When I first started wargaming Wargames Illustrates was the magazine of choice with Miniature Wargames and Practical Wargaming a nice to have rather than need. Of course this was pre internet making the monthly fix my only connection with the wider world of the hobby outside of my local club.
I wont say that I enjoyed every article (Ever Victorious Army/Darkest Africa/Pirates), but in the main news of upcoming shows, new releases and the photographs grabbed me every time.
Of late I have only picked up the odd copy here and there, Battlegames being my choice read. I do feel there is still a place for the printed magazine, but it is rare that a piece of news hits me first from a magazine rather than TMP or one of the many YahooGroups I follow.
News that Battlefront have bought WI has shocked me. Ok so the halcyon days may have gone but I have grave doubts about the future of the magazine. Hopefully BF will resist the temptation to make WI the historical White Dwarf and still accept articles for rival products. We will have to wait and see. I predict more WW2 articles featuring Flames of War. It will be interesting to see if they were to accept a submission based on PBI. Time will tell.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Game and more painting
Had an excellent game of Regiment of Foote last night with Martyn my long time wargames opponent. It was his first game of Regiment of Foote but we managed to play to a conclusion within 3 hours or so (taking into account I was a bit rusty too!)
Here we see the field of battle at dawn. This little piece of England is the border of the counties of Barpshire and Scruttockshire where those two rivals for the heart of Lady Geraldine, The Earl of Trent, Benton Smythe and Sir Marmaduke Evans MP are heading for a clash of arms. The crossroads is known locally as Bayleighs Cross. The date is 4th April 1642....
The two armies deployed, Sir Marmaduke (me) with his Roundheads to the left and the Earl of Trent (Martyn) to the right.
Martyn was defending after the campaign section of the rules, but after four marches each, he lost only one unit at the deployment . This meant it was going to be a hard game for the attacker (me!) to win. Still, Marmaduke girded his loins and after an early morning prayer session, he stood in his stirrups and ordered the advance. This shot shows the slow advance of the foote in the centre. In the background the Royalist horse were getting the better of things which gave them free reign later in the battle.
A clash between Deverells Roundhead Cuirassiers having the worst of it against a veteran unit of Royalist horse led by the dashing Prince Eugene.
More Royalist horse deploying to the field behind the a conscript Bluecoat regiment, shaking in their boots as facing them was a horde of Puritanical roundheads about to trample all over them.
A general shot of the field showing essential wargaming impedimentia, Peter Pig dice, beer, biscuits and a nice cup of tea.
A dramatic shot of some Roundhead dragoons on foote, creeping around the hedgerows on their left flank. They had a tough game skirimishing with their Royalist counterparts but did their job preventing the Royalist horse getting around to the rear.
It was a great game that ended in a winning draw for the Royalists with their veteran cavalry having practically free reign by games end. Although I had control of the centre with my foote, they were feeling exposed as all but one of my Regiments of horse (and a conscript unit at that!) had routed from the field.
Here we see the field of battle at dawn. This little piece of England is the border of the counties of Barpshire and Scruttockshire where those two rivals for the heart of Lady Geraldine, The Earl of Trent, Benton Smythe and Sir Marmaduke Evans MP are heading for a clash of arms. The crossroads is known locally as Bayleighs Cross. The date is 4th April 1642....
The two armies deployed, Sir Marmaduke (me) with his Roundheads to the left and the Earl of Trent (Martyn) to the right.
Martyn was defending after the campaign section of the rules, but after four marches each, he lost only one unit at the deployment . This meant it was going to be a hard game for the attacker (me!) to win. Still, Marmaduke girded his loins and after an early morning prayer session, he stood in his stirrups and ordered the advance. This shot shows the slow advance of the foote in the centre. In the background the Royalist horse were getting the better of things which gave them free reign later in the battle.
A clash between Deverells Roundhead Cuirassiers having the worst of it against a veteran unit of Royalist horse led by the dashing Prince Eugene.
More Royalist horse deploying to the field behind the a conscript Bluecoat regiment, shaking in their boots as facing them was a horde of Puritanical roundheads about to trample all over them.
A general shot of the field showing essential wargaming impedimentia, Peter Pig dice, beer, biscuits and a nice cup of tea.
A dramatic shot of some Roundhead dragoons on foote, creeping around the hedgerows on their left flank. They had a tough game skirimishing with their Royalist counterparts but did their job preventing the Royalist horse getting around to the rear.It was a great game that ended in a winning draw for the Royalists with their veteran cavalry having practically free reign by games end. Although I had control of the centre with my foote, they were feeling exposed as all but one of my Regiments of horse (and a conscript unit at that!) had routed from the field. Marmaduke had no option but to retire from the field to reorganise his forces muttering "Odds tis a small thing that you have! The Earl of Trent quaffed on ale in the local. An aide of his was heard to say "zooks sir,we have but fought lightly today!"
