crest of the Albuera Heights with Espanas' Bde in reserve.

2nd Guards, 8pdr Foot Bty and Irlanda Regiments on Albuera Heights

Marshal Soult and Girards' Bde deployed for battle

Girards' Bde battle line

French forces advance and contact first the Spanish Light Infantry and then Zaya's Bde

Zayas' thin Spanish Brigade held out against repeated French attacks for 10 turns. Very much a repeat of the actual battle...must have been my dice rolling??

Zayas's Bde with Espanas' Bde deployed in close support

An Italian attack column charges the Spanish guns

Spanish Cavalry under General Villemur made repeated attacks against the advancing French forces. After breaking on French battalion, caught in line, these gallant fighters were caught in the flank and front by the French Cavalry. The Berg Lancers filled in for the Vistula Lancers in our battle. However two days before hand the Vistula were ready to go but Brian young son decided to help Daddy paint.......

Elite Miniatures French Infantry in greatcoat painted by Victor Perry

With the battle raging in front of the main Allied line the French started their main attack on the Allied left. General de Brigade Gazan came in on the flank and faced one small Spanish Bde of two battalions under General Ballasteros, expecting an easy victory......he was wrong...charging twice onto the Catalonia regiment (deployed in skirmish) these French veterans were defeated twice.

Another repeat of the day.. Colbournes' Bde skirmish line is caught out in the open and destroyed by the 2nd Hussars

Turn eight brought on the last of the English Bdes under Myers. All Elite Miniatures.

The only line that seemed not to have fallen by the end of the game. Hoghtons' British Bde held the left flank of the Allied line...but ended up being too late as the French had broken our centre.

Lumbys' Heavies broken by the Berg/Vistula lancers...bad rolling from Brian.

The last French Bde to deploy was General de Brigade Werle who's bde hardly shed a drop of blood. Their appearance finally over come the depleted Spanish lines and burst through the Allied centre. No Vistula Infantry were present on the day however we were short of French so these little guys got to fight their first battle. Elite Miniatures Vistula painted by Brian Buskell.

15mm Classical Indians

2011-07-03T20:13:00.005+10:00

I have just loaded up some great images of mostly Essex (but I think one maybe a Xyston Elephant), of which are Leroy Simpson's newest commission. These beautiful miniature Classical Indians have been painted for our friend Jeff Smith in Townsville and are based for Field of Glory. It is hard to believe from the painting that they are 15mm...and Leroy said he did not like painting this scale?..shame on him. Please enjoy

ACW at Adam's House

2011-06-29T19:46:00.006+10:00

I have just added a few images of a ACW game that Adam Burke and Andrew Parr played last Sunday. Figures are a mainly Renegade Miniatures. Rules - Andrews' ACW Fortune & Glory and the terrain has been made by Adam.....Enjoy

Architects of War & Elite Miniatures Australia 15% End of Financial Year Sale

2011-06-27T19:25:00.007+10:00

Hello All - for those of the Australian wargaming community, Elite Miniatures & Architects of War Australia will be having a end of financial year sale. This means all available products and ranges will be discounted 15% until the end of June. If you are interested in the latest catalogues for both ranges please drop me an email at nathan.bec@bigpond.com. Or just take a look on the Elite Miniatures Australia webpage.

Elite Miniatures Australia has also just received some new moulds from Peter in the UK. The following codes are now available for order:

British Cavalry 1812-15

BWC4 Heavy Dragoon Troopers - sword down - helmet

BWC5 Heavy Dragoon Troopers - sword up - helmet

BWC6 Heavy Dragoon Troopers - sword on shoulder - helmet

BWC7 Heavy Dragoon Officer - Helmet

BWC7b Heavy Dragoon Trumpeter - Helmet

BWC8 Light Dragoon Troopers - charging sword up - shako

BWC9 Light Dragoon Officer - shako

BWC9b Light Dragoon Trumpeter - shako

Spanish 1805

SP13 Light Infantry Skirmish Pack - shako & side plume (4 figures)

SP13 Foot Crew - bicorne & plume (4 figures)

P13a Foot Crew with officer - bicorne & plume (4 figures)

Heavily Converted French Line Officer - Elite Miniatures

2011-06-26T13:17:00.004+10:00

This beautiful figure was given to me recently by Victor Perry (Adventure Miniatures). Victor has heavily converted a French foot figure, from the Elite Miniatures range, into this fantastically designed French Middle Guard Officer. He has moulded the figure basically from scratch but has maintained the head and arms from the original figure so as to still give that classic Elite Miniatures look, which I am sure Peter Morbey would be very proud off.