We used the proposed modifications from the RFCM Yahoogroup that Peter Pig put up in November. The main changes being to the assault phase. A greatly reduced number of dice are now used, with a result that infantry fights in particular can be less decisive. I thought they worked very well, but as ever a couple of questions came up.
1. There are no factors in the new 'Fight' table for charger cavalry or to take account of the quality of the units fighting. On the quality issue, the saving rolls may account for this but maybe there should be something for having a better class of troops in a fight (+2d6 for using better class troops than opponent....maybe +1 for trained v conscript and 2D6 for veteran v conscript). I appreciate the new table is designed to reduce the number of dice rolled, but I do feel charger cavalry need a plus as well.
2.The cavalry who rout cavalry opponents table perhaps should be for cavalry verses infantry too as in the main rules victorious cavalry pursue off table similar to when fighting cavalry.
Thumbs up from me for the changes. Looking forward to the next clash between Marmaduke and the Earl of Trent as the Earl follows up on his minor victory. Next game in a couple of weeks, not sure what yet!
If you look to the right you will see my painting points are creeping up. 164 now. Thats more point than I have brought so far this year. The latest editions are Viet Cong with RPGS and LMGs, US Marines with LAWs, a Reb unit for CWB along with some officers and markers. Only a couple of bits left for CWB now and then a game hopefully!
On a completely different note myself and Lisa saw 'Slumdog Millionaire' the other night and we both thought it was one of the best films we have seen in a long time. Uplifting stuff in these times of fiscal hardship!
Sean
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Pictures 2
I am shopping around for a new camera so hope to be able to put up some better (and larger!)pictures soon.
Painted 12 ECW dragoons today and finished some basing on dismounted dragoons and a Reb artillery crew. Also started another building this time for Vietnam.
Off to work now!
Painted 12 ECW dragoons today and finished some basing on dismounted dragoons and a Reb artillery crew. Also started another building this time for Vietnam.
Off to work now!
Friday, 6 February 2009
Pictures
As I dont have a camera at the minute I am having to make do with my phone.
Here is the new American Civil War church and a big house from Peter Pig.
This is the small house.
Finally the unit of English Civil War Cuirassier.
Thursday, 5 February 2009
A few thoughts before work
I am on a real Peter Pig kick at the minute and just cant find enough time to do all I want to. I have had a slow start to the year painting wise, but January is always a bit slow on the gaming front due to work, birthdays and other social events that keep me away from my brushes.
I have just finished the new Peter Pig ACW buildings, using my new philosophy of slap the paint on and wash it with Games Workshops Devlan Mud, Ogryn Flesh or Army Painter (APd). They wont win any prizes but look nice for the amount of work put in. I have also APd'd a unit of Rebs and a unit of Union that I painted last year in my old style of black undercoat and two highlights. I wasn't going to bother but they fit in better now with my armies.
Just finished some AK47 civilians too that look nice with minimal effort as well as a camera crew. I have looking at me a giraffe, a rhino, some pigs and cattle as well as a couple of crocodiles. Funny the things we wargamers collect isn't it?
Plans for this month are to get the ACW figures on table, finish up a couple of ECW bits along with my PBI armies. March should see me starting my Wars of the Roses armies for Bloody Barons. I have enough figures for the Towton scenario but will paint the forces for Blore Heath (just down the road from me) to get me going. Then its Samurai for the Battles in the Age of War. Somewhere in there will be new bits for AK47 as they come out to promote the new version of AK47 Republic. I would love to fit in some Hey You in the Jail and also some bits and bobs for Patrols in the Sudan. Last but not least maybe, just maybe, some Spanish Civil War. Oh and of course Men of Company B.
Too ambitious? Moi? With my reputation? This year will be a record breaking year for me painting wise. Last year I didn't really get going unitl Partizan in May wher I bought my first tin of Army Painter. That tin is still going though I do have a second tin waiting in the wings. I have been using the Dark Tone which is basically black. I may try the Strong tone which is dark brown when I go ot Alumwell in March.
Any way time to get ready for work. More later!
I have just finished the new Peter Pig ACW buildings, using my new philosophy of slap the paint on and wash it with Games Workshops Devlan Mud, Ogryn Flesh or Army Painter (APd). They wont win any prizes but look nice for the amount of work put in. I have also APd'd a unit of Rebs and a unit of Union that I painted last year in my old style of black undercoat and two highlights. I wasn't going to bother but they fit in better now with my armies.
Just finished some AK47 civilians too that look nice with minimal effort as well as a camera crew. I have looking at me a giraffe, a rhino, some pigs and cattle as well as a couple of crocodiles. Funny the things we wargamers collect isn't it?
Plans for this month are to get the ACW figures on table, finish up a couple of ECW bits along with my PBI armies. March should see me starting my Wars of the Roses armies for Bloody Barons. I have enough figures for the Towton scenario but will paint the forces for Blore Heath (just down the road from me) to get me going. Then its Samurai for the Battles in the Age of War. Somewhere in there will be new bits for AK47 as they come out to promote the new version of AK47 Republic. I would love to fit in some Hey You in the Jail and also some bits and bobs for Patrols in the Sudan. Last but not least maybe, just maybe, some Spanish Civil War. Oh and of course Men of Company B.
Too ambitious? Moi? With my reputation? This year will be a record breaking year for me painting wise. Last year I didn't really get going unitl Partizan in May wher I bought my first tin of Army Painter. That tin is still going though I do have a second tin waiting in the wings. I have been using the Dark Tone which is basically black. I may try the Strong tone which is dark brown when I go ot Alumwell in March.
Any way time to get ready for work. More later!
Sunday, 1 February 2009
York show
After spending the evening at a Charity Ball, I was slightly under the weather on the drive upto York this morning. Two and a bit hours I arrived just after 10.30am where I met Keith Martin and Tonk from the Stoke club.
As usual I wondered around checking out where everything was and scanning the demo games. York is one of the largest one day shows with an excellent mix of traders and games in a light and airy venue. Some very nice games on display with the award for top game going to (I think) the Ilkley Lads with a large WW2 Desert game in 28mm. They took my vote for the scenary really which was TSS tiles with a excellent desert effect painted on top. There was a massive 28mm Shiloh by the Like a Stonewall group which was nice, but somehow 'too big', with not enough trees and ugly yellow card unit markers.
As the first show for me of the year, I couldnt resist adding to the lead pile, buying the balance of the figures for the Bloody Barons Towton scenario. As well as these I got a few paints and brushes, the charming 'Tusk I, II and III' rules from Irregular Miniatures with the 'Sir Harry and his hunting party' figure pack and the new ACW buildings from Peter PigI also played Battles in the Age of War with Stuart (Meecham?) from Peter Pig. Very enjoyable. Had a nice chat with Stuart about all things Piggie as well as a chat with Nigel about the new AK47 which I am quite excited about. Nigel also kindly took an order for some scenary to collect at the Alumwell show. Overall a very enjoyable day, catching up with the lads, wandering aimlessly around the various games and stands and of course spending some money.
A big plus was arranging a game or two with Martin and Keith. Hopefully a game of Regiment of Foote followed by a trail of the new AK47. Mrs Clark is out shopping all day tomorrow so I plan a day of painting which is a good job really because a lot of snow is on the way! Not decided what to tackle yet, possibly to finish the basing of my ACW which I spent alot of yesterday doing, and maybe crack on with Vietnam bits. Maybe a couple of scenary bits for ECW too.
Apologies for no pictures but I lost my digital camera a few weeks ago and although my phone has a good camera, I always forget to use it!
More next week.
As usual I wondered around checking out where everything was and scanning the demo games. York is one of the largest one day shows with an excellent mix of traders and games in a light and airy venue. Some very nice games on display with the award for top game going to (I think) the Ilkley Lads with a large WW2 Desert game in 28mm. They took my vote for the scenary really which was TSS tiles with a excellent desert effect painted on top. There was a massive 28mm Shiloh by the Like a Stonewall group which was nice, but somehow 'too big', with not enough trees and ugly yellow card unit markers.
As the first show for me of the year, I couldnt resist adding to the lead pile, buying the balance of the figures for the Bloody Barons Towton scenario. As well as these I got a few paints and brushes, the charming 'Tusk I, II and III' rules from Irregular Miniatures with the 'Sir Harry and his hunting party' figure pack and the new ACW buildings from Peter PigI also played Battles in the Age of War with Stuart (Meecham?) from Peter Pig. Very enjoyable. Had a nice chat with Stuart about all things Piggie as well as a chat with Nigel about the new AK47 which I am quite excited about. Nigel also kindly took an order for some scenary to collect at the Alumwell show. Overall a very enjoyable day, catching up with the lads, wandering aimlessly around the various games and stands and of course spending some money.
A big plus was arranging a game or two with Martin and Keith. Hopefully a game of Regiment of Foote followed by a trail of the new AK47. Mrs Clark is out shopping all day tomorrow so I plan a day of painting which is a good job really because a lot of snow is on the way! Not decided what to tackle yet, possibly to finish the basing of my ACW which I spent alot of yesterday doing, and maybe crack on with Vietnam bits. Maybe a couple of scenary bits for ECW too.