Replica German PzII - History Alive

2011-06-25T16:10:00.005+10:00

I have just uploaded some great pictures a friend of mind took of this fantastic replica PzII. He was able to take the images whilst participating in this years 'History Alive' weekend in Brisbane. The same group also had built a 222 from scratch, just the other year and have done another fantastic job on this little number. The re-enactment group is call Ausreeenact in QLA and can be found at http://www.ausreenact.org/...so please enjoy

The Battle of the Boyne

2011-06-23T20:10:00.005+10:00

Two weeks ago my good friend Andrew Parr played a section from the Battle of the Boyne. I'm not sure which section of the field he played as the battle was spread across a wide front on the Boyne River. However the figures look great which has made me a little envious to collect this period......hmmm maybe when I grow up???

Enjoy

Sash & Saber Miniatures - Dismounted Union Cavalry

2011-06-11T20:00:00.004+10:00

It has been a while since my last post...sorry about that work has been keeping me very busy and I have been away from home most of the time. However I did manage to finish a unit of Sash & Saber dismounted Union cavalry. I would have to say that I think these figures are the best ACW range around, lots of character and a real joy to paint. We are planning another ACW game in the next few weeks so hopefully they might get a run.

Three of the command figures

The dismounted cavalry packs are supplied with ten different figures and the command packs four different figures thus enabling you create great looking units.

The sergeant above is supplied with the command pack.

Perry Miniatures - Bashi-Bazouks

2011-05-17T20:11:00.006+10:00

These lovely fellows were from Eye Pro-painted eBay store and were kindly donated to me by the great Andrew Parr. He figured that seeing I dabble in the odd Sudan game then they would go nicely into my collection. The figures are from the fantastic figure range of Perry Miniatures and are from their British Sudan 28mm collection. The figures themselves are design to represent the many Bashi-Bazouks who served in the Egyptian Army durning the early years of the war. I have based them up as two companies, each of ten figures on a 40x40mm base.

Please enjoy

The two companies complete

The first company

And the second company

These two are the only figures of which I painted in order to complete the unit.

The second figure I painted for the unit.

A Saturday Afternoon of ACW

2011-05-10T20:31:00.003+10:00

On Saturday afternoon the boys of the Lonely Gamers Club - Andrew Parr, Victor Perry, Brian Buskell, Dave Houston and myself got together and had ourselves a little ACW action. The game we played was the first to represent the initial fighting west of Gettysburg, along McPherson Ridge. I tried to get the table looking close as possible but I could not replicate the actual ridge line so I only placed in the section of the unfinished railroad where the 6th Wisconsin would become immortalised later on that day for their gallant charge. The main difference with the play from that of the day was that we allowed the opposing commanders to bring on their re-enforcements in location and manners of their own choice. However the initial deployments of Brig Gen Buford and Major Gen Heth's skirmish lines remained the same. But I will fill in a few more details of the battle shortly, until then enjoy the photos.

AUSCON - A little more eye candy

2011-05-09T19:52:00.007+10:00

Thought I might just throw up a little more eye candy from AUSCON on the Queensland May Day long weekend.

Images from the Flames of war competition

54mm Demo WWII game - Early war French Vs Germans

Warhammer 40K comp. There were some great looking armies here.