Apologies for no pictures but I lost my digital camera a few weeks ago and although my phone has a good camera, I always forget to use it!
More next week.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
I'm Back
Well after a lay off I am back.
The last few months of 2008 were spent in a GW frenzy painting an Empire army and some 40k. Now its the new year and I have dug out my little Piggies again.
I have painted a unit of Cuirassier for my ECW and have some dragoons on the go. Also a few bits for Vietnam. My ACW armies remain unbased so they are a priority. Also my two PBI armies need finishing.
It is the York show this weekend. No major purchase planned, just a few bits and pieces. Peter Pig are there so I paln jumping on their Samurai game again. I may put a large order in for the WMMS in Wolverhampton on 8th March as you get 10% off for advance orders. Probably WoTR to complete my order of battle for Towton. Then to get some paint on them.
Plans for the year......
Game more at home.
Play the Peter Pig rules I enjoy so much.
Paint more than I buy.
Keep in touch with my gaming buddies more than I do.
To be honest with working the unsocial hours I do, I often find it difficult to get to my club and hence can go a few weeks without any gaming contact. Often when I can get sown to the club, am either too tired or some social engagement crops up. I guess at the current rate I will attend less than 50% of this years club meetings. I must make more of an effort to et down when I can and also arrange games outside of the club. No point having lots of nice figurse and never using them.
I am also toying with a 6mm project to game the War of Spanish Succession, but if this gets passed the reading and buying a few figures stage I will be suprised. The Peter Pig ranges have more than enough to keep me busy and I just keep getting drawn back to their systems and figures.
On that note I am really going to miss Brixcon this year. Graham Evans, organiser, has cancelled this years meeting due to a number of reasons, not least of which is the current revision of the AK47 rules that is underway. This has really split the community and there are good arguments on either side of the fence. The new rules are going to be radically different from the set we have now, more in line with the current crop of RFCM rules. They will play differently, look different and to be honest will really only share the same title. I have the latest play test version and like how they read. I will try them out in the next couple of weeks. However I do feel there will be those who will resist the changes and stick with the 'classic' set, which to be honest are fine as they are.
I really would love to put on a RFCM day locally but I am not sure I have the wherewithall to do it. Last year I booked into two events (PBI and CWB) and bailed out at the last minute due to work. I would love to attend a couple of events this year. I just need to paln ahead in advance to make sure leave is approved.
More next week after the York show.
The last few months of 2008 were spent in a GW frenzy painting an Empire army and some 40k. Now its the new year and I have dug out my little Piggies again.
I have painted a unit of Cuirassier for my ECW and have some dragoons on the go. Also a few bits for Vietnam. My ACW armies remain unbased so they are a priority. Also my two PBI armies need finishing.
It is the York show this weekend. No major purchase planned, just a few bits and pieces. Peter Pig are there so I paln jumping on their Samurai game again. I may put a large order in for the WMMS in Wolverhampton on 8th March as you get 10% off for advance orders. Probably WoTR to complete my order of battle for Towton. Then to get some paint on them.
Plans for the year......
Game more at home.
Play the Peter Pig rules I enjoy so much.
Paint more than I buy.
Keep in touch with my gaming buddies more than I do.
To be honest with working the unsocial hours I do, I often find it difficult to get to my club and hence can go a few weeks without any gaming contact. Often when I can get sown to the club, am either too tired or some social engagement crops up. I guess at the current rate I will attend less than 50% of this years club meetings. I must make more of an effort to et down when I can and also arrange games outside of the club. No point having lots of nice figurse and never using them.
I am also toying with a 6mm project to game the War of Spanish Succession, but if this gets passed the reading and buying a few figures stage I will be suprised. The Peter Pig ranges have more than enough to keep me busy and I just keep getting drawn back to their systems and figures.
On that note I am really going to miss Brixcon this year. Graham Evans, organiser, has cancelled this years meeting due to a number of reasons, not least of which is the current revision of the AK47 rules that is underway. This has really split the community and there are good arguments on either side of the fence. The new rules are going to be radically different from the set we have now, more in line with the current crop of RFCM rules. They will play differently, look different and to be honest will really only share the same title. I have the latest play test version and like how they read. I will try them out in the next couple of weeks. However I do feel there will be those who will resist the changes and stick with the 'classic' set, which to be honest are fine as they are.
I really would love to put on a RFCM day locally but I am not sure I have the wherewithall to do it. Last year I booked into two events (PBI and CWB) and bailed out at the last minute due to work. I would love to attend a couple of events this year. I just need to paln ahead in advance to make sure leave is approved.
More next week after the York show.
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