Warmachine also had a big following over the weekend

AUSCON - Waterloo Demo Game

2011-05-08T19:16:00.007+10:00

Just posted the great little Waterloo demo they had at this years AUSCON. The figures were a fantastic collection of the old but still great Minifigs...when you have them in mass and they are painted well they still catch your eye. My first Napoleonic army were these old figures and it was warming to see they back out in the light for another game. I would like to thank the guys for putting on this game as it was the best demo game I saw all weekend..good work boys. Please enjoy.

AUSCON 2011 - Queensland May Long Weekend

2011-05-08T16:29:00.008+10:00

Last weekend I took a little drive (10 hrs) up to Brisbane and onto one of Australians' many local conventions 'AUSCON' (www.auscongames.com.au). The convention is put on by the Wizards of OZ a great local gaming group headed by two English lads - Mark & Allen. The show went for three days, but unfortunately I had to drive home on the third day and was only able to visit for the first two. The main competitions held were a massive War hammer 40k comp, Blood Bowl, War hammer Fantasy, War Machine and Flames of War comps. The competitions alone I think brought at least 200+ gamers with 2-3000 through the doors over the duration of the weekend. The show also hosted a great History Alive group, who did a fantastic job in their WWII re-enactment, plus numerous demonstration games, a number of local retailers, modelling presentations and a great painting competition. All and all it was a great weekend seeing some fantastic painted armies, good shopping and catching up with some old wargaming chums...what more could you ask for, but hope it is on again next year. Anyway I will post some of my better photos of the games and figures over the next few day...I hope you enjoy the shots.

Flames of War

A great Waterloo demo game with old school Minifigs

Warhammer 40k

Elite Miniatures Napoleonics

War Machine

Nephew Brae at a Demo 40k game

Did I forget to mention they had Star Wars...awesome

WWII re-enactors doing a great job.

a nice MG42

Gripping Beast - Huns

2011-05-03T06:00:00.007+10:00

First post for May 2011 and I have loaded up some great images of Leroy's latest painting - Gripping Beast Huns. Leroy had some great idea that he might one day build this army up but they sat in the cupboard for over two years and there was no purchase of additional units. So Leroy has decided to paint them up anyhow and sell them. So if anyone is building a Late Roman or Hun army drop me a line and will forward your email off to him. I am unsure of what the price will be though....sorry.

Perry Miniatures - Mahdi Mounted armoured command

2011-04-27T19:56:00.006+10:00

These three great Mahdi Sudan figures are the last Leroy has painted for my collection. Again the figures are from the Perry Miniatures Mahdist range and are the mounted armoured command set or code SA15. I just can not fault Leroy and the fantastic painting he has done for me over the years and these guys are no exception in the fine quality of work he has continued to produce....so please enjoy.

Armoured Emir

Armoured army standard bearer

unarmoured religious leader

Perry Miniatures - Gardner Gun and Naval Brigade crew

2011-04-27T06:21:00.003+10:00

Another of Leroy's commissions for me - The British Naval Brigades Gardner Gun and crew for my Sudan collection. I have another gun however you need two to complete a battery so I asked Leroy, nicely, to paint a second for me. The other one is a Redoubt Miniatures model but the two figure companies are not really compatible , Redoubt is the bigger of the two, as also is the gun. But not to worry I'm sure they will shoot the Mahdi just the same....

The Perry model however is very nice and will certainly look a treat on the table. I just hope the gun does not jam....

Perry Miniatures - Captured Egyptian Crew (shackled) loading Krupp 6 pdr with Beja overseer

2011-04-26T17:25:00.005+10:00

I have been very bad lately and had some Perry Miniatures Sudan figures painted by Leroy Simpson, in Townsville. Leroy painted three lots of figures for me over the last two months and the first was this great Mahdi artillery battery. I had not seen the figures in the flesh or on the Perry site, so I was not too sure what the figures would look like. But after Leroy sent these beauties through I had to post them on the blog. These guys are a must if your seriously getting into the Sudan period and building the Mahdi forces. From personal accounts the fire from them was not the accurate, but I'm sure if you placed them on your gaming table the opposition will get a bit of a scare. Leroy however is a bit of a painting master and has done himself proud with these guys...please enjoy